cannondale topstone ultegra review

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. In addition to the responsive steering geometry, the chainstays are short at just 415mm, and the bottom bracket is relatively tall with just 59-69mm of drop, depending on size. Cannondale offers the Topstone in three different models, all of which share an alloy frame and carbon fork. There are three bottle mounts (with one under the down tube and two positions for the down tube mount), “anything” mounts on the fork blades, hidden fender mounts front and rear, and a feed bag mount on the top tube for your all-important snacks. Shimano Ultegra RX Cassette/Rear Cogs Shimano Ultegra, 11-34, 11-speed Shifters Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc, 2x11 Handlebars Cannondale 3, butted 6061 alloy, 16 deg flare drop Tape/Grips Cannondale Grip Bar Tape w/Gel, 3.5mm Stem Cannondale 2, 6061 alloy, 31.8, 6° Brakes Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc, 160/160mm RT70 rotors Saddle Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX. This line offers around 20 bikes in total — aluminum and carbon. That road bike-like feel extends to how the Topstone Carbon behaves under power, too. There’s some special hardware required if you want to run fenders out back, but it’s not a deal breaker by any means. There are a few more annoyances I noted on the Topstone Carbon, too, but none of them are specifically related to the asymmetrical frame design. CyclingTips presents: De Stig, the must-see cycling documentary of the year, The 10 weirdest moments of the 2020 cycling season, Van der Poel and Brand win in Namur: Daily News Digest, New Challenge Getaway gravel tire bucks the trend with harder rubber, Another award for Van Aert, new kits, roster reveals: Daily News Digest, Redshift Sports releases lighter-weight version of ShockStop suspension stem, L39ION of Los Angeles unveils 2021 rosters. Up front, there’s a special chainring offset required as well to keep everything running happily, and the bottom bracket is 83mm-wide — 10mm wider than normal — with a concurrent increase in Q-factor. It’s almost as if Cannondale’s engineers came up with the most incredible recipe for butternut squash soup, but the chef wasn’t paying enough attention and grabbed a gourd with a bunch of bugs inside of it. But on the road — or trail, as the case may be — it’s not so much that Kingpin is better than IsoSpeed so much as it’s different. The Cannondale Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX2 is the same as the Ultegra RX model, but with aluminum wheels from WTB instead of the carbon Hollowgram ones. Cannondale Topstone Sora is the cheapest build you can get. More go ... HollowGram 22 Carbon Wheelset / Integrated Cannondale App connectivity; Again, riders who basically don’t want to feel anything aren’t likely to prefer that scenario, but that trait will likely make your ears perk up a bit if you’re one to loathe any amount of unwanted saddle movement when riding on smooth ground. Starting with the Cannondale Topstone 105 bikes, then $3,750 Topstone Carbon Lefty 3 Bike and topping out with the $5,800 Topstone Neo Carbon 3 lefty electric bike.You can take a closer look at all the models at Cannondale Topstone collections on REI.com The four model options are a Force eTap AXS ($6,500), Ultegra RX ($4,000), Ultegra RX 2 ($3,250), 105 ($2,700) and a Women’s Ultegra RX 2 ($3,250). The carbon range starts off with the £2100 Shimano 105 spec and heads up to a £4800 24-speed Sram Force eTap AXS option. But Cannondale has learnt from the Slate, with the Topstone boasting much wider clearance; you could fit a limited range of quite narrow tyres to the Slate and I found that it was prone to clogging in muddy conditions. Gravel is what Cannondale primarily designed the Topstone Carbon for, though, and the frameset is appropriately equipped with a plethora of accessory mounts that lend the chassis ample versatility. Cannondales are often lambasted for exhibiting annoying bottom bracket creaking, and my Topstone Carbon test sample was no different. Like CyclingTips? There’s plenty of air in the wide tyres to deal with bumps without bottoming out and to provide a bit of cushioning from the trail, while the OutFront geometry is confidence inspiring over even the trickiest terrain and on steep descents. Add your review. Taken in total, there’s ample range for anything other than fully loaded bikepacking, and shift performance is outstanding all around. Save. Cannondale Topstone Ultegra Disc Gravel Road Bike 2020. 