Cannondale 700 M Topstone 1 Ora

The 2021 "700 M Topstone 1 Ora" model from Cannondale is a high-quality gravel bike that stands out for its well-thought-out technical specifications and robust construction. Priced at €2,199, this bike offers a wide range of features that make it suitable for both challenging tours and everyday use.

The bike’s frame is made from SmartForm C2 Alloy and is fitted with a 12x142 mm thru-axle, a tapered head tube and a flat-mount disc brake mount. The StraightShot internal cable routing ensures a clean, tidy appearance and protects the cables from external influences. Furthermore, the frame offers several mounting points for luggage racks and bottle cages, making it particularly versatile.

The braking system consists of Shimano GRX 400 hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm RT54 rotors at the front and rear. These brakes deliver excellent braking performance in a wide range of conditions. The brake levers are also from Shimano and are part of the GRX 600 series, ensuring precise control and high reliability.

The Topstone 1 Ora’s gear system is built entirely around Shimano GRX components. The front derailleur is a Shimano GRX 800 in the braze-on version, whilst the rear derailleur is a Shimano GRX 810 Shadow RD+. The shift levers are Shimano GRX 600 and offer 11 speeds, resulting in a total of 22 gears. This gear system provides a wide range of gear ratios, allowing for optimal adaptation to different types of terrain.

The bike’s fork is a BallisTec full-carbon fork with a 1-1/8" to 1-1/4" head tube, a 55 mm OutFront offset and a flat-mount disc brake mount. It features internal cable routing and a 12x100 mm thru-axle, which increases the stiffness and precision of the steering.

The bottom bracket is an FSA cartridge model, whilst the crankset is made from FSA Omega AGX+ Alloy and features 46/30 teeth. The cassette is a Shimano 105 with a 11–34-tooth range and is also designed for 11 speeds. Power is transmitted via a KMC X11 chain.

The handlebars are a Cannondale 3 model made from butted 6061 aluminium with a 16-degree flare drop, which provides additional comfort and control. The handlebar tape is Cannondale Bar Tape, 3.5 mm thick. The stem is also a Cannondale 3 model made from 6061 aluminium, with a diameter of 31.8 mm and a 7° angle.

The bike is fitted with WTB ST i23 TCS rims, which are tubeless-ready and each have 28 spokes. The tyres are WTB Riddler TCS Light in size 700 x 37c, also tubeless-ready. The hubs are from Formula and are fitted with CentreLock mounts and cartridge bearings (front wheel: 12x100 mm, rear wheel: 12x142 mm). The spokes are made of 14g stainless steel.

The saddle is a Fabric Scoop Radius Sport with steel rails, whilst the seatpost is a Cannondale 3 made from 6061 aluminium, measuring 27.2 x 350 mm.

In summary, the Cannondale Topstone 1 Ora offers a balanced combination of performance, comfort and versatility, making it an excellent choice for gravel enthusiasts.