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. The Cannondale Topstone Carbon has been one of the most talked about new gravel bikes for 2020. In the end, I recommend taking a very close look at the geometry chart before buying. None of these new e-bikes are cheap, but with full carbon frames, front and rear suspension and a whole host of high tech goodies, the lines between road, gravel … Boasting a BallisTec carbon … Force eTap 2×12 lacks the gears to really make you a king of climbing. WTB Riddler Tires The handlingTopstone is unique not only because of the KingPing suspension but also because of the very short chainstay that creates something special in terms of bike handling. As for the CONS; I … 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. I think that Cannondale made something special there and I would recommend this handlebar to anyone if not for the one quirky thing. It gets you an even better drivetrain, plus its hydraulic disc brakes are noticeably stronger than the mechanical brakes on the Norco. In terms of fit, I found the Topstone's alpha sizing to be a bit challenging to nail down. Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 (2021) $ 6,499.00. available for orders up to $ 2,000.00 Learn More. Skip that extra bit of carbon instead. All in all, they are a great match for the Topstone. 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. What surprised me, however, was how smooth it was over rough sections of gravel (relatively speaking, of course). The SAVE handlebarYes, I have read a lot of reviews of Topstone Carbon prior to my own time with this bike and many of them stated that front of this bike is much less comfortable than the rear. Canyon Grail had a 1×12 drivetrain from SRAM and I prized it for simplicity and shifting but at the same time, I said it seriously limits your potential on the road. In the end, we think the $249-cheaper Topstone is the superior all-rounder. This is because Topstone has a very short, road like short chainstays (415 mm). Frame On the one hand, you have the last year’s top of the range model that I tested, which offers a great and nicely balanced front and rear comfort. While gravel bikes might look quite similar to standard road models, they differ significantly in terms of geometry. Enquire. It is fast and comfortable in any (reasonable for a gravel bike) situation. Further, the Revolt Advanced 2 features a rubber chain stay and down tube protectors to ward off rocks and debris. At 6’2″, I typically ride gravel bikes with 700c wheels. 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. 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. But then there is also the new 2021 Lefty variant that promises even more comfort (not only because of the Lefty front suspension but also because of the 650b wheels and wider, 47 mm tires). That said, we think the Topstone 105 is well worth the additional $151. But as you’ll soon see, there’s a good reason Cannondale shifted to 650B wheels and tires for this model… Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty review Topstone; Hot Deals. To find out more about how this bike performed in my comfort measuring tests just read this gravel bikes field test introductory article. However, the two bikes differ in a few key areas. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Just quick enough to confidently hammer through narrow forest paths. 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. 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. So, I would have a really hard time deciding what Topstone I should really buy…. SPECIAL ORDER - DIRECT FROM … Cannondale Topstone. Cannondale have taken the electric gravel bike to a whole new level with their 2021 Topstone range, including two versions with their iconic lefty fork. Bar/stem: Cannondale 3, butted 6061 alloy, 16 deg flare drop/Cannondale 2, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7-degrees Seatpost : Cannondale 2, UD Carbon, 27.2 x 350mm Saddle : Fabric Scoop Shallow Elite And this brings me nicely to the next bit of my review…. Honestly, I did not expect that it will be almost as good as my new benchmark bike equipped with a suspension stem from Redshift and a nicely flexing Wave carbon handlebar. ... EF Pro Cycling will become EF Education-Nippo in 2021 December 17, … Canyon Grail, that I reviewed a week ago, is a more road-oriented gravel bike. This bike will not surprise you by any understeer or twitchiness. The Competition. 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. Considering its $1,750 price tag, this is truly an impressive accomplishment. Bicycle mail order specialists. Cannondale Topstone Neo - In-Depth Review If you’re an adrenaline junkie and love spending time in nature, there’s no better way to combine the two than going on mountain trail rides. Moreover, KingPin was advertised not only as a comfort improving solution but also traction enhancer (because of the rear wheel moves up and down). Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 Gravel Bike 2021. I like short chainstay (I really enjoyed the previous generation of Specialized Diverge with 421 mm chainstay because it translated into a very quick, fast accelerating bike). 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. Shimano 105 Drivetrain Otherwise, we’d stick with the less expensive Cannondale. 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. And only when you hit a really big bump that will force the whole system (chainstays, seatstays, and seat tube) to really flex around the pivot point. Call (801) 364-0344 for availability and customization options. I was similarly excited that Cannondale chose to stick with 105 brakes for stopping duties. 