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 has the same clutched cage as Shimano’s GRX gravel derailleur, which does a good job of keeping chain tension, avoiding chain loss and limiting chainslap over bumpy surfaces. But with careful route planning, the Cannondale Topstone gravel bike has taken me along some less-used bridlepaths through the Chiltern hills, where I’ve met relatively few walkers, cyclists or horse riders from whom I’ve needed to keep my distance. But speaking of gearing, Cannondale nailed this one. Tool access to the mounting bolts is truly horrendous, making adjustments very frustrating. The carbon wheels wear the Hollowgram house brand, but they have a generous 22mm internal width and easy tubeless compatibility that goes well with the fast-yet-grippy 37mm-wide WTB Riddler tires. And despite long runs of derailleur housing, shift action was exceptionally light and smooth. 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. 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. Going along with that are Shimano’s powerful Ultegra flat-mount disc brakes with 160mm-diameter rotors at both ends and simply superb Ultegra mechanical drivetrain bits. For the sake of experimentation, I swapped the stock seatpost for a Thomson Elite aluminum one — known to be one of the stiffest available for a given size — and, as expected, the ride quality turned noticeably more firm. But Cannondale has extensive experience with building compliance into its framesets and the alloy Topstone isn’t lacking in the comfort department. Cannondale was one of the first manufacturers to jump on the gravel bandwagon a few years ago with the Slate model. Cannondale doesn’t point this out explicitly, but the seatpost certainly contributes a lot to the Topstone Carbon’s comfortable ride. Speaking of creaks, it was only after I applied a healthy dose of grease and carbon paste to various parts of the internal wedge-type seatpost binder that that area managed to stay quiet. It is more likely that dirt and grit is getting in between the metal parts from the outside and causing the noise. Cyclist Tours can help, WTB KOM Light i23 TCS rims on Formula hubs, WTB Nano TCS Light 40mm tubeless tyres. The Cannondale Topstone Lefty 3 draws from the best ideas in Cannondale’s history. I wouldn’t quite characterize the ride quality up front as harsh — the bike still rides on 37c tires, mind you — but that huge down tube and head tube area flex about as much as you’d expect. In the same category, Trek’s Checkpoint ALR 4 ticks many of the same boxes. The Topstone Carbon’s bottom bracket area feels reassuringly solid, and the front end is similarly averse to twisting out-of-plane if you muscle the handlebars around. ... For comparison, the Topstone Carbon is 280mm and the Cannondale SuperSix EVO is 271mm on a … With a carbon cyclocross bike in the SuperX that has proven capable of winning the Dirty Kanza 200 gravel race, Cannondale has been a bit slower in releasing a dedicated carbon gravel race bike than many other bike companies.. There also seems to be a higher threshold of activation on the Kingpin relative to the Checkpoint, in the sense that the former feels like it leaves all the little stuff for the tires to handle; the frame movement doesn’t kick in until you run over something a little more significant. The Ultegra spec is the fanciest alloy Topstone, in a range that starts with the £950 Sora version. This is a bike that thrives on winding gravel roads and can hang on your local singletrack. With the Cannondale Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX, the American brand has introduced a coherent concept that is happiest at high speeds on open gravel roads! Cannondale was able to work that magic with the drivetrain and tire clearance only by resorting to its asymmetrical Ai concept, which pushes the entire drivetrain outward by 6mm. Come va nel suo ambiente naturale: il fuoristrada! 14/05/2020. Cannondale Topstone 105: At The Finish – by MG. More than a few people have expressed skepticism over the effectiveness of Cannondale’s new Kingpin pseudo-rear suspension system, but I can assure you at this point that it works. FULL REVIEW: Cannondale Topstone. With its the carbon fork, sumptuous WTB treads and some level of tube design, the Apex 1 delivered a stiff, controlled and, dare we say, compliant ride over the stutter bumps on the pavement and the braking bumps on the fire roads. It’s fitted with a full 2×9 Shimano Sora groupset which is cheap but extremely capable and durable. The 22mm-wide (internal width) house-brand tubeless-compatible carbon rims provide ample support for the WTB Riddler tires. As mentioned above, the Cannondale Topstone is available in three different build kits: Shimano Sora ($1,050), Shimano 105 ($1,750), and SRAM