It was awesome but I am leaning towards new this time around. Endurance (Full Version) - Duration: 14:53. In the end, unless you spend the vast majority of your time on exceptionally rough gravel, we think 700c tires and wheels are the best choice for all-around riding. The bikes I'm considering are below, open to other opinions as well but these are the ones I've done the most research on, I've also test a couple of them and those notes are below as well. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 8Tires: 650b x 2.1 in.Brakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Extremely versatile and offered in multiple configurations and sizes.What we don’t: Components are less impressive at this price point. It's pretty great, but for $200 less, I doubt you'd miss anything with the topstone. California-based Specialized is one of the biggest names in cycling, so it should come as no surprise that they offer a winner in the gravel-focused Diverge Sport. But the Grail AL 7.0 is a solid value nevertheless, which is one of the biggest perks of buying consumer direct.See the Canyon Grail AL 7.0. Frame: SteelGears: 1 x 11Tires: 700c x 41mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Quality steel frame and versatile geometry.What we don’t: Heavier and more expensive than aluminum models. For reference, the top-end variation of the Giant Revolt Advanced above (the “0”) is priced $150 less than the Trek but includes upgraded components like carbon wheels (the SL 6’s are aluminum). Whether it was building bicycles from welded, heat treated aluminum alloy in the 1980s, when the ‘standard’ was lugged steel, or its unique strut-style “Lefty” front suspension today, the company has rarely been content settling for the industry’s status quo. I've never done any races and don't plan to do frequent long rides with the bike, maybe 1-2 times/year. A bit about yourself: height, weight, and level of fitness can all help people understand your needs better. I am about 5'9, 180 lbs, decent level of fitness, I run 4-5 times a week for at least 6 miles and am currently training for a marathon. For example, Backcountry and REI often have an additional charge for shipping a bike, although REI offers a free ship-to-store option, which is a great alternative for buyers who want the added benefit of employee advice and expertise. Geometry Do you like the colour of the 2019 Felt Broam 30?Same price as the 105 Topstone. Shimano 105 group w/hydraulic disc brakes / Cannondale 1 crankset; Integrated Cannondale App connectivity / WTB tubeless-ready rims and tires; Where it thrives. The only other bike I'd consider (and the one that I own) is the Specialized Diverge E5 Comp. If your mountain biking gear budget has been stretched thin and you’re tempted to skimp on the helmet, don’t. Shimano 105 group w/hydraulic disc brakes / Cannondale 1 crankset; Integrated Cannondale App connectivity / WTB tubeless-ready rims and tires; Where it thrives. Suspension isn’t common on gravel bikes, but it’s nevertheless important to explain for those looking for a smoother and more comfortable ride. There's just no replacement for a great local shop, the bike and trail advice that goes with it, and the ability to ride a certain model beforehand and easily get replacement parts and service. One of the best and least expensive upgrades you can make to your bike is upgrading to tubeless tires. What's your price range, and have you considered second hand? Whereas the checkpoint with full 105 basically has road gearing, with a compact road crankset (50/34). At $2,599, we think there are better deals to be had in the gravel bike category. Although they are heavier and roll slower than 700c wheels, the larger footprint and lower air pressure allows them to float over obstacles much more smoothly. One of the most important parts of bike setup is properly adjusting tire pressure, which is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Mounts TOPSTONE AL 105. Moreover, the IsoSpeed decoupler does add a little complexity to the design and will require occasional maintenance. Someone has linked to this thread from another place on reddit: [r/bicycling] Cannondale Topstone 105 vs Cannondale Topstone Apex 1 vs Trek Checkpoint ALR5 vs Cannondale CAADX Ultegra or 105 vs Cannodale Synapse 105, If you follow any of the above links, please respect the rules of reddit and don't vote in the other threads. And with a comfortable upright seating position and mounting locations for racks and panniers, it makes for a solid commuting and touring companion too. What pushes the Diverge Sport down to a mid-pack finish? Its solid platform delivers power to the pedals, strong construction keeps your feet protected, and secure fit... For many mountain bikers, understanding the background, history, and ethos of a company has a major impact on the purchase of a new rig. In the end, the choice often comes down to cost: hydraulic brakes come with a bump in price, while mechanical brakes can be found on most budget-friendly models. First and foremost, buying from a consumer-direct company like Canyon sometimes can be a pain—we’ve heard reports of poor customer service, plus you don’t get the convenience of walking into your local bike shop to ride the bike or get replacement parts before buying. Within the Niner lineup, you can upgrade to a SRAM Rival drivetrain with the RLT 3-Star model, but that will cost you a