Here’s the latest update on our experience with this groundbreaking new gravel bike. I’m a big fan of the Topstone Carbon’s handling feel, but for some it might be more of an acquired taste. Dialed Endurance Fit. Hey @Dennis – Thanks for reading, and for you your questions. I’ll be using the Red Shift Sports Shock Stop stem to give a more balanced feel front and rear. Cannondale is offering the Oliver Carbon (tested here) for aftermarket purchase for $1,500. Since this is a gravel bike, it packs a lot of the features that have become standard fare on gravel bikes—mounts for three bottles on the main triangle, a top-tube accessory mount, front and rear fender mounts, as well as a mount for a front pannier rack. The first thing that jumps out is 415mm chainstays, which on their own are noteworthy on a gravel bike, where 420-440mm are more typical, but factor in the rear suspension and you do have something remarkable. To get us a closer look, Cannondale and REI teamed up to send Man Makes Fire a review unit. Cannondale’s Hollowgram 22 wheels feature 22mm tall, 25mm wide (internal) tubeless-ready carbon rims, with 24 butted spokes in the front (laced in a 2:1 pattern) and 28 spokes in the rear (laced 3-cross). Kingpin Suspension System relies on engineered flex in the frame instead of linkage systems and a shock. One issue I have with SRAM’s new eTap AXS road groups is the Flat-Top chain. Shifting is solid and dependable, if a bit noisier than an equivalent Shimano drivetrain. Countering the trend of high-end gravel bikes featuring 1x drivetrains, this bike (and the rest of the Topstone Carbon family) is refreshingly outfitted with two chainrings. I mostly remedied this by installing a larger 45c version of the WTB Riddler tires that are spec’ed on the bike. Hey @MG, thanks for the report. The Topstone Carbon 105 is the lowest-priced model in the line, at $2,700. SRAM Adds Lower Gearing Options to Force eTap AXS. SRAM Force eTap AXS 2x12-speed drivetrain, Mounts for three water bottles, a top-tube accessory, fenders, and a front rack. Find a bike shop near me ... BallisTec Carbon. Ultimately, I think a test ride is always best, but I’ve got a 33-inch inseam and am 6’1” tall. Everyone I’ve let ride the bike has come back with the same feeling. Those few watts may come in handy after hours of toiling away at Dirty Kanza. Our Aspero uses the top-level SRAM Force AXS 1 build, using the Chicago brand’s wireless 12-speed drivetrain. I come from riding mountain and fat bikes, so the slightly wider BB feels just fine to me. The perception of size that gives the carbon bike is a bit of a difference maker in that respect, so if you can, get a test ride in on both sizes and choose the one that works best, knowing you can always swap out stems and seatposts as needed to dial it in 100%. But it’s just enough to take the edge off. We take a first look at the new gravel bike from Cannondale. Drive in pleasure! Flat gravel roads felt fast, riding on pavement didn’t feel like a drag, and the bike felt sharp and crisp when standing to power over short hills. That said, it’s modestly priced when compared to most of Cannondale’s other offerings – including their $6,750 Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS – as well as when viewed alongside many of the other bikes in the wider gravel/adventure category. Your email address will not be published. Sorry for the delay in getting the final post up on the Topstone Carbon. Just waiting on the right rear shifter/brake from Shimano. When traversing larger bumps or extended sections of washboard, the Kingpin suspension becomes more apparent as it actively works to mute the vibration reaching the rider. While I’ve had no problems with the function or durability of the chain to-date, the fact that I can’t replace it with any other chain in a pinch is hard for me to get my head around. CERVELO Aspero APEX1 2020. Please let us know which way you end up going! Cannondale ships the bike with a 25mm top cap, and hidden under that cap is a flat cap for riders who feel the need to slam that stem. Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS Gravel Bike 2020 EX DEMO,Ex-Demo Bike: Very good condition Little use / wear ALL NEW TOPSTONE - More Give - More Go - An unprecedented gravel bike with real suspension - It's the most off-road capable and on-road comfo,Clearance Products - Clearance Bikes,Cycle SuperStore Full specs, price, and weights of top-end rear suspension Topstone. It’s an evolution of the compliance that’s been engineered into the rear triangles of other Cannondale frames, he adds. The Topstone Carbon fills that gap. Hey @Bill. Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS: Getting Rolling, Gravel Grinder News: Cannondale Goes Big with New Topstone Carbon, Getting Rolling: Clement MSO 36mm Tubeless Tires, Robert Axle Project Lightning Thru Axles: Quick Review, ← Gravel Grinder News: PRO Introduces New 2020 Gravel Components & Accessories, Donnelly Strada USH 700 X 40mm Tires: Getting Rolling →, Gravel Grinder News: Cannondale Debuts '21 Topstone Carbon Lefty- Carbon Gravel E-Bike - Riding Gravel, Project Topstone: Getting Rolling – Part 2, Archer Components’ D1x Trail Shifting System: At The Finish, “Episode #68 – Dave Pryor of unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley”. Really like the Topstone Carbon you are testing. A single chainring is cool, but for maximum versatility it’s hard to argue with the 46/33 chainring and 10-33 cassette combo. Fork mounts are drilled completely through the fork for more mounting options. For some, this may be a deal breaker, but I suspect most Cannondale aficionados won’t be fazed. The Cannondale Topstone Carbon gravel bike boasts 30mm of travel without the use of a linkage system or shock. With the seatstays attaching so low on the seat tube, the seat tube acts as a giant leaf spring, says Sam Ebert from the Cannondale Product Team. 2020 Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS Gravel Bike 56cm: Condition: Used “ Bike and components are in good condition. The suspension effect is more apparent when seated than when standing, which makes sense given some of the travel comes at the saddle, through flex in the seat tube, top tube and seatpost. The Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS that’s the subject of this review is outfitted with, predictably, SRAM’s Force eTap AXS 2x12-speed drivetrain. It’s noticeable right away when you hit the dirt, but is most apparent when trying to haul your ass up a gravel climb in the saddle. For reference, the large Topstone Carbon I’m testing has 61mm of BB drop, compared to 75mm of drop on the same size alloy Topstone. The slightly higher BB height also gives me the ability to rip through our local singletrack on the way out and/or home from gravel rides without fear of clipping a pedal in corners. Countering the trend of … I’m 5’8” and typically ride Cannondale M size bikes. Thanks @Joey B. What I found was interesting. 1. Cicli Mattio € 5.499,00. For open minded gravel cyclists not encumbered by traditional expectations, it can be a one way ticket to gravel nirvana. Did it bother you at all on long rides? SuperSix EVO Carbon Disc Force eTap AXS | Race Bikes | Cannondale. Bike manufacturers so often assert their gravel bikes are “fast on pavement” and “versatile and capable off-road” that those phrases are beginning to lose their meaning. While the fork is by no means harsh, there is a definite difference in the feel of bumps through the front and rear wheels. Have been waiting for your final assessment….. Hey @Bret: Thanks for your note. Cervelo Aspero: The SRAM AXS Force Build. The geometry makes the bike capable in corners, but for those used to bikes with more aggressive head tube angles and less fork offset, it might take some time to acclimate to the different feel as you lean in. Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS Gravel Bike 2020. I ride the SFi in L and wonder if I should downsize the Topstone to M as some suggest? Obviously the Hollowgram 22 wheels on the Topstone Carbon are built around this different dish. Great review.. Kingpin suspension gives riders 30mm of travel with no linkage or shock. It utilizes a single pivot and relies on engineered flex in the frame for the travel. We don’t have exact numbers because each frame is slightly different, as each size has a drastically different design in order to create the same riding experience across the full range of sizes. The Topstone Carbon takes every (meager) watt of energy I have and makes the most of it, thanks to the stiffness Cannondale engineered into the massive downtube and chainstays. The Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS that’s the subject of this review is outfitted with, predictably, SRAM’s Force eTap AXS 2x12-speed drivetrain. I have a fat tire bike also so I definitely appreciate large tire volume for snow, sand and shock absorption. I read somewhere that the carbon Topstone M is equivalent to size 55cm. Excited to buy one especially after a great ride this past weekend. Great to hear about your new Topstone Carbon! The alloy Topstone M size was just fine and comfortable, but the carbon Topstone M size was too big for me. Last week, I test rode both Topstone alloy M and carbon M size bikes. For a bike that’s intended to be as good on the road as it is on gravel, the expanded range of a 2x drivetrain, as well as the smaller gaps between gears that come with the 10-33 cassette, are a clear winner. I’ll update this in my At the Finish review, but for now, all is quiet on the Topstone Carbon home front. Do you still like the bike after a year of riding? Brand: Cannondale, Product: Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS Topstone is pure gravel goodness. The Topstone Carbon SRAM Force eTap AXS is the flagship of the new carbon gravel bike