In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Huge tyre clearance, suspension system, comfort geometry and luggage options: The new Topstone remains true to its approach by being designed for use in difficult terrain. This clearly sets Cannondale apart from the SuperX. The racing platform also recently received an update and secured a dream score of 1.6 in the TOUR test. Whether the Topstone can keep up remains to be seen. We have already been able to test the Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty AXS, a full-suspension version. However, due to the single-arm suspension fork, the test version is not (yet) compatible with all test rigs. (How TOUR tests) compatible, which is why we do not award a TOUR rating.
Facts & figures about the Cannondale Topstone
- Weight of complete wheel: 8.9 to 10.3 kilogrammes
- Frame/fork weight: not specified
- Stack/Reach/STR: 597/383 millimetres/1.56
- Max. tyre clearance: 52/56/47 millimetres (frame/rigid fork/lefty)
- Rear suspension travel (Kingpin): 30 millimetres
- Front suspension travel (Lefty): 40 millimetres
- Frame sizes: 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
- Prices: 3299 to 7499 Euro
Like its predecessor, the current bike is characterised by a striking rear triangle. With the so-called Kingpin system, the seat stays are connected to the seat tube by means of a joint, while the chain stays are connected conventionally. According to Cannondale, this design enables a suspension travel of up to 30 millimetres. The US manufacturer offers two solutions for front comfort: a classic rigid fork and a suspension fork.
The special feature of the fork? It only has one arm. The third generation of the so-called Lefty Oliver offers a maximum suspension travel of 40 millimetres, compared to 30 millimetres for the old model. The spring stiffness can be adjusted to the rider's weight and the terrain using an integrated air cylinder; a recommendation can be found right next to the Schrader valve. The rebound force of the spring can also be adjusted using a small dial. There is also a slider on the fork crown that can be used to completely lock out the system while riding.
Another comfort element is the huge tyre clearance, which extends into MTB dimensions. The frame leaves room for a maximum of 52 millimetre tyres. The fork can even accommodate tyres up to 56 millimetres wide, while Cannondale specifies 47 millimetres for the Lefty Oliver. It is not necessary to change to wheels in the smaller 650B format. Ex works, the models roll on 42 to 45 millimetre wide tubeless tyres from Vittoria or WTB.
The new Topstone is not only equipped for difficult terrain, it also wants to be a loyal companion on bikepacking tours. In addition to the comfort geometry with an STR+ of 1.20, countless mounting points on the fork and frame bear witness to this. A storage compartment is also integrated into the down tube, into which a small bag with a puncture repair kit can be inserted. With the exception of the full-suspension model, all variants can also be retrofitted with fixed mudguards.
Cannondale Topstone with Lefty fork: Root carpets or potholes are a real treat
Even more than five years after The introduction of the Lefty suspension fork on the Topstone draws incredulous looks from the Cannondale. According to the motto: "Isn't something missing here? Is the bike stable to ride?" The clear answer: yes! Despite the single-arm construction, the Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty AXS has no weaknesses in terms of central frame stiffness and is on a par with other gravel bikes. The steering is pleasantly balanced. Comparable, adventure-ready specialists react much more slowly to quick changes of direction.
The comfort gain of the full-suspension model is noticeable and measurable. However, the Cannondale only shows its full potential on trails where many of its competitors reach their limits. For the Lefty model, root carpets and potholes are a real treat. In combination with the tubeless tyres on the test bike, hard impacts are absorbed very well, especially on the cockpit. Provided you have found the optimum setting for the suspension fork.
Our test riders weighing around 70 kilograms followed Cannondale's recommendation and filled the air cylinder with slightly less than 80 PSI, which makes the Lefty Oliver comparatively firm. On the comfort test bench, where we load the handlebars with 40 kilograms as standard, the full spring effect unfolded at 67 PSI, which the US manufacturer specifies for a rider weight of 59 kilograms.
The Kingpin system at the rear also pays off, especially when you take the Topstone into rough terrain. The round carbon seat post, which tapers under the clamp head, compensates for "normal" shocks on field and forest paths. In the test laboratory, we determined a suspension travel of just under 12 millimetres with a test load of 80 kilograms. Cannondale's maximum specification is probably based on a higher rider weight or system weight, among other things. For lighter riders, the system has the advantage that it does not tend to bob.
However, the suspension technology pushes the overall weight upwards: we measured the Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty AXS at 9.9 kilograms. As all but the top model also weigh around 10 kilograms, the platform clearly sets itself apart from the SuperX. Although the Topstone doesn't ride slowly, it can't keep up with the agility of the new race model. This is also because Cannondale relies on a Mullet drivetrain for the second most expensive equipment variant, which has its strengths in steep terrain due to an extreme reduction ratio (40/52 teeth) and less for fast gravel hunts.
Prices & equipment of the Cannondale Topstone
Cannondale offers the Topstone Carbon in six equipment variants from 3299 euros. With the exception of the test version, all models come with a rigid fork and integrated cables. An electronic groupset from Shimano or SRAM is available from 4299 euros, and carbon wheels are only included in the two top models from 6899 euros. The fleet with aluminium frames is not affected by the update.
Topstone Carbon 3 GRX 2x
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX (2x12; 46/30, 11-36 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano GRX (160/160 mm)
- Tyres: WTB Resolute (42 mm)
- Impellers: WTB ST i25/Shimano TC500 (aluminium)
- Weight: 10.2 kilogrammes
- Price: 3299 Euro >> available here
Topstone Carbon 3 GRX 1x
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX (1x12; 40, 10-51 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano GRX (160/160 mm)
- Tyres: WTB Riddler (45 mm)
- Impellers: WTB ST i25/Shimano TC500 (aluminium)
- Weight: 10.3 kilogrammes
- Price: 3299 Euro
Topstone Carbon 2 GRX 2x
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX (2x12; 48/31; 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano GRX (160/160 mm)
- Tyres: WTB Riddler (45 mm)
- Impellers: WTB KOM Team i25/Shimano TC500 (aluminium)
- Weight: 9.9 kilogrammes
- Price: 3999 Euro >> available here
Topstone Carbon 2 AXS
- Drive/gear shift: Sram Apex/GX Eagle Transmission AXS (1x12; 42, 10-52 t.)
- Brakes: Sram Apex (160/160 mm)
- Tyres: WTB Riddler (45 mm)
- Impellers: WTB KOM Team i25/Formula (aluminium)
- Weight: 9.9 kilogrammes
- Price: 4299 Euro >> available here
Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty AXS
- Drive/gear shift: Sram Rival/GX Eagle Transmission AXS (1x12; 42, 10-52 t.)
- Brakes: Sram Rival (160/160 mm)
- Tyres: WTB Raddler (44 mm)
- Impellers: Reserve 40|44 GR (Carbon)
- Weight: 9.8 kilogrammes
- Price: 6899 Euro
Topstone Carbon LTD Di2
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX Di2 (2x12; 48/31, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano GRX (160/160 mm)
- Tyres: Vittoria Terreno Dry (45 mm)
- Impellers: Reserve 40|44 GR (Carbon)
- Weight: 8.9 kilogrammes
- Price: 7499 Euro
Julian Schultz
Editor