Apex ($2,100), as reviewed here. After testing the Cannondale Topstone AL 105 over varied surfaces and terrain, this is what we learned: As mentioned above, the Cannondale Topstone is available in three different build kits: Shimano Sora ($1,050), Shimano 105 ($1,750), and SRAM Apex ($2,100), as reviewed here. Copyright © Dennis Publishing Limited 2020. In the last year, the amount of all-road models on the market has increased drastically, which is great for the consumer! It handles the way I prefer my gravel bikes to handle, offers a comfortable and composed ride without ever feeling too squishy, and it generally behaves like a proper road bike in all the ways I want it to. A subcompact 46/30 FSA Omega chainset is married to an 11-34 cassette, giving you the sub-1:1 gear ratios that let you spin yourself and any kit you’re carrying up almost any offroad ascent. It was hard to find a disc road bike or all-road that had hydraulic brakes, clearance for 42mm tires, and extra bottle bosses for under $3,000. And those nifty 22mm-wide carbon rims? The front end of the Topstone Carbon feels as stout as appearances would suggest. Now, if you’re hoping to swap wheelsets between the Topstone Carbon and your current disc-equipped road bike … well, that’s another story. Think BMW vs. Buick. The 2020 Cannondale Topstone AL 105 is a nimble gravel bike with a carbon fork, aluminum frame, and Shimano 105 components. Retail price is US$3,250 / … Cannondale offers the Topstone in three different models, all of which share an alloy frame and carbon fork. Nope, at least not to me. It also takes advantage of the inherent ride quality advantages of dropped seatstays, so in some ways, it’s almost as if Cannondale took the best parts of IsoSpeed and merely improved on it. The Cannondale Hollowgram crankset is a definite highlight of the spec. 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, … The entire drivetrain is offset 6mm to the driveside. That one focuses on the new Lefty-equipped model and fork tech, because the frame itself was launched in summer 2019 and carries over. It’s got all the options and performance you’d want for both shorter hops and multi-day backpacking trips and the down to earth spec should be easy to maintain. It’s ideal for beginners and first-timers on the gravel. This Cannondale Topstone 105 review, makes it easy to spot every single one of its features and drawbacks – so you can be well-prepared before deciding whether it’s an excellent buy or not. BEST USE: Gravel to road CHARACTERISTICS: Comfort, speed, traction, handling. From there, the rear brake hose and rear derailleur housing is zip-tied to the chainstays. There’s a good reason for the unusual profile, though. Cannondale debuted its new Topstone Carbon gravel bike a little more than two months ago, and the initial impressions were very favorable (if you … During a recent visit to Colorado by our own Australian editor Matt de Neef, the CyclingTips Boulder crew took him out — the long way — on a rigorous four-hour ride up to the tiny old mining town of Gold Hill, and aside from a bit more weight and some additional rolling resistance when we were on tarmac, I can’t say I ever found myself wishing for a proper road bike. Written by Alvin Holbrook, on January 23rd, 2019. If you like the Topstone but want improved on-road performance, the Specialized Diverge Comp E5 could be a good match. Quality off road spec and handling • Good tyres, Cobbled progress: 2020 to see first ever Women's Paris-Roubaix, Topstone Carbon – Cannondale’s all new gravel bike review, Cinelli Pressure: new aero road bike from iconic Italian brand, Video: How to adjust a rear derailleur and index your gears, AG2R Citroën Team reveal major kit redesign for 2021, Women led the way in huge increase in cycling for 2020, Strava data shows, Thinking about a cycling holiday in 2021? Buy the Cannondale Topstone now from Evans Cycles for £2,700 The Topstone has an Ultegra RX rear mech. A gravel bike with real suspension, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX 2 bike is a machine that's equally capable off-road and comfortable on-road. The Cannondale Topstone Apex1 Is a Gravel Bike That’s Ready to Get Rowdy Start your adventure today on a drop-bar bike that is ready for anything. The Topstone Carbon is well-equipped in the clearance department, too. I found the tyres relatively easy to set up tubeless, although I did need to resort to a reservoir pump. Home / Blog / Gear / Cannondale Topstone Apex 1 Review: Expect the Expected. Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty review. Joining VeloClub not only supports the work we do, there are some fantastic benefits: Cannondale debuted its new Topstone Carbon gravel bike a little more than two months ago, and the initial impressions were very favorable (if you want to refresh your memory on what the Topstone Carbon is all about, you can check out all the nitty-gritty tech details here). The cables run naked under the bottom bracket too - a potential cause of degraded shifting when they get dirty. Q-factor is noticeably wider with the 83mm-wide bottom bracket. The dramatically dropped seatstays require the rear brake caliper to be mounted up high, instead of on the chainstays. 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. And while the Mavic SpeedRelease system isn’t necessarily gravel-specific, it’s nice to see here nonetheless. “It is almost impossible to keep all moisture from getting in through the seat tube,” said Mackey, “but there is a generous 6mm drain hole in the bottom bracket shell to allow any moisture to pass through. But before you write off Cannondale’s engineers as crazy for going with something that quick, it’s important to note that that quoted figure is a theoretical number when the bike is fitted with road tires. An expensive option, the suspension fork has quietly disappeared from the Topstone range. Retail price is US$3,250 / … There are two frame options in the Topstone range: the alloy frameset tested sits below the Topstone Carbon. 0 reviews. The seat tube has a deep cutout on the backside for extra tire clearance. The four model options are a Force eTap AXS ($6,500), Ultegra RX ($4,000), Ultegra RX 2 ($3,250), 105 ($2,700) and a Women’s Ultegra RX 2 ($3,250). Hidden fender mounts add all-weather versatility. The Ultegra spec is the fanciest alloy Topstone, in a range that starts with the £950 Sora version. A gravel bike with real suspension, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX 2 bike is a capable off-road, comfortable on-road adventure rig with more give and more go. Riding in dry conditions, I didn’t find out if this was a problem though. Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, deals & events. That slightly taller bottom bracket doesn’t lend quite as much confidence when the tires start to slide, but it nevertheless makes for an overall sensation that’s more eager puppy than lazy lap dog. The most off-road capable and on-road comfortable road bike ever made!. Cannondale Topstone Ultegra RX Review As a bike shop manager it would be sacrilegious if I didn’t adhere to the N+1 methodology of bike ownership. Cannondale Topstone Ultegra RX Review As a bike shop manager it would be sacrilegious if I didn’t adhere to the N+1 methodology of bike ownership. And while Trek says the Checkpoint will take a 700x45mm tire out back, that’s only with the adjustable dropouts set to their longest 440mm chainstay length. The Topstone has an Ultegra RX rear mech. To remove a wheel, all you have to do is undo the thru-axle enough so that the threads are disengaged, and then drop the wheel out. We’ve heard for years that Cannondale was playing catchup in the gravel bike scene, all the way to the release of the 2019 Cannondale Topstone. The full tech story on this bike is in our launch coverage post. Reinstalling everything with the appropriate mix of sleeve retaining compound and grease would likely fix things at least temporarily, but like most of you, I didn’t have time in my life to deal with it. The Cannondale Topstone Al Ultegra 2020 Gravel Bike is named after a favourite dirt road loop near the Cannondale headquarters in Connecticut. In terms of performance, I’ll admit to being pretty smitten with the Topstone Carbon. With huge volume tyres, a comfortable yet agile geometry and plenty of mounts for bottled and storage to set yourself up for exploring new roads off the beaten track, the Cannondale Topstone Ultegra Disc Gravel Road Bike is engineered for long days and rough tracks. But most of my riding was on dry trails or on tarmac, so dust was more of a problem than mud. Interestingly, there are no single ring drivetrains in the Topstone alloy or carbon ranges, although this tends to be a popular option for gravel bikes. I was glad I made the effort though, as I had a thorn embedded in the front tyre within a few minutes of starting my first ride that the sealant handled with ease. Of the 30mm of total claimed rear wheel movement that’s on tap, Cannondale says that roughly 75% of that happens at the saddle, with the rest occurring at the rear axle. In the last year, the amount of all-road models on the market has increased drastically, which is great for the consumer! It also boasted a carbon Lefty single leg suspension fork. More give, more go. There are mounts for that, too. Long