Cannondale is doubling down on alloy, letting loose a new Topstone alloy model with a sleek look, capable design, and competitive pricing. Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. It rolls on the same wheelset as the Topstone 2. As Amazon Associates, we earn a commission at no cost to you if you purchase from one of those links. (You can also read my WTB Riddler review, if the bike youre considering buying comes with that tyre). Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 43.5cm is a pretty long chainstay, hardly a sprinters geometry. It does not store any personal data. Topstone is SmartSense compatible so you can outfit your bike with the full system in just a matter of minutes. Traditional wheel dish, thank you Cannondale. While the Topstone Alloy portfolio comprises five models, the Topstone Alloy 1 is available in the choice of either Shimano GRX or SRAM Rival 1, which essentially provides six options to the buyer. Toys. There is also an easy mounting point for fenders. Unlike some of the best gravel bikes, the Topstone Alloy is compatible with a double-chainring setup, using a band-on front derailleur. He is also particularly fond of tan-wall tyres, dynamo lights, cup and cone bearings, and skids. $2,300, Topstone 2 with a Shimano GRX 400 111 210 spd drive train. Find details here. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. One of the biggest differences on this model (other than the material) is the lack of the Kingpin 2.0 rear suspension. It will be a comfortable gravel bike for cyclists working with a budget under $1,400 USD. In this 2022 Cannondale Topstone 4 alloy review I review price, weight and key features. Its priced at $1,550 and rolls on the same wheelset/tyre combo as the Topstone 4. Katherine Moore is Bristol-based gravel and bikepacking expert who judges her rides by stoke level, rather than speed. With the release of the updated Topstone carbon, Cannondale ignited a fire for competitive gravel and adventure. Full build kit list and pricing below. The Topstone Alloy 3 is comes in a Turquoise color scheme for $1,575. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. The secret to a great bike is in its geometry. The bike is built around a Microshift Advent X 10-speed groupset set up in a 1x arrangement. He has been writing about the bicycles and bike culture for over ten years with no signs of stopping. A versatile option for mixing up road and light off-road riding, with more capability to unlock. Gravel is all about adventure, so we've equipped Topstone Alloy for getting out there with the reliable confidence only a Topstone can deliver. For those unfamiliar, OutFront steering geo gives the ride a lively feel without sacrificing stability comfortably in control of the bike. Given the component availability issues being experienced across the industry, there may be some variance in the final spec on consumer builds though, at the time of writing, Cannondale says most bikes are being sent out with the same Vittoria Terreno Dry tyres as on my bike. The new Cannondale Topstone Alloy looks to empower riders to push themselves, explore, and commute. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. As a result, the bike has been built with simplicity in mind and comes standard with a slew of pragmatic touches - extra mounting points, wider tyre clearance and a threaded bottom bracket - which should make it easier to live with every day. Try 3 issues of Cycling Plus magazine for just 5! The two lower-spec models represent the best value for money in our opinion, especially considering the current cost of living crisis. However, the 1x vs 2x debate is a personal one. While theyre not as lavishly laden as their siblings, the 1,400 Topstone Alloy 3 gets Shimanos 9-speed Sora groupset, mechanically-actuated disc brakes and a heavier finishing kit, while the 1,150 Topstone Alloy 4 is built around a 10-speed microShift Advent X groupset replete with Promax Render R mechanical disc brakes. The Cannondale Topstone Alloy was just updated with more tire clearance and an all-new carbon fork featuring three-pack mounts on each leg. Cannondales latest entry to the burgeoning best gravel bike space is the Topstone Alloy, a bike aimed at bringing gravel riding to a broader demographic thanks to a more accessible price point. All things considered, the Topstone Alloys geometry is fairly middle-of-the-road as far as the latest gravel bikes are concerned, matching its ambitions as a safe bet for a variety of riding, whether that be fitting mudguards for winter road riding and commuting, or adding a bit more off-road capability through wider tyres. If you enjoyed this 2022 Cannondale Topstone 4 Alloy review, consider reading: Your email address will not be published. The Topstone Alloy 2 comes with a good-looking Olive Green paint job for $1,925. The group on the 2022 Topstone 4 is microSHIFT Advent X. Dont feel bad if you havent head of microSHIFT before. The 10-speed cassette ranges from 11-34t. to support us + get The Bikepacking Journal. Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more. Find details over at Cannondale.com. In fact, aside from the most affordable model the Topstone Alloy 4, with its 10-speed Microshift Advent X 1x drivetrain Cannondale only specs 2x drivetrains across the aluminium range. The geometry chart currently displayed on the Cannondale site is, as far as we can tell, identical to the current generation bike. Cannondale's new Topstone Carbon is perfect for your summer plans even if they change, 2021 CANNONDALE TOPSTONE CARBON LEFTY 3 GRAVEL BIKE REVIEW - Road Bike Action, Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty (finally) adds next-gen Oliver v2 front suspension. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 2022 Cannondale TopStone 4 Alloy Gravel Bike - XS - BLK - New, - eBay Money Back Guarantee - opens in a new window or tab. Jordan Villella is a staff writer for BikeRumor.com, specializing in cross country mountain, gravel, road, and race tech. View cart for details. It also jumps up to a branded WTB I23 wheelset with matching WTB Riddler tyres. A versatile option for mixing up road and light off-road riding, with more capability to unlock, GBP 1,800.00 RRP Thanks! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Another trend for gravel bikes has been after market dropper posts. So riders can feel free to easily swap out commuting wheels and save their race wheels for the weekend. WTBs 700c ST i23 rims feature a gravel-tyre friendly 23mm internal rim diameter, laced onto Formula cartridge bearing hubs and shod, as we tested the bike, with 37mm Vittoria Terreno Dry tyres. Like the Topstone Carbon, the new alloy version goes back to the basics; BSA threaded bottom bracket, and a traditional wheel dish. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. Topstone features Cannondales integrated wheel sensor that delivers hyper-accurate ride information such as speed, route, and distance info while you ride. |, USD $1,925.00 Jack thinks nothing of bikepacking after work to sleep in a ditch or taking on a daft challenge for the BikeRadar YouTube channel. Sizing is offered from XS to XL, which Cannondale says is suited for riders from 152cm/4ft11in to 203cm/6ft7in tall. The entry-level model Alloy 4 comes with a microSHIFT Advent X, wide-range 10-speed drivetrain, and 700 x 37mm WTB Riddler Comp tires. Its a quiet and enjoyable ride on any terrain. That makes it a heavy road bike, but an appropriate weight for an entry level gravel bike. Affiliate Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. Find details on the three most recent issues below, join the Bikepacking Collective to get it in the mail (anywhere in the World), or click here to find a collection of selected stories in digital format. Get a Snycros iS Couple bottle cage when you subscribe to Mountain Biking UK today! In this guise, with a 2x drivetrain and 37mm tyres, its an excellent choice for riders who want a versatile gravel bike for all kinds of riding, though youll want to make better use of the clearance for more technical trails. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. He is also a regular contributor to the BikeRadar podcast. Copyright 1995-2022 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Would like to see this feature on higher end mountain and gravel bikes as well. Deals for the Dirt from Transition, Cannondale, Oakley, Muc-Off and Mobi, A closer look Cannock Chase Commonwealth Games XCO course, Mountain bike icons - the Gary Foord story, Gravel in East Africa: Migration Gravel Race, A crash sensor, airy gravel shoes, high-flow valves and more, Ritchey unveils alloy WCS Zeta GX gravel wheelset, Gravel bike geometry: everything you need to know. When shes not scouting out the best long-distance and local off-road routes in the UK, Katherine works as a freelance writer, bike tester, presenter and guide. Unlike its more expensive sibling, the Topstone Alloy is only available in rigid build configuration, eschewing the Lefty/Kingpin suspension trickery of the recently launched Topstone Carbon for a more basic facade. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. The bumpy and constantly changing terrain of gravel trails is hard on a groupset. Already have an account with us? The front wheel is out in front like a mountain bike, allowing you to maintain precise control. The wheels are RD 2.0 with a 20mm internal measurement. SUMMER SALE | Try 3 issues of Cycling Plus magazine for 5 + Get a pair of Lusso cycling socks! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Priced at $1,350, the Topstone 4 comes in two color options. Ultimately, it depends on what you want from your gravel bike its a broad category, with everything from road-like builds to machines, such as the Cotic Cascade with its 1x-only design and 2.4in tyres, that resemble drop-bar mountain bikes, both in build and geometry. No maximum tyre clearance is provided for 650b wheels. Overall, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty 3 is a fun bike. More here. The 2022 Cannondale Topstone Alloy 2 sits second from the top of the range of bikes. Leaving room for upgrades, the new Topstone Alloy is compatible with Cannondales Lefty Oliver and other gravel forks. If youre looking for a gravel bike that feels at home on light off-road trails, can comfortably turn its hand to a bikepacking trip, or be used as a commuter or winter bike, then Cannondales Topstone 2 is a great option. Bike manufacturers have paid attention, and now bikes like Treks Checkpoint and Cannondales Topstone come equipped dropper ready. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The alloy Topstone 4 is the most affordable model in the lineup. The 2022 Cannondale Topstone Alloy 4 is the cheapest of the three builds, coming in at 1,150 / $1,350 /1,499 / AU$2,199. The new Topstone Alloy features Cannondales OutFront steering geometry. All material Farrelly Atkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA1 1JB. They are a small drivetrain manufacturing company that Cannondale turned to during the initial global supply chain issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeking more confidence and awareness while out on the ride? The new bike shares an overall shape similar to the 2022 Cannondale Topstone Carbon, but doesnt feature a suspension fork build option or the Kingpin rear suspension system seen on the carbon bike. Support us! A competitive racer and Stravaholic, hes twice ridden the Cape Epic, raced nearly every mountain bike stage race in South Africa and completed the Haute Route Alps. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Aaron is the editor of off-road.cc. Jack Luke is the deputy editor at BikeRadar and has been fettling with bikes for his whole life. Road-adjacent gravel bike to take you from commute to trail. Its an easy upgrade for any gravel bike. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. GRX 400 is Shimanos entry-level gravel groupset, with 10-speed shifting that feels a little long in the tooth now 11-speed and 12-speed options are becoming commonplace elsewhere. Minimum purchase required. Reviews, buying advice and news. The traditional high-gloss black paint looks great, but the mango option is even better. Required fields are marked *. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. As gravel cycling continues to define itself, the quest to go further and tackle more complex, technical terrain is becoming a common theme. This is followed by the Topstone Alloy 1 which is available with slightly cheaper WTB wheels and finished in either 2x11 Shimano GRX or 1x11 SRAM Rival 1, priced at a respective 2,150 and 2,100. Love bikes? Its great when carrying speed. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This is the same as the new Topstone Carbon and an increase from 42mm on the previous-generation model. The Topstone Alloy 3 gets the Shimano Sora 29-speed drivetrain and 700 x 37mm WTB Riddler Comp tires. Pack for lunch or pack for the weekend, with mounts for three waterbottles, top tube storage and fork mounts - plus sturdy rack mounts, Topstone Alloy is ready to go long. Saddled up, the Topstone doesnt feel too dissimilar from progressive endurance road geometry, with the exception of the flared handlebars, which you only really notice when in the drops. Its a solid option, but the 11-speed Shimano GRX 600/800 build of the 2,200 Topstone Alloy 1 stands out, if your budget can stretch to it. The frame features more options for gear and hauling, but the overall handling should be very similar to that of the carbon version. One of the best features on this bike is the full carbon fork. The Topstone 1 is the tippest-most-top of the range bike and features a mixed Shimano GRX 800/600 groupset. Cannondales SmartForm C2 alloy is used for the Topstone frame, with smoothed welds giving an appealing finish. The tyres specced on my test bike are excellent, though. Already have an account with us? Lightweight SmartForm C2 Alloy, 12x142 thru-axle, tapered headtube, BSA threaded BBm flat mount disc, StraightShot