We particularly like Treks IsoSpeed on the Checkpoint SL 6, which decouples the top tube and seat tubes to create a less jarring ride. All that said, carbon bikes are quite pricey, and you can often get a similarly equipped aluminum model for hundreds of dollars less. Experts bemoaned the Topstone's less-than-stellar climbing abilities. In short, it ticks most of the important boxes in this category, including a high-quality aluminum frame, lightweight carbon fork, and gravel-specific Shimano GRX 400 groupset (note: the GRX 400 series is 10-speed, while the 600 and 800 are 11-speed). But the Grail AL 6 is a solid value nevertheless, which is one of the biggest perks of buying consumer-direct.See the Canyon Grail AL 6. If you have hesitation between these two bikes, then I think the Cannondale Topstone 1 must be the winner. 2022 Cannondale Topstone 3 Review-Can It Take You Across The Gravel Road? Finally, it has a stable shift switch, which is easy and precise to operate. Of course, its other bike in Mercury color is also very nice. This protects it from wear and tear during the ride, thus prolonging its service life. Both offer a nice entry point into the world of gravel riding, but the more capable Kona gets the edge for us.See the Diamondback Haanjo 2. I think thats why Cannondale Topstone 1 chose WTB Nano vacuum tires. The biggest benefit is the ability to run lower tire pressures, meaning the tires are better able to absorb impacts without increasing the risk of a pinch flat. This makes it easier to steer the bike and avoid accidents due to sluggishness. For those who spend the majority of their time on pavement but like to explore the occasional gravel road or path, wed pick something in the 30- to 32-millimeter range with a slick or herringbone tread pattern. Photo: Courtesy Cannondale Cannondale got out early in the gravel suspension game with the Slate, which never gained huge traction with its Lefty fork and 650b wheels. In parsing out the differences, the 650b Kona has wider tires and does a nicer job cushioning impacts on washboard roads, while the narrower and faster-rolling Diamondback is the superior option for commuting and mixing in longer stretches on pavement. At this point, there was not enough vision to judge the terrain behind the corner, so I had to hold the brakes and reduce my speed. In terms of design, the Topstone features the kind of premium aluminum frame that the brand is known for, a gravel-specific Shimano GRX drivetrain complete with hydraulic disc brakes, and appropriately wide wheels for soaking up bumps. While the definition of these dirt-focused models still is up for debate, they share a few key design features including a more upright seating position for added comfort over long distances, high-volume tires to help smooth out rough roads, and multiple mounting points for extra water and gear. and our Rating (4.7/5.0) Were particularly fond of two tire manufacturers at the moment: WTB and Donnelly. That said, the Warbirds additional storage spots on the frame and fork make it better-suited for all-day epics and backcountry adventures. more The big advantage is that the SL5 smooths your ride even more than the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5. Giant Revolt Advanced 3 Review [2022]- The Best Carbon Gravel Bike For The Money. Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 2023. Logg inn. Other thoughtful features include a rubber downtube protector to ward off high-speed rock impacts and a chainstay guard to help keep the chain quiet on bumpy rides. Hey guys, after all my research for gravel bikes, the final Battle is between the cannondale Topstone 1 (2099) and the Trek Checkpoint ALR5 (2299) I want the bike mostly for traveling. First of all, the Cannondale Topstone 1 has a 211 speed shift range. It checks all the boxes, with solid handling, competitive spec and an understated, high-quality look and feel. You also miss out on some nice upgrades like hydraulic disc brakes, although the Tektro mechanicals are decent performers and dont require much in terms of maintenance. Not only that, but I was very worried about dropping the chain at first, a concern I think you usually have as well. Our biggest complaint about the Warbird Apex is cost. With decades of racing experience under their belt, Trek throws their hat into the ring with the Checkpoint SL 6. And finally, Cannondale's Kingpin rear suspension offers up to 30 millimeters of travel via a thru-axle pivot connecting the seat stay and seat tube. Frame: CarbonGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Race-inspired design and geometry; premium