When the Scalpel SE came out, it was presented as a long(er) travel light trail bike with XC pedaling capability. Since it was built around the same frame as the world-class Scalpel racing frame, it was possible to create a very light weight “down-country” mountain bike. We wondered how light we could go while riding the line between light weight and not feeling noodley when putting the bike in difficult conditions.
Challenge accepted.
Fork
A 130mm Pike Ultimate may seem overkill for a Scalpel. But it’s ride quality in rough stuff couldn’t be ignored and moves this from a potentially touchy race bike to a do anything, go anywhere bike.
Drivetrain
We went with SRAM AXS XX1 drivetrain, with an ultra rare silver Cannondale Hologram crankset saved from our private stash of comments. This became the foundation for the blue and silver colors of this build.
Brakes
Sram Level ULT brakes, accented with Better Bolts black hardware change the levers to pure stealth mode.
Wheels
We’ve said it before and will say it again: ENVE wheels. Full stop. This build features the M6 29er wheels laced to Industry Nine hubs, and Schwalbe Racing Ralphs.
Cockpit
Once again, we went all ENVE here. M6 bars, carbon stem and seat post too. It maybe controversial to not put a dropper on this build, but we really wanted to see how light we could go and a dropper is easily added later. A fizik carbon rail Tundra saddle and RevGrips finish up the contact points.
The final weight of this Scalpel SE build comes in at 23lb as shown without pedals. Is it an XC race bike? An endurance machine? An all day epic mountain conquerer?
Yes.
It’s available at our shop or online for $11,500.
