Bikes of the Epic: Manuel Fumic's Cannondale Scalpel-Si

The new Cannondale Scalpel-Si was launched with much fanfare about its slacker angles resulting in greater ability on technical cross-country courses. This had me wondering about how well it will work for South African's favourite format: endurance racing. And, judging by the team's excellent performances at this year's Cape Epic, I'd say it appears to do pretty damn well. Slack doesn't mean slow.

At the Cape Epic, the eagle has very much landed. Maybe it was just the eye-catching gold colours but it seemed that SRAM's Eagle 12 speed single chainring drivetrain was everywhere. In Fumic's case, he has gone with the more understated black variation of the cassette and chain with a 38 tooth chainring and a Quarq power meter crankset. Manuel elected to go with a bit more reassurance on the front chainring with a minimalist chain guide from Leonardi Racing.

The front suspension is handled by Cannodale's Lefty fork with a RockShox Monarch XX shock partly tucked into the top tube controlling the rear. Enve supply the rims with a DT Swiss rear hub and Cannondale's Lefty friendly hub up front. The carbon handlebar and seatpost are also supplied by Enve. Manuel rides with a Prologo Zero C3 saddle and Shimano XTR pedals.

Specification

• FrameScalpel-Si
• Rear ShockRockShox Monarch XX
• ForkLefty XLR 100
• RimsEnve
• HubsFront: Lefty / Rear: DT Swiss 240
• TyresRacing Ralph
• HandlebarEnve
• SeatpostEnve
• StemCannondale
• BrakesSRAM Level Ultimate
• RotorsSRAM Centreline 160
• ShifterSRAM XX1 Eagle
• Rear DerailleurSRAM XX1 Eagle
• CassetteSRAM XX1 Eagle
• ChainSRAM XX1 Eagle
• CrankSRAM XX1 Eagle Quarq
• ChainringSRAM XX1 Eagle 38 tooth
• Chain guideLeonardi Factory
• PedalsShimano XTR
• SaddlePrologo Zero C3
• Bike ComputerGarmin 1000