Submitted by
stephen
a Cross Country Rider
from sydney, australia
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2004
Strengths: lightweight full suspension frame, awesome wheelset (mavic crossmax SL), lefty TI front shock which is direct and stable, ability for fast road bike in full lock out mode and suitable tires,
Weaknesses: the new retail price, some difficulty in getting the xtr front deraillieur to function with the 3 ring SI crankset, and finally be careful with the light frame.
Bottom Line:
absolute excellent bike for marathon solo riding and cross country, despite the price this is the bike to aim for and you will not be disappointed.
Similar Products Used: my cannondale F2000 hardtail
Bike Setup: generally stock except for comp s lite tires or maxxis wormdrives, stans no tubes, braided s/stl lines, xtr pedals
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rolf Rimrott
a Racer
from Wayne, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2003
Strengths: Very light weight for full suspension, great handling, lefty fork is superior over any other fork I have used, bike overall durable and reliable. Marta SL disc brakes are the lighest brakes on the market and have sweet lever feedback-superior braking over shimano xtr disc.
Weaknesses: Thin frame tubes dent up easly, Bike feels very flimsy under you but does not slow you down at all. Expensive retail cost.
Bottom Line:
This bike has provem itself on some of the most brutal rocky races in the northeast (Michaux, Greenbriar, Waywayonda, french Creek, to name a few)and was cartwheeled at big ring mashing speed and came through problem free (except a large dent in frame tube).
For a light great handling durable full suspension XC racer this is the bike to have.
This bike is for a hard core racer or XC rider, not for the weak and timid trail rider.
Bike Setup: 2003 Scalpel 4000 team issue large frame, XO Gripshift, marta sl disc, flite slr saddle. SRAM PC 59 chain, XTR Shimano pedals
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jo Gambaro
a Cross Country Rider
from Italy
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2003
Strengths: very very light, super lefty with electronic lock-out rigid feeling when lefty's locked, super hydro disc brakes, great carbon rear end with remote lockout on handlebar, crossmax wheel light and beautyful, tubeless tyres very stiff and fast everywhere
Weaknesses: riser handlebars, i've changed into a flat one, i'd prefer a more reactive rear remote lockout (as scott strike), sometimes mud gets stuck just under the rear shock, i don't like the rear derailleur (it's a problem of every bike, i dream gears inside rear hub as ROHLOFF) The PRICE
Bottom Line:
The best mountain bike i ever tried. It's superlight, it's a pleasure to ride with, in the countryside is fast as wind, sometimes i forget i am not on tarmac.Lefty works great also in the singletrack descents. Have a fantastic and innovative rear suspension system: stiff as hardtail when locked but sweet when open. Cables going everywhere, but i love them. Two bottles stays for fantastic marathon rides. The price is enormous, i wish CANNONDALE...... It's a bike for mountain biking superlovers only, but if you have the possibility to try it, don't lose it ! I have got this bike and i fell in love with!
Found a 2008 Scalpel Team Replica @ my local Cannondale dealer. I currently own a Scalpel 3000 and was wondering if the new Carbon Frame is as durable as my 3000 frame.
I crack Read More »
I've done a little research but would like to talk with other scalpel owners. I've found what I think to be a pretty good deal and before I pulled the trigger I wanted to hear som Read More »
Picked up a new project today. One of the snowiest day in Seattle this year...but worth the trip to pick it up. Now a couple of issues to fix, so let me know your thoughts.
[b Read More »
