Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 3 – Cross-Country Speed and Endurance in One Package
The Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 3 is built for riders who push their limits—whether it’s marathon races, multi-day tours, or demanding cross-country trails. With a lightweight carbon frame, agile 29-inch wheels, and perfectly tuned 100mm front and rear suspension travel, this bike delivers speed, comfort, and precision handling across all terrains.
The Scalpel’s advanced suspension smooths out rough trails, letting you maintain pace on long climbs and attack descents with confidence. It’s equally at home in competitive XC racing and rugged adventure riding.
Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 3 Key Highlights
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Full suspension comfort – 100mm front (Lefty Ocho fork) & 100mm rear (Fox Float DPS Performance Elite EVOL shock)
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Lightweight carbon frame – optimized for agility and power transfer
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Proportional Response design – tuned geometry for size-specific handling
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29-inch tubeless-ready wheels – for speed and better grip
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High-performance Shimano 12-speed drivetrain – precise shifting on every climb and descent
Suspension Performance
The Scalpel Carbon 3’s suspension setup is designed for serious cross-country riders.
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Front: Lefty Ocho fork with Chamber Damper, lockout lever, 55mm offset, and 100mm travel
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Rear: Fox Float DPS Performance Elite EVOL shock with on-bar lockout and rebound adjustment
This configuration ensures smooth control on technical trails while keeping efficiency high for long-distance rides.
Drivetrain & Brakes
Equipped with a Shimano Deore XT rear derailleur and Shimano SLX 12-speed shifters, the Scalpel delivers precise, reliable gear changes even under load.
For stopping power, Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes paired with 160mm rotors provide confident braking in all conditions—from steep descents to wet, muddy trails.
Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 3 Components
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Crankset: HollowGram, 34T Ai offset for optimal chainline
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Handlebar: Cannondale 2 Flat, 760mm width for stable control
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Saddle: Prologo Dimension NRD for comfort on long rides
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Seatpost: Cannondale 2, 7075 aluminum, 31.6 x 400mm
Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 3 Wheels & Tires
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Rims: Stan’s NoTubes Crest S1, tubeless-ready
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Front Tire: Schwalbe Racing Ray Performance, 29×2.25”
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Rear Tire: Schwalbe Racing Ralph Performance, 29×2.25”
This setup balances low rolling resistance with excellent grip for XC and marathon racing.
Specifications
Category | Details |
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Permissible Weight | 138 kg (including rider & gear) |
Gears | 12-speed derailleur |
Frame Material | Carbon |
Wheel Size | 29 inches |
Suspension | Full (100mm front & rear) |
Season | 2023 |
Weight | Lightweight XC race build |
Pedals | Not included – order separately |
Who Is This Bike For?
The Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 3 is perfect for XC racers, endurance riders, and adventure cyclists looking for a bike that combines speed, comfort, and long-distance capability. It thrives in marathon events, fast-paced trail rides, and multi-day expeditions where efficiency and control matter most.
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