Shifting is solid and dependable, if a bit noisier than an equivalent Shimano drivetrain. The SAVE post is widely regarded as one of the smoothest riding rigid posts around, so to find the answer, I swapped it out for a rigid alloy post from PRO Bike Gear, and went for a ride. I think this is a great choice for amateurs and professionals. Your email address will not be published. Fork mounts are drilled completely through the fork for more mounting options. The suspension effect is more apparent when seated than when standing, which makes sense given some of the travel comes at the saddle, through flex in the seat tube, top tube and seatpost. I’m building a project Top Stone Carbon bike with GRX. But it’s just enough to take the edge off. Last week, I test rode both Topstone alloy M and carbon M size bikes. This sensor pairs to smartphones and computers via ANT+ and Bluetooth. Ultimately, I think a test ride is always best, but I’ve got a 33-inch inseam and am 6’1” tall. Sizes: XS–XLStyle: Gravel/all-roadMaterial: Carbon Travel: 30mm Drivetrain: SRAM Force eTap AXSChainrings: 46/33Cassette: 10-33Handlebar: SAVE Carbon bar with integrated computer mountStem: SAVE alloy Saddle: FabricWheels: Hollowgram HG22 carbon clincherTires: 37mm WTB RiddlerWheel Size: 700cTire clearance: 700cx40mm or 650bx48mm. Required fields are marked *, Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS: Checkpoint. It works via engineered flex in the frame to achieve the holy grail of rear suspension, providing comfort and added traction on rough terrain without negatively impacting pedaling efficiency. The geometry makes the bike capable in corners, but for those used to bikes with more aggressive head tube angles and less fork offset, it might take some time to acclimate to the different feel as you lean in. Monthly Financing Options Available Learn More . The Topstone Carbon takes every (meager) watt of energy I have and makes the most of it, thanks to the stiffness Cannondale engineered into the massive downtube and chainstays. A 2x drivetrain, courtesy of SRAM’s Force eTap AXS groupset, is a very welcome addition. Crankset :SRAM Force eTap AXS - 46/33t - 172.5 mm. 2020 Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS. Cicli Mattio € 4.399,00. I mostly remedied this by installing a larger 45c version of the WTB Riddler tires that are spec’ed on the bike. Hey @Bill. Cannondale SuperX Force eTap AXS equipped with good tires Vittoria Terreno Mix TNT. To the casual observer, you may not even notice there is any travel at all while out of the saddle. The bike rides great regardless of seatpost, but I actually prefer the more direct ride the alloy post offers. TREK Checkpoint SL 6 2021. Hey @Dennis – Thanks for reading, and for you your questions. If not, do you think it’s likely to be an issue for shorter riders? Any updates on the GRX build of your Topstone? The improved lever shape and hoods are very comfortable and the shift paddles impossible to mistake. A single chainring is cool, but for maximum versatility it’s hard to argue with the 46/33 chainring and 10-33 cassette combo. This system has a beautiful way of smoothing out the bumps, increasing traction and power transfer on rough terrain. The magic is in what Cannondale calls Kingpin Suspension—a full-frame leaf-spring system with a single pivot and no complex linkage systems or shock. ... Sram Force eTap AXS £4,800 And in a nod toward looking fast and going fast, the Topstone boasts an integrated SAVE stem and carbon SAVE handlebar with aero styling and an integrated computer mount. I’m a big fan of the Topstone Carbon’s handling feel, but for some it might be more of an acquired taste. It’s an important decision that you want to get right. And why not have a little aero help. A quick glance at the geometry chart gives us some clues as to how it hit that mark. Hey @Chris Kim – See my response to @Dennis above. It likes to be told what to do with a confident hand. It’s fast, but it’s no one-trick pony. It’s replaced by a capable, precise feel, and plenty of confidence and cornering traction. I have a quick question about the sizing as I have read that it runs a little large. Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS Gravel Bike 2020. Cannondale is offering the Oliver Carbon (tested here) for aftermarket purchase for $1,500. In the meantime, head over to Cannondale.com to learn more about each of Cannondale’s alloy and carbon Topstone models. Did it bother you at all on long rides? You can fit a true 40c (measured) tire in the chainstays, but anything larger will be problematic in anything but dry conditions. A trail of only 58mm is also much closer to what you might find on a road bike than a heavy-duty gravel bike. Sure, shifting decisions are undeniably simpler with 1x, but gear choices suffer. How we test gear. Our Aspero uses the top-level SRAM Force AXS 1 build, using the Chicago brand’s wireless 12-speed drivetrain. SRAM FORCE ETAP AXS. I’ll be using the Red Shift Sports Shock Stop stem to give a more balanced feel front and rear. For $4,000 you can get rolling on the Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX, featuring Shimano’s new gravel-specific groupset. Everyone I’ve let ride the bike has come back with the same feeling. While Cannondale claims 40c clearance on the fork as well, I’ve been running that big 45c WTB Riddler with room to spare. Some readers have asked how much effect Cannondale’s SAVE seatpost has on the ride quality of the Topstone Carbon. Brand: Cannondale, Product: Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS Topstone is pure gravel goodness. Front shifts to the big chainring and rear shifts to smaller cogs (both taller/harder gears) are two areas where Shimano still holds a slight lead in shift quality. Full specs, price, and weights of top-end rear suspension Topstone. What I found was interesting. Building on the popularity of the Topstone that Cannondale introduced last summer, this new Topstone Carbon turns it up to 11 with a lightweight carbon frame and a groundbreaking leaf-spring suspension system that offers 30mm of travel at the saddle. The Cannondale Topstone Carbon has been one of the most talked about new gravel bikes for 2020. The bike rolls on carbon Hollowgram clincher rims shod in 37mm WTB Riddler rubber. The Topstone Carbon fills that gap. Greatly appreciated. The $6000 bike is equipped out of the box with a SRAM Force DUB crank and a 36t direct mount chain ring. There’s no power loss due to bounce or sag, and the bike feels very normal over smaller bumps. Stack and reach measurements, through the range of sizes, match the Synapse and are very middle-of-the-road for gravel bikes. While I can definitely feel that I sit higher up on the Topstone Carbon than I do on other bikes, once rolling, the sensation mostly disappears. Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty pricing and availability Cannondale is rolling out three versions of the Topstone Carbon Lefty. The Topstone Carbon is a completely revamped version of the aluminum Topstone Apex1 that was introduced last summer—and this one has rear suspension. What about the wider q-factor? The Hollowgram Si carbon handlebar flexes a bit more than normal bars, but in terms of overall impact absorption, the rear end is doing more to smooth the ride. For someone (like me) who has several gravel and/or road bikes in their quiver, the offset frame limits the ability to swap wheels among bikes. 2020 Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS Gravel Bike 56cm: Condition: Used “ Bike and components are in good condition. Fork :Cannondale SAVE BallisTec Carbon Carbon Fiber. I didn’t notice it at all, but that said, if you’ve found yourself sensitive to wider Q factor cranks in the past, you may want to try before you buy. Brand: Cannondale, Product: Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS Topstone is pure gravel goodness. Riders who prefer a more aggressive fit can certainly achieve that, and those who like to be a little more upright can get the handlebar position they desire without having to resort to using loads of spacers under the stem. To date, I haven’t had any weird creaks from the Kingpin pivot or press fit bottom bracket, though I’ve heard reports of other riders suffering a different fate with their Topstone Carbon bikes. Tyres: WTB Riddler TCS Light, 700 x 37c, tubeless ready. The reach and standover height was too much! The Topstone Carbon takes every (meager) watt of energy I have and makes the most of it, thanks to the stiffness Cannondale engineered into the massive downtube and chainstays. What makes this one unique it that it has no shock or linkage system. It feels smooth, but you don’t get a sense that there’s overt movement going on as you pedal. Please review our cookie policy to learn more or to change your cookie settings. Keeping that rear wheel tucked up close underneath the rider goes a long way toward creating that nimble and agile feel we expect from road bikes. There’s also the Topstone Lefty which has 30mm of travel in its Lefty suspension fork. Ultimately, my concerns were unfounded. Those lines get trotted out just as often as claims that a 150mm enduro bike “climbs well.” So while I won’t try to extoll the speedy benefits of the new Topstone, I will remark on how this bike scores impressively high marks on both ends of the spectrum. The Kingpin suspension splits the travel between the saddle and the rear axle, so you don’t get any unexpected suspension movement under power. The slightly higher BB height also gives me the ability to rip through our local singletrack on the way out and/or home from gravel rides without fear of clipping a pedal in corners. Some aftermarket wheels will also be able to be re-dished to fit into a Topstone Carbon frame, but some will not. MG – Thanks for the quick response! @Joey B. Brand: Cannondale, Product: Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS Topstone is pure gravel goodness. I read somewhere that the carbon Topstone M is equivalent to size 55cm. It’s a bike that can handle any kind of gravel grinder, function as a daily rider, and also work quite well when your ride stays entirely on the straight and narrow. When traversing larger bumps or extended sections of washboard, the Kingpin suspension becomes more apparent as it actively works to mute the vibration reaching the rider. Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 3 Lefty Review. You get all the smooth riding benefits while seated while still retaining the snappy feeling of a responsive carbon bike when you need to stand up and power over a climb. For some, this may be a deal breaker, but I suspect most Cannondale aficionados won’t be fazed. One of the more polarizing features of the Topstone Carbon frame is Cannondale’s proprietary Ai offset frame design. After testing the Cannondale Topstone AL 105 over varied surfaces and terrain, this is what we learned: The alloy Topstone M size was just fine and comfortable, but the carbon Topstone M size was too big for me. Look fast, feel fast, go fast, right? Since this is a gravel bike, it packs a lot of the features that have become standard fare on gravel bikes—mounts for three bottles on the main triangle, a top-tube accessory mount, front and rear fender mounts, as well as a mount for a front pannier rack. Part of it has to do with bottom bracket height, so you sit higher relative to the head tube (14mm on a large) than you so on the alloy bike. With a 40mm on back of the Topstone I flew over a mile stretch of cobblestone street and used the king pin (stayed seated) to absorb. Proven in testing to reduce drag by up to 30 per cent over pure round tubing this airfoil shaping can most obviously be seen in the CAAD13’s down tube and seat tube a… Countering the trend of … Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS equipped with good tires WTB Riddler TCS Light. When we talk about the travel, in this case it’s important to note where that travel is being measured. Cicli Mattio € 5.499,00. For a bike that’s intended to be as good on the road as it is on gravel, the expanded range of a 2x drivetrain, as well as the smaller gaps between gears that come with the 10-33 cassette, are a clear winner. Using the lovely 33x33 lowest combo, I could matter-of-factly noodle my way to the top without fighting the bike. I would love to hear how it turned out and what your final build components were. One issue I have with SRAM’s new eTap AXS road groups is the Flat-Top chain. The rims are lightweight HollowGram 22 Carbon, paired up with WTB Riddler tires seen on most other models in this series. Did you happen to measure it? For open minded gravel cyclists not encumbered by traditional expectations, it can be a one way ticket to gravel nirvana. The Topstone Carbon SRAM Force eTap AXS is the flagship of the new carbon gravel bike line. Great review.. Ai offsets the entire drivetrain out (to the right) by about 6mm. Some of the more rugged ones lose their luster when they hit the pavement, and some of the more performance-oriented ones aren’t always the best pick if you want to push the limits on questionable terrain. While the fork is by no means harsh, there is a definite difference in the feel of bumps through the front and rear wheels. Overall, the wheels have stayed true and round with just one minor round of truing after about 200 miles of riding. Thanks for reading!! Please let us know which way you end up going! Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS | Gravel Bikes | Cannondale. The most incredible part of this suspension system is the way it’s far less active when you’re out of the saddle, roughly 70 percent less travel than when you’re seated. Obviously the Hollowgram 22 wheels on the Topstone Carbon are built around this different dish. Get caught up on our earlier posts with specifications and available models of the Cannondale Topstone Carbon: From the first revolution of the pedals, it’s easy to feel the speed Cannondale has engineered into the Topstone Carbon chassis. Cannondale reduced the bottom bracket drop on Topstone Carbon frames relative to its alloy models, one of which we tested and loved earlier in 2019. Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS Gravel Bike 2020 EX DEMO,Ex-Demo Bike: Very good condition Little use / wear ALL NEW TOPSTONE - More Give - More Go - An unprecedented gravel bike with real suspension - It's the most off-road capable and on-road comfo,Clearance Products - Clearance Bikes,Cycle SuperStore The Topstone Carbon is available in four other complete builds, besides our Force eTap AXS test bike. To me, that’s proof that Kingpin really works. Plus, the drivetrain features 24 wide-range gears! The carbon Save handlebar and alloy stem add aero flair to this gravel bike. Cannondale's proprietary high-strength, high-stiffness carbon construction. It’s also worth mentioning that this frame is compatible with 27.2mm internal dropper posts, and the internal cable routing features cable guides inside the frame. It’s easy to set up and changes gears smoothly and in a fraction of a second. Great to get your longer term observations on the rear suspension with & without C-dale’s carbon seatpost, as well as your thoughts on the handling with that (relatively) short trail & high BB. Have ridden about 5 models. Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS [German] Level 2 expert It scores highly with a balanced seating position and high comfort, especially on very rough ground, where the superior damping properties of the Kingpin suspension become noticeable. This allows them to run 15mm shorter chainstays than on alloy Topstone models, with little sacrifice to tire clearance. Really the feedback you have offered. Price: $6,500 Weight: 19.8 lb. Bobby is part of the Bicycling Test Team and brings with him over a decade of professional racing experience, including 3 Olympic Team berths. $6,750.00 + Free Shipping. Hey @MG, thanks for the report. $6,749.99. From a performance standpoint, the bike is stellar, and the Kingpin suspension works as advertised. I should swap stem and lower the seatpost to ride the Topstone carbon M size. Thanks for your questions. The 2020 Cannondale Topstone AL 105 is a nimble gravel bike with a carbon fork, aluminum frame, and Shimano 105 components. I’m on the larger size for a large alloy Topstone, but feel more like I’m in the midrange of the size riders a large Topstone Carbon will fit. The 2×12-speed SRAM Force eTap AXS group is overall very good. We take a first look at the new gravel bike from Cannondale. On the roughest gravel roads and farm trails, you can feel the Kingpin Suspension System working its magic. The Topstone boasts 30mm of travel at the saddle, 25% of which comes from the axle says Ebert. That said, it’s modestly priced when compared to most of Cannondale’s other offerings – including their $6,750 Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS – as well as when viewed alongside many of the other bikes in the wider gravel/adventure category. Find a bike shop near me ... registers your bike, reminds you of needed service and more, all through the free Cannondale App. Joel B, how does your Topstone carbon ride? No longer will changing cables mean fishing them into the cavernous abyss of the frame and hoping they come out where they are supposed to on the other end. Steep, chunky gravel climbs that used to have me fighting for traction, wanting to stand for more power yet needing to remain seated for traction, were no longer horrific. Yes it does, but it doesn’t feel like any other ‘suspension’ bike you’ve ridden. I’d love to try the Topstone Carbon with a Lauf Grit SL fork, but the internal routing of the bike’s front brake line makes such a swap a much more time intensive endeavor than if the hose was externally routed. This groundbreaking bike is a gravel/all-road bike that’s both smooth and efficient on pavement, while truly excelling on the fun (read: rough) stuff. Bike manufacturers so often assert their gravel bikes are “fast on pavement” and “versatile and capable off-road” that those phrases are beginning to lose their meaning. Fitbit IonicRecord rides without carrying a phone.$297.45 | Amazon, Garmin VivoactiveTrack everything on this all-sport Garmin.$115 | Amazon, Apple Watch Series 3Is there anything this stylish watch can’t do?$390 | Amazon, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Rims / Wheelset: HollowGram 22 Carbon, 22mm deep, 25mm ID, tubeless ready. SuperSix EVO Carbon Disc Force eTap AXS | Race Bikes | Cannondale. Cervelo Aspero: The SRAM AXS Force Build. We don’t have exact numbers because each frame is slightly different, as each size has a drastically different design in order to create the same riding experience across the full range of sizes. That said, the Topstone Carbon is versatile enough that I wouldn’t hesitate to throw on a frame, seatpost and handlebar bag for a quick bike camping trip. Thanks @Joey B. The perception of size that gives the carbon bike is a bit of a difference maker in that respect, so if you can, get a test ride in on both sizes and choose the one that works best, knowing you can always swap out stems and seatposts as needed to dial it in 100%. I suspect the BB height of the carbon bike is a lot of what you’re feeling. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. This was at full tire psi. Please let us know what you end up doing. You can easily pedal through corners that’d trip up a bike with 75mm of BB drop. It’s by no means a deal killer, rather, it’s an opportunity to make future iterations of a great bike even better. It’s an evolution of the compliance that’s been engineered into the rear triangles of other Cannondale frames, he adds. Brand: Cannondale, Product: Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS Topstone is pure gravel goodness. The SRAM Force eTap AXS drivetrain looks a little plasticky, but performs well on the road. What length are you (inseam also maybe good to know). Thanks for reading! Get yourself a 27.2mm dropper post and you’ll have a bike that’s smooth and efficient on the road and truly ready to ride as hard as you dare when the pavement ends. The Cannondale Topstone Carbon gravel bike boasts 30mm of travel without the use of a linkage system or shock. 2020 CANNONDALE TOPSTONE CARBON FORCE ETAP AXS ROAD BIKE When you're riding off the beaten track, exploring beyond the horizon or tackling broken roads there can surely be nothing better equipped to tackle the unknown than the Topstone Carbon Force eTap … Sag, and plenty of confidence and cornering traction an area where the Carbon... Other Cannondale frames, he Adds a fat tire bike also so think... Rode both Topstone alloy model and Topstone Carbon has been one of the Topstone Carbon Lefty long reach higher., featuring Shimano ’ s proof that Kingpin really works the alloy Topstone M is to! They were the most informative that i have a quick question about the travel, in this case it s! But some will not the left/non-drive side for maximum versatility it ’ the. Able to be an issue for shorter riders last week, i could noodle... I read somewhere that the Carbon Topstone models, with little sacrifice to tire clearance rear. Builds, besides having a different layup schedule than the larger bikes, even have different. Give a more balanced feel front and rear an area where the Carbon... Shallow Pro saddle, 25 % of which comes from the axle says Ebert with! Relies on engineered flex in the frame instead of linkage systems and a 36t direct chain.... BallisTec Carbon extra traction and power transfer great regardless of seatpost, but ’! Bike rolls on Carbon HollowGram clincher rims shod in 37mm WTB Riddler TCS Light, 700 x 37c tubeless... But they feel very Light in hand and spin up and changes gears smoothly and in a fraction of second! Ultegra RX, featuring Shimano ’ s replaced cannondale topstone carbon force etap axs review a capable, precise feel, and plenty mounts. Since you rode it a lot maybe you can easily pedal through corners that ’ s Force AXS... No coincidence in the frame for the travel, in this series WTB Riddler tires seen on most other in... Cannondale has another winner on its hands in the line, at $ 2,700 s fast, feel,..., using the Red shift Sports shock Stop stem to give a more balanced front! Length are you ( inseam also maybe good to know ) complex linkage systems and a direct! Of truing after about 200 miles of riding which comes from the axle says.! This different dish most terrain a year of riding that Kingpin really works new AXS! Should swap stem and lower the seatpost to ride the alloy post offers:... There is no coincidence in the meantime, head Over to Cannondale.com to learn more each... Inseam also maybe good to know ) Carbon seatpost with Fabric Scoop Shallow Pro saddle, 25 of... You don ’ t feel like any other ‘ suspension ’ bike ’. Superx Force eTap AXS gravel bike from Cannondale way you end up going size after the. And paired with 46/33 chain rings you ’ ve ridden our use of cookies teamed up send. Has virtually leveled the playing field with Shimano in terms of shifting easier. Feel working with the same travel and power transfer on rough terrain the less rigid SAVE post absorbing... We may earn commission if you buy from a performance standpoint, smaller... Issue for shorter riders lower seatpost utilizes a single chainring is cool, but some not. At gravel bikes for a good deal for folks who want to 15mm. Top-Level SRAM Force eTap AXS equipped with good tires Vittoria Terreno Mix TNT road?! Topstone boasts 30mm of travel and wasn ’ t feel like any other ‘ suspension ’ bike you re... And weights of top-end rear suspension i felt it worked and wasn ’ t a... Higher seatpost position components were feel, and the bike rides great regardless of,! You add the SAVE Carbon seatpost with Fabric Scoop Shallow Pro saddle that! Me, that might not be an issue for shorter riders Cannondale, Product: Topstone Carbon eTap! Movement going on as you pedal able to be an issue for shorter riders since rode! 25Mm ID, tubeless ready the aluminum Topstone Apex1 that was introduced last summer—and this one unique it that has...