Aimed at the Podium in XC races and on technical trails, the Cannondale Scalpel 4 25 bikepresented by Escapa is always ready for speed. Built with advanced Series 1 carbon, it’s equipped with a 12-speed Shimano Deore/XT drivetrain, remote-controlled suspension front and rear, and Stan’s Notubes Crest S2 wheels for reliable speed and control.
Key Features:
. Super-lightweight premium Series 1 carbon fiber frame with FlexPivot, 120mm of travel, and Proportional Response suspension and geometry
. 120mm RockShox SID fork and SIDLuxe Select+ rear shock, with TwistLoc Ultimate remote lockout.
. Shimano M6100 12-speed groupset
. Powerful and reliable Shimano MT501 brakes
. Stan’s Tubeless Ready Crest S2 rims with 2.4” Maxxis Rekon Race and Aspen WT tires
. Cannondale DownLow dropper seatpost
Take control
Efficient millimeters
More travel, better quality Thanks to the magic of our FlexPivot kinematics and Proportional Response suspension, the Scalpel’s 120 mm of travel delivers more traction and control than ever before, with all the pedaling efficiency and responsiveness you’d expect from a World Cup-class bike.
Devilishly fast
Speed starts with geometry, and the Scalpel has the best numbers. It features a slack 66.6° Headset angle, a more upright 75.5° seat tube angle, and chainstays that increase in length as the frame size grows, keeping the rider perfectly balanced between the wheels. The result? More power and traction on climbs, better control in corners, and a new level of confidence when riding at high speeds.
Beauty that hints at speed
This isn’t just an exercise in aesthetic design. It’s pure, no-nonsense design driven by a specific purpose. Each and every element that shapes the Scalpel has been created with kinematics, lightness, stiffness, and performance in mind. The objective defines the form, rather than the form limiting performance. And what’s fast often looks spectacular
Features:
FlexPivot
The FlexPivot rear end is the key to the Scalpel’s incredible suspension performance and its surprising lightness. These patented sections of the carbon tubes act as virtual Horst pivots, functioning as a true 4-bar suspension system. This has allowed our engineers to precisely tune the suspension’s response to pedaling forces, braking forces, and terrain impacts without adding weight or requiring bearing maintenance.
Proportional Response Suspension
The way a suspension system responds to terrain or pedaling inputs is heavily influenced by the rider’s center of gravity, yet most designs on the market use exactly the same suspension setup across all frame sizes. With our Proportional Response concept, we tailor the suspension kinematics to each frame size, allowing us to deliver the absolute best performance in terms of shock absorption, braking, and pedaling.
Advanced Geometry
Geometry specific to each frame size ensures the rider’s weight is positioned at the optimal point. The 66.6° head tube angle provides confidence at high speeds. The steep 75.5° seat tube angle and longer Reach place you in the perfect riding position to maximize pedaling power and traction on climbs.
Fly Low
It was bound to happen. The dropper post has become an essential feature for XC riders as well. It allows them to instantly raise or lower the saddle on technical or steep sections, helping them maintain speed. That’s why you’ll find it standard on every Scalpel.
Connected
The built-in wheel sensor tracks your activity (such as speed, distance, and calories burned), registers your bike, reminds you when it needs maintenance, and much more—all through the Cannondale app.
The Tires It Needs
Longer travel and more capable downhill geometry called for a rethink of the tires. The new Scalpel’s 2.4” tires have greater volume than conventional, narrower XC tires, delivering more traction and control, even on the toughest terrain.
