Cannondale Scalpel vs Specialized Epic | TESTED | Bicycling

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The Cannondale Scalpel and Specialized Epic have been on the short list of the best cross-country bikes for over a decade. Both take different approaches to the same problem, but which method is more effective, and for whom? Test Editor Bobby Lea stages a head to head battle to find out.
Intro - 0:00
Cannondale Scalpel Overview - 0:48
Specialized Epic Overview - 1:14
The Tests - 2:18
The Holeshot - 2:59
Double Track - 3:37
Singletrack - 4:07
Conclusion - 4:50
Watch the full Specialized Epic review: • NEW 2021 Specialized E...
Watch the full Cannondale Scalpel SE review: • NEW 2021 Cannondale Sc...
Watch more TESTED episodes: bit.ly/2JAaSWf
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Learn more about the Specialized S-Works Epic: bit.ly/2Z2IpMh
Read more of our comparison: bit.ly/2IHgIEU
Both are built around proprietary suspension systems and both lay claim to the title of lightest and most efficient XC racing bike. Each one is a frequent flyer on World Cup and World Championship podiums and got full makeovers this year.
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Cannondale Scalpel vs Specialized Epic | TESTED | Bicycling
#ScalpelVSEpic #BicyclingTested #BattleoftheXCBikes

Пікірлер: 42

  • @mikehunn1813
    @mikehunn18132 жыл бұрын

    I bought a 2018 Epic Comp carbon and over the last 2 years upgraded all components to S-Works level. It is insane on the climbs and super fun on singletrack. Even without the upgrades, it was the best bike I've ever had for steep climbs. The Brain system allows for much more grip over the bumps. As a side note, I am a bit of a Specialized fan.

  • @johndef5075

    @johndef5075

    8 ай бұрын

    I just got a brand new 2017 S Works epic frame. Cant wait to build it up.

  • @jaymueller2418
    @jaymueller24183 жыл бұрын

    Fun to watch Bobby. I remember sprinting for points next to you in a collegiate crit at Grant’s Tomb!

  • @jeffx3831
    @jeffx3831 Жыл бұрын

    I am not a racer, I have owned both Cannondale and Specialized bikes although not the epic. I am currently in a 2021 Scalpel 2 with the lefty, and I do prefer the lefty. With that said no matter what I ride most people are passing me.

  • @skandinav_nummer1

    @skandinav_nummer1

    Ай бұрын

    You mean you are slow that scalpel cant help?

  • @mr.eryder9445
    @mr.eryder94453 жыл бұрын

    Excellent review, Bobby! I’m cross shopping a Scalpel SE 2 against an Epic Evo Comp, which brought me to this great video. In this case, I’d take the Scalpel. It gives up a hair of aggressiveness in exchange for comfort, which is a physical performance enhancer in the sense that it’s less fatiguing. Call it a wash. Overall, Cannondale does a phenomenal job of making ‘complete’ bikes that function well holistically (ahem, ‘SI’). Though impossible to objectify, ride quality is the single most-important characteristic to consider-yes, more important than price.

  • @kbracing125t
    @kbracing125t3 жыл бұрын

    I have a 2019 ultralight epic and I love it

  • @aminkman
    @aminkman2 жыл бұрын

    I have a '19 Scalpel HiMod. What would be the biggest takeaway I would notice going to a '21 or '22

  • @XCRiders
    @XCRiders2 жыл бұрын

    I need to hear about the Orbea Oiz it definitely in the conversation of best xc weapon

  • @coreymclernon
    @coreymclernon6 ай бұрын

    Epic is a great ride. The little clunk never bothered me. I’ve never owned a C-dale but would love to have a go on one. I’m thinking the Epic is probably a bit more efficient to pedal?

  • @tmizzy1000
    @tmizzy1000 Жыл бұрын

    How long it takes to assemble?

  • @alessandrochiarappa9356
    @alessandrochiarappa93563 жыл бұрын

    Scalpel

  • @wasupwitdat1mofiki94
    @wasupwitdat1mofiki942 жыл бұрын

    Glad I got out of mountain biking about ten years ago. My first mountain bike was a Cannondale F700 I got new for $1500. Then I got the Scalpel and I believe that was $2500. I could not imagine paying $12000 for a bike today.

