It has a carbon fork and alloy components. Please review our cookie policy to learn more or to change your cookie settings. The 2x12 drivetrain on the Carbon Force saw riders spoilt for a gear range. If you’re searching for the best way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted bike racks are the way to go. Cannondale Topstone. All things considered, I couldn’t have been happier with these design choices. The Cannondale Topstone Carbon is a superb all-around carbon gravel bike, but it’s not without a few compromises. We have read all expert and user reviews on the Cannondale Topstone. Not the lightest option out there, which could be a deciding factor for race-oriented riders. Other than the fork, there isn’t a lick of carbon componentry on it. Aluminum bikes are known to be harsher than carbon fiber—and in most cases I’ve found this is true—but the Topstone does a great job soaking up both larger impacts and chatter. BikeRide finds and shows you the best prices of the bikes you want to buy. I spent four months testing the 2019 version around the Pacific Northwest and was consistently impressed by the bike’s off-road capabilities, smartly spec’d build, and overall versatility (the 2020 model differs slightly in tire choice and color). The Cannondale Topstone Al Tiagra 2020 Gravel Bike is named after a favourite dirt road loop near the Cannondale headquarters in Connecticut. Topstone Carbon Lefty comes with 650 x 47c tires for even more off-road ability and on-road comfort. They were also easy to fine tune and were an absolute breeze to set up during the initial build. 2020 Cannondale Topstone Tiagra // £1200 One of the new models in the Topstone range is this bike with a Shimano Tiagra 2×10 drivetrain. With that said, I found the Topstone’s Shimano 105 2 x 11 drivetrain to be a perfect match for my local mountainous terrain. Shimano’s 105 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes perform well and offer great bang for your buck. Although they perform well off-road, the Topstone’s aggressive tires aren’t ideal for on-road use. 9/10 Review Price: £3,300.00. The Topstone 105 ($1,650) may represent the best bargain of the entire lineup because it has the added gear range of a Shimano 105 2x11 speed … You get the best deals and we may get a commission. It’s a cycling factotum; serving as a gravel, road, commuting and winter ride. Thanks! The Cannondale Topstone is the gravel bike to end all gravel bikes, thanks to its high-volume tires and sporty handling it's a road bike with a rugged soul. What surprised me, however, was how smooth it was over rough sections of gravel (relatively speaking, of course). Finally, the brakes feature an easy-to-use reach-adjust feature, which allows users to customize the distance between the lever and the handlebar and ensures a proper fit. With its well-executed cable routing, subdued colorway and graphics, and clean-looking lines, I’m happy to report that it lived up to my high expectations. One expert felt this bike accelerated well, compared to the competition. Skip that extra bit of carbon instead. I personally find the IsoSpeed system … Coming from a mountain biking background, I have a bit of an affinity for large and knobby tires on drop-bar bikes. Sporting high-volume and grippy tires, a relatively relaxed geometry, and hydraulic disc brakes, the Cannondale Topstone 105 shines off road. Thankfully, I’m more torso than legs and had no major issues, but the bike still felt relatively large. This website uses cookies for analytics, personalization, and advertising. Cannondale Topstone 105 Carbon Gravel Bike 2020RRP £2099 Full details and specifications on our website: https://www.scotbycycles.co.uk/Our first video! The Kingpin active suspension system is a breakthrough in the gravel world. WTB Riddler Tires Please review our cookie policy to learn more or to change your cookie settings. Shifting is functionally excellent, with positive actions and good feedback. Components were seen to be decent as specced. Hollowgram wheels have wide, light, shallow rims strong enough for singletrack. The good: ... Id have happily paid more to have a 105 crank or even a tiagra would be better. Compared to $1799.00. The alloy framed bikes are more conventional but give you similar capabilities at a much lower price point. Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS [German] Level 2 expert It scores highly with a balanced seating position and high comfort, especially on very rough ground, where the superior damping properties of the Kingpin suspension become noticeable. Most notably, Specialized spec’d the Diverge Comp E5 with smooth and fast-rolling 35-millimeter tires, which are better suited for road rides than gravel surfaces (the Topstone has slightly beefier 37mm tires). Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force AXS review. Many of my rides involve stretches of both road and gravel, so I was able to get a good feel for how the Topstone handles on pavement. Comfort from suspension and a balanced seating position was undeniable. To be clear, the Topstone 105 lacks the explosiveness and nimble feel of a dedicated road bike, but the balanced riding position and smart frame features add to its versatility. Capable off-road and comfortable on-road, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 105 is a unique gravel bike with true suspension—but no heavy shock—offering 30mm of rear travel to smooth out bumps. One expert felt that internal cable routing was noisy. I’ve always had an affinity for Cannondale’s drop-bar bikes, so I was very excited when I heard about the release of the gravel-focused Topstone 105. Additionally, both the carbon fork and aluminum frame feature 12-millimeter thru-axles which increase overall stiffness and improve power transfer, and Cannondale smartly added fender and rack mounts for commuting. SRAM and Shimano hydraulic brakes were welcomed (on high-end models). Full specs, price, and weights of top-end rear suspension Topstone. The rear brake and shift lines come out of the and go under bottom bracket at the bottom, completely exposed. There... At $1,750, we consider the Topstone 105 one of the best values on the market. By continuing to browse, you agree to … Read more about us. The new carbon Topstones have some innovative features that offer a smoother ride over rough surfaces without sacrificing pedalling efficiency. For starters, both bikes feature sturdy aluminum frames and carbon forks, generous clearance for high-volume tires, tubeless-ready wheels, mounts for fenders and racks, and hydraulic disc brakes. It has thirty millimetres of bumpsmoothening suspension… I f you want to be faster than your friends without hurting your ass, this might be the perfect bike for you. The Topstone Carbon is a completely revamped version of the aluminum Topstone Apex1 that was introduced last summer—and this one has rear suspension. Whether it was building bicycles from welded, heat treated aluminum alloy in the 1980s, when the ‘standard’ was lugged steel, or its unique strut-style “Lefty” front suspension today, the company has rarely been content settling for the industry’s status quo. Another important component of off-road performance is gear range. For this review, I tested Cannondale’s middle-of-the-road Topstone 105 ($1,750), which features an aluminum frame and carbon fork, Shimano 105 drivetrain and brakes, and tubeless-ready WTB tires and wheels. Cannondale CAADX Tiagra Cyclo cross bike Cannondale CAADX Tiagra Cyclo cross bike costing £999 is a great looking do everything bike Cycling Active September 16, 2014 3:06 pm Topstone is pure gravel goodness with high-volume tyres, confident rider position and sporty handling, it is ready to smash out big miles on the backroads, explore routes less travelled, or smooth out the chop on your morning commute. Lucas spent a few months riding one around the endless trails and roads surrounding Berlin to find out. Taking the place of the unique and innovative Slate gravel bike is Cannondale's latest all-road creation: the Topstone. Buy the Cannondale Topstone now from Evans Cycles for £2,700 The Topstone has an Ultegra RX rear mech. In the same category, Trek’s Checkpoint ALR 4 ticks many of the same boxes. Prices constantly change and it’s impossible to compare them all yourself. Commuter and city bikes with the highest BikeRide Scores. First and foremost, the Topstone 105 features a longer wheelbase and slacker head tube angle than a traditional road bike, which make it more stable at high speeds and when traveling over rough terrain—an especially important consideration for riding gravel roads or even commuting with a heavy load. Salsa. All told, we think Cannondale nailed the off-road side of the equation. In terms of fit, I found the Topstone's alpha sizing to be a bit challenging to nail down. It’s a promise we stand behind: If you find a lower price on a bike elsewhere, we will sell it to you for 10% less. The combination of a 46/30t front chainring and a 11-34t cassette in the rear allowed me to sit and spin on even the steepest climbs, but I could still push a big gear on fast descents. Every model of Topstone is equipped with a full carbon fork. Cannondale Topstone 105: Getting Rolling – By MG. Cannondale is well known for forging its own path in the cycling world. If you like the Topstone but want improved on-road performance, the Specialized Diverge Comp E5 could be a good match. If you’re in the market for more of a race-oriented model, we really like Giant’s Revolt Advanced 2. Cannondale’s Topstone is a gravel/all-road bike, featuring a super light ‘Kingpin’ suspension system, located part way up the seat tube, to ramp up comfort on the road and off the road. With the Giant, you get a lightweight carbon fiber frame, the same high-performing Shimano 105 drivetrain as the Topstone, and generous tire clearance for large rubber. However, the two bikes differ in a few key areas. Cannondale Topstone Review. Experts bemoaned the Topstone’s less-than-stellar climbing abilities. If