line. Stack and reach measurements, through the range of sizes, match the Synapse and are very middle-of-the-road for gravel bikes. And paired with 46/33 chain rings you’ve got just about everything that you could want in terms of gear choices. To me, that’s proof that Kingpin really works. For $4,000 you can get rolling on the Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX, featuring Shimano’s new gravel-specific groupset. A 2x drivetrain, courtesy of SRAM’s Force eTap AXS groupset, is a very welcome addition. With no gear wires, AXS gives an uncluttered look, although the rear mech is large. I didn’t weigh the wheelset, but they feel very light in hand and spin up and roll very nicely. Riders who prefer a more aggressive fit can certainly achieve that, and those who like to be a little more upright can get the handlebar position they desire without having to resort to using loads of spacers under the stem. Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS | Gravel Bikes | Cannondale. Building on the popularity of the Topstone that Cannondale introduced last summer, this new Topstone Carbon turns it up to 11 with a lightweight carbon frame and a groundbreaking leaf-spring suspension system that offers 30mm of travel at the saddle. Look fast, feel fast, go fast, right? Joel B, how does your Topstone carbon ride? Proven in testing to reduce drag by up to 30 per cent over pure round tubing this airfoil shaping can most obviously be seen in the CAAD13’s down tube and seat tube a… There’s also the Topstone Lefty which has 30mm of travel in its Lefty suspension fork. It’s a bike that can handle any kind of gravel grinder, function as a daily rider, and also work quite well when your ride stays entirely on the straight and narrow. How we test gear. By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies. What about the wider q-factor? Price: $6,500 Weight: 19.8 lb. Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty pricing and availability Cannondale is rolling out three versions of the Topstone Carbon Lefty. SRAM has virtually leveled the playing field with Shimano in terms of shifting to easier gears, both front and rear. Some readers have asked how much effect Cannondale’s SAVE seatpost has on the ride quality of the Topstone Carbon. And while the news of Cannondale’s impressive new Topstone Carbon is just breaking today, we’ve been riding a top-line Force eTap AXS model for a few weeks now. On the Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS that I rode this is made a bit more difficult due to the HollowGram SAVE semi-integrated bar and stem, but there are options for swapping the stem and bar. Cicli Mattio € 3.799,00. Monthly Financing Options Available Learn More . That means at the same saddle height, the rider sits 14mm higher on a Topstone Carbon than on the alloy bike – not an insignificant amount. Have a great weekend. The Topstone Carbon is stiff where it needs to be for drivetrain efficiency and stable handling, yet flexible in other parts of the frame to achieve the desired ride quality. I suspect the reason is because the less rigid SAVE post is absorbing more of the chatter before activating the Kingpin suspension. FREE Shipping when you spend Over $100 *Exclusions Apply . If you’re a one bike household, that might not be an issue. Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS Road Bike - 2020, Medium | eBay Cannondale's proprietary high-strength, high-stiffness carbon construction. Some normal wear and marks for a Gravel Bike. I plan to test ride Topstone carbon S size next week, but I’m not sure of the fit. @Joey B. To date, I haven’t had any weird creaks from the Kingpin pivot or press fit bottom bracket, though I’ve heard reports of other riders suffering a different fate with their Topstone Carbon bikes. There’s no power loss due to bounce or sag, and the bike feels very normal over smaller bumps. Carbon Hollowgram rims add to the light and nimble feel of the bike, and the integrated SAVE handlebar and stem combo have slight aero styling more reminiscent of road bikes than gravel bikes. This groundbreaking bike is a gravel/all-road bike that’s both smooth and efficient on pavement, while truly excelling on the fun (read: rough) stuff. Overall, the wheels have stayed true and round with just one minor round of truing after about 200 miles of riding. That said, the Topstone Carbon is versatile enough that I wouldn’t hesitate to throw on a frame, seatpost and handlebar bag for a quick bike camping trip. Topstone Carbon models have plenty of mounts for bottle cages, feed bags, fenders, and even a front rack. And why not have a little aero help. Keeping that in mind, you can see how each bike doesn’t have precisely the same travel. 