Cannondale Scalpel Carbon SE 1 - Abyss Blue

The Scalpel SE is a beefed-up version of Cannondale's world cup winning XC bike. It has the same thoroughbred racing genetics with slightly longer travel (120mm front and rear), a reinforced carbon frame and a dropper post. This makes the SE a more capable machine on the descents while retaining the cross-country agility that makes it climb like an ibex. It also features much of the same tech as its XC siblings. The Asymmetric Integration (AI) rear triangle, improves tyre clearance for the rear wheel and allows for shorter chainstays, as well as making the rear wheel stronger with a symmetrical dish. Proportional response frame design ensures that riders of all sizes experience the same great suspension performance. The FlexPivot rear triangle eliminates a bearing and replaces it with a flexible section of the frame, reducing both maintenance and weight.

Lightweight RockShox SID Select+ suspension is used at both ends and Shimano provides an XT drivetrain. This 12-speed shifting kit has a massive gear range with incredibly crisp shifting to get you to the top of the hill. Shimano XT 2 piston brakes keep the speed under control on the way back down. Fast-rolling Maxxis race tyres mounted on carbon rims tops off an already incredible spec that's ready to race.

So if you want a bike for competing on the roughest XC tracks, big days out covering mega miles or just a nimble lightweight bike you can throw around, then take a look at the Scalpel SE 1.