During your outing, think about how your tires feel and consider any adjustments that you might want to make (this goes for every outing, not just your first). While gravel bikes share a lot in common with road models, pavement-oriented shoes typically have smooth and flat outsoles that make walking on gravel uncomfortable and cumbersome. For more background information, see our gravel bike comparison table and buying advice below the picks. The cherry on top: the mid-range 1 manages to undercut much of the competition in price at a reasonable $2,150. Too little pressure, on the other hand, will make you feel as though youre riding with the brakes on and can result in flat tires or bottoming out your rims on rocks. After all, no one wants to have the problem of chain breakage off the beaten track, which will be no small trouble. Germany-based Canyon might not have the name recognition of many of the brands on this list, but their Grail AL 6 adventure bike is an excellent all-around value. Further, Cannondales lifetime frame warranty is more impressive than Canyons six years. A wealth of features like nimble-yet-stable progressive . In short, the main differences between the two relate to power and ease of use. After spending some time on the Synapse NEO SE, we came away extremely impressed by the bikes smooth acceleration, confidence-inspiring ride, and quality build. Cannondale 3, butted 6061 alloy, 16 deg flare drop . Put another way, its the polar opposite of the Evil Chamois Hagar above, which crushes the downhills at the expense of power and efficiency when pedaling. Rating: (4.8/5) See the Cannondale Topstone 105 I think you guys should be very impressed with the Cannondale Topstone after my detailed introduction above. Shop for Cannondale Gravel Bikes at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. Frame: CarbonGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 50mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Downhill-oriented geometry and components.What we dont: Limited build options and not a standout climber. There's good reason why this is one of the fastest-growing bike categories. Kategorier. However, to give you more options to compare, I also tested other versions of Cannondale Topstone. Over the weekend, I met up with my friends and rode the Cannondale Topstone 1 into the woods around the city. You also miss out on some nice upgrades like hydraulic disc brakes, although the Tektro mechanicals are decent performers and dont require much in terms of maintenance. Moreover, the relatively wide 40mm large tires can press through the gravel effortlessly. Frame: CarbonGears: 1 x 11Tires: 700c x 42mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Excels at racing but can still carry gear for overnight trips.What we dont: At this price, we expect hydraulic disc brakes and slightly better components. The Cannondale Topstone 1 is a modern alloy gravel race bike that allows you to fully enjoy any terrain in any weather conditions. Both offer a nice entry point into the world of gravel riding, but the more capable Kona gets the edge for us.See the Diamondback Haanjo 2. At this point, there was not enough vision to judge the terrain behind the corner, so I had to hold the brakes and reduce my speed. Frame: AluminumGears: 1 x 11Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Classic old-school looks and off-road features.What we dont: Cannondales Topstone costs $50 less and performs better across most categories. It's built for the rigors of gravel and dirt roads, but it's also right at home on morning commutes and centuries. While people have been taking their road bikes onto unpaved roads for decades, this emerging category has a number of thoughtful design features that make the experience much more enjoyable. After all, people have been riding all sorts of bikes on dirt roads for decadeslong before the advent of this niche category. Secondly, and most importantly, the 2022 Giant Revolt, Advanced 3 has chosen a Shimano GRX 400 drivetrain. If you have hesitation between these two bikes, then I think the Cannondale Topstone 1 must be the winner. Tire Clearance All told, theres a lot to like about the speed-hungry G//C Force. Checkpoint ALR 5 2023. With decades of racing experience under their belt, Trek throws their hat into the ring with the Checkpoint SL 6. On the flip side, titanium undoubtedly is pricey, but Moots uses a high-quality, U.S.-made version thats welded in-house at the companys headquarters. If interested, read on! Like all Santa Cruz bikes, the gravel rig is undeniably pricey at $4,649 for the GRX model, which includes the high-end 800 groupset. In recent years, gravel bikes have become very popular because they offer a lot of versatility for a wide variety of terrain and are perfect for riders who want to go on adventures. In general, we prefer cross-country shoes and pedals on our gravel rigs. At this price point, however, there are some entry-level components in the build. Tack on off-road-ready features like protection along the chain stays and downtube and dropper post compatibility (note: a dropper is not included), and you get a nice option for road riders looking to add a gravel grinder to their quiver. Finally, Cervelo recently released the Apero 5 series, which is a lighter, faster, and even pricier version of the standard model here.See the Cervelo Aspero GRX 810 2x. We. The Cannondale Topstone 1 is a bit more robust. Its not for everyone, but for riders that stick to relatively tame terrain and want a race-ready screamer, the Aspero is a great choice. To be sure, the Haanjo 2 cant match the performance or low weight of pricier models on the list, but its a serviceable companion for those who do a little bit of everythingincluding commuting, cruising mellow doubletrack, and exploring forest service roads. Alternatively, if comfort is your main priority or you spend almost all of your time on gravel, then a 650b tire and wheel combo makes a lot of sense. 