Cannondale Topstone Carbon 4 C15402U

The 2024 Cannondale Topstone Carbon 4 C15402U is a versatile gravel bike, available for €2,799. It features a Topstone Carbon frame with the Kingpin suspension system, which ensures a comfortable and efficient ride. The frame is SmartSense-compatible and features a Proportional Response design, ensuring optimal adaptation to riders of different heights. With a 12x142mm thru-axle system and provision for a 27.2mm dropper post, the bike is both robust and versatile.

The brakes consist of Shimano GRX 400 hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm RT54 rotors, which provide reliable braking performance. The drivetrain also features the Shimano GRX 400 series, including a Shadow RD+ rear derailleur and 10-speed shifters, enabling precise and rapid gear changes. The front derailleur is a Shimano GRX 400 braze-on model and, together with the FSA Gossamer Pro Modular AGX+ crankset with 46/30-tooth chainrings and a SunRace cassette (11–36, 10-speed), a wide gear range suitable for a variety of terrain.

The Topstone Carbon fork features a 1-1/8" to 1.5" tapered steerer tube, a 55mm OutFront offset, flat disc brake mounts, internal cable routing and mounting points for three bottle cages and mudguards. The rear shock has 30 mm of travel, providing additional comfort on uneven terrain. The bottom bracket is an FSA Mega EXO model.

The cockpit consists of a Cannondale 3 handlebar made from 6061 aluminium with a 16-degree flare drop, Fizik Solocush Soft grips (3mm) and a Cannondale 3 stem (6061 aluminium, 31.8, 7°). The headset is integrated and ranges from 1-1/8" to 1.5". The wheelsets feature WTB ST i23 TCS rims (700c, 28h, tubeless-ready) paired with WTB Riddler Comp tyres in size 700 x 45c (in Europe/UK: Vittoria Terreno Dry 700x40c). The hubs are by Formula with cassette bearings and CentreLock mounting, whilst the spokes are made of stainless steel (14g).

The saddle is a Fizik Aliante Delta with S-Alloy rails, mounted on a Cannondale 3 seatpost made from 6061 aluminium (27.2 x 350 mm). The total weight of the bike is approximately 32,000 grams. With a reach of 390 mm, a stack of 600 mm, a seat tube length of 553 mm and a top tube length of 572 mm, the bike offers well-balanced geometry. The head tube angle is 71 degrees, the seat tube angle is 73 degrees, the head tube length is 177 mm and the chainstay length is 420 mm. The fork offset is 55 mm, the standover height is 823 mm and the wheelbase is 1044 mm.

In summary, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 4 C15402U offers a well-thought-out combination of comfort, versatility and performance, ideal for gravel enthusiasts who ride both on and off-road.