2026 Specialized Epic 8 Expert Shimano Di2, RockShox Select+ 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 Expert Shimano Di2, RockShox Select+ 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 Expert Shimano Di2, RockShox Select+, M (Low)Cannondale Scalpel, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic 8 Expert Shimano Di2, RockShox Select+ 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 Expert Shimano Di2, RockShox Select+. Full charts: 2026 Specialized Epic 8 Expert Shimano Di2, RockShox Select+, 2024 Cannondale Scalpel.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Epic 8 Expert Shimano Di2, RockShox Select+Cannondale 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 Expert Shimano Di2, RockShox Select+Expert - Shimano XT Di2, RockShox Select+ | Cannondale Scalpel1 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Specialized FACT 11m | Cannondale Scalpel |
| Fork | RockShox SID Select+ | Fox Float 34 SC Factory |
| Rear shock | RockShox SID LUXE Select+ | Fox Float SL EVOL SV Factory |
| Shifter | Shimano Di2 XT | SRAM Pod Controller |
| Derailleur | Shimano Di2 XT | SRAM X0 Eagle AXS |
| Cassette | Shimano XT M8200 | SRAM X0 Eagle |
| Chain | Shimano XT | SRAM X0 |
| Crankset | Shimano XT M8200 | SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission |
| Bottom bracket | Shimano MT801 | SRAM DUB |
| Wheelset | Roval Control SL V | DT Swiss XCR 1501 Spline |
| Tire | Specialized Fast Trak | Maxxis Rekon Race WT, Maxxis Aspen WT |
| Brake | Shimano XT M8200 | SRAM Level Stealth Silver |
| Handlebar | Specialized Minirise | SystemBar |
| Stem | Specialized XC | SystemBar |
| Grips | SRAM Slip-on | Cannondale Silicone |
| Dropper post | X-Fusion Manic | Fox Transfer SL Performance Elite |
| Saddle | Specialized Power Comp | Prologo Dimension NDR |
| Chainring | not listed | SRAM X0 |
| Hub | not listed | DT Swiss 240 |
| Rim | not listed | DT Swiss XRC 1501 |
| Rotor | not listed | SRAM HS2 |
| Headset | not listed | Acros ICR |
| Seatpost | not listed | Fox Transfer SL |
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