XC bike test results revealed

A head-to-head ride test compares Cannondale Scalpel HT Lab71, Specialized Epic World Cup Expert, and Lauf Elja XC Ultimate Flight Attendant.

One XC race bike stands out in a three-bike test

Three cross‑country race bikes were tested on climbs, flats and rough sections. The Cannondale Scalpel HT Lab71 is the lightest of the trio, roughly 2.7kg lighter than the Lauf Elja and 1.6kg lighter than the Specialized Epic World Cup. That weight edge helps climbs and gives the bike a direct, zippy feel on smooth surfaces. The rear triangle delivers power with some compliance, and the bike rewards a confident pedal stroke. On smooth tarmac and fire-road climbs the Scalpel’s light, direct pedal action stands out.

On rough terrain the Lauf Elja XC Ultimate Flight Attendant shines. Its suspension adapts automatically to the trail, keeping traction on loose rocks and roots, while the wide rear tyre helps grip. The Epic World Cup remains very capable, with its No Gulp settings offering a near hardtail feel on smooth sections and travel when needed. On rocky, technical tracks the Scalpel’s lightness can show its limits, while the Elja benefits from its suspension and tyre width. The Epic feels fastest on smooth climbs but may not match the grip of the Elja on rough surfaces.

Weight, suspension and tyres pull the bikes in different directions. The Scalpel wins on climbs thanks to its light frame, but its narrower tyres and fixed geometry can limit traction on loose or rocky surfaces. The Elja uses Flight Attendant to adapt to the trail, with wide tyres that boost grip on rough ground. The Epic World Cup offers a clever No Gulp setup that makes the bike feel nearly like a hardtail on clean climbs while still providing travel when the trail demands it. The result is not a single winner, but three very different tools for different courses.

This test highlights a shift in XC gear: riders need to pick bikes for specific courses rather than chasing a universal all‑rounder. The move toward smart suspension and lighter frames suggests a future where race bikes are tuned like race skis, rewarding riders who match their bike to the course and conditions.

Highlights

Gear makers will keep refining lighter frames and smarter suspension.