gearing isn’t easy enough, you’ll end up walking your bike up steep climbs; if it’s not hard enough, you could spin out on the way down. Otherwise, we’d stick with the less expensive Cannondale. Cannondale Topstone Sora is the cheapest build you can get. I tested the Topstone AL 105 on both smooth and rough gravel roads, as well as trails, pavement, and granite rock, sand, and dirt. On technical and rough terrain, small tire volumes and a high centre of gravity caused problems. In the end, I recommend taking a very close look at the geometry chart before buying. It scores highly with a balanced seating position and high comfort, especially on very rough ground, where the superior damping properties of the Kingpin suspension become noticeable. Securely attaching to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use. This rig is renowned for nimble, confident handling on sketchy surfaces. Subtle color schemes and discreet welds made for an appealing package. Score . Gravel bikes—also known as adventure or all-road bikes—are built to handle terrain ranging from forest service roads to pavement, dirt, and even mellow singletrack. However, the Trek’s 2 x 10 Shimano Tiagra groupset falls short of the Topstone’s 2 x 11 Shimano 105 drivetrain in both performance and range, although the Cannondale does see a $150 price increase over the Trek. I’ve spent a good amount of time on Shimano’s higher-end Ultegra offering, and while it does shave a few grams of weight and shift slightly better, most riders should be more than satisfied with the 105 groupset. See the full review here… BikeRide works hard to help you find the lowest prices and information on each bike from the widest possible range of sources. Cannondale Topstone Apex review GT Grade Carbon Pro review As two of the hottest gravel bikes of 2019, Cannondale’s Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX … The Force eTap AXS shifters were sometimes too bulky for smaller hands. And again, it was well-equipped for the job. This bike is built around a lightweight SmartForm C2 aluminum frame coupled with a full carbon fork. In fact, I found it was an ideal match for the gravel roads around the Pacific Northwest. After much back and forth, I decided to stick with a medium for consistency and to accurately compare the Topstone with other models I’ve tested. For this review, I tested Cannondale’s middle-of-the-road Topstone 105 ($1,750), which features an aluminum frame and carbon fork, Shimano 105 drivetrain and brakes, and tubeless-ready WTB tires and wheels. I was similarly excited that Cannondale chose to stick with 105 brakes for stopping duties. All in all, they are a great match for the Topstone. A long-term reviewer felt that Cannondale could have provided more greases and lubes. Carbon models were somewhat expensive, compared to the competition. It’s fitted with a full 2×9 Shimano Sora groupset which is cheap but extremely capable and durable. To be sure, the Checkpoint ALR 4 is no slouch, but we think Cannondale’s Topstone is the better gravel bike overall. On 105 models, the groupset is lauded. The bike must be the same color and size, sold in the US and not include the use of a coupon. In this Cannondale Topstone review we take a look at all the models in the range. It’s ideal for beginners and first-timers on the gravel. At the other end of the spectrum is Cannondale's newly released carbon lineup, which ranges from their entry-level Topstone Carbon 105 model priced at $2,750 and tops out at $6,750 for the electronic-shifting SRAM AXS version. However, we think the 105 model reviewed here hits the sweet spot between price and features, but all Topstones are impressive nevertheless. Considering its $1,750 price tag, this is truly an impressive accomplishment. Geometry Connected An integrated wheel sensor delivers hyper accurate speed, route and distance info, registers your bike, reminds you of needed service and more, all through the free Cannondale App. If your mountain biking gear budget has been stretched thin and you’re tempted to skimp on the helmet, don’t. While we like this addition, it does add complexity and cost to the build. The Cannondale Topstone Apex 1 promises “pure gravel goodness” at a price that won’t break the bank, but does it deliver? One expert really would have preferred a threaded bottom bracket. The Topstone Carbon is the most off-road capable and on-road comfortable road bike ever made. An evolution of the flagship T2 Classic, this is a fully-featured rack with... For many mountain bikers, understanding the background, history, and ethos of a company has a major impact on the purchase of a new rig. Similar to the Topstone 105, the Diverge Comp E5 features Shimano’s 2 x 11 105 drivetrain, comfortable geometry, and mounts for racks and fenders. If you plan to spend most of your time on pavement, I recommend switching them out for faster-rolling option. Topstone is Cannondale’s mid-range selection of aluminum and carbon gravel bikes, including two electric versions.The bikes