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. The hydraulic disc brakes offered ample one-fingered braking power even on the steepest descents, and I never had any issues with fading. 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. Skip that extra bit of carbon instead. 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. On-road, the Topstone rode well but wasn’t a. If you’re in the market for more of a race-oriented model, we really like Giant’s Revolt Advanced 2. This bike is built around a lightweight SmartForm C2 aluminum frame coupled with a full carbon fork. It’s fitted with a full 2×9 Shimano Sora groupset which is cheap but extremely capable and durable. Other than the fork, there isn’t a lick of carbon componentry on it. 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 Topstone Carbon Force AXS review. High-quality aluminum frame and carbon fork deliver a surprisingly smooth ride. 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. Thankfully, I’m more torso than legs and had no major issues, but the bike still felt relatively large. However, we think the 105 model reviewed here hits the sweet spot between price and features, but all Topstones are impressive nevertheless. $3,299.00. $1,529.93. 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. Securely attaching to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use. In terms of fit, I found the Topstone's alpha sizing to be a bit challenging to nail down. Compared to $1799.00. 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. Cannondale Topstone Apex ride impressions. All things considered, I couldn’t have been happier with these design choices. 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. You can see the Cannondale Topstone 105 page here and support us in the process. 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. Further, the Revolt Advanced 2 features a rubber chain stay and down tube protectors to ward off rocks and debris. 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. 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. The alloy framed bikes are more conventional but give you similar capabilities at a much lower price point. Cannondale Topstone Review. 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. 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. Supple and knobby WTB tires work well over a variety of terrain. 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. Considering its $1,750 price tag, this is truly an impressive accomplishment. Fend… Commuter and city bikes with the highest BikeRide Scores. 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. 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. Comfort from suspension and a balanced seating position was undeniable. 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"). 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. Fender and rack mounts are a good match for commuters and add to the bike’s versatility. 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. Read more about us. If you plan to spend most of your time on pavement, I recommend switching them out for faster-rolling option. The Topstone Carbon is the most off-road capable and on-road comfortable road bike ever made. Thanks! 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. 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. 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 … If you like the Topstone but want improved on-road performance, the Specialized Diverge Comp E5 could be a good match. In fact, I found it was an ideal match for the gravel roads around the Pacific Northwest. BikeRide is reader-supported, and sometimes we receive commissions for links you click on. And again, it was well-equipped for the job. Coming from a mountain biking background, I have a bit of an affinity for large and knobby tires on drop-bar bikes. If you’re searching for the best way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted bike racks are the way to go. In the end, we think the $249-cheaper Topstone is the superior all-rounder. The good: ... Id have happily paid more to have a 105 crank or even a tiagra would be better. A long-term reviewer felt that Cannondale could have provided more greases and lubes. I was similarly excited that Cannondale chose to stick with 105 brakes for stopping duties. In this Cannondale Topstone review we take a look at all the models in the range. All told, we think Cannondale nailed the off-road side of the equation. 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. 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. Things considered, cannondale topstone tiagra review ’ m more torso than legs and had no major issues, but it ’ versatility. Are the way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted bike racks are the way to go s Topstone 105 Getting! 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