Cannondale Scalpel HT: suspension setup & specs
The Cannondale Scalpel HT is a cross-country hardtail with 100–110 mm of fork travel. This page lists the 4 current builds with fork and gives matching starting values for SAG and tyre pressure.
Calculate the setup for your Cannondale Scalpel HT →
All builds
Fork, weight and price according to the manufacturer. Wheel size: 29.
| Build | Fork | Weight | RRP | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon 1 | Lefty Ocho (100 mm) | – | – | Setup → |
| Carbon 2 | RockShox SID (110 mm) | – | – | Setup → |
| Carbon 3 | RockShox Recon Silver RL (110 mm) | – | – | Setup → |
| LAB71 | Lefty Ocho 120 Carbon (110 mm) | – | – | Setup → |
How it compares
With 100–110 mm at the fork, the Cannondale Scalpel HT sits above average: across the 46 bikes in the “cross-country hardtail” category in our database, the median is 100 mm. Within Cannondale’s mountain bikes, it sits between the Cannondale Trail and the Cannondale Scalpel on travel. Cannondale builds the frame from carbon.
In total, 4 different forks are used, from the Lefty Ocho to the Lefty Ocho 120 Carbon.
Setup notes for this spec
- Fork (RockShox SID): air goes in through the valve on top of the left leg. After every change, compress the fork firmly a few times before measuring SAG.
- Rebound: on RockShox suspension the rebound adjuster is red. Always count clicks from fully closed (clockwise to the stop) so you can return to any setting.
- Hardtail: without rear suspension, rear tyre pressure largely decides comfort and traction – it is worth testing in 0.1 bar (1.5 psi) steps.
Target SAG for the Cannondale Scalpel HT
SAG is the share of travel your weight already uses in the riding position. The table gives it straight in millimetres – read the O-ring on the stanchion and adjust the air pressure until it matches. Any figures from Cannondale take priority.
100 mm fork (Carbon 1)
| Riding style | Fork SAG |
|---|---|
| XC / touring | 17 % = 17 mm |
| Trail | 20 % = 20 mm |
| Enduro / rough | 22 % = 22 mm |
| Bike park | 20 % = 20 mm |
110 mm fork (Carbon 2, Carbon 3, LAB71)
| Riding style | Fork SAG |
|---|---|
| XC / touring | 17 % = 19 mm |
| Trail | 20 % = 22 mm |
| Enduro / rough | 22 % = 24 mm |
| Bike park | 20 % = 22 mm |
How to measure SAG is explained in our guide SAG setup.
Tyre pressure starting values
Basis: 2.40″ tyre width, tubeless, trail casing. If you run tubes, add about 0.2 bar (2.9 psi); with an insert, about 0.1 bar (1.5 psi) less is enough. Stock tyres: (F) Maxxis Rekon Race WT 29x2.4", EXO Protection, tubeless ready / (R) Maxxis Aspen WT 29x2.4", EXO Protection, tubeless ready; (F) Maxxis Rekon Race WT, 29x2.4", EXO Protection, tubeless ready / (R) Maxxis Aspen WT, 29x2.4", EXO Protection, tubeless ready.
| Ready-to-ride weight | Front | Rear |
|---|---|---|
| 60 kg | 1.43 bar (21 psi) | 1.63 bar (24 psi) |
| 70 kg | 1.55 bar (22 psi) | 1.75 bar (25 psi) |
| 80 kg | 1.67 bar (24 psi) | 1.87 bar (27 psi) |
| 90 kg | 1.79 bar (26 psi) | 1.99 bar (29 psi) |
| 100 kg | 1.91 bar (28 psi) | 2.11 bar (31 psi) |
| 110 kg | 2.03 bar (29 psi) | 2.23 bar (32 psi) |
| 120 kg | 2.15 bar (31 psi) | 2.35 bar (34 psi) |
Air pressure in the fork
You will find a guide value for air pressure on the fork sticker or in the suspension makers’ charts. Our calculator also takes riding style and rebound into account. In the end, measured SAG is what counts.