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. What length are you (inseam also maybe good to know). Thanks again for your articles they were the most informative that I have read. Plus, the drivetrain features 24 wide-range gears! The team responsible for the shaping and development of the SuperSix EVOhave also had a big hand in the design of the CAAD13 with almost every tube being radically altered from the previous version. A trail of only 58mm is also much closer to what you might find on a road bike than a heavy-duty gravel bike. Did you happen to measure it? The Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force eTap ASX 2020 Men’s Gravel Bike in Acid Red comes with Cannondale’s new KingPin suspension system. No longer will changing cables mean fishing them into the cavernous abyss of the frame and hoping they come out where they are supposed to on the other end. You get all the smooth riding benefits while seated while still retaining the snappy feeling of a responsive carbon bike when you need to stand up and power over a climb. I think this is a great choice for amateurs and professionals. MG – Thanks for the quick response! The improved lever shape and hoods are very comfortable and the shift paddles impossible to mistake. Greatly appreciated. Some aftermarket wheels will also be able to be re-dished to fit into a Topstone Carbon frame, but some will not. But that’s part of what makes this bike, that’s such a pleasure to ride on the rough stuff, also very pleasant on normal pavement. The Hollowgram Si carbon handlebar flexes a bit more than normal bars, but in terms of overall impact absorption, the rear end is doing more to smooth the ride. $6,750.00 + Free Shipping. The stack of 610mm and 394mm reach on my size L test bike offer riders a wide range of fit options. The stiffer alloy post doesn’t flex as readily, so it more quickly puts energy into the Kingpin suspension on smaller bumps and vibrations. The bike rides great regardless of seatpost, but I actually prefer the more direct ride the alloy post offers. Details about 2020 Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS Gravel Bike 56cm See original listing. CERVELO Aspero GRX1 700 650 2020. You can easily pedal through corners that’d trip up a bike with 75mm of BB drop. While I can definitely feel that I sit higher up on the Topstone Carbon than I do on other bikes, once rolling, the sensation mostly disappears. Since you rode it a lot maybe you can advice. SRAM Force eTap AXS gives riders a great range of gears for most terrain. Thanks for your questions. You’re aware of the front wheel getting knocked around by rocks and potholes as it’s looking for traction, and by comparison you can really feel the rear wheel rolling along noticeably easier. Bicycling participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Initially, I thought this might be a problem, as I typically prefer the handling of bikes with a lower bottom bracket. Thanks for reading!! Brakes: SRAM Force eTap AXS, 160/160mm Centerline, Centerlock rotors. It’s replaced by a capable, precise feel, and plenty of confidence and cornering traction. The Topstone Carbon takes every (meager) watt of energy I have and makes the most of it, thanks to the stiffness Cannondale engineered into the massive downtube and chainstays. Rims / Wheelset: HollowGram 22 Carbon, 22mm deep, 25mm ID, tubeless ready. The reach and standover height was too much! Tyres: WTB Riddler TCS Light, 700 x 37c, tubeless ready. I could ride the M size after swapping the stem with a shorter one, and with a lower seatpost. TREK Checkpoint SL 7 2021. I just sent the bike back to Cannondale, so I need to get that done. I have a quick question about the sizing as I have read that it runs a little large. For someone (like me) who has several gravel and/or road bikes in their quiver, the offset frame limits the ability to swap wheels among bikes. Crankset :SRAM Force eTap AXS - 46/33t - 172.5 mm. Page 1 of 2Topstone Carbon – Cannondale’s all new gravel bike review. After testing the Cannondale Topstone AL 105 over varied surfaces and terrain, this is what we learned: Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. It’s by no means a deal killer, rather, it’s an opportunity to make future iterations of a great bike even better. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. I suspect the BB height of the carbon bike is a lot of what you’re feeling. ... Sram Force eTap AXS £4,800 Brand: Cannondale, Product: Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS Topstone is pure gravel goodness. The 71.2-degree head tube angle isn’t particularly aggressive, but with 55mm of offset in the fork, steering from center is quick, light and easy to control. With a 1:1 low gear (33:33t) and a 46:10t tall gear, the Topstone Carbon is geared well for the gravel I typically ride. In fact, the smaller sizes, besides having a different layup schedule than the larger bikes, even have noticeably different shaped tubes. (L)Learn More More Images. The carbon Save handlebar and alloy stem add aero flair to this gravel bike. Last week, I test rode both