2021 Merida NINETY-SIX RC vs 2022 Cannondale Scalpel Carbon
The Cannondale Scalpel Carbon size closest to your M is the L. Compare the L instead
What changes on the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon
Compared with the Merida NINETY-SIX RC in M, the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon in XL places the top of the head tube 25 mm higher and 22 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 53 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- +25 mm
- Higher front end
- Frame reach
- +22 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +53 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- −0.5°
- Slacker: calmer steering
- Chainstays
- +1 mm
- About the same
The two frames
Merida NINETY-SIX RC, MCannondale Scalpel Carbon, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Merida NINETY-SIX RC M | Cannondale Scalpel Carbon XL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 453 | 475 | +22 mm |
| Stack | 585 | 610 | +25 mm |
| Head tube angle | 68.5 | 68 | −0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 76.5 | 74.5 | −2.0° |
| Effective top tube | 596 | 644 | +48 mm |
| Chainstay length | 435 | 436 | +1 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1146 | 1199 | +53 mm |
| BB drop | 45 | 40 | −5 mm |
| Standover | 731 | 748 | +17 mm |
| Seat tube length | 440 | 520 | +80 mm |
| Fork length | 503 | not listed | |
| Head tube length | 95 | 125 | +30 mm |
| Actual top tube | not listed | 603 | |
| BB height | not listed | 331 |
Differences are the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon minus the Merida NINETY-SIX RC. Full charts: 2021 Merida NINETY-SIX RC, 2022 Cannondale Scalpel Carbon.
Where each sits in its class
Merida NINETY-SIX RCCannondale Scalpel Carbon
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 | Merida NINETY-SIX RC5000 | Cannondale Scalpel CarbonCarbon 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Merida NINETY-SIX RC CF4 III | Cannondale Scalpel |
| Fork | RockShox Reba RL | Lefty Ocho |
| Rear shock | Rock SIDluxe Select+ | Fox Float DPS EVOL Performance Elite |
| Derailleur | Shimano XT M8100 Shadow+ | Shimano XT |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore M6100 | Shimano XT |
| Chain | KMC X12 | Shimano XT |
| Crankset | 175mm-M up | HollowGram |
| Bottom bracket | Shimano SM-BB52 | Cannondale PressFit30 |
| Tire | Maxxis Rekon Race | not listed |
| Rim | Merida EXPERT CC | HollowGram 25 |
| Rotor | Shimano SM-RT54 | not listed |
| Handlebar | Merida EXPERT CC | not listed |
| Stem | Merida TEAM CC II | not listed |
| Seatpost | Merida EXPERT TR LIGHT | not listed |
| Saddle | Merida COMP CC | Prologo Dimension NDR |
| Shifter | not listed | Shimano XT |
| Pedals | not listed | Not |
| Brake | not listed | Shimano XT |
| Grips | not listed | ESI Chunky Silicone |
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