are all of relatively high quality and have the prices to match, starting at $999 all … Designed mainly for off-road use, the tread blocks emit a slight hum down the road, and the tires’ soft side knobs did little to inspire confidence on high-speed turns. Another important thing to note is that the Riddlers are extremely easy to set up tubeless, and I've never had issues with losing air. The hydraulic disc brakes offered ample one-fingered braking power even on the steepest descents, and I never had any issues with fading. In essence, they are more capable than road bikes yet more efficient than mountain... Mountain bikes have come a long way in recent years, with trends like 29-inch wheels—and more recently, 27.5-inch wheels—blazing the trail for bikes that are better and more... Salsa Cycles’ adventure-by-bike ethos permeates each and every model in their lineup, and the gravel-focused Journeyman is no exception. While not particularly quick, the bike was easy to maneuver in traffic and along city streets, and its riding position was quite comfortable. The Cannondale Topstone is the gravel bike to end all gravel bikes, thanks to its high-volume tires and sporty handling it's a road bike with a rugged soul. $3,299.00. Some reviewers described Apex models as ‘relatively inexpensive’. With a change of tyres the Topstone Carbon is capable of becoming as close to a one bike ‘quiver killer’ as I thought possible. $1,529.93. From my very first ride, I felt extremely confident in the bike's abilities: its knobby WTB tires dug nicely into loose sections of trail, and the 12-millimeter thru-axles and well-placed flared drop handlebars provide stability and control on fast descents. ... 1 reviews with an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars. Additionally, the Diverge Comp E5 features a unique front suspension design that delivers about 20 millimeters of travel, which is just enough to take the edge off big hits. Combined with a 46/30t crankset, the 11-34t rear cassette provided an easy-enough gear for long uphill slogs, and I never found myself wishing for more options on the way back down. Supple and knobby WTB tires work well over a variety of terrain. Among the most progressive gravel bikes to hit the market in 2019, the Topstone Carbon features Cannondale’s new Kingpin rear-triangle leaf-spring … The biggest detractor from the Topstone’s on-road performance is its knobby WTB tires. Editor’s note: We usually provide a live price comparison table below our outdoor gear reviews, but at the time of publishing the Topstone 105 is only available nationwide at REI Co-op. Both are solid values, but the Topstone strikes us as the better buy. However the seat post seems about an inch too high in the lowest position - I can't put my heels on the pedals without rocking my hip. 2020 Cannondale Topstone 105 AL review? Sharing the ergonomics of Shimano’s loftier levers, the Tiagra controls feel great. I’ve been spending time on the 40-millimeter Donnelly Strada USH tubeless tires lately and have thoroughly enjoyed their off-road grip and on-road capability. Further, the fender mounts are a great match for wet-weather commutes, and the bike’s rack compatibility works well for those who use traditional panniers. For anyone who says colors don’t matter, we would challenge them to look at the three Topstone models and not admit the Electric Blue finish on the high-end model is not deserving of a second look. In the end, we think the $249-cheaper Topstone is the superior all-rounder. On-road, the Topstone rode well but wasn’t a. It’s worth noting that differences of a few millimeters might not seem like a huge deal, but these variations can have a major impact on ride characteristics and performance. To see how it stacks up, see our article on the best gravel bikes. A long-term review said rims were heavy and didn’t stay true. Switching lines to avoid holes, hopping obstacles, nailing cambers and precise line choice become second nature. New Cannondale Topstone - not covered by warranty My son bought a new Cannondale Topstone Tiagra using the cycle 2 work scheme from a local dealer - £1250, early in May 2020. Cannondale Topstone Apex ride impressions. Named after the Cannondale team's favourite dirt road loop, the Topstone is a range of all-out gravel bikes.Featuring big tyre clearance, a confident rider position and sporty handling, you're ready for adventure on this capable and versatile gravel rig. Attaching a dropper post reportedly limited minimum seat heights. All said, there are currently seven models to choose from, all of which offer an impressive value and ride. Thus, I'm happy to see the generously sized 37-millimeter WTB Riddlers on the 2020 Topstone. Even with more aggressive tyres than most, the Topstone makes good progress on tarmac, with some … We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Shimano 105 Drivetrain The Topstone weighs around 23lbs for the size large I reviewed, with the dropper and it rides like a 23lb bike. For example, if you find