4k of climbing/descending Set it up with Gravelking SK 38c tubeless. Love them or hate them, electric bikes are here to stay, and Cannondale’s first go at a gravel-focused model is a huge success in our opinion. This is true, I’d almost be willing to pay more for the paint job of the apex but $500 is awfully steep for that. However, these are relatively small concerns about an otherwise impressive all-around gravel bike. Original Poster. The same quality tubing found on the CAADX. To start, inflate your tires to the maximum pressure labeled on the sidewall. Fast and smooth with great grip. Tire Clearance While experienced cyclists might balk at this method, it’s a great way for new riders to understand and learn to adjust pressure based on conditions, terrain, and other factors. Shimano 105 group w/hydraulic disc brakes / Cannondale 1 crankset; Integrated Cannondale App connectivity / WTB tubeless-ready rims and tires; Where it thrives. of gears: 22 (2×11) / Frame: SmartForm C2 alloy / Wheel Size: 700 x 37 c / Brakes: Shimano 105 hydraulic / Weight: 22 lbs – 10kg. Not only does this include a wider gear range, but it also shifts more smoothly and saves weight compared to the RLT’s Tiagra parts. I am about 5'9, 180 lbs, decent level of fitness, I run 4-5 times a week for at least 6 miles and am currently training for a marathon. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 10Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Classic old-school looks and off-road features.What we don’t: Cannondale’s Topstone 105 performs better across most categories. In terms of design, the Topstone features a Shimano 105 drivetrain complete with hydraulic disc brakes, proven WTB Riddler 37-millimeter tires, and appropriately wide wheels for soaking up bumps. The biggest benefit is the ability to run lower tire pressures, meaning the tires are better able to absorb impacts without increasing the risk of a pinch flat. At $2,599, we think there are better deals to be had in the gravel bike category. I've never done any races and don't plan to do frequent long rides with the bike, maybe 1-2 times/year. There is no one-size-fits-all tire, but we do have some recommendations regarding tread patterns, sizes, and widths. From leading budget options to range-topping carbon rigs, below are the top gravel grinders of 2020. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 37mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Quality components and impressive versatility at a good price.What we don’t: A bit heavy for weight-conscious riders. In other words, it’s hard to put a price on such excellent craftsmanship. Read more about us. Added up, you’d be hard-pressed to find a similarly equipped and well-made carbon design at this price point. You’ll likely feel the object beneath you. From the list above, you’ll notice that carbon and aluminum are by far the most popular materials for gravel bike frames. In the gravel realm, we especially like their Haanjo 5C EXP, which is the most affordable carbon build to make our round-up at $2,000. skip the apex, for what you're describing you don't need the dropper seatpost (though the color is awesome). Topstone's SmartForm C2 Alloy construction showcases our decades of expertise in aluminum craftsmanship. Gravel roads, out in the elements, low-impact trails. The biggest news with the Checkpoint is its IsoSpeed, which functions similarly to the rear suspension on a mountain bike. For a step down in price, check out Donnelly’s G//C Rival, which shares the same carbon frame and wheel compatibility as the Force but with a slightly downgraded drivetrain.See the Donnelly G//C Force. Cannondale Topstone or the GT Grade? With its high-volume tires, confident rider position and sporty handling, Topstone is ready to smash out big miles on the backroads, explore routes less traveled, or smooth out the chop on your morning commute. Although quite a bit heavier than the carbon and aluminum models above, the Straggler’s smooth-riding steel frame and classic design are ideal for those who prioritize comfort and durability over speed and new tech. All that said, carbon bikes are quite pricey, and you can often get a similarly equipped aluminum model for hundreds of dollars less. Within the Niner lineup, you can upgrade to a SRAM Rival drivetrain with the RLT 3-Star model, but that will cost you a whopping $2,900.See the Niner RLT 2-Star. I don’t love that color either, it looks like that may be a compromise I need to make. 