2025 Cannonale Scalpel 3 - Tiger Shark

Hold on Tight

Thrill ride. With the most advanced XC suspension and geometry, and rowdy-ready spec, the new Scalpel redefines cross-country speed – again.

Model Description

Fast, light, and capable on XC courses or technical trails, the Scalpel 3 is built to fly. The frameset is made of our advanced Series 1 carbon construction. Then it gets built up with a Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain, RockShox SID Select suspension both front and rear, and Stan’s NoTubes Crest MK4 rims for excellent speed and control.

What it's for

The thrill of speed. Winning XC and Marathon races. High-speed trail slaying.

Highlights

• Superlight premium Series 1 Carbon frame with FlexPivot, 120mm travel, and Proportional Response-Tuned Suspension and Geometry
• Lightweight RockShox SID Select 120mm fork and SIDLuxe Select+ rear shock
• Shimano’s legendary XT 12-speed shifting
• Powerful, controllable Shimano Deore M6100 hydraulic disc brakes
• Stan’s tubeless-ready Crest Mk4 rims with Maxxis Rekon Race and Aspen WT 2.4” tires
• Cannondale’s DownLow dropper seatpost

Travel Advisory

Not just more travel – better travel. Thanks to the magic of our FlexPivot kinematics and Proportional Response suspension, Scalpel’s 120mm of travel delivers unreal traction, more control, and a hell of a lot more fun – with all the efficiency and responsiveness you’d expect from a World Cup race rig.

Devilishly Fast

Speed starts with the geometry, and Scalpel’s got the hole shot. It has a slack 66.6º head tube angle, a steeper 75.5º seat tube angle, and chainstays that get longer as the frames get bigger to keep the rider more balanced between the wheels. The result? More power and traction on the climbs, more pinpoint control in the corners, and a whole new level of confidence at speed.

The Beauty of Speed

This ain’t no fashion statement. This is pure, purposeful design. Every element of the Scalpel’s form is driven by function above all – kinematics, weight, stiffness, and capability. Features drive the shape, instead of the shape constraining the features. And fast looks good.

Spec:
Frame - Scalpel, Series 1 Carbon construction, 120mm travel, Proportional Response Suspension and Geometry, FlexPivot Chainstay, full internal cable routing, 73mm BSA, 1.5" headtube with 1-1/8" upper reducer/internal cable guide, 148x12mm thru axle, 55mm chainline, UDH, post-mount disc – 160mm native
Fork - RockShox SID Select, 120mm, Debonair, 15x110mm thru-axle, tapered steerer, 44mm offset
Shock - RockShox SIDLuxe Select+, 2-Pos mode adjust, adjustable rebound, 190x45
Rims - Stan's NoTubes Crest MK4, 28h, tubeless ready w/ (F) Shimano TC-500, 15x110mm thru-axle / (R) Shimano TC-500, 12x148mm thru-axle hubs
Tires - (F) Maxxis Rekon Race WT, 29x2.4", EXO Protection, tubeless ready / (R) Maxxis Aspen WT, 29x2.4", EXO Protection, tubeless ready
Crank - Shimano Deore M6120, 32T
Chain - Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed
Cassette - Shimano XT, 10-51, 12-speed
Rear Derailleur - Shimano XT
Shifters - Shimano XT, 12-speed
Handlebar - Cannondale 2 Flat, butted 2014 Alloy, 31.8mm, 3° rise, 8° sweep, 760mm
Grips - Cannondale XC Silicone
Stem - Cannondale C1 Conceal, Alloy, 31.8, -6°
Brakes - Shimano Deore M6100, 180/160mm RT54 rotors
Saddle - Prologo Dimension NDR, STN rails
Seatpost - Cannondale DownLow Dropper, internal routing, 31.6, 125mm (S), 150mm (M-XL)
Warranty - Yes