Agile and responsive, the cross-country Scalpel Fem was the most efficient climber in our test and the top performer in tight, rocky terrain. The classic cross-country geometry lowers the rider's center of gravity for total control even on steep or tricky descents. The carbon-and-aluminum Fem has a 4.3-inch Lefty Speed Carbon SL in front and 3.5 inches of pivot-free rear travel. Avid Juicy brakes stop on a dime, and the brilliantly engineered flexing carbon rear triangle can be easily fine-tuned to rider weight with the Fox Float RP23 rear shock. 24.3 lbs; cannondale.com
Cannondale
Scalpel Feminine
Photo: Terry Heffernan
