cannondale scalpel 29

Cannondale Scalpel 29 If its claimed 4.2-pound frame weight (size large, with shock) can be believed, Cannondale’s Scalpel 29 could become the XC race bike of choice next year. The bike pictured here weighs just 21.4 pounds and Cannondale claims bikes can easily be built to weigh even less.

The frame offers 100mm of rear-wheel travel and includes a 142x12mm rear axle, Press-Fit30 bottom bracket, 15mm pivot axles and a direct-mount front derailleur. The front derailleur cable-housing stop can also be cleverly adjusted to adapt to the different cable-pull angles of Shimano and SRAM direct-mount derailleurs. And, like any good race bike, it has fittings for a water bottle in the main triangle. For you fans of the fatty fats, Cannondale says the bike has enough clearance for a generous 2.25-inch-wide tire.

Unlike the pivotless 26-inch Scalpel, the 29er version has a main pivot that was “optimized for double cranks,” says Scalpel product manager Johannes Huseby. The bike will be available this fall, and come in two carbon versions and two aluminum models. Both carbon options come with a 100mm Lefty fork. The Carbon 1 shown here will retail for $7,600, while the Carbon 2 comes in at $5,300. The alloy bikes run $2,550 and $3,350, depending on the parts.