Cannondale Topstone Carbon Rival AXS

The "Topstone Carbon Rival AXS" model from Cannondale from 2024 is a high-quality gravel bike that is available for EUR 4699. It is characterised by its robust yet lightweight Topstone Carbon frame, which is equipped with the innovative Kingpin suspension system. The frame is SmartSense-compatible and features a proportional response construction as well as a 12x142mm thru-axle. It is also prepared for a 27.2 dropper post.

Braking performance is provided by SRAM Rival Hydraulic Disc brakes with 160mm centreline rotors at the front and rear, which offer reliable deceleration even in difficult conditions. Shifting is ensured by the electronic SRAM Rival eTap AXS system with 12 gears, which enables precise and wireless shifting. This also includes the SRAM Rival eTap AXS shifters and the SRAM Rival AXS front derailleur.

The fork of the bike is also made of carbon and offers a 55mm OutFront offset. It is mounted flat and has internal cable routing as well as various mounting options for bottle cages and mudguards. The suspension travel of the shock absorber is 30 mm, which provides additional comfort on uneven roads.

The bike is equipped with the SmartSense lighting system, which includes both a front and rear light. The bottom bracket is a SRAM DUB BSA Road 68 Wide, and the crankset consists of a SRAM Rival DUB Wide with 43/30 teeth. The sprocket is a SRAM XG-1250 with 10-36 teeth, also 12-speed.

The handlebar is a Cannondale 3 made from butted 6061 aluminium with a 16 degree flare drop, while the grips are Fizik Solocush Soft. The stem is Cannondale 1, 7050 aluminium with a -7 degree angle. The headset is integrated and made of carbon.

The wheels consist of DT Swiss G540 rims with an inner width of 24mm and are fitted with Vittoria Mezcal III tyres in size 700x44c, which are tubeless ready. The hubs are from Formula with cartridge bearings and centrelock mounting. 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 SmartSense, 6061 aluminium with the dimensions 27.2x350mm. The total weight of the bike is 32000 g.

The geometry of the frame has a reach of 386 mm and a stack of 629 mm. The seat tube length is 590 mm, while the top tube has a length of 586 mm. The head tube angle is 71 degrees and the seat tube angle is 72 degrees. The head tube length is 205 mm, the chainstay length is 420 mm, and the fork pre-bend is 55 mm. The standover height is 864 mm and the wheelbase is 1062 mm.

This model therefore offers a balanced mix of comfort, stability and performance, ideal for demanding gravel tours and a wide range of applications.