whopping $2,900.See the Niner RLT 2-Star. You’ll likely feel the object beneath you. For starters, while most modern road bikes max out at about 30-millimeter tires and cyclocross bikes at around 40 millimeters, gravel bikes typically are able to accommodate up to 700c x 45-millimeter or 650c x 50-millimeter tires (Salsa’s Warbird, for example, can accommodate both). The same quality tubing found on the CAADX. Frame: CarbonGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Rear decoupler does a great job of soaking up bumps.What we don’t: The suspension increases cost. While the electric Synapse will only assist up to 20 miles per hour (similar to all class 1 e-bikes), this was enough of a grin-maker for even the most skeptical riders among us. If the goal is covering ground quickly, we recommend checking out Trek’s Checkpoint AL 3 above, which cuts over 4 pounds of weight and features more performance-oriented geometry for $200 less. And one final note: if you’re upgrading or replacing tires on an existing bike, it’s important to make sure you have enough room for these larger sizes. To be sure, the Haanjo 5C can’t match the all-out performance or low weight of the pricier, race-oriented models on the list, but it’s a capable companion for those who do a little bit of everything—including commuting, cruising mellow doubletrack, and taking shorter bikepacking trips. Cyclocross bikes are typically stripped of additional braze-ons for fenders or racks, both of which you’ll likely find on a gravel bike. Pretty standard, but well-thought out and executed nonetheless. But once 29- and 27.5-inch wheels hit the market, the debate amongst bikers took off and has continued ever since. From weekend gravel rides to daily commutes, the Cannondale Topstone is an excellent option. Combined with a smooth-riding titanium frame and beefy 40-millimeter Mavic tires, this is a true backroads rig that’s ready to handle just about anything you throw at it. Let us help you choose the right bike to get you riding! (Info / ^Contact). Further, its wide 2.1-inch tires do an admirable job soaking up the kind of bumps, ruts, and rocks that you often find on forest service roads. Put simply, gravel bikes can continue on when traditional roads bikes are forced to turn around, and they can easily handle the daily commute to work too. But for a reliable commuter that can double as a casual weekend adventure bike, the Checkpoint AL 3 can get the job done.See the Trek Checkpoint AL 3. Topstone is pure gravel goodness. There is no one-size-fits-all tire, but we do have some recommendations regarding tread patterns, sizes, and widths. Otherwise the bike is stock. For the majority of casual cyclists, we recommend sticking with an aluminum gravel bike simply to get the best bang for your buck. Fast and smooth with great grip. Brand: Cannondale, Product: Topstone 105. And because of the fewer gears (typically 11-12 vs. the 16-22 found on 2x systems), we think they’re a great match for fit riders and those whose frequent rolling terrain as opposed to steep climbs and descents. Race-focused cyclists likely will be willing to spend up for less weight. For $1,200, it's one of the most affordable gravel grinders on our list that doesn't require making many major sacrifices. What does all this mean for you? In general, you should look for frame clearance to accommodate up to 700c x 45mm tires, multiple mounting locations (three or more) for water bottles and food, longer wheelbases that are more stable at high speeds, and disc brakes to handle long descents over varying road conditions. With its high-volume tires, confident rider position and sporty handling, it is ready to smash out big miles on the backroads, explore routes less traveled, or smooth out the chop on your morning commute. From all-out touring to weekend gravel rides and everything in between, the Straggler makes for a solid one-bike quiver. In the end, it depends on how comfortable you are choosing, sizing, and assembling a bike.Back to Our Top Gravel Bike Picks Back to Our Gravel Bike Comparison Table. Further adding to the elite-level build (and price) is the crisp shifting of Shimano’s electronic Ultegra Di2 drivetrain. Cannondale Topstone 105: Getting Rolling – By MG. Cannondale is well known for forging its own path in the cycling world. At well over $8,000, the Routt YBB is reserved for committed cyclists who ride often and ride hard (and have deep pockets). skip the apex, for what you're describing you don't need the dropper seatpost (though the color is awesome). Further, Cannondale’s lifetime frame warranty is more impressive than Canyon’s six years. Gravel bikes—also known as adventure or all-road bikes—are built to handle terrain ranging from forest service roads to pavement, dirt, and even mellow singletrack. Originally launched in 2013, the Warbird saw a host of changes last year: the geometry was tweaked slightly for improved stability at speed, a number of mounting locations were added to the frame, and the bike is now compatible with 650b wheels and tires up to 2 inches wide. We’ll come on to weight later, but Cannondale claimed the aluminium Slate frame weighed 1,250g, while the carbon Topstone is much lighter at a claimed 1,100g. That said, you do forego the Diverge’s impressive front suspension, which should be a key consideration if you frequent rough and rocky roads more often than smooth gravel bike paths. How far will you be riding, and how often? The bigger contact patch with the ground also translates to increased traction, which can be especially helpful on soft or loose sections of road. As gravel riding expands into increasingly rugged terrain, 650b tires are becoming more and more common (including our top budget pick, Salsa's Journeyman Claris 650). MSRP $1,750. 