Cannondale Scalpel

Is the dual-suspension version.

For 2025, Cannondale also changed the terminology slightly. The Scalpel Carbon 3 became the Scalpel 3. The new naming system implies they all use carbon frames.

Pre-2025, Scalpel's had 100mm of front and rear-wheel travel. For 2025, Cannondale increased this to 120mm.

But that's only the tip of the iceberg.

Cannondale wanted to make the new Scalpel more forgiving and comfortable for endurance events. Plus build in more stable handling.

The head-angle (or steering angle) slackened by 1.4-degrees (huge). This makes the steering feel less twitchy and nervous. Especially when navigating through rock gardens and loose terrain.

Rider position is better on climbs too. The seat tube angle is steeper by 1-degree, pushing riders over the crank/bottom bracket area.

This position delivers more seated power for those tricky technical climbs.

Next:

A longer wheelbase creates more stability. Especially over high-speed loose trails. The new Scalpel has a solid, hug-the-trail feel.

Another important change:

The back end of the new Scalpel changes with frame size.

In the past this rear dimension was fixed. The XL frame got the same size rear end as the S frame.

For taller riders, a longer rear end means better weight distribution between the axles. And a more centred feel over the bike.

This centred feel stops the front wheel from washing out.

For shorter riders, the change is even more critical.

It means the Scalpel doesn't feel large and cumbersome. And stops riders from shifting weight over the front of the Scalpel unnecessarily.