internal cable routing, multiple gear/bottle mounts, Topstone Carbon, 1-1/8" to 1.5" steerer, 55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc, internal routing, 12x100 thru-axle, fender/gear mounts, Cannondale 3, butted 6061 Alloy, 16 deg flare drop, Promax Decoder R mechanical disc, 160/160mm rotors, (F) Formula alloy, 12x100mm / (R) Formula alloy, 12x142mm. Prices start at 1,150 / $1,350 /1,499 / AU$2,199 for the Topstone Alloy 4, topping out at 2,150 / $2,300 / 2,449/ AU$4,999 for the Topstone Alloy 1. Your complete guide to bikepacking - what kit you need, how to plan and prepare, The best (and worst) mountain bike upgrades under 100, The best knee pads you can buy for mountain biking, Come to the Tredz Big Demo Day and test bikes from Cannondale, Giant, Scott Specialized and loads more. He's also a national-level time triallist and eSports racer, too - having represented South Africa at the 2022 UCI Cycling eSports World Championships. Love data? The bike features a brand-new full carbon fork with mount bosses on each leg to maximize cargo capacity. I would rather have a Gravel bike be set for distance and not a bike built for short sprints. Continuously shifting from the big ring to the little ring feels unnecessarily complex on my local terrain. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Tyre clearance comes in at 45mm for 700c wheels, or 40mm with mudguards fitted. The rest of the components like handlebars, stem, saddle and seat post all come from Cannondale. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. SUMMER SALE | Try 3 issues of Cycling Plus magazine for 5 + Get a pair of Lusso cycling socks! Prior to BikeRumor, Jordan raced at the professional level and wrote for MTBR and now-defunct Dirt Rag Magazine. Based in Pittsburgh, PA Jordan spends his time coaching cyclists of all abilities with Cycle-Smart, racing bikes around North America, and adventuring with his family. In terms of spec choices, the handlebars really shone on the more techy trails. An aluminum frame gravel bike with modest components and mechanical disc brakes, priced near the low end of the Topstone model range. Apparently they've succeeded -- the Topstone 105 has been the third most popular bike on all of 99 Spokes this year. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. I highly recommend matching handlebar tape, found here on Amazon. The Topstone Alloy features clearance for 45 mm tires (or 40 mm tires if you use fenders) thats big enough to under-bike and over gravel, whatever terrain you frequent. You've been subscribed to our newsletter. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. With a near encyclopaedic knowledge of cycling tech, ranging from the most esoteric retro niche to the most cutting-edge modern kit, Jack takes pride in his ability to seek out stories that would otherwise go unreported. The bike is built to accept an internally routed 27.2 dropper seat post. With its relatively narrow by gravel standards 37mm-wide, semi-slick tyres and double chainset, the Topstone Alloy 2 is at the more conservative end of the spectrum when it comes to the build, and this translates to how it rides, too. Always in search of the hippest new niche in cycling, Jack is a self-confessed gravel dork, fixie-botherer, tandem-evangelist and hill climb try hard. How to go bikepacking: a beginner's guide to getting started, Opinion: We need to be more specific about what 'gravel' is. The same five size range is offered with the new bike. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Generally, Im a 1x fan when it comes to gravel riding. {"modules":["unloadOptimization","bandwidthDetection"],"unloadOptimization":{"browsers":{"Firefox":true,"Chrome":true}},"bandwidthDetection":{"url":"https://ir.ebaystatic.com/cr/v/c1/thirtysevens.jpg","maxViews":4,"imgSize":37,"expiry":300000,"timeout":250}}. An all-new fork offers three mounting points on each leg, with a plethora of frame mounts for weekend jaunts or big bikepacking trips. Like the recently launched Cannondale Synapse, the Topstone Alloy is compatible with the brands SmartSense light and radar systems. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Jack can also often be seen zooming about with his partner aboard their beloved tandem, Cecil. I tested the Topstone with a Lefty Oliver fork while road riding, gravel cycling, and underbiking around Aspen, Colorado. I reviewed the Vittoria Terreno Dry tyres recently and was mightily impressed; again, here I was not disappointed. We've dialed in the rider position to be upright enough for comfort and control on technical terrain, yet forward enough for speedy, drop-bar efficiency. Yes, a tad on the heavy side, but with some slight changes could be made lighter. A neat bolt-on chain guide is included to help keep things in check on rough terrain. The 2022 Cannondale Topstone Alloy 3 sees a jump up to a Shimano Sora groupset, this time with a 2x double crankset. 