2022 Cannondale Topstone 3 Review-Can It Take You Across The Gravel Road? It almost goes without saying that a lighter bike will feel sprightlier and more responsive than a heavier rig on the road or path. Taking the place of the unique and innovative Slate gravel bike is Cannondale's latest all-road creation: the Topstone. Now its time to address the elephant in the room. Experts bemoaned the Topstone's less-than-stellar climbing abilities. The big advantage is that the SL5 smooths your ride even more than the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5. The range is much wider. Cannondale Topstone 1 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Cannondale Topstone 1 2023 Koga Colmaro Extreme 0 reviews 0 reviews 0 reviews . For some people, there is no lighter car weight. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee . All told, Salsas fourth-generation Warbird is an enviable gravel race bike that happily pulls double duty as a lightweight bikepacking rig for weekend trips. All that said, there are many benefits to purchasing a true gravel-focused bike. This entry-level ride features a 2 x 8 Shimano drivetrain, decently fast-rolling 38-millimeter tires, and mechanical disc brakes that are easy to operate and provide consistent stopping power. The stock back rim weighs 4.7 pounds. If you plan to transport your e-bike with any regularity, its important to consider the weight limit of your rack and your ability to lift and load the bike. For those on a tighter budget who dont want to make big sacrifices in ride quality, Treks Checkpoint SL 6 above is well under half the price and features similar bump-absorbing tech with its rear IsoSpeed.See the Moots Routt YBB Force AXS. The drivetrain of Cannondale Topstone 1 is Shimano GRX 400. The fresh air of the forest intertwined with the Cannondale Topstone 1 and made me feel a different kind of energy from the old days. The Topstone 1 has better components. Why do we have the Giant Revolt Advanced 2 ranked below the Cannondale? Not only that, but I was very worried about dropping the chain at first, a concern I think you usually have as well. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. We have reviewed other versions of Cannondale Topstone if you want to learn more. That said, we prefer 2x setups for more mountainous terrain. Put simply, gravel bikes can continue on when traditional roads bikes are forced to turn around, and they can easily handle the daily commute to work too. At $4,799, the Evil is not a price leader, but its fun factor is hard to beat. At $2,799, we think there are better deals to be had in the gravel bike category. The aluminum frame doesn't come without compromises, however. This also provides me with the advantage of agile steering. As expected, the Asperos road-inspired geometry and build make it far less stable and more prone to getting knocked around on steep and rowdy descents. There are a few key questions you should ask yourself before beginning your search. We unloaded the two bottles of water and the supply bag we had loaded on the Cannondale Topstone 1 and sat down to rest for a while. And because of the fewer gears (typically 11-12 vs. the 16-22 found on 2x systems), we think theyre a great match for fit riders and those whose frequent rolling terrain as opposed to steep climbs and descents. But even as I sped down the hill at top speed, with the intense friction between the chain and the frisbee, the Topstone 1 didnt stall at all until I stopped after descending. If youve never heard of Donnelly Cycling, youre not alone. Having said that, buying online certainly has its benefits. clean, lightweight frames and geometry have always been Cannondals strengths, and this bike is no exception. Cannondale Topstone 1s body material is SmartForm C2 Alloy. Compared to the Cannondale above, the Claris is a significant downgrade in both components and features. Although heavier than carbon, aluminum typically is more durable, and even heftier steel and titanium rigs will stand up to years of use and abuse. The steel frame and reasonably fast-rolling 700c x 38mm tires make for a comfortable ride on pavement and light gravel, but they also add a lot of weight. It doesnt interfere with our being in the right aerodynamic position to ride to maintain speed, while still maintaining comfort. Alternatively, Specialized focuses their tech at the front of the Diverge Sport, which they equate to about 20 millimeters of suspension travel. See the Giant Revolt Advanced 2 See the Women's Liv Devote Advanced 2. In terms of shoes, we recommend an option like Giros Cylinder or Shimano's XC3theyre light, affordable, stiff enough for efficient power transfer, and still very comfortable for time spent off the bike. However, with so many brands to choose from, it can Not long ago, mountain bikers didnt have a choice when it came to wheel sizes26 inches was the only option. However, according to feedback from other riders, the heavier tires had an impact on their riding experience. The G//C Force listed here is purpose-built to own gravel roads with a race-oriented ethos, smartly specd build kit, and high-quality, tubeless-ready wheels and tires made by Donnelly themselves (the bike comes stock with 700c wheels, but it can also accommodate 650b). In the end, unless you spend the vast majority of your time on exceptionally rough gravel, we think 700c tires and wheels are the best choice for all-around riding. Of course, its possible to modify a 1x system with a larger-range cassette, but we prefer the convenience of sticking with the original components. Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more. Last but not least, if you frequent gravel more than pavement, we recommend opting for a tire that is 40 millimeters or wider. 24. filter controls. Thanks for all answers! What does all this mean for you? The ALR 5 uses a is aluminium frame option for $2699. Get free advice from a CuratedExpert. And the seat tube with dropper design is so snug that I rarely feel physical discomfort from the impact, even when I encounter a drop in the road. Youll likely feel the object beneath you. It allows us to switch to the right speed at any time on different terrains. As expected, the ADV 2.2 shouldnt be on the short list for those looking for a speedy machine, but the design in general is well-balanced. Co-op Cycles isnt known for pushing the envelope in terms of frame design or technology, but what they offer is a major focus on value. Where it thrives Gravel roads, out in the elements What it's built for Traction, handling, comfort Highlights Light, durable SmartForm C2 Alloy Frame w/ full carbon fork Shimano GRX 800/600 11-speed shifting And finally, e-bike laws still are evolving and changing, so its important to know the rules before you head out. This unique tech and impressive performance do come at a cost. Test ride both of them and both feel comfortable to me. Well start by saying that we didnt anticipate our top gravel bike pick being an aluminum-frame rig, but the Cannondale Topstone 1s versatility, smart build, and competitive price tag won us over. In essence, they are more capable than road bikes yet more efficient than mountain bikes, transitioning nicely from daily commutes to weekend adventures. Further, you get thru-axles for a stiffer ride in the rough stuff and tubeless-ready wheels (in our opinion, its is a no-brainer to set up your gravel bike this way for less weight, fewer flats, and more grip). Sometimes the road in the woods is not exactly straight and clear, and I may encounter a big angle turn. What do you give up with the Chamois Hagars unique build? If you want a more cost-effective bike, my recommendation is still the Cannondale Topstone 1. Its also not uncommon to pay an oversized shipping fee. $2,499.99. The adjustable Stranglehold rear dropouts are gone and chain stay length increased 10mm. Sykler. From all-out touring to weekend gravel rides and everything in between, the Straggler makes for a solid one-bike quiver. Uphill-focused riders that want a twitchy and extremely responsive ride wont like the laidback stance or beefed-up construction, which adds weight. With additional mounting locations for food, water, and gear, the Warbird more effectively moonlights as a backcountry adventure machine. It's snazzier appearance and equally, rugged durability makes the SL5 a good option if you've got a little extra cash to spend. As is the case with all e-bikes, the Cannondales battery and motor are very heavy (the Synapse NEO SE weighs in at a hefty 40+ pounds). As their name suggests, gravel bikes are designed to be ridden on surfaces like gravel trails, doubletrack, and forest service roads. Salsas Warbird, for example, has been through many iterations over the years in search of that perfect balance. Make note of this pressure and take your bike for a real ride. Cannondale Topstone 1 Alloy Bike (26) 26 reviews with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Race-focused cyclists likely will be willing to spend up for less weight. Why? The whole journey the Topstone 1 just lifted the leaves on both sides and rode the wind. What we don't: A bit heavy for race-oriented gravel riders. How does the rest of the build compare with the aforementioned Trek? Checkpoint ALR Frameset filter controls. Another choice youll have to make when choosing a gravel bike is whether you want hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes. Gravel, dirt, and single track all have to be taken into account. The Diverge gets the edge in max tire clearance (47mm vs. 45mm on the Checkpoint) and includes in-frame storage with their unique and very functional SWAT system. The Cannondale Topstone 1 and Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 are both aluminum frame gravel bikes with hydraulic disc brakes. Although they generally weigh a bit more than 1x drivetrains, 2x systems (like the 2 x 11 included on the Cannondale Topstone 1) typically offer the rider both an easier gear for the uphill and a harder gear for the flat sections. Whether thats worth the added expense is up to you.See the Santa Cruz Stigmata GRX See the Women's Juliana Quincy GRX. It braked in time to slow down and helped me complete the big turn with precision, otherwise, I would have drifted out. Starting with fit, it can be challengingand especially for first-time buyersto determine the right-sized bike from the comfort of your couch. The softail designfirst used on the companys mountain bikes in the 90sdelivers 20 millimeters of rear micro-suspension that effectively reduces the harshness of rough roads. Hey guys, after all my research for gravel bikes, the final Battle is between the cannondale Topstone 1 (2099) and the Trek Checkpoint ALR5 (2299) I want the bike mostly for traveling. 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