Quiver

2020 Specialized Epic vs 2022 Cannondale Scalpel Carbon

The XL is the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon size closest to your XL Specialized Epic. We match frame stack and reach. This is a geometry comparison, not a fit recommendation; stem, spacers, handlebars and saddle setup also affect your riding position.

What changes on the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon

Compared with the Specialized Epic in XL, the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon in XL places the top of the head tube 20 mm lower and about as far forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 22 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.

Frame stack
−20 mm
Lower front end
Frame reach
±0 mm
About the same reach
Wheelbase
+22 mm
Longer: steadier at speed
Head angle
−1.5°
Slacker: calmer steering
Chainstays
−2 mm
About the same

The two frames

2020 Specialized Epic (XL) and 2022 Cannondale Scalpel Carbon (XL), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Epic is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon is the colored outline on top.J 1177

Specialized Epic, XLCannondale Scalpel Carbon, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Epic XLCannondale Scalpel Carbon XLDifference
Reach475mm475±0 mm
Stack630mm610−20 mm
Head tube angle69.5°68−1.5°
Seat tube angle74.75°74.5−0.3°
Chainstay length438mm436−2 mm
Wheelbase1177mm1199+22 mm
BB drop38.9mm40+1 mm
BB height332mm331−1 mm
Standover799mm748−51 mm
Seat tube length520mm520±0 mm
Fork length506mmnot listed
Head tube length140mm125−15 mm
Effective top tubenot listed644
Actual top tubenot listed603

Differences are the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon minus the Specialized Epic. Full charts: 2020 Specialized Epic, 2022 Cannondale Scalpel Carbon.

Where each sits in its class

Specialized EpicCannondale Scalpel Carbon

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.

PartSpecialized EpicS-Works AXSCannondale Scalpel CarbonCarbon 2
ForkRockShox SID Brain UltimateLefty Ocho
Rear shockRockShox Brain shockFox Float DPS EVOL Performance Elite
ShifterSRAM AXS Eagle ControllerShimano XT
DerailleurSRAM XX1 Eagle AXSShimano XT
CassetteSRAM XX1 EagleShimano XT
ChainSRAM XX1 EagleShimano XT
CranksetQuarq XX1 Eagle Power MeterHollowGram
Bottom bracketSRAM DUBCannondale PressFit30
PedalsSpecialized PROVIDED BYNot
WheelsetRoval Control SLnot listed
TireSpecialized Fast Traknot listed
BrakeSRAM UltimateShimano XT
SaddleSpecialized S-Works PowerPrologo Dimension NDR
Framenot listedCannondale Scalpel
Rimnot listedHollowGram 25
Gripsnot listedESI Chunky Silicone

Know what is on every bike.

Add your bike to Quiver. Keep its parts, setup, and service history together, then share your build.

Explore the app
A Transition Relay build sheet: frame, fork, shock and drivetrainThe Relay’s ride photo galleryThe Relay’s ride spectrum and 2D frame geometryThe garage: five bikes and 99 recorded partsA Specialized Tarmac SL8 road build sheet