  • @TheWip140
    @TheWip140 Жыл бұрын

    Please tell me music in intro 0:15min ?

  • @donwongjohnson3223
    @donwongjohnson32232 жыл бұрын

    Gotta love a $14,000 bike…

  • @maldridge7630
    @maldridge76303 жыл бұрын

    From my 2001 Cannondale F2000 ELO (Electronic Lock Out) Lefty, 2010 Cannondale Scalpel Carbon Team Replica, to my current 2015 Cannondale Trigger Carbon 2; All the Lefty's pulled to one side or another severly. Could never ride hands free for even 2 seconds!! Cannondale claimed it should ride just straight but that never happened...so for that reason alone I want to switch to a non-lefty bike! If anyone has a solution, please comment...

  • @billw6903

    @billw6903

    4 ай бұрын

    Wren

  • @frederikelsen2636
    @frederikelsen26366 ай бұрын

    which is the colour of this scalpel?

  • @p0sitiv467
    @p0sitiv4673 жыл бұрын

    How tall are you? I am 186cm, and I am confused if I should go for Epic in XL or L size.

  • @maldridge7630

    @maldridge7630

    3 жыл бұрын

    its a lot more than just your height, a lot more! You have to take into account your arms length and your legs length separate from each other. If the upper body length is challenged then you should go with a smaller frame until your upper body is comfortable. smaller frame is better for nimble handling and lower center of gravity anyway. Then if your legs are longer and an lareger frame would've been better suited, just get a longer seat post for the smaller frame. Its a win, win. This way you will save yourself from unnecessary agony and would want to keep the bike for life...

  • @caperider1160
    @caperider11602 жыл бұрын

    Does the brain shock work flawlessly all the time? Any situations where it locks up when it should open??

  • @tarpontime7562

    @tarpontime7562

    2 жыл бұрын

    @Cape rider. Yes works great and no it doesn’t lock up.

  • @lbco5229
    @lbco52293 жыл бұрын

    I prefer the manual lockout. I like making my own decisions. Let’s see how ‘the brain’ does in a few years.

  • @tarpontime7562

    @tarpontime7562

    2 жыл бұрын

    @Lt Co. Mines 6 years old and still working like a champ!

  • @likeris2
    @likeris2 Жыл бұрын

    What about santa cruz blur? Better then epic or not?

  • @30jrpg
    @30jrpg3 жыл бұрын

    Sworks epic never again i had too much tec problems !! Cannondale scalpel carbon is the best xc bike i have right now

  • @bobbylea8961

    @bobbylea8961

    3 жыл бұрын

    Which Epic did you have? I don't disagree that the Scalpel is an amazing machine, but I'm curious which version of the Epic gave you so much trouble.

  • @30jrpg

    @30jrpg

    3 жыл бұрын

    26 sworks and 2012 sworks 29

  • @mateuscabrera

    @mateuscabrera

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@30jrpg João, use a garantia. Problemas foram resolvidos. EPIC é muito melhor que Scalpel hj em dia

  • @manabiker
    @manabiker Жыл бұрын

    Maxxis tires on the Specialized?????? Specialized makes a better tires, that doesn't seem like a fair comparison without the original equipment on the Specialized bike,

  • @bigdarbs19
    @bigdarbs19 Жыл бұрын

    Lux

  • @danroe533
    @danroe5333 жыл бұрын

    Handsome

  • @scythe863
    @scythe8633 жыл бұрын

    How has brain reliability been thus far?

  • @rlsedition

    @rlsedition

    3 жыл бұрын

    Are there enough of the 2021 Epics out there to know?

  • @bobbylea8961

    @bobbylea8961

    3 жыл бұрын

    I'm only a few hundred hours in, but so far the Brain on my test bike has been flawless -Bobby

  • @Montblanc1986

    @Montblanc1986

    3 жыл бұрын

    Mine actually had an oil leak after first ride but they fixed it with a new shock unit

  • @nunomjorge
    @nunomjorge2 жыл бұрын

    Soft, this guys.

  • @fhowland
    @fhowland Жыл бұрын

    Scalpel

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