Mountain Biking - Please help me decide!

I was window shopping for full suspension bikes today and came across these two specimens: a Cannondale Scalpel 800 and Specialized Stumpjumper FSR.

http://idisk.mac.com/mightypudge/Public/scalpel.jpg
http://idisk.mac.com/mightypudge/Public/spec.jpg

Anyone have any experience with either of these bikes? I test rode them today and both are super sweet! But I would like some opinions on durability, since I obviously couldn't take them out on a singletrack test ride.

if you decide to change forks, can the cannondale one be replaced with a traditional shock?

Originally posted by djbowen1
if you decide to change forks, can the cannondale one be replaced with a traditional shock? Yes. In fact I was sure to ask that very same question. I verified this with Cannondale, too. :)

By looks alone, the cannondale kicks ass. Whats the $$ Diff?

Get the Stumpjumper and swap out the Manitou Axel for something better(it's very flexy).

The FSR gives more travel, and is more "anti-bob" than the Scalpel..Plus, the FSR is probably a heck of a better deal. I'm not sure what all is on the Scalpel, or what the price is, but I know Cannondale charges alot for their name.

I'd also consider waiting for '04 models to come out.

To put a normal fork on a Cannondale, you will probably have to used headtube reducers..

Both are nice bikes but the FSR gets a higher rating do to the fork. The HeadShock is not that good. Granted the Axel fork is not the greatest but it will work better.

Either way you will end up with a very nice rig and you can upgrade as you wear the parts out.

The C'dale does have the cool factor going for it which in this case may off set the fork issue.

:beer:

The Cannondale looks pretty sweet....espically that lockout *drool*

My LBS is offering the Cannondale for about $200 more than the FSR.

Fubar - If I buy the FSR, I will not be able to afford buying a new fork. I'll have to live with what I get.

The drivetrains are similar: Deore front and XT rear dr. The Cannondale has better tires - Conti Explorers - and a more comfy saddle (for me, at least). The rims are the same - Mavic 223. The Scalpel has Magura Louise hydraulic disc brakes, while the FSR has Shimano hydraulics.

OK, I'm getting mixed signals on the forks. Which was expected. :)

I actually had heard that the Headshok was a good design. It felt stiffer than the Manitou, but not bad at all. The Manitou is indeed very "flexy."

I ride a Headshok.. I love it. It's going in for a rebuild this weekend. The Axel is a piece of crap I think. I've been drooling over Scalpels since they came out.. wish I could pick myself up one :)

I have never been a fan of Cannondale. Never been a fan of the Headshok, and hardly a fan of the Lefty.

The FSR is a proven design. Doesn't bob if you ride it correctly, and is just a pimped out ride.

I have never been a fan of Magura's either. Just my opinion though.

I'm leaning toward the Scalpel as of right now. It seems that the general consensus on MTB Review is that 200+ pound riders really dislike the Manitou Axel fork. One guy said his fork crapped out after one ride! I did notice it was very squishy on my test ride, and that was only on pavement.

you could always ask your bike shop if they will trade out the fork on the FSR for the difference in cost and get somthing better. Most places wont because they have trouble selling forks at all, and even more trouble selling take offs. But it never hurts to ask.