Cannondale Topstone Carbon Apex 1

The "Topstone Carbon Apex 1" model from Cannondale from 2024 is a versatile gravel bike designed for demanding riders. With a price tag of EUR 3199, it offers a combination of advanced technology and high-quality components.

The bike's frame is made of Topstone Carbon and is equipped with the Kingpin suspension system, which provides improved shock absorption. The frame is also SmartSense compatible and has a Proportional Response construction that is optimised for different frame sizes. The 12x142mm thru-axle standard and the preparation for a 27.2mm dropper post round off the versatility of the frame.

The brakes are SRAM Apex hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm centreline rotors both front and rear, ensuring reliable braking performance in a wide range of conditions. The shifting consists of a SRAM Apex XPLR drivetrain with 12 gears, controlled by SRAM Apex hydraulic shifters. The crankset is a SRAM Apex 1 Wide Direct Mount with a 40-tooth chainring, and the sprocket is a SRAM PG-1231 XPLR with a gear ratio of 11-44.

The bike's fork is also made from Topstone Carbon and has a 1-1/8" to 1.5" head tube diameter, 55mm out-front offset, flat disc brake mount, internal cable routing, 12x100mm thru-axle and several mounts for bottles and pannier rack. The bottom bracket is a SRAM DUB BSA Road 68 Wide.

The handlebars are a Cannondale 3 made from butted 6061 aluminium with a 16 degree flare drop. The grips are Fizik Solocush Soft with a thickness of 3mm. The stem is also made of Cannondale 3, 6061 aluminium, with a diameter of 31.8mm and an angle of 7 degrees. The headset is integrated and ranges from 1-1/8" to 1.5".

The wheels consist of DT Swiss G540 rims with an internal width of 24mm and are fitted with Vittoria Terreno Dry tyres in size 700x38c, which are tubeless ready. The hubs are Formula ball bearing hubs with centre lock mounts, 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, and the seat post is made of Cannondale 3, 6061 aluminium, measuring 27.2x350mm.

The bike has a gross weight of 32000g and offers the following geometry values: Reach is 367mm, stack is 555mm, seat tube length is 458mm, top tube length is 543mm, head tube angle is 70 degrees, seat tube angle is 72 degrees, head tube length is 123mm, chainstay length is 420mm, fork fork rake is 55mm, standover height is 751mm and the wheelbase measures 1016mm in total.

The "Topstone Carbon Apex 1" therefore offers a balanced mix of comfort, control and performance for versatile off-road and on-road use.