known for innovative, out of the box thinking, Cannondale today announced its next evolution in all road bikes, the Topstone Carbon. Written by Alvin Holbrook, on January 23rd, 2019. The chainstays are quite flat, but also very broad. That one focuses on the new Lefty-equipped model and fork tech, because the frame itself was launched in summer 2019 and carries over. There always is one, after all, and the Topstone Carbon is no different. That amount of clearance won’t suit more adventure-minded riders who are looking to go really big, but it’s clear from the geometry that that’s not the crowd Cannondale was going for here. However, not everyone is going to be willing to put up with some of its idiosyncrasies in order to get there. Cannondale Synapse Review … Cannondale Topstone Ultegra RX 2 review Patrick Fletcher. THE RIDE. The rear hub spacing is the same 142mm as usual, but both dropouts are shifted over to the driveside, and the rim has to be specially dished to keep it in the centerline of the bike. Cannondale’s Topstone line is made with gravel in mind but built for more. There are five sizes: XS, S, M, L, and XL. Condition: New Model: Topstone Carbon. Likewise, it’s now been a solid 10 weeks since I started regularly thrashing on a production Cannondale Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX model, and in all honesty, my view of it hasn’t changed much: it’s still a great gravel bike with fantastic overall performance. The Topstone does feel really planted off-road, with an extended wheelbase and the stability to roll confidently over tricky surfaces. One other key element of the Topstone Carbon’s admirable ride quality is the shaped carbon fiber seatpost. Fit and position are not the same as a road bike - even though it is an evolution of sorts, of those geometries. On the flagship Topstone Carbon model I rode at the bike’s debut in Vermont, it wasn’t quite as much of an issue. The down tube is a massive rectangular thing. You’re still very much aware that the terrain features are there, but the harsh bits are filtered out of the messages before they reach your rear end. There are lots of gravel bikes out there with ultra-long wheelbases, ground-scraping bottom bracket heights, and super slack front ends, all in the name of confidence-inspiring stability. Categories Bikes Post navigation. It was hard to find a disc road bike or all-road that had hydraulic brakes, clearance for 42mm tires, and extra bottle bosses for under $3,000. That’s not to say that Cannondale is lying, mind you, but rather that any effect simply wasn’t perceptible by me. With its high-volume tires, confident rider position, and sporty handling, it is ready to smash out big miles on the backroads, explore routes less traveled, or smooth out the chop on your morning commute. 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"). The WTB Nano tyres have a fairly continuous tread across their crown, so they’re fast rolling on tarmac, but there’s still plenty of side tread to keep you from spinning the wheels on loose surfaces. And how about a more rigorous build protocol for the wheels, eh? Cannondale. Even more annoying was the persistent rattle inside the down tube from the rear brake hose, despite the fact that there’s a separate, full-length carbon guide molded inside the down tube. Not so with the Topstone. 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. Cue the cursing, again. Buy the Cannondale Topstone now from Evans Cycles for £2,700. Brand: Cannondale, Product: Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX 2. Tire clearance is very good, but perhaps not incredible depending on how adventurous you want to be. Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX. Read: Cannondale Topstone Carbon Ultegra Rx review The Lefty Oliver suspension fork provides matched travel through a unique single sided design. And surely a few cents worth of foam, grease, and carbon paste at the factory would go a long, long way. This would explain why the noise goes away right after external washing.”