Cannondale Topstone Carbon 5

The "Topstone Carbon 5" model from Cannondale from 2024 is a versatile gravel bike that is characterised by its high-quality components and innovative technology. With a price tag of EUR 2999, it offers an attractive price-performance ratio for discerning cyclists.

The frame of the Topstone Carbon 5 is made of BallisTec Carbon and is equipped with the Kingpin suspension system, which provides additional comfort and control on uneven terrain. The frame is also dropper-post compatible and has direct cable routing, which makes maintenance easier and ensures a clean appearance. The 12x142 Speed Release Thru-Axle ensures a stable and secure connection of the rear hub.

The bike's brakes are Shimano GRX 400 hydraulic disc brakes with 160/160mm RT64 rotors, which offer reliable braking performance in combination with the Shimano GRX 600 hydraulic brake levers. A Shimano GRX 812 Shadow RD+ rear derailleur is used for shifting, which, together with the Shimano GRX 600 shifters and the Shimano GRX 800 front derailleur, enables precise and smooth gear changes. The bike has a total of 22 gears, which allows optimum adaptation to different types of terrain.

The fork is also made of BallisTec carbon and is characterised by a 1-1/8" to 1.5" head tube diameter, a 55mm OutFront offset and a flat disc brake mount. The internal cable routing and the 12x100 Speed Release Thru-Axle round off the high-quality features of the fork.

The crankset is a Cannondale BB30a OPI SpideRing with a ratio of 46/30, while the bottom bracket also comes from Cannondale (BB30). The cassette is a Shimano 105 with a gradation of 11-34 and 11 gears, complemented by a KMC X11 chain.

The cockpit of the Topstone Carbon 5 consists of a Cannondale 3 handlebar made of butted 6061 aluminium with a 16 degree flare drop, Cannondale bar tape (3.5mm) grips and a Cannondale 3 stem made of 6061 aluminium with a 7 degree angle. The integrated headset has a diameter of 1-1/8" to 1.5".

The wheels consist of WTB ST i23 TCS rims with 28 spokes, which are tubeless ready. The tyres are WTB Riddler TCS Light in size 700x37c, also tubeless ready. The hubs are Formula Cartridge Bearing hubs with centre lock mounts, measuring 12x100mm at the front and 12x142mm at the rear. The spokes are made of stainless steel and have a thickness of 14g.

The saddle is a Fizik Aliante Delta with S-Alloy rails, while the seatpost is a Cannondale 3 made of 6061 aluminium measuring 27.2x350mm. Pedals are not included.

To summarise, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 5 from 2024 offers a well thought-out combination of high-quality materials and components that ensure a pleasant riding experience on a variety of surfaces.