Does anyone know why Cannondale don’t use the carbon flex rear end on the Scalpel any more? The 2012 model had it but the 2013 has gone to a bearing affair although they still call it “zero pivot seat stay” any ideas? Also has anyone ridden an alloy front ended one, no longer produced?
Thanks

Owned an Alu one for several years – superb bike and a great design. Surprisingly versatile as well – not the most helpful bike on the rough descents, but in terms of general out in the hills riding it was sound.

Not sure why they ditched the flexible stays, it seemed like the perfection of the soft tail idea. Have to be seen to be progressing I guess.

can only speculate that as they have dropped the 26 inch version (got a 2012,great bike) they found the 29er was too flexible with the carbon flex rear.

Interesting, how was the clearance on the seat stays, do you reckon could you fit 650b on a 26 frame?

Vicbob – Yes you can. Don’t know what the mud clearance is like but a few racers from the USA were/are doing just that.

it has been done read about several conversions,but its bloody tight… no good for uk mud !

Cheers Guys, with the mud we get here it’s a non starter.
Any other suggestions for a good lightweight 650b conversion?

Think I’ve seen some whippets running 650b put up on here. Towards the other end of the spectrum from a scalpel, but great bike for the money.

Conversion you say…no need with a cheap 650B soft-tail! 😉
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D45yth, interesting Siren, saw this one on e-bay. Not sure why the 650b interests me as everything I have is 26. All the 29ers I have ridden are all a bit cumbersome over fast twisting terain appart from the Tallboy which I can’t afford.

Prophet 650b conversion:

29.05lbs with not the best spec in Large and lighter than the Bronson 😉

Nice, good clearance on the rear of a Prophet, I’ve got a Jekyll (old style) and this winters mud has stoped the rear wheel plenty of times.