Cannondale Scalpel-Si Team - Long Term Review 

Bikeradar, your reviews have been getting really solid. Totally unbiased, honest, and thorough. You and Seb are raising the bar!

There are 3 reasons I am sticking to shimano: 1) durability. Shimano's stuff will just flat out work. 2) price. I can get a whole xt or xtr groupset (with brakes) for a few hundred less than x01 eagle. 3) Personally I still love 2x drivetrains which seem to be a thing of the past with Sram. I just got off an eagle groupset and moved over to a 2x11 with 36/26 front chainrings paired with an 11-42 xt rear cassette, and love the fact that I can keep my momentum when you have those rapid climbs and just hitting the left lever makes me not have to worry about smacking down 4+ gears on the rear. Over a long single day race or stage race, that is a lot more thinking you have to do over time with a 1x than just stabbing and going on a 2x. Much more range than eagle, and for me being 6'2" at 185lbs, bike weight is not the biggest concern on my list of worries prepping for races. (It is just my fat ass 😔)

I have a really long review on my 2013 Scalpel 1. Frame and fork holding up well with routine maintenance. I’ve been through two cassettes and 3 chains. I’ve probably conservatively logged 2500-3000 miles. I’ve raced the bike on multiple endurance events and sprint events. I’ve added a dropper post and since then little to no seat tube creaking. I’m 6’4” inches and 200-205 lb (1.93 M , 92-93 kg) not a small boy. The only problem I have now is creaking in the bottom bracket even after servicing. Next will try replacing some BB components and if all else fails convert to threaded. Gonna ride this girl till she falls apart.

I've had my scalpel-si for around 10 months now and absolutely love it 100%. I've used it in everything from super fast xc races to massive 6+ hour rides with a ton of climbing and descending. Feels super fast and xc race bike when you push it and want to go fast but also is so comfy for riding for hours and hours on super rough terrain. Also can keep up with all the guys on full enduro bikes etc. on the local trails easily. Would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a jack of all trades xc bike.

This guy RIPS! Love seeing tiny XC weight weenies go full send on their lightweight race rigs.

I've had two scalpels and two F-29 hard tails. My current Team Scalpel has had no issues for the past two years. I haven't really had any issues with any of them over the past 8 years. I have the new Jekyl and love it. Also no issues on any of my Lefties and love the rigid and light weight. (Yes, I have had other bikes over the past 15 years: GT, Trek, Giant, and Specialized Epic)

Nice review. Here I owned the Scalpel SI 2017, acid red color (model carbon 1?). 4 years with the Bike now. Strava says the bike has until day, more than 5000Km and 200.000m uphill. I use it 70% for fun ride in technical trails and 30% XC Marathon Races in the Alps (Grand Raid Switzerland, 100k 4000m). 80% of the time riding on trail, some of them very technical, steep with sharp V turns. Overall verdict, beside also some down sides, the bike of my dreams! I can ride as hard as my enduro friends downhill, but much faster up :) //What I like most: the incredible suspension, the excellent handling and how light it is to be a 29. (I made the jump from a hardtail 26‘ to this bike). //What changes did I do: (I am 1,75m tall and the bike is M size) 1) Same as you, changed to a center aligned sit post. This changed not only increased my power going up, but also I felt the bike much much comfortable. Also going down very steep terrain, was easy to put the body full back. 2) the original 11speed cassette 11-42 to a 11-46. This gave me the extra gear I needed for long steep climbs where I needed to keep a good cadence. I am staying in 11speed shimano. My races are all up, or all down, so no need of the extra 10thoth ring for fast flat zones. 3) the upgrade to Lefty 2.0 offered from Cannondale. This changed completly the feeling of the suspension when fully compressed. Great upgrade! 4) seat to a SLab seat, and then of course tires and minor things. // What problems did I have: 1) rockshock lookout. From the begginnig this came with bubbles inside the system and this was making the suspension half locked. After many bleedings after each season, finally the lookout kept locked without repair. The repair was buy a new lookout again. 200Eur cost me the repair. Now, is finally working as it should. 1 year already. 2) broken carbon rear rim. I dont know how, as that day was a smooth short ride, but well. After 2 months Cannondale replaced the Rim for warranty. I could race that year. So, I saved 1000 eur and got a new rim, good! 3) cracked frame just under the sitpost ring. Is 1cm long, and I have sealed it and observed since then. After 2 years, the crack is not growing, and as the representant of the bike is far away from home, I haven’t decided yet to send them the bike. // well, thank you for the review. I hope I could support your review with my experience with the bike. Cheers!

