Supercaliber or Scalpel?

[Cdeare2]

Hi all, I am looking to get a proper MTB. Unsure if I should pick the super caliber or the scalpel? I like the super cal but only concern is that 80mm is not enough travel. Especially if I ever decide to do stage races and it is stiff? 50 // 50 this and the scalpel lefty. 

[JoeMerida]

7 hours ago, Cdeare2 said:

Hi all, I am looking to get a proper MTB. Unsure if I should pick the super caliber or the scalpel? I like the super cal but only concern is that 80mm is not enough travel. Especially if I ever decide to do stage races and it is stiff? 50 // 50 this and the scalpel lefty. 

Keep Looking at Other Brands Explore All Options.

[Dexter-morgan]

Allan Hatherley won the world champs on a Giant.

[Dappere]

7 hours ago, Cdeare2 said:

Hi all, I am looking to get a proper MTB. Unsure if I should pick the super caliber or the scalpel? I like the super cal but only concern is that 80mm is not enough travel. Especially if I ever decide to do stage races and it is stiff? 50 // 50 this and the scalpel lefty. 

I’ve owned both generations of the Supercaliber, first the Gen 1 and now the Gen 2. For me, it’s the best bike out there. I’ve done most of my races on each version, including Baviaans and a number of stage races, even the one we aren't allowed to mention on the Hub. In terms of comfort, I’ve never had an issue. That 80mm of rear travel feels like more than it is - so long as you’re willing to put in the time to fine-tune the suspension and really get the most out of it.

My time on the Scalpel has been fairly limited, so I’ll admit my view here is a little biased.

The key thing with bikes, though, is geometry - it influences so much, from handling to comfort and beyond. The best advice I can give is to actually ride both bikes and see which one suits your body and riding style.

Both are excellent choices, so you won’t go wrong with either. But taking the time upfront to find the bike that truly fits you will pay off in the long run, making cycling far more enjoyable.

[Dappere]

19 minutes ago, Dexter-morgan said:

Allan Hatherley won the world champs on a Giant.

Samara Maxwell’s been dominating on a Rockrider... guess the secret’s not training, just the bike brand.

[guidodg]

new Epic 8

[DieselnDust]

@Cdeare2 Of the two choices I’d say scalpel is better suited to SA riding conditions with 120mm of travel front and back. The lefty is also the best performing XC fork, while the Scalpel gems is both laterally stiff while also having a very good pedalling platform . It uses a standard 190x45 rear shock so a replacement is easy to source

 

[MarcoDeS]

Travel on the supercal is more than enough. 

[tsdutweet]

1 hour ago, Dexter-morgan said:

Allan Hatherley won the world champs on a Giant.

Alan Hatherly won his first world champs on a scalpel...

but I am bias - been on a scalpel since 2018 - but get bike that "works" for you 

[Dusty]

Both great bikes. See which one 'talks' to you.

Lefty servicing is a schlepp.

[JJPJacobs]

I only have experience with the scalpel 2022/23 version. Raced XC races, Attakwas Extreme, K2C and some other races. Very capable on even the technical climbs and also on the downhill. Lefty is a very smooth and responsive fork but the servicing is a bit more than some other forks. Keep in mind you can get standard fork versions on the newer models. Overall it was a great bike.

[ct_rider]

I’ve had both Scalpel and Supercaliber, get the latter but be aware of the front shock you get with the bike! Nothing worse than a “premium” bike and price tag without the “premium” shock. 

[theflyingsean]

Scalpel is a rubbish bicycle IMHO, only good for climbing that’s it and Specialised the one to go for in the top end. Super Calibre is a superb bike and excellent design. 

[DieselnDust]

20 hours ago, theflyingsean said:

Scalpel is a rubbish bicycle IMHO, only good for climbing that’s it and Specialised the one to go for in the top end. Super Calibre is a superb bike and excellent design. 

Tell us how you really feel 

[JoeMerida]

These Bikes both have a lot of unique components.

Is that a Plus or a Minus ?

[GravelTime#2]

Wait for the new Giant Anthem platform coming very soon😉 Test the options and then make the call.