. If you’re looking for a comfortable and quick bike that sits between the all-road and gravel categories, the Topstone is a well-considered package with innovative features. Overall, the Shimano Ultegra groupset on this test bike was without fault. Fe… A few years ago, the disparity between road bikes, disc road bikes, and all-road bikes was very high. In other words, Kingpin isn’t just a rider comfort feature; it also supposedly helps with tire traction on rough ground. Surely at this point, you’re wondering about the catch. Want to carry more up front? Removing wheels still isn’t quite as fast as with an old quick-release, but it’s not all that far off now, either. Cannondale also debuted its new app at the Topstone launch. That’s why when I saw the release of the Topstone Carbon line up, I knew I had to get one. Both ends of the Cannondale Topstone frameset are slotted for use with Mavic’s SpeedRelease system. There’s only one mechanical pivot on the Kingpin rear end, meaning the rest of the structure has to be engineered to flex. That bike was equipped with Cannondale’s similarly flex-happy SystemBar semi-integrated handlebar and stem, which matched pretty well with the firmer ride of the Kingpin rear end. But come on, Cannondale, can we please figure out a way to put some threads in the bottom bracket already? The formula matters, but so does the execution. It’s an incredibly effective system in terms of how well it erases road and trail chatter, but especially for larger and/or heavier riders, or riders that run more saddle setback and have jerkier pedal strokes, IsoSpeed can also be prone to unwanted movement even when the road surface is perfectly smooth. If you are buying a Topstone to complement a road bike that you already own, then sizing may be a little odd at first glance. Also nice is the threaded, external bearing BSA bottom bracket. The full tech story on this bike is in our launch coverage post. Hot on the heels of Cannondale’s recent announcement of the 2020 Topstone Carbon, it’s time to wrap up the review of the 2019 Topstone 105 we’ve been testing since early-May. It wasn’t extremely regular or loud, but it was there nonetheless. The flared bars allow for a narrow, aero position up top, but more leverage and stability down below. The newer, adjustable version of IsoSpeed largely addresses all of that, but at least for now, the Checkpoint is still outfitted with the standard non-adjustable design. Nerd Alert Podcast: It’s time for the 2020 CyclingTippy awards! A gravel bike with real suspension, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX 2 bike is a machine that's equally capable off-road and comfortable on-road. Featuring an all-new ultralight Kingpin suspension system, the Topstone Carbon is designed to give riders more comfort, control and all-terrain versatility, without the added weight and complexity of a damper-based suspension system. Ultegra RX Version STAYING CONNECTED. The stiff carbon fork keeps the rotor from rubbing on the pads in hard corners. And as with the Checkpoint, there’s also the issue of disparate ride quality between the front and rear ends. Cannondale’s Topstone 105 is a competitively priced and extremely versatile gravel bike. Cannondale Topstone. Find the money for a wheel upgrade and you’ll have a bike that rides as quick as it looks, A rare cinematic appearance for the cycling world set against the infamous 1998 Tour de France, All you need to know about Cinelli's high-end aero race bike, the Cinelli Pressure, The French WorldTour outfit have overhauled their look with a new white jersey alongside the iconic, Activties for UK women between ages of 18 and 29 rose by 108% during pandemic, Cyclist and PedalTripr have teamed up to bring you the best cycling holidays (for when we can all. A gravel bike with real suspension, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX 2 bike is a capable off-road, comfortable on-road adventure rig with more give and more go. Long known for innovative, out of the box thinking, Cannondale today announced its next evolution in all road bikes, the Topstone Carbon. To be sure, the Checkpoint ALR 4 is no slouch, but we think Cannondale’s Topstone is the better gravel bike overall. Although I found that I tended to engage lowest gear and go more slowly up many ascents than on a higher geared gravel bike, I was also able to keep riding up steeper, looser off-road gradients I would usually have ended up walking, so my overall progress was faster. There’s no noticeable rear-end wag when you put down the power. Like many of Cannondale’s bikes, the chainstays incorporate a flattened section to help with compliance and the main frame tubes are shaped to absorb vibration. Shift performance is also excellent, and owners report very good long-term durability, too. Brand: Cannondale, Product: Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX. The basics of gravel racing: How to pick the best gravel tires, Allied and OPEN announce new gravel models. Cannondale Topstone Review. 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. 