TechPowered By

More tech

Tech feature: Cannondale 2011 mountain bike launch

  • The new Lefty Speed Carbon SL w/XLR fork on the Scalpel Ultimate includes a remote lockout.

    The new Lefty Speed Carbon SL w/XLR fork on the Scalpel Ultimate includes a remote lockout.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale has debuted a 29" version of its ultralight Flash Carbon hardtail for the 2011 model year.

    Cannondale has debuted a 29" version of its ultralight Flash Carbon hardtail for the 2011 model year.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale's fully rigid Trail SL3 29er singlespeed should appeal to purists.

    Cannondale's fully rigid Trail SL3 29er singlespeed should appeal to purists.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The only pivots on the new Scalpel are in the miniscule alloy shock link.

    The only pivots on the new Scalpel are in the miniscule alloy shock link.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Alloy bearing seats are bonded into the carbon fiber head tube on the new Scalpel.

    Alloy bearing seats are bonded into the carbon fiber head tube on the new Scalpel.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale's new Scalpel frame cuts the travel to 80mm but also the weight, too: claimed weight for the bare frame and shock is a mind-blowing 1,565g (3.45lb).

    Cannondale's new Scalpel frame cuts the travel to 80mm but also the weight, too: claimed weight for the bare frame and shock is a mind-blowing 1,565g (3.45lb).

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale contends the Scalpel's aluminum dropouts are just as light as carbon and yet more durable and better at transferring heat from disc brake calipers.

    Cannondale contends the Scalpel's aluminum dropouts are just as light as carbon and yet more durable and better at transferring heat from disc brake calipers.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Last year's aluminum bottom bracket shell has been replaced with a carbon one on the new Scalpel that's also molded together with the chain stays to form a single unit with no bond joints.

    Last year's aluminum bottom bracket shell has been replaced with a carbon one on the new Scalpel that's also molded together with the chain stays to form a single unit with no bond joints.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale's least expensive Scalpel still uses the same carbon fiber frame as the Ultimate model.

    Cannondale's least expensive Scalpel still uses the same carbon fiber frame as the Ultimate model.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Scalpel 2 uses the same frame as the top-end model but with a different build kit to bring the price down.

    The Scalpel 2 uses the same frame as the top-end model but with a different build kit to bring the price down.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale's second-tier Scalpel 1 still tips the scales at less than 20lb.

    Cannondale's second-tier Scalpel 1 still tips the scales at less than 20lb.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The new OPI stem is lighter than last year's version and yet offers 15mm of height adjustment plus a more knee-friendly design.

    The new OPI stem is lighter than last year's version and yet offers 15mm of height adjustment plus a more knee-friendly design.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale's Lefty forks can now be custom tuned to yield the desired ride qualities.

    Cannondale's Lefty forks can now be custom tuned to yield the desired ride qualities.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale specs surprisingly XC-flavored build kits for the Jekyll line.

    Cannondale specs surprisingly XC-flavored build kits for the Jekyll line.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale says its 'Clashnikov' top tube design offers better seat tube support than a single top tube.

    Cannondale says its 'Clashnikov' top tube design offers better seat tube support than a single top tube.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Rebound adjusters are easily accessible through the widely spaced linkage.

    Rebound adjusters are easily accessible through the widely spaced linkage.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Positive and negative air chambers are clearly marked and easily accessible.

    Positive and negative air chambers are clearly marked and easily accessible.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Fox Racing Shox Dyad-RT2 rear shock is essentially two shocks tied together with a central chamber that selects between the two.

    The Fox Racing Shox Dyad-RT2 rear shock is essentially two shocks tied together with a central chamber that selects between the two.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Newly added on the '11 Scalpel is a seat stay bridge to stiffen up the rear end.

    Newly added on the '11 Scalpel is a seat stay bridge to stiffen up the rear end.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The pivotless rear end imparts some built-in spring rate to the suspension, though, making for a decidedly firm feel.

    The pivotless rear end imparts some built-in spring rate to the suspension, though, making for a decidedly firm feel.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • DT Swiss provides a special Lefty-compatible version of its carbon fiber wheels for the Scalpel Ultimate.

    DT Swiss provides a special Lefty-compatible version of its carbon fiber wheels for the Scalpel Ultimate.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • In keeping with their racing intentions, Scalpel bikes will include fast rolling tires that prioritize speed over traction.

    In keeping with their racing intentions, Scalpel bikes will include fast rolling tires that prioritize speed over traction.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Show bikes had their stems slammed all the way down but consumer bikes will be fitted with 15mm of spacers.

    Show bikes had their stems slammed all the way down but consumer bikes will be fitted with 15mm of spacers.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The tiny alloy link drives a short-stroke RockShox Monarch RT3 rear shock.

