2022 Cannondale Scalpel Carbon vs 2024 Merida NINETY-SIX
The Merida NINETY-SIX size closest to your M is the XSHORT. Compare the XSHORT instead
What changes on the Merida NINETY-SIX
Compared with the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon in M, the Merida NINETY-SIX in L places the top of the head tube 14 mm higher and 25 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 29 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- +14 mm
- Higher front end
- Frame reach
- +25 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +29 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- −1.0°
- Slacker: calmer steering
- Chainstays
- −1 mm
- About the same
The two frames
Cannondale Scalpel Carbon, MMerida NINETY-SIX, LDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Cannondale Scalpel Carbon M | Merida NINETY-SIX L | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 435 | 460 | +25 mm |
| Stack | 591 | 605 | +14 mm |
| Head tube angle | 68 | 67 | −1.0° |
| Seat tube angle | 74.5 | 75 | +0.5° |
| Effective top tube | 599 | 624 | +25 mm |
| Actual top tube | 553 | not listed | |
| Chainstay length | 436 | 435 | −1 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1151 | 1180 | +29 mm |
| BB drop | 40 | 36 | −4 mm |
| BB height | 331 | not listed | |
| Standover | 745 | 747 | +2 mm |
| Seat tube length | 440 | 470 | +30 mm |
| Head tube length | 105 | 105 | ±0 mm |
| Fork length | not listed | 530 |
Differences are the Merida NINETY-SIX minus the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon. Full charts: 2022 Cannondale Scalpel Carbon, 2024 Merida NINETY-SIX.
Where each sits in its class
Cannondale Scalpel CarbonMerida NINETY-SIX
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.
| Part | Cannondale Scalpel CarbonCarbon 2 | Merida NINETY-SIX |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Cannondale Scalpel | not listed |
| Fork | Lefty Ocho | not listed |
| Rear shock | Fox Float DPS EVOL Performance Elite | not listed |
| Shifter | Shimano XT | not listed |
| Derailleur | Shimano XT | not listed |
| Cassette | Shimano XT | not listed |
| Chain | Shimano XT | not listed |
| Crankset | HollowGram | not listed |
| Bottom bracket | Cannondale PressFit30 | not listed |
| Pedals | Not | not listed |
| Rim | HollowGram 25 | not listed |
| Brake | Shimano XT | not listed |
| Grips | ESI Chunky Silicone | not listed |
| Saddle | Prologo Dimension NDR | not listed |
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