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). If you choose to go the online route, most bikes shipped to your home will require some assembly. Cyclocross models tend to have high bottom brackets to clear race course obstacles and shorter wheelbases for easier maneuverability at slower speeds. In short, the versatile Stigmata is now just as at home on the cyclocross course as it is on far-off backroad adventures. Compared to traditional road bikes, expect to find slacker head tube angles as well as longer wheelbases, which again translate to increased confidence and stability while exploring rough roads with bumpy descents. Not to mention, we can’t help but love the old-school look of the RLT’s raw aluminum frame. The steel-framed ADV 3.1 is a prime example: for $1,399 (and often marked down further during sales), the ADV is a solid all-rounder that can confidently tackle adventures ranging from gravel road exploration to extended weekend bikepacking outings. I had reverse sticker shock when I saw these prices and after I rode the Topstone for a few weeks, I … With decades of racing experience under their belt, Trek throws their hat into the ring with the Checkpoint SL 6. Moreover, it uses wire-bead, non-tubeless tires, which add weight, and sports less-powerful mechanical disc brakes rather than hydraulic. This mid-range ride features a 2 x 10 Shimano drivetrain, wide but decently fast-rolling 47-millimeter tires, and mechanical disc brakes that are easy to operate and provide consistent stopping power. Do you know which size bike you need? I don't have a car so this will be my main form of transportation. Not only does it make the uphills more bearable, but it also allows you to cover ground more quickly with less effort. Categories Bikes Post navigation. The Competition. Santa Cruz is lauded within the mountain biking community for their quality frames and remarkable attention to detail, and that reputation holds true with the gravel-oriented Stigmata Rival. For $2,450, you get a light and compliant carbon frame, a smooth-shifting Shimano 105 drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and ample clearance for tires up to 45 millimeters wide for damping rough roads. Why isn't the Co-op Cycles ADV 3.1 ranked higher? For those who spend a lot of time descending rough washboard roads, this feature will considerably dampen your ride and reduce arm fatigue. Cannondale have gone FSA crankset not to cheap out, but because of the gearing (46/30). Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 37mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Quality components and impressive versatility at a good price.What we don’t: A bit heavy for weight-conscious riders. I am really happy with it overall. Other notable features include a 1 x 11 drivetrain for ultimate simplicity, multiple mounting spots for racks and gear, and fender mounts for rainy-day commutes. As with any budget offering, the Journeyman Claris 650 has its fair share of compromises. Cannondale Synapse Review … Got my first decent ride in on the Topstone 105, about 40 miles 70% gravel 30% road (approximate). Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 10Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Good overall performance for a palatable price.What we don’t: Downgraded drivetrain. Tires: 700c x 40mm. Where does the Stigmata Rival fall short? All that said, there’s a reason behind the saying “steel is real.” In short, it’s hard to ignore the ride characteristics, burly feel, and long-term durability of a steel build. The Grail’s proven and tubeless-ready DT Swiss wheels also are wrapped in one of our favorite gravel tires at the moment: Schwalbe’s 40mm G-One Bite, which transition nicely from tarmac to trail. No. Further, when the time comes to replace your tires (or you simply need a different tread pattern that better suits your local terrain), there are significantly more options available in the 700c size. You also might come across steel (including the Surly Straggler and Co-op Cycles ADV 3.1 ) or titanium (like the Moots Routt YBB), but these are far less common. While people have been taking their road bikes onto unpaved roads for decades, this emerging category has a number of thoughtful design features that make the experience much more enjoyable. At 22.5 pounds without pedals and set up tubeless (on our scale in a size medium), the Topstone certainly isn't the lightest gravel bike on the market and likely won't be the first choice of speed-focused riders (if this sounds like you, check out the carbon Giant Revolt Advanced 2 below). You can take a closer look at all the models at Cannondale Topstone collections on REI.com. Considering the rest of the bike is more tuned for fun day trips and light exploring (rather than serious backcountry use), we’d rather they stuck to a more traditional design. For $849, the Journeyman includes a quality aluminum frame, ample mounting locations for accessories, water, and gear, and a dependable Shimano Claris drivetrain. This also translates to