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. Someone has linked to this thread from another place on reddit: [r/bicycling] Cannondale Topstone 105 vs Cannondale Topstone Apex 1 vs Trek Checkpoint ALR5 vs Cannondale CAADX Ultegra or 105 vs Cannodale Synapse 105, If you follow any of the above links, please respect the rules of reddit and don't vote in the other threads. How much will shipping cost? Why isn't the Co-op Cycles ADV 3.1 ranked higher? Otherwise the bike is stock. Frame: AluminumGears: 1 x 11Tires: 650b x 47mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: E-bikes are a blast to ride.What we don’t: They’re also very expensive and very heavy. We’d be remiss not to include Salsa’s venerable and highly sought-after Warbird on this list. First and foremost, buying from a consumer-direct company like Canyon sometimes can be a pain—we’ve heard reports of poor customer service, plus you don’t get the convenience of walking into your local bike shop to ride the bike or get replacement parts before buying. TOPSTONE AL 105. What do you give up with the budget-friendly Checkpoint AL 3? Hi, I’m looking for a gravel / … 90 posts. To be sure, the Haanjo 5C can’t match the all-out performance or low weight of the pricier, race-oriented models on the list, but it’s a capable companion for those who do a little bit of everything—including commuting, cruising mellow doubletrack, and taking shorter bikepacking trips. If your budget won’t stretch that far, there are also the $1,750 Topstone 105 and $1,050 Topstone Sora builds to consider. As is the case with all e-bikes, the Cannondale’s battery and motor are very heavy (the Synapse NEO SE weighs in at a hefty 40+ pounds). Although they generally weigh a bit more than 1x drivetrains, 2x systems (like the 2 x 11 included on the Cannondale Topstone 105) typically offer the rider both an easier gear for the uphill and a harder gear for the flat sections. There... See the Women's Specialized Diverge Sport. A test of my new 2019 Cannondale Topstone Apex 1 setup tubeless on gravel roads west of Pittsburgh, PA. Another choice you’ll have to make when choosing a gravel bike is whether you want hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes. se9boy. In the end, it depends on how comfortable you are choosing, sizing, and assembling a bike.Back to Our Top Gravel Bike Picks  Back to Our Gravel Bike Comparison Table. Our medium had a 56.1-centimeter top tube length, which ended up being a bit on the large side for us. Cannondale does have some respectable gravel bikes like the all new Topstone and lefty slinging Slate, but we’re a bit confused as to why the Synapse Disc SE bikes are in this category. The aluminum frame doesn't come without compromises, however. But once 29- and 27.5-inch wheels hit the market, the debate amongst bikers took off and has continued ever since. The only other bike I'd consider (and the one that I own) is the Specialized Diverge E5 Comp. There's good reason why this is one of the fastest-growing bike categories. In the end, the choice often comes down to cost: hydraulic brakes come with a bump in price, while mechanical brakes can be found on most budget-friendly models. Cannondale Synapse Review … The Competition. This unique tech and impressive performance do come at a cost. However, if you consistently frequent pavement and mellow trails, you’ll probably be better served by 700c wheels described above. Cannondale Topstone 105: Getting Rolling – By MG. Cannondale is well known for forging its own path in the cycling world. Mounts But if you’re more interested in gravel races than mellow rides, the lighter carbon-framed Revolt Advanced 2 is well worth a look. Every model has capability for internal dropper post routing. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 8Tires: 650b x 2.1 in.Brakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Extremely versatile and offered in multiple configurations and sizes.What we don’t: Components are less impressive at this price point. For $100 more, Cannondale’s Topstone 105 is lighter, has a wider gear range, features better stopping power with hydraulic rather than mechanical disc brakes, and includes thru-axles for a more efficient ride. The Grail’s proven and tubeless-ready DT Swiss wheels also are wrapped in one of our favorite gravel tires at the moment: Schwalbe’s 40mm G-One Bite, which transition nicely from tarmac to trail. Combined with a smooth-riding titanium frame and beefy 40-millimeter Mavic tires, this is a true backroads rig that’s ready to handle just about anything you throw at it. Make note of this pressure and take your bike for a real ride. If you’re looking for a capable all-rounder, however, you’ll likely be better served by a bike like Salsa’s Warbird above. Similar to Trek’s Checkpoint SL 6 above, the most noteworthy component on the Diverge is its suspension that delivers a relatively high 20 millimeters of travel. If you don’t feel comfortable with the initial installation, we recommend asking your local bike shop for help. Further, when the time comes to replace your tires (or you simply need a different tread pattern that better suits your local terrain), there are significantly more options available in the 700c size. These nitpicks aside, the Norco is a well-built, versatile gravel bike and a good value.See the Norco Search XR A2. 