{"id":44198,"date":"2022-12-08T15:00:32","date_gmt":"2022-12-08T14:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=703775"},"modified":"2022-12-08T15:41:49","modified_gmt":"2022-12-08T14:41:49","slug":"cross-country-hardtail-head-to-head-cannondale-scalpel-versus-specialized-epic","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/cross-country-hardtail-head-to-head-cannondale-scalpel-versus-specialized-epic\/","title":{"rendered":"Cross-country hardtail head-to-head: Cannondale Scalpel versus Specialized Epic"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Sarah Bedford\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 08 December 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Mountain biking has benefited from huge advances in high-tech materials, with brands taking inspiration from the aerospace industry and Formula One to develop increasingly high-performing bikes.<\/p>\n

The freedom for creativity that carbon fibre brings has meant the last few years have seen the arrival of some of the best-looking frames yet, incorporating strength, function plus comfort- and grip-enhancing compliance (engineered flex).<\/p>\n

While engineers developing mountain bikes<\/a> for high-level competition continue to sweat over the details of complex aerodynamics, stress analysis and developing super-light tubes, they\u2019re also using this knowledge to build the rest of us bikes that deliver top-flight performance. Frames aren\u2019t only lighter, faster and more capable, but also affordable and well-specced.<\/p>\n

Many XC racers are opting for short-travel<\/a> full-suspension bikes these days, as race courses incorporate increasingly technical descents and climbs. However, there are huge gains in speed and pedalling efficiency to be had from a lightweight hardtail<\/a>, and they\u2019re cheaper, too.<\/p>\n

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There\u2019s no denying how capable on the descents the Scalpel HT is.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

If they\u2019re good enough for the likes of Evie Richards and Tom Pidcock, they\u2019ll be great for the rest of us.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re in the market for a fast-riding hardtail, weight and efficiency are the top concerns, but what else should you look for and how do you choose the right model and spec?<\/p>\n

Frame geometry is crucial; the angles and proportions of the bike will influence how it rides, and can spell the difference between hair-raising and high-speed descending.<\/p>\n

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The Epic\u2019s head angle gives it agile handling.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Frame stiffness is equally important; a lightweight bike is great, but if it\u2019s too rigid it\u2019ll beat you up over long distances. Look at the fork and other kit, too. If some of the parts aren\u2019t up to the job ask yourself whether you\u2019re willing to put up with them until they need replacing.<\/p>\n

All the available choices can be overwhelming, so I\u2019ve pitted more affordable versions of two leading brands\u2019 top-flight race bikes against each other \u2013 Specialized\u2019s Epic Hardtail Comp and Cannondale\u2019s Scalpel HT Carbon 4 \u2013 and tested them over a range of trails at Glentress, in Scotland, where the 2023 Cross-Country World Championships will be held.<\/p>\n

Do these race-orientated rigs deliver on spec, speed, comfort and value \u2013 and will you be as tempted as me to add a cross-country mountain bike<\/a> to your \u2018quiver\u2019?<\/p>\n

Here I\u2019ll directly compare these two big-hitting XC bikes, but you can also read my full Specialized Epic Hardtail Comp review<\/a> and Cannondale Scalpel HT Carbon 4 review<\/a> for the individual verdict on both bikes.<\/p>\n

Introducing the two bikes<\/h2>\n

Cannondale Scalpel HT Carbon 4<\/h3>\n
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The Scalpel weighs in at 11.4kg (size small without pedals).<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Slack for an XC hardtail, the Scalpel\u2019s modern geometry should make it feel calm on technical descents.<\/p>\n

Add its lightweight carbon frame construction with \u2018sculpted flex zones\u2019 in the chainstays, claimed to iron out trail chatter, and it looks like a capable machine.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s equipped with a RockShox SID SL<\/a> fork and Shimano parts, and a host of Cannondale-branded components complete the build.<\/p>\n

Cannondale Scalpel HT Carbon 4 details<\/h4>\n