build.What we dont: Not a great all-rounder. Just the right amount of Reach, not too long and not too short. Close. There's good reason why this is one of the fastest-growing bike categories. Better known for their extensive lineup of mountain bikes, Norco did a nice job with the dirt-focused Search XR A2. Trek provides the Checkpoint in three models, the SL 6 for $4699 is the top-end carbon frame version with the fancy Shimano Ultegra, the SL 5 we have sells for $3699 with Shimano 105. However, I feel that the 2022 Canyon Grail CF SL 7 seems to ignore the fact that gravel bikes need comfortable seats and handlebars as well. 29ers From smooth and flowy post-work rides to rough and rowdy all-day backcountry epics, the trail mountain biking category covers a wide range. Tires are an often-overlooked component, but as the only thing connecting you to the ground, are an important consideration for gravel riding. Attaching a dropper post reportedly limited minimum seat heights. Now its time to address the elephant in the room. Gravel, dirt, and single track all have to be taken into account. 2022 Cannondale Topstone 1 Price: $2325 Category: Gravel Bicycle Frame: Aluminum Gear: 211 Tires: 700 x 40c What we like about it: SmartForm C2 alloy's rugged frame, BallisTec full carbon fork offers three mounting notches and lightweight versatility. What do you give up with the Chamois Hagars unique build? All that said, the ADV 1.1 has its place for everything from cross-country trips to easygoing and leisurely outings.See the Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1. If I were to find a rival for Cannondale, TREK would be the right brand. Compared to the Cannondale Topstone 1 above, the Grail AL 6 costs around $450 less (technically the AL 7 is a more direct competitor at $1,999) but comes up slightly short in a couple key areas. One of only two steel-framed designs on our list, the Surly Straggler is a gravel bike with a do-it-all personality. Where does the Stigmata fall short? At $2,799, we think there are better deals to be had in the gravel bike category. We couldn't actually find the tire clearance for these bikes on Cannondale's website, but it comes stock with just 700x30c tires, and we think it may hold . For example, the Giant Revolt Advanced 2 above comes in around the same price and features a more versatile drivetrain with a wider gear range (better for mountainous terrain). 24. filter controls. Frame: AluminumGears: 1 x 11Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Classic old-school looks and off-road features.What we dont: Cannondales Topstone costs $50 less and performs better across most categories. Today I have chosen the 2023 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 for analysis and comparison. The Cannondale Topstone 1 is a gravel bike that is well worth getting because it offers plenty of versatility and is suitable for a wide variety of terrains, making it ideal for riders who want to explore the wilderness. Sammenlign tilbud fra Cannondale. Thanks for all answers! The Cannondale Topstone 1 is a bit more robust. Cannondale Topstone 1 Alloy Bike (26) 26 reviews with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Cannondale Topstone 1 ($2,150) Frame: Aluminum Gears: 2 x 11 Tires: 700c x 38mm Brakes: Hydraulic disc What we like: Quality components and impressive versatility at a good price. And the standard 50-milllimeter-wide tires are not the fastest-rolling or lightest around. . And finally, e-bike laws still are evolving and changing, so its important to know the rules before you head out. Cannondale 3, butted 6061 alloy, 16 deg flare drop . Cons. Well start by saying that we didnt anticipate our top gravel bike pick being an aluminum-frame rig, but the Cannondale Topstone 1s versatility, smart build, and competitive price tag won us over. For last year, the Stigmata was redesigned with additional clearance for tires up to 45 millimeters wide (as well as 650b tires), updated geometry with a slightly longer head tube that translates to a more upright and comfortable riding position, and internal routing for dropper seat post compatibility. Not only does it make the uphills more bearable, but it also allows you to cover ground more quickly with less effort. Tires in this size come in a variety of tread patterns which cover everything from smooth slicks to knobby options (resembling mini mountain bike tires). We have reviewed other versions of Cannondale Topstone if you want to learn more. Im sure there are many people who are attracted to beautiful bikes when they buy one. In the gravel realm, we especially like their Haanjo 2, which is the most affordable design to make our list at $925. The 2022 Giant Revolt, Advanced 3 is in the same price range as the Cannondale Topstone 1, but I dont think its as cost-effective as the Cannondale Topstone 1. For reference, the top-end variation of the Giant Revolt Advanced above (the 0) is priced at $100 less than the Trek but includes substantially upgraded components like carbon wheels (the SL 6s are aluminum). Further, its wide 47-millimeter tires do an admirable job soaking up the kind of bumps, ruts, and rocks that you often find on forest service roads. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 10Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Solid feature set for those dabbling in the sport.What we dont: Fairly heavy and middling performance overall. Inside Trek. Alternatively, those consistently tackling long, steep grades likely will prefer the Giant Revolt Advanced 2s wider gear range (although the G//C Force is perfectly adequate for riding rolling terrain). A capable, versatile gravel road bike. It's incredibly easy to compare specs, prices, and parts online, and bike selection and shipping has improved dramatically in recent years. Frame: TitaniumGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 43/50mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Titanium softail frame and large tires are great for rugged roads.What we dont: The most expensive gravel bike on the list. Sykler. Topstone 1 vs Checkpoint ALR 5 ? We think the sweet spot is in the 20- to 23-pound range for most riders, which will usually set you back roughly $2,000. Regarding the Cannondale Topstone 1 Alloy Bike, I'm 5'9" and 32" inseam. The adjustable Stranglehold rear dropouts are gone and chain stay length increased 10mm. A long-term review said rims were heavy and didn't stay true. It looks like a brown tree trunk blended with orange and red fallen leaves, and at the same time mixed with the reflective metallic texture of SmartForm C2 alloy, a gentle yet refined feeling. The Grails proven and tubeless-ready DT Swiss wheels also are wrapped in one of our favorite gravel tires at the moment: Schwalbes 40-millimeter G-One Bite, which transition nicely from tarmac to trail. Compared to road and cyclocross bikes, gravel grinders feature significantly more mounting locations for extra water bottles, bags, and gear. 2023 Top 10 Best Fun Kids Bike Bells Will This Bring Joy To Your Childs Ride? That said, buying from Santa Cruz involves paying a premium for the brands attention to detail (all models are admittedly fantastic-looking), strong warranty, and reliable long-term performance. Frame: SteelGears: 3 x 10Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Touring-ready with a steel frame and included racks.What we dont: Very heavy. But even as I sped down the hill at top speed, with the intense friction between the chain and the frisbee, the Topstone 1 didnt stall at all until I stopped after descending. is the prototypical gravel race bike. How does the rest of the build compare with the aforementioned Trek? In addition, the WTB ST i23 TCS tires with their staggered knobs and Flying V pattern design allowed me to easily press through large and small gravel. What pushes the Straggler towards the bottom of our list? For budget-oriented riders interested in exploring backroads or taking the scenic route to work, Konas Rove AL 650 is plenty of bike. Explore the differences below. Although quite a bit heavier than the carbon and aluminum models above, the Stragglers smooth-riding steel frame and classic design are ideal for those who prioritize comfort and durability over speed and new tech. Youll likely feel the object beneath you. Its not for everyone, but for riders that stick to relatively tame terrain and want a race-ready screamer, the Aspero is a great choice. As expected from the brand, the Aspero models put a premium on climbing speed and responsiveness with a high-quality and very lightweight carbon frame, upright geometry that gives it a quick-handling and nimble feel, and a nice spec sheet with efficiency-minded components. It is not comparable to the Shimano GRX 810 of the Cannondale Topstone 1 in terms of both sensitivity and comfort. This also provides me with the advantage of agile steering. Its also worth noting the max tire width for the Aspero is 42 millimeters, which is a few millimeters less than most designs on this list. Put another way, its the polar opposite of the Evil Chamois Hagar above, which crushes the downhills at the expense of power and efficiency when pedaling. 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