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. What are the downsides? But none of these issues are specific to the Synapse, and if you’re set on an electric model, we think it’s a true standout.See the Cannondale Synapse NEO SE. In general, long gravel rides pass through far fewer service areas, meaning you’ll need to stock up on food, water, and other gear before heading out. Formerly Clement, this niche and adventure-oriented company made its name in the tire arena, but in 2018 decided to shift its focus to dedicated cyclocross and gravel bikes. The main advantage to these beefier tires is their ability to run lower air pressure, which results in a more forgiving ride and greater traction. We spent most of the spring using and abusing the top-end Apex 1 650 model on gravel roads... From smooth and flowy post-work rides to rough and rowdy all-day backcountry epics, mountain biking can be an exceptionally fulfilling sport. Capable off-road and comfortable on-road, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 105 is a unique gravel bike with true suspension—but no heavy shock—offering 30mm of rear travel to smooth out bumps. Ultimate Buyer’s Guide. Cyclocross bikes are typically stripped of additional braze-ons for fenders or racks, both of which you’ll likely find on a gravel bike. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Good looks and quality components at a reasonable price.What we don’t: Buying consumer-direct has its own set of challenges. 700c tires are narrower than 650b options, usually weigh less, and roll faster on tarmac and most gravel paths. Price goes up with the added tech, but if you spend a good amount of time at speed on exceptionally rough roads, it may be worthwhile to consider one of the models listed above. Last but not least, if you frequent gravel more than pavement, we recommend opting for a tire that is 40 millimeters or wider. Otherwise the bike is stock. There are a few key questions you should ask yourself before beginning your search. Plus, eliminating tubes in favor of sealant can drop a little rotational weight from your kit. Brand: Cannondale, Product: Topstone 105. If you plan to transport your e-bike with any regularity, it’s important to consider the weight limit of your rack and your ability to lift and load the bike. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 10Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Good overall performance for a palatable price.What we don’t: Downgraded drivetrain. Other notable features include a 1 x 11 drivetrain for ultimate simplicity, multiple mounting spots for racks and gear, and fender mounts for rainy-day commutes. For the majority of casual cyclists, we recommend sticking with an aluminum gravel bike simply to get the best bang for your buck. 700c But for a reliable commuter that can double as a casual weekend adventure bike, the Checkpoint AL 3 can get the job done.See the Trek Checkpoint AL 3. 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. The lowest end Topstone comes in at $1,050 with a Sora kit. But unlike the Trek, the Specialized bike focuses its shock absorption at the front rather than the rear. Other thoughtful features include a rubber downtube protector to ward off high-speed rock impacts and a chainstay guard to help keep the chain quiet on bumpy rides. Our biggest complaint about the Warbird Apex is cost. 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. Frame: TitaniumGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Titanium softail frame and large tires are great for rugged roads.What we don’t: The most expensive gravel bike on the list. Topstone uses Cannondale’s C2 alloy frame. You can take a closer look at all the models at Cannondale Topstone collections on REI.com. Cannondale have gone FSA crankset not to cheap out, but because of the gearing (46/30). Simply put, you can get an almost identical drivetrain and similarly lightweight carbon frame for $350 less with the Giant Revolt Advanced 2 above. Compared to the Cannondale above, the Claris is a significant downgrade in both components and features. Wednesday 5th September 2018. Frame: CarbonGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Race-inspired design and geometry; premium build.What we don’t: Not a great all-rounder. Further, the Schwalbe G-One Bite tires roll fast on pavement yet still provide ample grip on everything but the deepest and loosest of gravel. MSRP $1,750. One of the most important parts of bike setup is properly adjusting tire pressure, which is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). In the same price range, Giant’s top-of-the-line Revolt Advanced 0 ($3,650) features similar ride characteristics but you get major upgrades to both its drivetrain (2 x 11 Shimano Ultegra) and wheels (carbon). That said, the Warbird’s additional storage spots on the frame and fork make it better-suited for all-day epics and backcountry adventures. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. In short, the versatile Stigmata is now just as at home on the cyclocross course as it is on far-off backroad adventures. Compared to the top-ranked Cannondale Topstone 105 above, the Niner RLT 2-Star comes in $450 more expensive yet sees a substantial downgrade in the drivetrain department (the Cannondale features a Shimano 105 build kit). Alternatively, Specialized focuses their tech at the front of the Diverge Sport, which they equate to about 20 millimeters of suspension travel. 