Quiver

2018 Cannondale Scalpel SE vs 2020 Merida BIG.SEVEN 20-D

The Merida BIG.SEVEN 20-D size closest to your M (29") is the M. Compare the M instead

What changes on the Merida BIG.SEVEN 20-D

Compared with the Cannondale Scalpel SE in M (29"), the Merida BIG.SEVEN 20-D in L places the top of the head tube 3 mm higher and 17 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 4 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.

Frame stack
+3 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
+17 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
−4 mm
Shorter: quicker to change direction
Head angle
+0.5°
Steeper: sharper steering
Chainstays
−1 mm
About the same

The two frames

2018 Cannondale Scalpel SE (M (29")) and 2020 Merida BIG.SEVEN 20-D (L), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Cannondale Scalpel SE is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Merida BIG.SEVEN 20-D is the colored outline on top.J 1129

Cannondale Scalpel SE, M (29")Merida BIG.SEVEN 20-D, LDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementCannondale Scalpel SE M (29")Merida BIG.SEVEN 20-D LDifference
Reach408425+17 mm
Stack602605+3 mm
Head tube angle68.569+0.5°
Seat tube angle7273+1.0°
Effective top tube604610+6 mm
Chainstay length436435−1 mm
Wheelbase11291125−4 mm
BB drop2730+3 mm
BB height345not listed
Standover835787−48 mm
Seat tube length440480+40 mm
Head tube length110145+35 mm
Fork lengthnot listed487

Differences are the Merida BIG.SEVEN 20-D minus the Cannondale Scalpel SE. Full charts: 2018 Cannondale Scalpel SE, 2020 Merida BIG.SEVEN 20-D.

Where each sits in its class

Cannondale Scalpel SEMerida BIG.SEVEN 20-D

AggressivePositionUpright
CalmSteeringQuick
PlayfulBalancePlanted

Each bike is ranked against the other XC bikes on Quiver, on frame geometry alone. Not your hand position or ride feel.

What each ships with

The stock build of each bike's first listed trim. Parts that match are dimmed.

PartCannondale Scalpel SESE 1Merida BIG.SEVEN 20-D20-D
FrameCannondale Scalpel-SiMerida BIG.SEVEN SPEED N
ForkLefty 2.0SR Suntour XCM-HLO
Rear shockFox Float DPS EVOL SV Performance Elitenot listed
ShifterSRAM GX Eagle 12Shimano ST-EF505
DerailleurSRAM X01 EagleShimano FD-TY700, Shimano Acera M360
CassetteSRAM 1275 EagleSunRace CSM668
ChainSRAM GX EagleKMC M700
CranksetTruVativ Stylo Eaglenot listed
Bottom bracketCannondale PressFit30FSA TH-7420ST-W
TireMaxxis Ardent 2.4”/2.25Merida K1080
HubLefty 60Shimano TX505
RimStan's NoTubes NoTubes ZTRMerida CC
BrakeShimano XT hydroShimano ST-EF505
HandlebarCannondale C3Merida CC
StemCannondale C1Merida CC
HeadsetCannondale HeadShok SiFSA NO.10P Neck15
Dropper postRace Face Turbine droppernot listed
SaddleFabric Scoopnot listed
Pedalsnot listedVPE-891
Rotornot listedShimano SM-RT10
Gripsnot listedMerida EC
Seatpostnot listedMerida CC

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