2021 Specialized Epic vs 2022 Cannondale Scalpel Carbon
The S is the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon size closest to your XS 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 XS, the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon in S places the top of the head tube 14 mm lower and 25 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 38 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- −14 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- +25 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +38 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- +0.5°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- +3 mm
- Longer: more planted
The two frames
Specialized Epic, XSCannondale Scalpel Carbon, SDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic XS | Cannondale Scalpel Carbon S | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 390mm | 415 | +25 mm |
| Stack | 596mm | 582 | −14 mm |
| Head tube angle | 67.5° | 68 | +0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 76.5° | 74.5 | −2.0° |
| Chainstay length | 433mm | 436 | +3 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1090mm | 1128 | +38 mm |
| BB drop | 58mm | 40 | −18 mm |
| BB height | 314mm | 331 | +17 mm |
| Standover | 740mm | 743 | +3 mm |
| Seat tube length | 375mm | 430 | +55 mm |
| Fork length | 505mm | not listed | |
| Head tube length | 95mm | 95 | ±0 mm |
| Effective top tube | not listed | 576 | |
| Actual top tube | not listed | 531 |
Differences are the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon minus the Specialized Epic. Full charts: 2021 Specialized Epic, 2022 Cannondale Scalpel Carbon.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized EpicCannondale 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 | Specialized EpicS-Works | Cannondale Scalpel CarbonCarbon 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox SID SL BRAIN | Lefty Ocho |
| Rear shock | RockShox BRAIN | Fox Float DPS EVOL Performance Elite |
| Shifter | SRAM AXS Eagle Controller | Shimano XT |
| Derailleur | SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS | Shimano XT |
| Cassette | SRAM XX1 Eagle | Shimano XT |
| Chain | SRAM XX1 Eagle | Shimano XT |
| Crankset | Quarq XX1 Eagle Power Meter | HollowGram |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB | Cannondale PressFit30 |
| Wheelset | Roval Control SL | not listed |
| Tire | Specialized Fast Trak | not listed |
| Brake | SRAM Ultimate | Shimano XT |
| Saddle | Specialized S-Works Power | Prologo Dimension NDR |
| Frame | not listed | Cannondale Scalpel |
| Pedals | not listed | Not |
| Rim | not listed | HollowGram 25 |
| Grips | not listed | ESI Chunky Silicone |
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