Great review! You guys are the best! A lot of knowledge, professionalism and honesty. There's not a single other channel like this and bicycle magazines also don't come close to this quality. Cheers and keep up the good work!

I really like you style of videos thanks 👍. I used to own a cannondale but since they when total crazy in price not not matching common sense for 2017 I went to Canyon . Life is much better now !!

I have the same bike and have experienced a small crack in exactly the same location. Cannondale have agreed to warranty the frame. But that being said. No knocking or untoward noises, so may turn out to be cosmetic. But I wholeheartedly agree that the new SI team is a proper weapon. This is the third scalpel I have had and the first one with a crack on the frame. Regards from sunny South Africa

Good review. Thanks for your honesty.

Proper review.

XTR shifter and mech with Sram XX1 10-42 cassette. Top, super light and with a 32T front chainring all the gears I need!

This should be the standard for all long-term bike reviews. Excellent coverage of the ups and downs.

I've owned a 15(3), 16(2) and now the new 17(2)! I've broke the 15 a stay. And now with the new 17 have shipped the lefty back 2 times and still has the say issue! Has the 2 on the shock! 3rd time decided to fix myself with the dual spring upgrade and so far so good! 1 more time I will be switching to rock shox sid w/remote! The rock shox remote failed and replaced.

Had the same problem w/ crack in the right side lower pivot bearing. Warranty frame came in within a week, thanks Cannondale. Felt similar uneasiness since using the new frame and still hear some cracking in the rear when riding hard. New frame intact so far...

Please do more long-term reviews like this

I have the exact same problem on the same location with my 2017 scalpel. Went to the dealer and they are going to provide a new frame...only available as from June 2018 in green

Nice one. Excellent and comprehensive review.

I'm using 11s Shimano XT derailleur with XTR shifter and Sram X1 10-42 cassette it works super good its much cheaper than Eagle or even 11s Sram and It's also very light. And 10-42 is enought for XCO racing for me

I own and love a 2014 Scalpel, I beefed it up a little by using alot of Crank Brothers DH parts. Like rim's, saddle,bars and of course 50/50pedals. A LEV dropper post and a bunch more. Its fast ,nimble and climbs like a goat!!!!..lol...and after almost 5yrs and only basic maintenance, I HAVEN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL. ESPECIALLY WITH THE LEFTY FORK THAT I HEARD ALL KINDS OF HORROR STORIES ABOUT. NONE OF WHICH ARE EVEN CLOSE TO BEING TRUE. THE LEFTY FORK HA PROVEN TO BE A WORK HORSE AND WITH THE NEW DESIGN IT SELF RIGHTS ITSELF AND DOESN'T NEED ANYMORE MAINTENANCE THAN ANY OTHER FORK DOES. I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS BIKE. IN FACT IM BEGGING YOU TO GIVE IT A GO. EVEN IF U HAVE TO BORROW ONE TO RIDE. TRUST ME U WILL BE SURPRISED!!!!

Great Bike, but unfortunately I don't have 10k laying around.

Nice one Joe. I bet you got some looks at BPW! Respect on the Welsh C2C 💪.

