Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty

The 2024 "Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty" model from Cannondale is a versatile gravel bike designed for demanding riders. With a price tag of EUR 4999, it offers a combination of advanced technology and high-quality components. The frame is made of Topstone Carbon and is equipped with the Kingpin suspension system, which ensures a comfortable ride on a wide variety of terrain. The frame is also SmartSense compatible and features a Proportional Response construction and a 12x142mm thru axle. It is also prepared for a 27.2mm dropper seatpost.

The brakes are Shimano GRX 800 hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm RT76 rotors, which ensure reliable braking performance. The gear system consists of a Shimano GRX 810 Shadow RD+ rear derailleur and Shimano GRX 800 shift levers with 11 gears, which enable precise and smooth gear changes. The fork is a Lefty Oliver with 30mm travel, lockout, chamber damper with all-over tune and ISO high-ride air spring. It has a tapered steerer tube and a 55mm pre-bend.

The bottom bracket is a Shimano BSA 68, while the crankset consists of a Shimano GRX 600 with a 40T chainring. In Europe and the UK, the crankset is replaced by an FSA Gossamer Pro Modular AGX+, also with a 40T chainring. The crankset is a Shimano SLX with a gradation of 11-42 teeth, and the chain is a Shimano HG701, also with 11 gears.

The handlebar is a Cannondale 2 ShortDrop made of 7050 aluminium with a 12 degree flare drop, and the grips are Fizik Solocush Soft with a thickness of 3mm. The stem is made of Cannondale 2, 6061 aluminium, has a diameter of 31.8mm and an angle of 7 degrees. The headset is integrated and made of carbon fibre.

The rims are WTB KOM Light i23 TCS, tubeless ready and have a diameter of 700c with 28 spoke holes. The tyres are WTB Raddler TCS Light in the size 700x44c, also tubeless ready. The hubs consist of a Lefty SL with 6-bolt at the front and a Formula cartridge bearing hub at the rear, also with 6-bolt and a 12x142mm thru axle. The spokes are made of stainless steel and have a thickness of 14g.

The saddle is a Fizik Terra Argo X5 with S-alloy rails, and the seatpost is a Cannondale DownLow dropper post with an adjustment range of 100mm for sizes L-XL (60mm for XS-S and 80mm for M). The total weight of the bike is around 32000g.

The geometry data includes a reach of 379mm, a stack of 605mm, a seat tube length of 553mm, a top tube length of 571mm, a head tube angle of 71 degrees, a seat tube angle of 72 degrees, a head tube length of 177mm, a chainstay length of 420mm, a fork rake of 55mm, a standover height of 829mm and a wheelbase of 1046mm.

To summarise, the "Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty" offers an impressive blend of comfort, control and versatility, making it an excellent choice for gravel enthusiasts.