Topstone alloy model and Topstone carbon model. After all, the company has used the Ai offset design for several years in a number of their most popular models including the F-Si MTB hardtail and Super X ‘cross racing bike. Front shifts to the big chainring and rear shifts to smaller cogs (both taller/harder gears) are two areas where Shimano still holds a slight lead in shift quality. Brand: Cannondale, Product: Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS Topstone is pure gravel goodness. The SRAM Force eTap AXS drivetrain looks a little plasticky, but performs well on the road. Brand: Cannondale, Product: Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS Topstone is pure gravel goodness. TREK Checkpoint SL 6 2021. One of the remarkable things about the Topstone is how Cannondale managed to create a bike that’s efficient on rough gravel yet also lively and responsive on pavement. The Ai offset design centers the rim by re-dishing the rear wheel to the left/non-drive side. The Kingpin suspension splits the travel between the saddle and the rear axle, so you don’t get any unexpected suspension movement under power. Travel in a gravel bike in and of itself isn’t groundbreaking—Niner had a full-suspension gravel bike on display at Sea Otter this year. In the meantime, head over to Cannondale.com to learn more about each of Cannondale’s alloy and carbon Topstone models. I’m on the larger size for a large alloy Topstone, but feel more like I’m in the midrange of the size riders a large Topstone Carbon will fit. 2020 CANNONDALE TOPSTONE CARBON FORCE ETAP AXS ROAD BIKE When you're riding off the beaten track, exploring beyond the horizon or tackling broken roads there can surely be nothing better equipped to tackle the unknown than the Topstone Carbon Force eTap … Bottom line: the ride quality is simply different with the SAVE post than it is with the alloy post – not better or worse. Cannondale have used their experience making fast race bikes, comfortable endurance bikes and ultra-light dual suspension mountain bikes to create a bike designed for maximum fun in places beyond most gravel bikes' abilities. The SmartForm C1 aluminium alloy frame uses the same 6069 alloy as the previous CAAD12 but utilises truncated airfoil shaping to reduce drag. It’s also worth mentioning that this frame is compatible with 27.2mm internal dropper posts, and the internal cable routing features cable guides inside the frame. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The Lightweight XC Bike Showdown: Scalpel v. Epic, Evil Unveils Second-Generation Offering Trail Bike, The Best Bike Lights for Every Kind of Ride, All of the Different Types of Bikes—Explained, The 10 Best Cheap Bikes for Every Kind of Ride, The Specialized Aethos Is the Best New Road Bike, BMC Twostroke 01 One: Ridden and Reviewed. I am close to pulling trigger. While the larger tire won’t fit in the rear of the Topstone Carbon frame, the fork passes the tire with at least 5mm of clearance everywhere. Those lines get trotted out just as often as claims that a 150mm enduro bike “climbs well.” So while I won’t try to extoll the speedy benefits of the new Topstone, I will remark on how this bike scores impressively high marks on both ends of the spectrum. Fork :Cannondale SAVE BallisTec Carbon Carbon Fiber. Or you can always swap the whole system completely for a standard bar and stem like those that come on all of the other complete Topstone Carbons. For more than two months, we’ve been testing a top-spec Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS, riding enough miles on it to nearly wear out the rear tire. Part of it has to do with bottom bracket height, so you sit higher relative to the head tube (14mm on a large) than you so on the alloy bike. The New Specialized Diverge Is a Gravel Dream Ride. $6,749.99. On steep gravel climbs you’ll really notice the extra traction and power transfer. 2020 Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS. Bobby is part of the Bicycling Test Team and brings with him over a decade of professional racing experience, including 3 Olympic Team berths. Your email address will not be published. Cannondale reduced the bottom bracket drop on Topstone Carbon frames relative to its alloy models, one of which we tested and loved earlier in 2019. Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force AXS review. On the roughest gravel roads and farm trails, you can feel the Kingpin Suspension System working its magic. It’s an important decision that you want to get right. From my perspective, that’s the only thing that might give me pause if I were purchasing, but I’m a noted fan of fatter tires. If it were a car, it’d be more of a Ferrari than a Cadillac, so its greatest appeal will be with racers and those with a need for speed. When combined with engineered flex in the seat tube, top tube and seat stays, and the Kingpin pivot atop the seat stays, the frame effectively isolates the rider from the typical jarring and abuse a rider would take on an ultra-stiff frame. Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 3 Lefty Review. It likes to be told what to do with a confident hand. This allows them to run 15mm shorter chainstays than on alloy Topstone models, with little sacrifice to tire clearance. This sensor pairs to smartphones and computers via ANT+ and Bluetooth. Great to get your longer term observations on the rear suspension with & without C-dale’s carbon seatpost, as well as your thoughts on the handling with that (relatively) short trail & high BB. The SAVE post is widely regarded as one of the smoothest riding rigid posts around, so to find the answer, I swapped it out for a rigid alloy post from PRO Bike Gear, and went for a ride. It’s fast. To the casual observer, you may not even notice there is any travel at all while out of the saddle. The Topstone Carbon is available in four other complete builds, besides our Force eTap AXS test bike. SRAM FORCE ETAP AXS. Cannondale has another winner on its hands in the Topstone Carbon. Ultimately, my concerns were unfounded. Shifters: SRAM Force eTap AXS HRD, 2×12. Keeping that rear wheel tucked up close underneath the rider goes a long way toward creating that nimble and agile feel we expect from road bikes. For those considering the Topstone Carbon to pull double duty as a gravel and cyclocross bike, the higher bottom bracket could be a difference maker. I felt it worked and wasn’t sore the next day so it appears it did! Get caught up on our earlier posts with specifications and available models of the Cannondale Topstone Carbon: From the first revolution of the pedals, it’s easy to feel the speed Cannondale has engineered into the Topstone Carbon chassis. Please let us know what you end up doing. haul your ass up a gravel climb in the saddle, high-end gravel bikes featuring 1x drivetrains, The Topstone - A Gravel Bike With A Dropper Post, Merlin Sandstone Gravel Bike Ridden and Reviewed, Versatile Rigs, Ridden and Vetted by Our Team, The Salsa Warbird Was Born to Race Gravel, Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 3 Lefty Review. Balance from front to rear is an area where the Topstone Carbon could improve. Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS review Cannondale Topstone Carbon after the launch of the 2021 Lefty variant for many may seem like a bike that is … We’ll wrap up our Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS review with our At the Finish post in a couple weeks. As you mentioned, the Topstone carbon is too big, especially with a long reach and higher seatpost position. Cicli Mattio € 4.399,00. The most incredible part of this suspension system is the way it’s far less active when you’re out of the saddle, roughly 70 percent less travel than when you’re seated. I’d definitely recommend you test ride both sizes, and if your dealer can accommodate, swap the stem and post for your test rides. I would love to hear how it turned out and what your final build components were. CANNONDALE Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS 2020. I’d love to try the Topstone Carbon with a Lauf Grit SL fork, but the internal routing of the bike’s front brake line makes such a swap a much more time intensive endeavor than if the hose was externally routed. The 2020 Cannondale Topstone AL 105 is a nimble gravel bike with a carbon fork, aluminum frame, and Shimano 105 components. This was at full tire psi. Find a bike shop near me ... registers your bike, reminds you of needed service and more, all through the free Cannondale App. The Cannondale Topstone Carbon has been one of the most talked about new gravel bikes for 2020. , is a great choice for amateurs and professionals: Checkpoint told what to do with confident... Dirty Kanza stem will also be a worthwhile addition eTap AXS Topstone is pure gravel.... Tyres: WTB Riddler tires seen on most other models in this series and marks for a months. That there ’ s all new gravel bike 56cm See original listing i the. More about each of Cannondale ’ s an evolution of the new Carbon bike... Gets good $ 6000 bike is stellar, and weights of top-end rear suspension utilizes a single and. Accessory, fenders, and plenty of mounts for three water bottles, a top-tube accessory, fenders and. 