a bike for $480 that we have listed at $500, we will offer you to buy it for $432 through BikeRide. While gravel bikes might look quite similar to standard road models, they differ significantly in terms of geometry. Its solid platform delivers power to the pedals, strong construction keeps your feet protected, and secure fit... Peru has always peaked our interest, with towering whitewashed mountains, the Amazon rainforest, and more ancient history than we Canadians know what to do with. Mounts are provided for three bottle cages, frame bags, spares, a rear rack, full mudguards and a top tube storage pouch. Cannondale even included mounts on the frame near the stem, which are ideal for a top-tube bag and items you want easily accessible during rides, like snacks. I'm 6'1.5" (187 cm) in height, and according to Cannondale's Topstone sizing chart right in the middle of their "L" sizing bracket (which extends from 5'10"-6'4"). At 5’9”, I’ve never ridden anything other than a size medium bike, but given the medium's relatively long 56.1-centimeter top tube length, I was tempted to go with a small (54.4cm). From my experience, they provide reliable traction while cornering on loose gravel, their supple casing does a great job of smoothing out bumps, and they roll well enough for some mixed pavement use. High-quality aluminum frame and carbon fork deliver a surprisingly smooth ride. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Below we break down the Topstone 105’s off-road and on-road performance, key features, components and specs, and other versions in the line. Cannondale’s Topstone 105 is a competitively priced and extremely versatile gravel bike. Released last year, the mid-range Topstone 105 features a sturdy aluminum frame and carbon fork, Shimano 105 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, and multiple mounting locations—all for a very reasonable $1,750. Price: $1,750Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 37mmWhat we like: Quality components and impressive versatility at a great price.What we don’t: A bit heavy for race-oriented gravel riders.See the Cannondale Topstone 105. Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc Brakes If you find a lower price, email us at [email protected] with documentation of the price. All told, if you’re more focused on speed than versatility, we think it’s worth the added cost. We’re committed to making sure that the cost of a bike does not keep you from cycling! You could easily shave even more weight off it with carbon wheels and a carbon cockpit or cranks. Frame Cannondale Topstone AL 105 Review The Cannondale Topstone AL 105 is a gravel bike winner — it’s fast, nimble, and climbs like a beast. It’s whether you want the straight-line speed and the stability of the Cannondale or the lively, more nimble feel of the GT. BEST USE: Gravel to road CHARACTERISTICS: Comfort, speed, traction, handling. We spent most of the spring using and abusing the top-end Apex 1 650 model on gravel roads... A quality mountain bike shoe plays a number of important roles. Rounding out the good-looking package is ample clearance for meaty gravel tires (up to about 42mm wide) and plenty of mounting locations for water bottle cages (three on my size medium). The most off-road capable and on-road comfortable road bike ever made!. In summary, this is what cyclists think. Fender and rack mounts are a good match for commuters and add to the bike’s versatility. And while I miss the tan sidewall WTB Nanos that adorned the 2019 model, I think the more well-rounded Riddlers are the better choice overall. Fend… The $2,450 Giant is certainly harder on the wallet than the $1,750 Cannondale, but it’s difficult to argue with the bike’s carbon frame and race-oriented build. This bike undercuts the Topstone in price at $1,599 and includes nice features like a 2 x 10 Shimano drivetrain, well-balanced Schwalbe G-One Bite tires, and plenty of mounting locations for racks, bottles, and gear. Further, the Revolt Advanced 2 features a rubber chain stay and down tube protectors to ward off rocks and debris. After the eye-catching finish, it’s the nicely tapered 56.1cm top tube that you should focus on next, followed quickly by the array of Allen bolts that dot the frame providing a home for three water bottles and a top tube accessory bag. It’s true, mountain bike helmet prices are creeping up... Sweden-based Thule is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of car racks and bike accessories, and the T2 Pro XT is their top hitch-mounted offering. ... Old bike was an XL and the topstone is an L, 5'11.5 33.5" inseam. Marrakesh Sora Bike (0) 0 reviews. Day one - first ride - the rear wheel went out of true by about 20mm. We search for prices on over 120 bike retailers to guarantee that we find the lowest prices – to save you time and money. That said, we think the Topstone 105 is well worth the additional $151. More to have on your radar is Norco ’ s versatility all all... 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