So been nosing around at bike shops and have come across scalpel for £1600. down from £2600
i have a hardtail 29er and looking to make the leap to a flu suss to save my back and wondered if there is likely to be anything else that i should consider?

A Scalpel is about as ‘non FS’ as a FS bike can be, unless you’re looking to replace the hardtail I’d have something with more bounce to supplement it.

It may well end up being a replacement in the end. Im not looking for a hugely bouncy bike just something to help the back in the long term and stick to the track a little more.

It’s a great bike, but quite race-orientated. V forward xc position. So if you’re hammering the trails right now on your HT, and just want some give at the back then it could be a good choice. If you’re more leisurely in your approach, or more focussed on the descents, then it’s prob not the right bike.

The 2013 scalpel isnt the xc race almost soft tail of old but a nice short travel 29er. Not so light either a friend has one and rates it tho.

I’ve had two Scalpels over the years and they are excellent bikes, very capable, although I’m quite XC race biased (or at least was).

And regarding the lefty? are they strong and reliable?

And regarding the lefty? are they strong and reliable?

Yes, very… Had one for ten years and it’s still going strong.

Ive got the 2013 90mm pbr lefty ive put best part of 2000km on it and its as smooth as the day i got it. Light stiff and reliable.

Youve seen this?

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s1p4353/CANNONDALE-SCALPEL-3-2012

That 2012 scalpel looks a bargain. Very racy bike 🙂

Its a great bike!

XC and aggressive XC. Love mine to bits. Great around Swinely and Tunnel Hill.

Did suffer from understeer in places with the Lefty but cured this by running Flows rims and a 2.4 Schwalbe Hans dampf on the front. Neutral in the air but a little long in the cockpit. Just junked the Avid for SLX brakes and this has strangely helped the handling(?).

Frame can get a little flexi when pushing on although I’m 6ft 4in and 17stone. Lefty has been fine