First things first. Congratulations to
Jeff Kerkove and
Sloane Anderson of the
Cateye Enduro Team for getting hooked up to ride
Cannondale bikes for the 2006 season. Maybe Jeff can start riding his own bike and leave mine alone. This is definately a great combo for Cannondale and Cateye. We are going to have more Leftys at
the shop than you can know what to do with.
I have been asked a certain question concerning Cannondale mountain bikes numerous times over the last few weeks and have decided to break it down for today's discussion. People have asked this question on this blog, through e-mails, at the shop, on
MTBR, and even today while I was at the gym. The question goes roughly something like this: "Why would you take a Cannondale Rush over a Cannondale Scalpel?". Well let's break each one down and then I will answer that question.
We will start with the
Cannondale Scalpel as shown here. I have never had the pleasure of riding a Scalpel, although I sure would like to try one out.This particular model is the 2006 Scalpel 2000 in white and blue with the second color choice being gloss black. The Scalpel is a purpose built XC race machine which has 110mm (4.33") of front travel via a Lefty fork. The rear travel is 69mm (2.7") and is connected with a Fox RP3 shock and carbon chainstays and seatstays. Much like ahardtail only better so I am told. It uses traditional XC dimensions such as a quick steering 71° head angle, low-rise (inverted) stem, and a flat handlebar. This provides the rider with an aggressive riding position that allows for raw power and speed to be transfered to the ground during climbs and sprints. Now, even though this is designed as a XC race bike it still works out well as an endurance bike too, just ask
Tinker. This is also the preferred steed of World Cup XC champion Christoph Sauser, even though he had a Rush in yesterday's post. The Scalpel is available from Cannondale in five different models.
This is the
Cannondale Rush, also the 2000 level model and my own weapon of choice for the upcoming 2006 season. I have a few miles in on this beauty and although it is not yet fully dialed in I can definately see why this is a great choice for endurance racing. 110mm (4.33") of balanced travel front and rear that is brought to you by the Lefty up front and a Fox RP3 connected to a single-pivot swingarm in the rear. The geometry on the Rush line is a little more slack with a 69° head angle, higher-rise (non-inverted) stem, and a nice wide riser bar. These dimensions and specs allow for a slightly more upright seating position for all day comfort during the ride and will also work out well for those long nights of riding during the endurance stuff. And yes
Tinker rides one of these too. The Rush is available in eight different models with one of them being a female specific model.
Now this is by no means a total break-down of either of these bikes although each one has it's purpose. During a 24 hour race, the extra 41mm of rear travel on the Rush might be just what your butt is asking for when you hit that rock garden at 3 o'clock in the morning. From what I have gathered on the
MTBR forums that are discussing this matter specifically, a comparable Scalpel is only one pound lighter than a Rush (Scalpel 2000 - Rush 2000). Yes there are courses/trails that exist that may not require the rear travel that the Rush provides but with a minimal weight gain why not. Besides, Tinker will win on either one of them.
Here is what he has to say about the Rush. He just won the
24 hours in the Old Peublo on a Rush too by the way.
Photo of Tinker borrowed from his website
here
.
Hopefully I will be ordering my second bike here soon and I will admit that it still goes through my mind to get a Scalpel to go with my current Rush. However, I am 99% sure that I will soon be rolling on two Cannondale Rush 2000's. Hey, that will give me two fork legs between the two bikes!!! SWEET!!!
Hopefully this helps a little. I do not expect it to answer all of your questions so feel free to e-mail me if you have more questions, concerns, or advice. If anyone nearby wants to let me test-ride their Scalpel, I'll do that too.
Still looking for lights for the 2006 season. Suggestions?
I am scheduled to give my first ever racer interview today. For some reason I am a bit nervous/intimidated. Heck it's G-Ted, what could be bad about it, eh?
-Peace.