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. But even, if it turns out to be supremely comfortable, I would still have an issue with 650b wheels and 1x drivetrain that Cannondale is pushing with those Lefty variants. 0% FINANCE. (Cannondale offers two lower price point options as well: the $6,500 Neo Carbon 2 … To have this handlebar you also have to buy a unique stem and combination of those two parts costs a lot. Bearing in mind, that it uses a rear-end suspension, I think that the result is very good and acceleration on this bike is very satisfying. Cannondale Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX ride impressions On longer rides, the Topstone showed its mettle on the tarmac, it’s a bike that feels fast, powerful and superbly composed, stable … Cannondale Topstone Carbon First Ride All said, there are currently seven models to choose from, all of which offer an impressive value and ride. 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. While it was trickier than usual to find real downsides from this bike to bring to this review, we actually found two that you need to know about: Lack of Color. Unfortunately, Cannondale did not upgrade the 2021 models to have this drivetrain so you are still forced to buy lasts year variant. The asymmetrical AI concept that was needed for making enough tire clearance with so short chainstay means that the entire drivetrain is shifted by 6 mm outward. There... At $1,750, we consider the Topstone 105 one of the best values on the market. The Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 was selected for an Editor’s Choice award in 2020. High-quality aluminum frame and carbon fork deliver a surprisingly smooth ride. For more than two months, we’ve been testing a top-spec Topstone Carbon … 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. However, we think the 105 model reviewed here hits the sweet spot between price and features, but all Topstones are impressive nevertheless. If you’re searching for the best way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted bike racks are the way to go. Fender and rack mounts are a good match for commuters and add to the bike’s versatility. From my experience, I can tell you that this top of the range Topstone offers the best stock level of overall comfort (front and rear combined). Page 1 of 2Topstone Carbon – Cannondale’s all new gravel bike review. They were also easy to fine tune and were an absolute breeze to set up during the initial build. No other flexing solution (maybe apart from GT Grade carbon) offers this kind of combination of benefits. In my opinion, this is a very important factor that makes this bike stands out. 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. Yet, this can’t be easily done on Topstone carbon because the tire clearance is limited to 700x40c tires. Or, at least, inefficient. All told, if you’re more focused on speed than versatility, we think it’s worth the added cost. The Cannondale … In the same category, Trek’s Checkpoint ALR 4 ticks many of the same boxes. I think Cannondale had to make this bike that way because, even though the frame is quite long, I still managed a few times to lift the front wheel when accelerating or climbing hard (for sure lowering the handlebar helps because it shifts the weight more to the front but rather long head tube length can limit your lowering possibilities). 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. My point is that I think that we should have more carbon bikes with threaded bottom brackets and my experience with my titanium Enigma Escape is only making my belief stronger and stronger (but more on the Enigma Escape frame stiffness and power efficacy in the upcoming review of this bike). All told, we think Cannondale nailed the off-road side of the equation. It looked really interesting not only because of the simplicity of the whole approach but also because Cannondale was saying that combined with carbon SAVE seatpost, KingPing offers around 30 mm of suspension. It works beautifully on the road and makes you ride as fast as you want and not as fast as the bikes force you to go. 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. Geometry 2021 Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 2 Gravel bike in Black Pearl is the gravel bike to beat all gravel bikes. Topstone is Cannondale’s mid-range selection of aluminum and carbon … Check out the brand new 2021 Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 at Contender Bicycles. Press-fit bottom bracketIn many reviews I have read there was a mention of bottom bracket making cracking noises. I am happy to report that my review unit stayed completely noise-free during my testing but still, I would consider a press-fit bottom bracket a potential issue on any, not only on Cannondale Topstone bike. Thus, I'm happy to see the generously sized 37-millimeter WTB Riddlers on the 2020 Topstone. The Cannondale Topstone’s Shimano 105 drivetrain is a standout feature of the bike, and I’m happy to report that it never missed a beat. 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. Visit full review… Sporting high-volume and grippy tires, a relatively relaxed geometry, and hydraulic disc brakes, the Cannondale Topstone 105 shines off road. Cannondale Topstone Carbon after the launch of the 2021 Lefty variant for many may seem like a bike that is no longer that attractive. And how about the improved traction? August 29, 2019. Level 2 expert . 