Nice review, I have already one season with my Cannondale Scalpel SI 3. I had few issues, first problem with broken rear ZTR rim which has been replace in warranty. Then bigger issue with Rockshox Xloc. When Xloc doesnt work, your suspension doesnt work as well - it is stiff. This happened 2 times and has been replaced in warranty - problem was some leak. Now I change XTR for Eagle and when bike comes back, first thing I will check is the frame :-D Nevertheless the bike is so f*****g amazing! If only I had money for team model :-)

What would you say comparing Scalpel with others XC full-suspenion bikes, like Spark, epic, top fuel and others? I have the Carbon 4 2017 Scalpel. Never had any other fs bike, so I have no parameters to compare. All I know is that I love my Scalpel. Never had such a good bike! Thanks!

I have a 2019 si 5 and have about 4000 miles on it can't break it.... love it

I bought a new scalpel September 2017 after 4 months with almost 1300 km, I had the same crack in the frame like the one on the video. Replacement is still on the way. Hope that will be the last. The overall performance of the bike is amazing.It looks like this is a manufacturering process error. Bad for such a good bike and such a great brand name.

I love my Scalpel carbon 3, but I had just the same problem with the frame. It broke in the same place as yours did. I had guarantee, so they changed the frame.

I’ve liked Cannondale bikes from years ago . However I’ve noticed in Phoenix, Az the bike shops that have carried Cannondale and no longer do have mentioned warranty issues . And because of difficulties and disappointing customers they dropped the brand . This is from about five years ago. Hopefully they have better service now. I’d personally like to get the new Habit.

Experienced the same problem with a 2018 Scalpel SE 2 today. The bike looked like new and it still had this issue. Seems like a shame if a bike can't be sold by the original owner due to warranty restraints / manufacturer defects; especially if the ride characteristics make it worth while for everyone.

Why are there so many people complaining about eagle drivetrains and sram in general? I have one and ride it for quite some time now. I havent dropped a single chain and besides on the 50t i never had a missshift. The 10-50 cassette is great when using a 32t chainring, on an XC bike or hardtail you might be able to go up to 36 or even 40 (i have eagle in a coil sprung freerider). I really cant see any reason to complain about it. With GX now being out even the price isnt an argument anymore.

How well does this bike do riding over unpaved surfaces like grass and dirt I'm looking for a bike my kids can ride on fairly choppy terrain.

endless gx eagle issues with respect to rear cassette (sram warranty friendly). also derailleur is extremely fussy and must be set up perfectly, limits and hanger included. ill stick to shimano for now.

After loving the Fatty SL fork in the early 2000s and experiencing Cannondale support disappear after a few years, I resolved to never buy another special suspension system from them. With all the good options out there, why bother?

I cracked 2 of these frames both Hi Mod spec each occasion in the same place as above. it took over 2 months to replace the frame both times. I’m 65kg and race XC at a national level having bikes this fragile is not feasible for a bike you want to be able to depend on. I have since returned the bike and been refunded the purchase price and now ride specialized and have had zero issues.

I love my cannondale scapel si mod racing mountain bike I never had any problems yet with the frame just the XTR carbon break screw was striped out so my local bicycle store repair under my warranty had to wait two weeks to get other than that she good from one to yen I'll give it a ten my dream bike I paid a little over 10,0000 for it but other than that I'm the only one in my state that own this cannondale I have full GPS on my bike so it will never leave from my site every police precent knows that bike

I Love instant release(Shimano) but don't like any of the rear derailers, I go through Rds quite fast, the lack of bearings, they wear out in a half year for me, Not tried SRAM yet, Shifter can last me for tears, they don't get so much abuse. I want a drivetrain that will last for decades if maintained properly, not a half year to a year. I like the idea of 12 speed and like an adjustable lever on SRAM eagle shifter, but all drivetrains have something I dislike, the perfect drivetrain still does not exist. how much did you ride this bike? I ride every single week(excluding when I am sick of course) every day all year. When I see cracks I am skeptical. The lefty forks are quite interesting.

Just got back from my bikedealer who told me the bad news the frame of my scalpel 3 was cracked at the same place as yours. I hope cannondale will gif me a replacement frame.