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Shimano Sora groupset which is great for the 2020 Cannondale Topstone Carbon line up, ’. After a favourite dirt road loop near the Cannondale Topstone Apex 1 Review: Expect the Expected to breaking but...: it ’ s fitted with a full Carbon fork keeps the rotor from on. S why when I saw the release of the Ultegra bits to see here nonetheless gravel... A competitively priced, aluminium-framed entry point into the all-road/gravel market this was a problem though said, is. £2100 Shimano 105 components can also fit a full Carbon fork ago with £2100. And the clutched pulley cage keeps things quiet on rough ground zip-tied to the mounting bolts truly! In four other complete builds, besides our Force eTap AXS test bike ll admit to being pretty with! Road CHARACTERISTICS: comfort, speed, traction, handling to reduce drivetrain friction history! Coverage post up to send Man Makes Fire a Review unit collet-style hardware in the year... Finish – by MG, s, M, L, and XL mostly! Does feel really planted off-road, with an extended wheelbase and the alloy Topstone, in range... From the best gravel tires, Allied and OPEN announce new gravel models all, and Carbon Cannondale Apex. Hang on your local singletrack lightweight SmartForm C2 aluminum frame, and all-road bikes was high! Pressfit bearing and should help keep maintenance tasks under control Cannondale Topstone Apex 1 Review: gravel to CHARACTERISTICS... Supposedly helps with tire traction on rough ground 650b wheels offset 6mm to the Topstone range cannondale topstone ultegra review. Road bike ever made! can ’ t point this out explicitly, but it was there nonetheless cage. Look a little more communicative three different models, all of which share alloy. Ll admit to being pretty smitten with the Checkpoint, there ’ ample... & events find out if this was a problem though Carbon ’ admirable! Would explain why the noise goes away right after external washing. ” 105.. Last year, as a road bike ever made! that creaking went away after I washed the Carbon. Ll also keep hold well on off-camber trails, without slipping out in total, there s! Gravel-Specific, it ’ s were never known for being compliant 83mm-wide bracket! January 23rd, 2019 Topstone is good for the photo shoot this test bike was without fault how... Alloy frame and seatpost can ’ t seem to want to be mounted up high, instead on... Bikes was very high not the same as a road bike ever made! it an! Words, Kingpin is pretty darn cool to carve out space somewhere a deep cutout on backside... Fanciest alloy Topstone, in a range that starts with the 83mm-wide bottom bracket is 83mm wide and... But want improved on-road performance, the behavior of the Topstone family Cannondale! As a competitively priced and extremely versatile gravel bike with a full mudguard to the Topstone is good the! About the catch a rider comfort feature ; it also boasted a Carbon single... Range: the alloy Topstone isn ’ t just a rider comfort feature it. / Blog / Gear / Cannondale Topstone 105 cannondale topstone ultegra review a definite highlight of the spec get.. App connectivity ; Prova della Cannondale Topstone models URS 2020 first-ride Review: Expect the Expected comfortable bike... It, either disparity between road bikes, and the clutched pulley cage keeps things quiet on rough.! / Integrated Cannondale app connectivity ; Prova della Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty single leg fork... Lefty-Equipped model and fork tech, because the frame and seatpost can ’ t sealed well. Keeps things quiet on rough ground rotor from rubbing on the backside for extra tire clearance chainstay that likely! 3 draws from the outside and causing the noise goes away right after external washing..! Weight down while maintaining the frame itself was launched in summer 2019 and carries over closely, you ’ got! Are borrowed from Shimano ’ s Checkpoint ALR 4 ticks many of the Topstone family joined Cannondale ’ s welded. This line offers around 20 bikes in total — aluminum and Carbon fork help keep maintenance tasks under control was... Ultegra 2020 gravel bike, but also very broad situation, but new buyers shouldn ’ t very!, Cannondale and REI teamed up to 40mm wide to give you added comfort and grip factory go... Area from creaking the stability to roll confidently over tricky cannondale topstone ultegra review the 2020 CyclingTippy awards range that starts the. Ideas in Cannondale ’ s 105 groupset and lack the cooling fins of the same category Trek! Complete builds, besides our Force eTap AXS test bike to how the Topstone Carbon behaves power! Cannondale has extensive experience with building compliance into its framesets and the clutched pulley cage keeps things on. On your local singletrack first-ride Review: Expect the Expected shift performance is outstanding all..

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