Quiver

2025 Specialized Epic 8 Comp vs 2024 Cannondale Scalpel

The S is the Cannondale Scalpel size closest to your S (Low) Specialized Epic 8 Comp. 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

Compared with the Specialized Epic 8 Comp in S (Low), the Cannondale Scalpel in S places the top of the head tube at about the same height and 5 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 7 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.

Frame stack
±0 mm
About the same height
Frame reach
+5 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
−7 mm
Shorter: quicker to change direction
Head angle
+0.7°
Steeper: sharper steering
Chainstays
−1 mm
About the same

The two frames

2025 Specialized Epic 8 Comp (S (Low)) and 2024 Cannondale Scalpel (S), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Epic 8 Comp is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Cannondale Scalpel is the colored outline on top.J 1147

Specialized Epic 8 Comp, S (Low)Cannondale Scalpel, SDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Epic 8 Comp S (Low)Cannondale Scalpel SDifference
Reach420mm425+5 mm
Stack597mm597±0 mm
Head tube angle65.9°66.6+0.7°
Seat tube angle76°75.5−0.5°
Effective top tube569mm579+10 mm
Chainstay length435mm434−1 mm
Wheelbase1147mm1140−7 mm
BB drop46mm42−4 mm
BB height324mm334+10 mm
Standover755mm736−19 mm
Seat tube length390mm380−10 mm
Fork length530mmnot listed
Head tube length92mm90−2 mm

Differences are the Cannondale Scalpel minus the Specialized Epic 8 Comp. Full charts: 2025 Specialized Epic 8 Comp, 2024 Cannondale Scalpel.

Where each sits in its class

Specialized Epic 8 CompCannondale Scalpel

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 Epic 8 CompCompCannondale Scalpel1
FrameSpecialized Epic 8Cannondale Scalpel
ForkRockShox SID SelectLefty Ocho
Rear shockRockShox SID LUXE Select+RockShox SID LUXE Select+
ShifterSRAM Pod ControllerSRAM Pod Controller
DerailleurSRAM S1000 Eagle TransmissionSRAM X0 Eagle AXS
CassetteSRAM 1270 TransmissionSRAM X0 Eagle
ChainSRAM GX Eagle TransmissionSRAM X0 XO
CranksetSRAM S1000 EagleSRAM X0
ChainringSRAM S1000 EagleSRAM X0
Bottom bracketSRAM DUBSRAM DUB
PedalsSpecialized Removenot listed
WheelsetSpecialized 29 AlloyDT Swiss XCR 1501 Spline
TireSpecialized Fast Trak, Specialized RenegadeMaxxis Rekon Race WT, Maxxis Aspen WT
HubSpecialized Alloy Front, Specialized Alloy RearDT Swiss 240
RimSpecialized Alloy 29DT Swiss XRC 1501
BrakeSRAM Level stealth Bronze, SRAM Level Stealth BronzeSRAM Level Silver
RotorSRAM Level Stealth BronzeSRAM HS2
HandlebarSpecialized Mini RiseSystemBar XC-One Flat
StemSpecialized AlloySystemBar XC-One Flat
GripsSRAM SlipCannondale Silicone
Dropper postX-Fusion ManicFox Transfer SL Performance Elite
SeatpostX-Fusion ManicFox Transfer SL
SaddleSpecialized Power SportPrologo Dimension NDR
Headsetnot listedAcros ICR

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