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 XL places the top of the head tube 18 mm higher and 60 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 66 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- +18 mm
- Higher front end
- Frame reach
- +60 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +66 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- +0.7°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- +11 mm
- Longer: more planted
The two frames
Specialized Epic 8 Comp, M (Low)Cannondale Scalpel, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic 8 Comp M (Low) | Cannondale Scalpel XL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 450mm | 510 | +60 mm |
| Stack | 598mm | 616 | +18 mm |
| Head tube angle | 65.9° | 66.6 | +0.7° |
| Seat tube angle | 75.5° | 75.5 | ±0.0° |
| Effective top tube | 605mm | 669 | +64 mm |
| Chainstay length | 435mm | 446 | +11 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1179mm | 1245 | +66 mm |
| BB drop | 44mm | 42 | −2 mm |
| BB height | 326mm | 334 | +8 mm |
| Standover | 760mm | 763 | +3 mm |
| Seat tube length | 410mm | 500 | +90 mm |
| Fork length | 530mm | not listed | |
| Head tube length | 95mm | 110 | +15 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
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 Epic 8 CompComp | Cannondale Scalpel1 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Specialized Epic 8 | Cannondale Scalpel |
| Fork | RockShox SID Select | Lefty Ocho |
| Rear shock | RockShox SID LUXE Select+ | RockShox SID LUXE Select+ |
| Shifter | SRAM Pod Controller | SRAM Pod Controller |
| Derailleur | SRAM S1000 Eagle Transmission | SRAM X0 Eagle AXS |
| Cassette | SRAM 1270 Transmission | SRAM X0 Eagle |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle Transmission | SRAM X0 XO |
| Crankset | SRAM S1000 Eagle | SRAM X0 |
| Chainring | SRAM S1000 Eagle | SRAM X0 |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB | SRAM DUB |
| Pedals | Specialized Remove | not listed |
| Wheelset | Specialized 29 Alloy | DT Swiss XCR 1501 Spline |
| Tire | Specialized Fast Trak, Specialized Renegade | Maxxis Rekon Race WT, Maxxis Aspen WT |
| Hub | Specialized Alloy Front, Specialized Alloy Rear | DT Swiss 240 |
| Rim | Specialized Alloy 29 | DT Swiss XRC 1501 |
| Brake | SRAM Level stealth Bronze, SRAM Level Stealth Bronze | SRAM Level Silver |
| Rotor | SRAM Level Stealth Bronze | SRAM HS2 |
| Handlebar | Specialized Mini Rise | SystemBar XC-One Flat |
| Stem | Specialized Alloy | SystemBar XC-One Flat |
| Grips | SRAM Slip | Cannondale Silicone |
| Dropper post | X-Fusion Manic | Fox Transfer SL Performance Elite |
| Seatpost | X-Fusion Manic | Fox Transfer SL |
| Saddle | Specialized Power Sport | Prologo Dimension NDR |
| Headset | not listed | Acros ICR |
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