Cannondale Topstone Apex 1

The "Topstone Apex 1" model from the Cannondale brand from 2024 is a versatile and powerful gravel bike designed for demanding riders. With a price tag of EUR 2299, it offers excellent value for money.

The frame of the Topstone Apex 1 is made of lightweight SmartForm C2 aluminium and features a 12x142 mm thru-axle, a tapered head tube, a BSA threaded bottom bracket and a flat-mount disc brake mount. The internal StraightShot cable routing ensures a tidy look and protects the cables from external influences.

The brake system consists of hydraulic disc brakes from SRAM Apex with 160 mm centre lock rotors at the front and rear, which ensure reliable and powerful braking performance. The shifting system is also from SRAM Apex and offers 12 gears with the XPLR system, which are operated via a hydraulic shift lever. The drivetrain is completed by a SRAM Apex 1 DUB Wide crankset with a 40-tooth chainring and a SRAM PG-1231 XPLR cassette set with 11-44 teeth.

The fork of the Topstone Apex 1 is made of carbon and has a 1-1/8" to 1.5" head tube diameter, a 55 mm OutFront offset, internal cable routing and a 12x100 mm thru-axle. It is also equipped with mounts for mudguards and luggage.

The bike's cockpit consists of a Cannondale 3 handlebar made of 6061 aluminium with a 16 degree flare drop and Fizik Solocush Soft grips. The stem is also a Cannondale 3 model made of 6061 aluminium with a 7 degree angle. The headset is integrated and has a diameter of 1-1/8" to 1.5".

The wheels consist of GXD 1.0 rims with an internal width of 23 mm and Formula hubs with cartridge bearings. The tyres are Vittoria Terreno Dry in size 700x38c and tubeless ready. The spokes are made of stainless steel and have a thickness of 14g.

The saddle of the Topstone Apex 1 is a Fizik Aliante Delta with S-Alloy rails, mounted on a Cannondale 3 seatpost made of 6061 aluminium, which has a size of 27.2x350 mm.

The bike has a gross weight of 32000 g and offers a balanced geometry with a reach of 377 mm, a stack of 549 mm, a seat tube length of 458 mm, a top tube length of 544 mm, a head tube angle of 71 degrees, a seat tube angle of 73 degrees, a head tube length of 115 mm, a chainstay length of 435 mm, a fork pre-bend of 55 mm, a standover height of 744 mm and a wheelbase of 1027 mm.

Overall, the Cannondale Topstone Apex 1 impresses with its high-quality equipment, sophisticated geometry and versatile gravel applications.