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 … 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. A final model to have on your radar is Norco’s Search XR A2. Cannondale's Topstone range has been extremely popular largely due to Cannondale's fearless … Quantity. 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. 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. 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. Shimano’s 105 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes perform well and offer great bang for your buck. 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. Topstone Carbon is an unprecedented gravel bike featuring a revolutionary, ... Cannondale 2, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7° Extra. And again, it was well-equipped for the job. The universally great reviews … Cannondale Topstone Carbon after the launch of the 2021 Lefty variant for many may seem like a bike that is no longer that attractive. In summary, Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 is a superb bike. 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). Both are solid values, but the Topstone strikes us as the better buy. If your mountain biking gear budget has been stretched thin and you’re tempted to skimp on the helmet, don’t. Taking the place of the unique and innovative Slate gravel bike is Cannondale's latest all-road creation: the Topstone. But if you are considering buying a Topstone Carbon, I would really suggest going for a top of the line variant (because only it has this SAVE handlebar). Thanks! 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. 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. Read my review to find out why. Also boasting the new Shimano gravel groupset is the Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX 2, offered in a men’s and women’s version (women’s version available in XS, S, M) for $3,250. 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. 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. With that said, I found the Topstone’s Shimano 105 2 x 11 drivetrain to be a perfect match for my local mountainous terrain. After my testing and measurements, I can tell you that Topstone with SAVE handlebar is supremely comfortable in terms of the front of the bike. Fortunately, a carbon HollowGram wheels (with 22 mm rim depth and 25 mm inner width worked nicely so I would not easily swap them for other sets). THE 2021 Cannondale Topstone 1 WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: 2021 Cannondale Topstone 1: 2021 Cannondale Topstone 1 Fully Assembled, Checked & Fine Tuned. 2×12 drivetrain that Cannondale put on the top of the line Topstone Carbon is on the opposite side of this spectrum. Maybe I had a too big expectation in the first place bat the truth is that, in terms of the saddle movement, KingPin is similarly effective as something like Canyon VCLS 2.0 flexing seatpost put on a very stiff Canyon Grail frame. Cannondale Synapse Disadvantages. Extra 1. Not really, but this is something to be considered before buying this bike. 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. Cannondale Topstone Ultegra RX 2 review Rather than singling out one area of expertise, the Cannondale Topstone has the ability to adapt to any situation - trails, gravel and pavement dashing … The only issue is the drivetrain that comes with this top Topstone Carbon…, Force eTap AXS 2×12 drivetrain There is no coincidence in the order of reviews that I publish based on my gravel field test. The smaller 650B size, whether on road or mountain bike, usually feels squirrelly under me. Shopping Cart Continue Cannondale 2021 Scalpel Carbon 2 - Slate. Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc Brakes I have not ridden Topstone with Lefty yet, but I can assure you that last … Especially because SAVE handlebar does not flex so much but as it turns out, it does not have to. But let’s start with the unique rear suspension…, I asked Cannondale for the Topstone Carbon sample for review mostly because of this rear pivot-based suspension. 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. At tredz.co.uk you can purchase Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 2 2021 - Electric Road Bike for only £5,499.99 The lowest price of Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 2 2021 - Electric Road Bike was … 1. The biggest detractor from the Topstone’s on-road performance is its knobby WTB tires. From my experience, you can gain more traction simply by putting bigger tires run at low air pressure. To my pleasant surprise, Cannondale released the 2021 edition "Lefty" in the same week I had my purchase planned. Would I buy it?I think I would, but Cannondale is not making the choice easy right now. Coming from a mountain biking background, I have a bit of an affinity for large and knobby tires on drop-bar bikes. The hydraulic disc brakes offered ample one-fingered braking power even on the steepest descents, and I never had any issues with fading. Securely attaching to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use. For sales and advice call 01539 821443 Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 2 is a fantastic bike for riders who plan to tackle hardpacked gravel and paved roads on a fast and capable Class 3 e-bike. Buy Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 2021 at Wheelbase, UK's largest cycle store. 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. Yes, Canyon flexing seatpost is great at improving comfort, but I thought that KingPin will be simply better. 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