I had the 2017 Scalpel Si Carbon 3 with Cannondale's own CZero SL Wheels. I started to notice partway through the season an unacceptable amount of back-end flex, especially noticeable on square-edge hits and roots. After checking tire pressure, checking pivot tension and spoke tension on the wheel and even shock pressure and rebound settings I could not get it to go away. Due to the proprietary nature of the hub spacing front and rear, I couldn't get my hands on a second set of wheels to test whether it was the wheels or the bike that was flexing. Eventually I decided I wanted a bike with more travel and ended up selling it. It's a shame, because If I could have solved that problem I would have kept this bike for many years to come as it is the most capable descending XC race bike I've ever ridden.

good quality review really enjoyed that video. chapeau bikeradar :)

How much better does the hollowgram crankset feel? I have the Sram Eagle Crankset on my 2018 Scalpel Carbon 2 and feels super wide. Is the hollowgram easy to install and work with eagle?

Re the setpost change. Layback is used to get correct position over pedals, layback or inline should not be used to alter reach. Get a bike that fits correctly instead. Good balanced review otherwise. I tested one of these a while back and was also very impressed. Couldn't afford the £7k asking price though. :(

I’ve raced on the Carbon 3 model in the UK throughout 2017 - 1 major issue for me (plus a handful of niggles). The Rockshox full sprint lockout remote is garbage. There’s a small plastic ring within it that wears quickly meaning that your lockout button fails to extend and you get stuck in the open position. Really frustrating mid race. The part has been revised and the service kit part is now made of brass. This has lasted a little longer but I’m having the same issue again. This is a widely reported issue. I’d be interest to know if you had the same problem? Mine came with Crest Mk3 rims. The rear rim cracked around several of the spoke holes. Got the rim replaced under warranty. The rear triangle developed some lateral play after 6 months or so. It’s at the LBS having the bearings replaced at the moment but reports online indicate that it could be the linkage / pivot bolts wearing instead. Hope it’s not a cracked frame that I’ve not noticed. The chain runs incredibly close to the chainstay in the 11t cog (shimano) so there’s plenty of chain slap going on there. And finally, I might have just been unlucky with this one but the lockout hose on the top of the lefty broke off (snapped barb) and the fork / shock defaults to lockout. Happened the morning of the first race of 2017 meaning I had to race on my Steel hardtail! Not good Finally the helicoil came out of the fork and needed replacing at TFTuned despite always tightening the wheel on with a torque wrench. All of that aside, it’s a very fast bike and so much fun to ride. I’m just always panicking that something is going to fall of it or snap. Wouldn’t buy one again.

Hi! Just one doubt. When did you notice the crack on the frame? Did you hear any noise or you just casually saw the crack? Thanks!!

That’s a lot of hours for 1 race. Did you have to do bearings resets during the race? How often did you do bearing resets during the year?

did you try using a ratchet strap around the tire to get it to seat on the bead? works pretty well for orv tires.

crack at the bottom bracket on a lightweight xc bike? maybe jumping around like at 5:48 is not the optimal way to use such a bike

Would any recommend this still today? I’m looking at the carbon 3 spec. I have a Trek Remedy that I use for parks and looking for a second bike that’s the opposite of my Trek

At around 6:49 in the video, I noticed you had ENVE rear wheel and MCFK front wheel. What happened to the MCFK rear wheel? Failed to seal tubeless?

Very good review, thanks.

3 scalpels in 3 years plus one sinapse since 2015....Zero problems

You punished yourselves with McDonalds after that ride? Madness.

I own own ridden all last season, frame was perfect

Shimano new 12 speed XTR supposedly shifts smoother, faster and more quiet.

Looking to pick up one of these with a carbon front end for about $800 is that a decent deal?

Nice Review, what Is dead mayor never die!!

I have been riding a Black scalpel 2017 and have really enjoyed the bike....but have now noticed a small crack at the same place....better get it to a dealer 🤕

Is this bike really designed for such high jumps? Maybe that's the source of the problem with the frame.

I would not trust anyone who rides without bar ends... Jkjk... Joe, you the best!