    The tiny alloy link drives a short-stroke RockShox Monarch RT3 rear shock.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The new XLR lockout system uses SRAM's X-Loc hydraulic lever to actuate the PBR piston head.

    The new XLR lockout system uses SRAM's X-Loc hydraulic lever to actuate the PBR piston head.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale's new Scalpel Ultimate flagship is extremely expensive but also incredibly light and undeniably lightning fast.

    Cannondale's new Scalpel Ultimate flagship is extremely expensive but also incredibly light and undeniably lightning fast.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Alloy dropouts on the Scalpel Ultimate anchor a SRAM XX rear derailleur.

    Alloy dropouts on the Scalpel Ultimate anchor a SRAM XX rear derailleur.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Direct mount front derailleurs make for a lighter seat tube than if a clamp was required.

    Direct mount front derailleurs make for a lighter seat tube than if a clamp was required.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The top-end Scalpel Ultimate features Cannondale's own Hollowgram SL crank with SRAM XX chainrings.

    The top-end Scalpel Ultimate features Cannondale's own Hollowgram SL crank with SRAM XX chainrings.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Scalpel's pivotless rear suspension design relies on engineered flex zones in the chain and seat stays to achieve the stated 80mm of rear wheel travel.

    The Scalpel's pivotless rear suspension design relies on engineered flex zones in the chain and seat stays to achieve the stated 80mm of rear wheel travel.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Additional housing guides on the top tube are on hand in case a remote is added for the rear shock.

    Additional housing guides on the top tube are on hand in case a remote is added for the rear shock.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The tiny post mount caliper tabs are sized for 140mm rear rotors.

    The tiny post mount caliper tabs are sized for 140mm rear rotors.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale has gone with a wider 73mm external width on the Scalpel's BB30 bottom bracket shells but bearing spacing is the same so there is no change to crank fitment.

    Cannondale has gone with a wider 73mm external width on the Scalpel's BB30 bottom bracket shells but bearing spacing is the same so there is no change to crank fitment.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Flat bars are standard equipment on the Scalpel Ultimate and 1 in keeping with their for-racing-only personalities.

    Flat bars are standard equipment on the Scalpel Ultimate and 1 in keeping with their for-racing-only personalities.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Seat tubes are asymmetrical on the Jekyll frames to maintain high pedaling and frame stiffness while also making room for front derailleurs.

    Seat tubes are asymmetrical on the Jekyll frames to maintain high pedaling and frame stiffness while also making room for front derailleurs.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Jekyll frames use a combination of internal and external routing.

    The Jekyll frames use a combination of internal and external routing.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Jekyll 2 is the least expensive carbon model in the range.

    The Jekyll 2 is the least expensive carbon model in the range.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Jekyll 1 is the second-tier carbon model with the same frame and shock as the Jekyll Ultimate but a somewhat more economically sensible build kit.

    The Jekyll 1 is the second-tier carbon model with the same frame and shock as the Jekyll Ultimate but a somewhat more economically sensible build kit.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale continues to feature its ultralight Hollowgram cranks on many of its upper-end models.

    Cannondale continues to feature its ultralight Hollowgram cranks on many of its upper-end models.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Carbon fibers pass uninterrupted from the top tube into the seat tube, supposedly making for better front triangle torsional stiffness.

    Carbon fibers pass uninterrupted from the top tube into the seat tube, supposedly making for better front triangle torsional stiffness.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Flattened sections on the chain and seat stays, seat tube and even the seatpost contribute to softail-like rider comfort, according to Cannondale.

    Flattened sections on the chain and seat stays, seat tube and even the seatpost contribute to softail-like rider comfort, according to Cannondale.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Alloy dropouts are used for better durability.

    Alloy dropouts are used for better durability.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The tiny mounting tabs on the Flash 29 hardtail keep the weight low while also allowing designers more freedom with seat tube shaping.

    The tiny mounting tabs on the Flash 29 hardtail keep the weight low while also allowing designers more freedom with seat tube shaping.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Renowned frame engineer Peter Denk has been quite busy since moving over from Scott to Cannondale.

    Renowned frame engineer Peter Denk has been quite busy since moving over from Scott to Cannondale.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Claymore's rear shock uses the same principles as the Jekyll's Dyad-RT2 unit but with different dimensions.

    Claymore's rear shock uses the same principles as the Jekyll's Dyad-RT2 unit but with different dimensions.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Axle path on the Claymore is a simple and reliable single-pivot.

    Axle path on the Claymore is a simple and reliable single-pivot.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The chunky main pivot on the Claymore uses a fully captured 15mm thru-axle with bearings housed in the main triangle.

    The chunky main pivot on the Claymore uses a fully captured 15mm thru-axle with bearings housed in the main triangle.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Claymore uses a similar linkage system to Jekyll but with geometry modifications to accommodate the longer travel.

