Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 L

The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 L from 2024 is a versatile gravel bike designed for demanding riders. The price for this model is 4499 EUR. The frame is made of Topstone Carbon and is equipped with the Kingpin suspension system, which provides additional comfort on uneven terrain. It is SmartSense-capable and has a Proportional Response construction, which enables optimum adaptation to different body sizes. The frame is also prepared for a 27.2 dropper seatpost and has a 12x142mm thru-axle standard.

The brake system consists of Shimano GRX 800 hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm MT800 rotors at the front and rear, which ensures reliable braking performance. The brake levers are also from Shimano GRX 800 and the shifting is provided by a Shimano GRX 810 Shadow RD+ rear derailleur and Shimano GRX 800 shifters with 11 gears. The front derailleur is a Shimano GRX 800 with braze-on mounting.

The fork of the Topstone Carbon 2 L is also made of carbon and has a 1-1/8" to 1.5" head tube diameter, a 55mm OutFront offset, flat-mount disc brake mount, internal cable routing, 12x100mm thru-axle as well as multiple mounts for bottles and equipment and mudguard mounts. The shock has a suspension travel of 30 mm.

For lighting, the bike is equipped with the SmartSense system, which includes both a front and rear light. Pedals are not included with this model. The bottom bracket is a Shimano BSA 68, and the crankset is a Shimano GRX 800 with 48/31 teeth (in Europe and the UK: FSA Gossamer Pro Modular AGX+ with 46/30 teeth). The cassette is a Shimano HG800 with a gradation of 11-34 teeth and 11 gears, while the chain is a Shimano HG701.

The handlebar is a Cannondale 2 ShortDrop made from 7050 aluminium with a 12 degree flare drop. The grips are Fizik Solocush Soft with a thickness of 3 mm. The stem is made of Cannondale 2, 6061 aluminium, has a diameter of 31.8 mm and an angle of 7 degrees. The headset system is integrated and made of carbon with a diameter of 1-1/8" to 1-1/2".

The rims are WTB KOM Light i23 TCS, tubeless ready and have a size of 700c with 28 spoke holes. The tyres are WTB Riddler TCS Light, tubeless ready, in the size 700 x 45c (in Europe and UK: Vittoria Terreno Dry 700x38c ANT tubeless compatible). The hubs are Formula ball bearings with centre lock mounts, front with a standard of 12x100mm and rear with a standard of 12x142mm. The spokes are made of stainless steel and have a thickness of 14g.

The saddle is a Fizik Terra Argo X5 with S-alloy stays, and the seatpost is a SAVE Carbon SmartSense with a diameter of 27.2 mm and a length of 350 mm (XS-L) or 400 mm (XL). The gross weight of the bike is around 32000 g.

The geometry of the bike includes a reach of 390 mm, a stack of 600 mm, a seat tube length of 553 mm, a top tube length of 572 mm, a head tube angle of 71 degrees, a seat tube angle of 73 degrees, a head tube length of 177 mm, a chainstay length of 420 mm, a fork offset of 55 mm, a standover height of 823 mm and a wheelbase of 1044 mm.

Overall, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 L offers an excellent combination of comfort, performance and versatility, ideal for demanding gravel adventures.