Happy Scalpel Race owner here. Bike has been almost flawless... chrome paint effect flaked. Replaced under warranty which is all the confidence in the brand I need to happily purchase another. Admittedly not a cheap bike but I knew that when i bought it and there are plenty more to choose from. The guys i know who purchased more affordable versions are also happy riders.

Hey, I have this bike and Im looking for a more plush rear shock. I have some fox air shock and it beats my butt up!! I heard coils are nicer but its been hard to find a 67mm travel coil shock haha. Anybody have suggestions?

So what are you replacing it with?

Use a stap around the diameter of the wheel

Are these BB30 or PF30

11-50 sunrace, xt sgs and one slx shifter on a fs Kona. $195, I love haters.

I love this video do more like it!!!

Great review!

I have 5 close friend who had the same crack as you have. including me. all replaced with warranty

Its rubbish, teammate has broken two in 6 months pulling the bearings out of the frame aswell.

This review made me nervous enough to get the Epic instead.

Ilyen biciklit kapok.

Personally I’m more afraid of the lefty fork ... I always think about the whole front just break and bend to right or left after a jump ... I don’t understand the durability of this fork in my head it just doesn’t work ...

I have this bike but not available any part in india

I love this bikes

While I've enjoyed Eagle the couple of times I have used it, I have yet to meet a rider who needs a 50t for climbing, but can use the 10t for anything but downhill. Most of the folks I know that can push a 10t can climb even the nasty stuff without going to the 42t, let alone the 50t. I'd love to see a close ratio Eagle, (12-46, maybe even 14-42.)

I have heard that their carbon frames do fail. That's why they offer that warranty. Something to consider

does the shock lockout?​

my frame had the same problem, friend of my already had 2 frames with the same problem...

Well, maybe some would prefer to use schimano frehub bodies with sunrace cassettes... 11-50 for cheap, yes maybe not as durable, but let's not forget that everything on the bike can get broken in unlucky crash, and so then durable expensive cassette is double the pain ONLY.

Linda bike!!!!

Would love to see the XX Eagle in E-Tap

i have same bike nice performance

How come so many Cannondale carbon frames break. That´s clearly not a rare problem. Their quality doesn´t seem to be the best.

I have a buddy that also cracked his near BB area too.

I had the same caind of ichue with my cannondale frame. Im from Brazil and cannondale imediatale chance my frame.

I love this biks

More footage related to the topic. Less footage of talking to a camera making weird hand gestures. I'm liking this recipe. You earned your view and upvote. Held my attention span well enough that I rewatched some parts.

Owned the 2017 scalpel 2... Worst luck ever! I've owned 2015,16 and 17... AI isn't up to par.. Sent shock back 3 times in less than 200 miles! The czero wheels are junk! Broke 2 rear rims in a month! So I relaced them with stans arch mk3 with nobby nic 2.35.... Now that everything is weeded out... It's actually being a good bike!

use a inner tube or strap around the tire to keep the bead to the wheel rim. if you use an inner tube you can inflate it to keep the bead against the rim . . you may need to custom make the inner tube

Umm, why use Shimano over Sram? Price!!!To replace a worn cassette, Eagle is $500, Sram GX is $230, XTR is around $250, but I use XT so $100. I would love to have SRAM but it's just too much money.

I ride 11s xt with a sram 10/42 cassette on a FATBOY. I do 60mi ride's with 3k ft of climbing......no need for sram EAGLE....11 SPEED IS THE BOMB

sick bike but not a big fan of the one sided suspension =(

U just not scaples 29er lefty material

This one sided fork looks so fucking strange haha

So,you downgrade the wheels... Shame

by scapel bike price u can buy a scion brand new car

one slomo jump shot per video is plenty.

people won't like the truth. But the reason that bike frame failed? Carbon fibre. If this was a steel or alu frame that would never have happened. sure they can break if you crash hard enough, but they won't just give out from fatigue in critical areas of the frame....

Back in the 90’s, we called ‘em “Crack-n-fail”. Glad I’m on a Niner!