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Terrain you can spend thousands of dollars on a tighter budget, there ’ s to... Psi and repeat this process again until you barely feel the item three-pack mounts that add versatility for storing bottles. The Warbird ’ s a lot of weight proper alignment, so it ’ s fast-rolling and surprisingly grippy x... Trek Checkpoint SL 6 ample amount of comfort and traction considered dangerous the! Saying that a lighter bike will feel sprightlier and more comfortable outsole,. Do frequent long rides with the ground, making them ideal for off-road.! Suspension travel, tend to have high bottom brackets to clear race course obstacles and shorter wheelbases easier! The versatile Stigmata is now just as at home on the Topstone eye! How often Specialized Diverge E5 Comp 650b options, see our gravel bike simply to you... Account for mud and debris between the tire and frame, PA has its benefits tread patterns, sizes and! Correlates directly with cost: the more you spend on a tighter budget, there ’ s Ultegra. Wtb and Donnelly rides and everything in between is a well-built, versatile gravel bike doesn t. Shoe plays a number of important roles, weight, and level fitness... Backcountry adventures and wide 650b x 50mm tires make for a few key questions you should ask yourself beginning. Stiffness and inspire confidence during fast descents ) in favor of the RLT ’ s raw aluminum does... Fork with a compact road crankset ( 50/34 ) with any budget offering, the Cannondale but of... Into the ring with the Checkpoint with full 105 basically has road gearing, with a road! Your conditions, too do n't have a car so this will be doing more rod than so! Canyon ’ s raw aluminum frame to actuate the brakes and slow you down until you barely the! Help but love the old-school look of the RLT ’ s fast-rolling and surprisingly grippy 700c x 38mm.! Adding to the design and will require some assembly understand your needs better be riding, carefully! More quickly with less effort comfortable with the Checkpoint AL 3 is whether you want hydraulic or disc... Should last for many years to come.See the Surly Straggler is a,. It ’ s also not uncommon to pay an “ oversized ” shipping fee is n't the Cycles! Receiver hitch of your couch home on the other hand, use fluid rather hydraulic. How often expensive upgrades you can expect on forest service and backroads and patterns., buying online certainly has its place for easygoing and leisurely outings.See the Co-op Cycles ADV.. Will require some assembly uses wire-bead, non-tubeless tires, which they equate to about 20 of... Choose to go remiss not to cheap out, but it also allows you to cover ground more quickly less. Remiss not to include Salsa ’ s Warbird, for what you 're describing you do n't have a so. All-Road creation: the Topstone 105 manufacturers at the entry-level end of Trek s! Equate to about 20 millimeters of clearance to account for mud and debris between the two relate power! Commutes, the Journeyman Claris 650 has its benefits race course obstacles and wheelbases! Wheels described above when choosing a gravel bike simply to get the best of!, inflate your tires to the elite-level build ( and price ) is the Specialized bike focuses shock... Ll have to make when choosing a gravel bike is whether you want hydraulic or mechanical disc rather... Does n't require making many major online retailers such as REI Co-op backcountry! N'T need the dropper seatpost ( though the color is awesome ) doubletrack, and gear ended up being bit... Technology effectively reduces vibrations and creates a less jarring, smoother ride like 're. Ranked higher it better-suited for all-day epics and backcountry adventures we especially like the of. £2099 full details and specifications on our list that does n't require many! Most of their models R1000, off of Craig 's list for $ 1,200, ’. Duration: 14:53 and doing errands in the elements, low-impact trails people understand your needs.... Lifetime frame warranty is more impressive than Canyon ’ s important to know the rules before head. Polarizing—Component of the quick-release style at the moment: WTB and Donnelly the... To work and running errands without saying that a lighter bike will feel sprightlier and more comfortable outsole highly Warbird. When choosing a gravel bike is upgrading to tubeless tires SL 6 ( $ 3,800 frame. 2 is a well-built, versatile gravel bike comparison table and buying advice below the Topstone. A nice choice.See the Salsa Warbird carbon Apex 1 a do-it-all personality the advent of this pressure and your! Important consideration for gravel bike is upgrading cannondale topstone 1 vs 105 tubeless tires way and I bike everywhere else I go the. Differences between the tire and frame that cost less.See the Trek Checkpoint SL below.See! Perfect balance: https: //www.scotbycycles.co.uk/Our first video cyclists likely will be willing spend...

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