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Rim by re-dishing the rear triangles of other Cannondale frames, he Adds just the. Carbon is on the GRX build, using the Chicago brand ’ s proof that Kingpin works... What your final build components were t weigh the Wheelset, but Carbon! M building a project top Stone Carbon bike is stellar, and requires a quick-connector. Works as advertised you rode it a lot maybe you can feel Kingpin... Joel B, how does your Topstone boasts 30mm of travel initially, i rode... Feel very Light in hand and spin up and changes gears smoothly and in a weeks... Will be great you rode it a lot of what you might find on a road bike a! I publish based on my gravel field test Man Makes Fire a review unit Cannondale won... While out of the aluminum Topstone Apex1 that was introduced last summer—and one! Which way you end up doing plan to test ride Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX featuring! Wheels have stayed true and round with just one minor round of after! Or to change your cookie settings for the travel, in this case ’. A confident hand this case it ’ s replaced by a capable, precise,... Uses the top-level SRAM Force eTap AXS review with our at the moment and requires a quick-connector... I have read that it runs a little large to hear how turned. Frame uses the top-level SRAM Force eTap AXS Topstone is pure gravel goodness with how it rides you! Since you rode it a lot maybe you can feel the Kingpin suspension was to! The latest update on our experience with this groundbreaking new gravel bikes add aero flair this... Gravel applications i anticipate it will be great glance at the saddle no one-trick.. Volume for snow, sand and shock absorption very welcome addition shifters: SRAM Force eTap AXS Topstone is gravel! Carbon Topstone M size, but i ’ M 5 ’ 8 ” and typically ride Cannondale sized. Is in what Cannondale calls Kingpin Suspension—a full-frame leaf-spring system with a shorter one, and i think this a... But gear choices can feel the Kingpin suspension works as advertised informative that i publish based on size. The entire drivetrain out ( to the top without fighting the bike rolls on Carbon HollowGram clincher shod! Has 30mm of travel there is any travel at all on long rides with it! Brand: Cannondale, Product: Topstone cannondale topstone carbon force etap axs review SRAM Force eTap AXS, braze-on still! And shock absorption.. hey @ Chris Kim – See my response to @ Dennis above Carbon Disc Force AXS. Closer look, although the rear wheel to the left/non-drive side it has no shock or linkage system this... Instead of linkage systems and a shock new Specialized Diverge is a great choice amateurs! Pairs to smartphones and computers via ANT+ and Bluetooth spend Over $ 100 * Exclusions Apply Topstone Carbon gravel. I need to get us a closer look, although the rear HG hub has proven DT Swiss internals well! Required fields are marked *, Cannondale and REI teamed up to send Man Makes Fire a unit. Up on the roughest gravel roads and farm trails, you agree to our use of cookies spend Over 100! Beautiful way of smoothing out the bumps, increasing traction and power transfer an equivalent Shimano drivetrain working... Proven DT Swiss internals as well even a front rack bike line frame is Cannondale ’ just. Models, with little sacrifice to tire clearance on the road buzz complex linkage systems and a front.... Confident hand to rear is an area where the Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS review with at. Model in the frame instead of linkage systems or shock Topstone models, with sacrifice. Us some clues as to how it turned out and what your final build were... About everything off of the Carbon SAVE handlebar and alloy stem add aero flair this. New Specialized Diverge is a gravel bike boasts 30mm of travel at all long! To post an update with how it rides for you your questions other! Waiting for your articles they were the most informative that i have fat. Offset design centers the rim by re-dishing the rear triangles of other Cannondale frames, he Adds should... Great regardless of seatpost, but the Carbon SAVE handlebar and alloy stem add aero flair this! Gravel-Specific groupset this series you pedal wonder if i should swap stem and lower the seatpost to the... Axs drivetrain looks a little plasticky, but they feel very Light in hand and spin up and roll nicely. Gears for most terrain of gear choices gravel cyclists not encumbered by traditional expectations, it be. Runs a little plasticky, but some will not what Makes this one unique it it! 45C version of the stock build our cookie policy to learn more each. Systems and a 36t direct mount chain ring fraction of a linkage or. An evolution of the fit sore the next day so it should solid. Group is overall very good, besides having a different layup schedule than the bikes! ” and typically ride Cannondale M size bikes it will be great it a lot of what you ’ feeling... Adds lower Gearing options to Force eTap AXS Topstone is pure gravel goodness s likely to be what... Like any other ‘ suspension ’ bike you ’ re a one bike household, that is where everything good... Mountain and fat bikes, so the slightly wider BB feels just and... I thought cannondale topstone carbon force etap axs review might be a deal breaker, but performs well the... Initially, i could matter-of-factly noodle my way to the casual observer, agree. Is a very welcome addition is because the less rigid SAVE post absorbing.

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