Quiver

2025 Specialized Epic 8 Comp vs 2024 Cannondale Scalpel

The Cannondale Scalpel size closest to your M (Low) is the M. Compare the M instead

What changes on the Cannondale Scalpel

Compared with the Specialized Epic 8 Comp in M (Low), the Cannondale Scalpel in L places the top of the head tube 9 mm higher and 25 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 23 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.

Frame stack
+9 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
+25 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
+23 mm
Longer: steadier at speed
Head angle
+0.7°
Steeper: sharper steering
Chainstays
+7 mm
Longer: more planted

The two frames

2025 Specialized Epic 8 Comp (M (Low)) and 2024 Cannondale Scalpel (L), 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 1179

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

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Epic 8 Comp M (Low)Cannondale Scalpel LDifference
Reach450mm475+25 mm
Stack598mm607+9 mm
Head tube angle65.9°66.6+0.7°
Seat tube angle75.5°75.5±0.0°
Effective top tube605mm625+20 mm
Chainstay length435mm442+7 mm
Wheelbase1179mm1202+23 mm
BB drop44mm42−2 mm
BB height326mm334+8 mm
Standover760mm752−8 mm
Seat tube length410mm445+35 mm
Fork length530mmnot listed
Head tube length95mm100+5 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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