heidelbergensis 

Greetings fellow BFers,

I'm usually over in C&V and the roadie forums, but I've recently decided to give MTBing a go since I've moved to an area in Germany where my current gravel-optimized road bike (steel frame + fork, rim brake, 30c tires + fenders) has left me seriously underbiked more often than not. I find myself riding up to 85% on gravel and forest trails, and while my current bike has performed admirably, it's become clear that I am not only suffering needlessly/not having as much fun as I could on muddy and loose terrain, but that a MTB would actually expand the routes that I could ride. Instead of replacing the gravel bike I sold before moving here, I just figured I should commit and get an MTB (after all, I think "gravel bikes" are kind of silly tbh).

This got me started on doing some research for the best bang for my buck around (or preferably under) 2000 Euros that I could ride right out of the box (or show room, whatever). Since I'm used to building bikes up from scratch (and mostly with vintage or certainly used parts) the idea of spending that much money and still barely be out of the entry-level segment depresses me. Based on my research and the terrain I'll be riding, I was lead to consider a hardtail as the best tool. My only previous experience with a hardtail MTB was a 26" Tellico Litespeed that I owned about 8 years ago and eventually had set up as a singlespeed city bike, though I did mess around with some single track at the time.

Saddle is almost certainly too high in this pic
The previous owner had this set up as a bit of a frankenstein build with rear v-brake and front disc. While it was fun AF to ride, it didn't really fulill a purpose in the old bike pile at the time, so I eventually passed it on. Still, if I can find an MTB as fun as that was, but more suited to longer rides, then I would be sehr glücklig indeed.

Anyway, this brings me to the two bikes mentioned in the thread title. I've found some pretty great deals on the Cannondale Scalpel HT 4 (in pearl black) for 1799 Euros and the Specialized Chisel Comp (in silver) for 1350 Euros. While I've also looked at a few other bikes at this price point, these two seem like the best bikes with the best possible spec at the best possible price available online in Germany. I've been to a few shops here and even test rode a few MTBs (Orbea Alma, for example) but the spec and price just didn't line-up like with these two.



Based on your own experiences, which of these options might be the best tool given the intended use on mixed-surface trails, pavement and opening-up to explore rougher terrain, along with lots of climbing (the area around Stuttgart is very hilly)? Are there any current or former Scalpel or Chisel owners here?

While the Cannondale is appealing for how heavily discounted it is and it's higher-spec Rock Shox Sid SL fork, I find myself more interested in the Chisel for the low price, threaded BB, unfussy alu frame and its looks (love that silver!). But I also realize that they are very different bikes both in terms of geo and materials.

Which then brings me to my other issue: sizing. I am 6'1"/186cm tall with a 34.5"/86.5cm inseam, and seem to be between sizes in both bikes. The reach on the Cannondale is already somewhat short, so I feel like the XL might be a better bet in my case. Given the slacker HT angle, a shorter stem might be appropriate in case I need to shorten the reach. Test riding the bikes aren't an option, as all the stores around here that carry Cannondale and Specialized do not have either model in stock, and also only sell them for MSRP or slightly under vs. the heavy discount from the (legitimate) retailers I've found.

Anyway, I greatly appreciate any and all thoughts here - am I stupid? Should I just get another gravel bike and shut up? - along with any suggestions for similar alternatives available in the EU market!!!