40mm tyres are about standard on most gravel bikes these days, with burlier builds going wider, up to 45-50mm and beyond, so things can get spicier on more technical terrain. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Along with 20+ other leading bike companies, Cannondale is proud to be a part of the e-bike battery recycling program organized by PeopleForBikes and administrated by the not-for-profit Call2Recycle. Katherine is the former editor of advntr.cc and has also worked as a presenter on the Global Cycling Network. This sees a long fork offset paired with a slightly slacker head angle to keep the steering, Cannondale claims, confident but lively. Thanks! It has a tapered steerer and delivers a comfortable front end thanks to the vibration dampening effects from carbon fiber. In an additional nod to versatility, theres also internal routing for a dropper post, should you wish to add one later. Full specs and pricing confirmed for updated alloy gravel bike. Overall, the Cannondale Topstone 4 Alloy is an excellent bike, specd with mostly quality parts. For a semi-slick tyre, they really do deliver grip when you need it most, thanks to the raised shoulder knobs flanking the faster-rolling honeycomb central tread. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Gravel bikes are heavier than road bikes because the bike and its components are built to be more durable. - for PayPal Credit, opens in a new window or tab, Learn more about earning points with eBay Mastercard, - eBay Return policy - opens in a new tab or window, - eBay Money Back Guarantee - opens in a new tab or window. Tyre clearance on the new Topstone Alloy has been boosted officially to 45mm. Last but not least, the colourway is fantastic. BikeRumor may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. The seatstays have been dropped since the previous years model, giving a more curved shape towards the rear axle, though they still feature full rear rack mounts. The bike was originally leaked on the Cannondale USA website ahead of an official announcement from the brand in April, but full pricing and specs have now been confirmed. Unlike some Topstone bikes of old, the new Topstone Alloy has a traditional wheel dish matching the new Topstone Carbon and, continuing the themes of simplicity and compatibility, theres a threaded BSA bottom bracket. There are full mudguard mounts at the rear, too. Having been launched earlier this month, the new Topstone Alloy is bang up-to-date, with plenty of mounting points for bags, mudguards and a rack, clearance for 45mm tyres and dropped seatstays. Hydraulic disc brakes would be a huge upgrade, but for the price Topstone 4 Alloy is still a value-packed gravel bike. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Full build kit list and pricing below. Cannondale has gone big in terms of practicality and the new Topstone Alloy benefits from several new mounting points. Promax hydraulic disc brakes are great, but their mechanical disc brakes feel grainy and difficult. As well as being a regular contributor to BikeRadar.com and the BikeRadar Podcast, Katherine has also written for Cycling Weekly, Bikepacking.com and hosts the Unpaved Podcast. The price point and race-focused DNA of the Topstone could be too much for some gravel-adventure-curious riders. The shimmering, deep blue/purple/black looks something like a night sky, and with the gloss finish should be easy to keep looking good. Still, theres good clearance on offer here, so an investment in wider tyres will open up more of the Topstones off-road capability without losing its road-like versatility, if thats the direction you want to take your gravel bike in. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. |, d/f/0/4/df046441cd080ca3b47116cf944b169ed47e1e7f_Cannondale_Topstone_Alloy_2_gravel_bike_2.jpg, Excellent tyres for road and light off-road; ergonomic flared bars; glorious shimmery purple paint; plentiful mounts for winter riding or commuting, 10-speed groupset; tyres are relatively narrow by technical gravel standards, Shimano GRX 400, hydraulic disc, 160mm rotors, Cannondale 3 alloy, 16 degree flare, 40cm, WTB ST i23 TCS, 700c, 28h, 23mm inner width. Learn more. The new Topstone Carbon has traditional wheel dish. Dropper ready means an opening available for internal cable routing of a dropper post. The good news is that the Vittoria Terreno Dry and WTB Riddler are both excellent tyres, aimed at providing a good combination of rolling speed and grip, so any variance shouldnt have too much of an impact on the Topstone Alloy 2s ride. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Moving on and the finishing kit is predominantly in-house, with an alloy Cannondale 3 stem, seatpost and handlebar, which features 16 degrees of flared drop. While it retains the pannier rack and mudguard mounts, it gains triple-boss luggage mounts on the fork with an eyelet mount on the crown. Cannondale's attention to detail on the Topstone is excellent, and they've made some really interesting design choices to stand out in an increasingly-crowded category. On that note, Cannondale lists the stock tyre option on the Topstone Alloy 2 as the WTB Riddler TCS Light, in the same 700c x 37mm size as the Vittoria tyres on my build. Instead, the alloy version gets a simple fixed frame design geared towards adventure. Cannondale has applied its OutFront steering philosophy, borrowed from the brands carbon Topstone gravel bikes. Subscribe for updates. Hes covered races, including World Championships and World Cups where he loves to report what the pros are riding. However, the Topstone Alloy has clearance for up to 45mm tyres (with 6mm of clearance either side, so you could probably unofficially go a bit wider). |, EUR 2,199.00 This is priced at 1,750 / $1,900 and gets a Shimano GRX 400 groupset. Its a shame the fork isnt painted to match. Full build kit list and pricing below. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The bike uses a standard 12x142mm rear thru-axle paired with a 12x10mm front thru-axle. In addition to the pannier rack and mudguard bosses offered on the original Topstone Alloy, the new 2022 Topstone Alloy gets triple boss luggage mounts on the fork legs and a forward-facing eyelet on the crown of the fork. Zipping between off-road sections, road and lighter gravel, the Vittoria tyre choice was great, but as soon as things turned more technical on rough trails with small boulders, roots and little steps, the narrow width of the setup became quite limiting. All sizes are fitted with 700c wheels and no maximum tyre clearance is provided for 650b wheels. Each has a newly designed frameset featuring clearance for 45mm tires and a carbon fork, complete with triple mounts on each leg. $57 for 24 months. Whether you're exploring routes less travelled or accelerating your commute, go beyond with the durable, dependable Topstone Alloy. The progressive geometry of this bike feels interesting. off-road.cc Editorial and general enquiries: info@off-road.cc The alloy version of Cannondales Topstone gravel bike is the best entry level gravel bike this year. You've been subscribed to our newsletter. Braking on the Shimano GRX 400 setup didnt disappoint; its precise, reliable and ergonomic, to really put you in control. Its great to see Cannondale offer sizing for a wide range of riders. The Topstone 3 is geared about the same as similar bikes for riding downhill. Something went wrong. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. New Cannondale Topstone Alloy gets dropped stays, luggage mounts and 45mm tyre clearance. The Cannondale Topstone Alloy 2 features a Shimano GRX400 210-speed gravel groupset and WTB ST i23 TCS rims with 700 x 37mm WTB Riddler TCS Light tires. Looking at the bikes appearance, it takes on the same dropped seatstay and refined tube profiling of the Carbon, which keeps aesthetics consistent across the Topstone range. Born and raised in South Africa he completed his BA honours at the University of Cape Town before embarking on a career in journalism. Riding out the door, the Topstones prowess on the tarmac immediately shone through; the nippy and fast-rolling build put me into road mode as I sailed down the lanes in the drops and carved my own lines round the bends through the valley. Your payment of $15 goes to an industrywide fund that ensures batteries from Cannondale e-bikes are recycled at end of life and do not end up in landfills. Other than those additions, the Topstone Alloy keeps the same three-bottle cage mount configuration of its forebear and will still play nicely with internally routed 27.2mm dropper posts. Its a 110 drivetrain, and the rear derailleur has a ratchet and pawl clutch. Id like to see Cannondale offer more 1x options in the range, be that from Shimano, SRAM XPLR or Campagnolo Ekar. If youre out on the trail youll likely see her from a mile off, thanks to her rather bright colour palette! The frame, especially the rear seems short, light weight, lacking stability . The range is headlined by the Cannondale Topstone Alloy LTD which gets a 2x11 Shimano GRX groupset, WTB KOM wheels and a Fizik Aliante Delta saddle, yours for 2,600.