2026 Specialized Epic 8 Comp vs 2024 Cannondale Scalpel
The XL is the Cannondale Scalpel size closest to your XL 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 XL, the Cannondale Scalpel in XL places the top of the head tube 12 mm lower and 10 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket.
- Frame stack
- −12 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- +10 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +2 mm
- About the same
- Head angle
- +0.7°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- +11 mm
- Longer: more planted
The two frames
Specialized Epic 8 Comp, XLCannondale Scalpel, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic 8 Comp XL | Cannondale Scalpel XL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 500 | 510 | +10 mm |
| Stack | 628 | 616 | −12 mm |
| Head tube angle | 65.9 | 66.6 | +0.7° |
| Seat tube angle | 75.5 | 75.5 | ±0.0° |
| Effective top tube | not listed | 669 | |
| Chainstay length | 435 | 446 | +11 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1243 | 1245 | +2 mm |
| BB drop | 42 | 42 | ±0 mm |
| BB height | 328 | 334 | +6 mm |
| Standover | 774 | 763 | −11 mm |
| Seat tube length | 500 | 500 | ±0 mm |
| Fork length | 530mm | not listed | |
| Head tube length | 130 | 110 | −20 mm |
Differences are the Cannondale Scalpel minus the Specialized Epic 8 Comp. Full charts: 2026 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 FACT 11m | 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 Eagle 70 Transmission | SRAM X0 Eagle |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle Transmission | SRAM X0 XO |
| Crankset | SRAM S1000 Eagle | SRAM X0 |
| Chainring | SRAM S1000 | SRAM X0 |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB | SRAM DUB |
| Wheelset | Specialized 29 Alloy | DT Swiss XCR 1501 Spline |
| Tire | Specialized Fast Trak, Specialized Air Trak | Maxxis Rekon Race WT, Maxxis Aspen WT |
| Brake | SRAM Motive Bronze | SRAM Level Silver |
| Rotor | SRAM Motive Silver | SRAM HS2 |
| Handlebar | Specialized Mini Rise | SystemBar XC-One Flat |
| Stem | Specialized 3D-forged | 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 |
| Hub | not listed | DT Swiss 240 |
| Rim | not listed | DT Swiss XRC 1501 |
| Headset | not listed | Acros ICR |
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