    Claymore uses a similar linkage system to Jekyll but with geometry modifications to accommodate the longer travel.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The burly welded aluminum front end features a 1.5" straight head tube.

    The burly welded aluminum front end features a 1.5" straight head tube.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale will also launch a longer-travel version of the Jekyll called Claymore that's intended for bigger terrain and faster speeds.

    Cannondale will also launch a longer-travel version of the Jekyll called Claymore that's intended for bigger terrain and faster speeds.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Jekyll 3 is the top-end alloy model but uses identical features, geometry and rear shock for a near-identical ride.

    The Jekyll 3 is the top-end alloy model but uses identical features, geometry and rear shock for a near-identical ride.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Hollow box-section dropouts are used on the alloy Jekylls as well but in alloy form instead of carbon fiber.

    Hollow box-section dropouts are used on the alloy Jekylls as well but in alloy form instead of carbon fiber.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The internally routed derailleur lines exit just ahead of the bottom bracket shell.

    The internally routed derailleur lines exit just ahead of the bottom bracket shell.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Fox Racing Shox provides Cannondale with detuned lockout thresholds for its Jekyll range.

    Fox Racing Shox provides Cannondale with detuned lockout thresholds for its Jekyll range.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The co-molded carbon fiber and aluminum linkage on the top-end Jekyll carbon frames are very widely spaced for maximum rigidity.

    The co-molded carbon fiber and aluminum linkage on the top-end Jekyll carbon frames are very widely spaced for maximum rigidity.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale has opted for straight 1.5" head tubes across the Jekyll range.

    Cannondale has opted for straight 1.5" head tubes across the Jekyll range.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Cannondale Jekyll Ultimate is touted as big and burly but at the same time a capable climber by virtue of its innovative Dyad-RT2 two-mode shock and light chassis.

    The Cannondale Jekyll Ultimate is touted as big and burly but at the same time a capable climber by virtue of its innovative Dyad-RT2 two-mode shock and light chassis.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The thru-axle dropouts can also be swapped to standard 135x10mm if desired. Cannondale also says the sandwich-style replaceable rear derailleur hangers are far stiffer than simple cantilevered ones.

    The thru-axle dropouts can also be swapped to standard 135x10mm if desired. Cannondale also says the sandwich-style replaceable rear derailleur hangers are far stiffer than simple cantilevered ones.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale has developed a new disc brake mounting standard for its frames that give it more freedom in dropout pivot design - but consumers shouldn't worry as the proprietary mounts still offer up the same industry-standard caliper mounting points.

    Cannondale has developed a new disc brake mounting standard for its frames that give it more freedom in dropout pivot design - but consumers shouldn't worry as the proprietary mounts still offer up the same industry-standard caliper mounting points.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Hollow carbon dropouts secure a 142x12mm thru-axle.

    Hollow carbon dropouts secure a 142x12mm thru-axle.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale's choice of a two-ring Hollowgram SL crank on the top-end Jekyll Ultimate is testament to the chassis' claimed climbing abilities.

    Cannondale's choice of a two-ring Hollowgram SL crank on the top-end Jekyll Ultimate is testament to the chassis' claimed climbing abilities.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Even carbon Jekyll frames use an alloy bottom bracket shell given all of the precision hard points required.

    Even carbon Jekyll frames use an alloy bottom bracket shell given all of the precision hard points required.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Cannondale Jekyll's Dyad-RT2 shock is complicated in layout but simple to operate with just a two-position handlebar-mounted remote to worry about.

    The Cannondale Jekyll's Dyad-RT2 shock is complicated in layout but simple to operate with just a two-position handlebar-mounted remote to worry about.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The entry-level Cannondale Jekyll 5 may be the least expensive model in the lineup but it's far from cheap-looking.

    The entry-level Cannondale Jekyll 5 may be the least expensive model in the lineup but it's far from cheap-looking.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Rear suspension technology and geometry on the alloy frames are identical to the carbon fiber Jekyll.

    Rear suspension technology and geometry on the alloy frames are identical to the carbon fiber Jekyll.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Double-pass welds help the alloy Jekyll frames look nearly identical to the carbon fiber ones. Straight 1.5" head tubes lend even better torsional and bending rigidity than tapered front ends.

    Double-pass welds help the alloy Jekyll frames look nearly identical to the carbon fiber ones. Straight 1.5" head tubes lend even better torsional and bending rigidity than tapered front ends.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Jekyll 4 is the mid-range alloy model.

    The Jekyll 4 is the mid-range alloy model.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Claymore's 142x12mm thru-axle hollow aluminum dropouts also feature a sandwich-style replaceable rear derailleur hanger.

    The Claymore's 142x12mm thru-axle hollow aluminum dropouts also feature a sandwich-style replaceable rear derailleur hanger.

    Photo credit © James Huang