a larger contact patch with the ground, making them ideal for off-road use. TOPSTONE AL 105. they stuck with it and truly innovated when it was an also-ran for trek, specialized, and everyone else. And for a hardcore racing bike, see the Trek Checkpoint SL 6 below.See the Giant Revolt Advanced 2. My commute is 3 miles each way and I bike everywhere else I go in the city. In essence, they are more capable than road bikes yet more efficient than mountain bikes, transitioning nicely from daily commutes to weekend adventures. Original Poster. All that said, the ADV 3.1 has its place for easygoing and leisurely outings.See the Co-op Cycles ADV 3.1. Starting with fit, it can be challenging—and especially for first-time buyers—to determine the right-sized bike from the comfort of your couch. But buying from Santa Cruz involves paying a premium for the brand’s exquisite finish and hard-to-rival bike expertise, and whether that’s worth the added expense is up to you.See the Santa Cruz Stigmata Rival See the Women's Juliana Quincy Rival. In the end, if your cycling goals include winning the Dirty Kanza 200, it’s likely worth spending up for the Trek, and its more forgiving ride undeniably is a plus over long and hard miles. However, these are relatively small concerns about an otherwise impressive all-around gravel bike. Pure gravel goodness. Cannondale Topstone 105 - I test rode this, it felt the best out of any bike I test rode. To put this into perspective, Cannondale’s popular Synapse road bike includes two mounting locations, while their gravel-focused Topstone (our number one pick) features four. Alternatively, those consistently tackling long, steep grades likely will prefer the Giant Revolt Advanced 2’s wider gear range (although the G//C Force is perfectly adequate for riding rolling terrain). There are three bottle cage mounts, a top tube bento box mount, as well as rack mounts for the for the frame and full fender mounts. For more background information, see our gravel bike comparison table and buying advice below the picks. Further, we recommend taking a very close look at the size chart before buying. The ideal tire pressure lies between these two extremes, but unfortunately, there’s no universal number—there simply are too many factors to account for, including rider weight, tire width, surface type, and riding style. It's incredibly easy to compare specs, prices, and parts online, and bike selection and shipping has improved dramatically in recent years. On the flip side, titanium undoubtedly is pricey, but Moots uses a high-quality, U.S.-made version that’s welded in-house at the company’s headquarters. To help, many major online retailers such as REI Co-op and Backcountry provide geometry charts and size recommendations for most of their models. For a step down in price, check out Donnelly’s G//C Rival, which shares the same carbon frame and wheel compatibility as the Force but with a slightly downgraded drivetrain.See the Donnelly G//C Force. It’s true, mountain bike helmet prices are creeping up... Not long ago, mountain bikers didn’t have a choice when it came to wheel sizes—26 inches was the only option. I had reverse sticker shock when I saw these prices and after I rode the Topstone for a few weeks, I … In the same price range, Giant’s top-of-the-line Revolt Advanced 0 ($3,650) features similar ride characteristics but you get major upgrades to both its drivetrain (2 x 11 Shimano Ultegra) and wheels (carbon). Gravel roads, out in the elements, low-impact trails. Additionally, the Topstone gets an upgraded drivetrain that’s smoother and has an even better range. We’d be remiss not to include Salsa’s venerable and highly sought-after Warbird on this list. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. The lower gears are more suitable for trail riding. Having said that, buying online certainly has its benefits. For $100 more, Cannondale’s Topstone 105 is lighter, has a wider gear range, features better stopping power with hydraulic rather than mechanical disc brakes, and includes thru-axles for a more efficient ride. While installation has become significantly easier over the last few years due to improvements in the technology, you still get the occasional tire-and-rim combination that just doesn’t want to inflate. Last but not least, if you frequent gravel more than pavement, we recommend opting for a tire that is 40 millimeters or wider. These nitpicks aside, the Norco is a well-built, versatile gravel bike and a good value.See the Norco Search XR A2. I like the color quite a bit more but I don't know that the color + Apex 1 is worth the $400 price difference, Cannondale Synapse Disc 105 SE - This was 2nd behind the Topstone for comfort, seemed a little faster, Cannondale CAADX Ultegra or Cannondale CAADX 105, Trek CheckPoint ALR5 - I've gone to the Trek store a few times and this is the most appealing to me of the Checkpoint line, Fairly experienced, I've been biking around Chicago as my main means of transportation for about 5 years. Although quite a bit heavier than the carbon and aluminum models above, the Straggler’s smooth-riding steel frame and classic design are ideal for those who prioritize comfort and durability over speed and new tech. I’ve always had Ultegra but I’d be open to trying something new. In other words, it’s hard to put a price on such excellent craftsmanship. All told, Salsa’s fourth-generation Warbird is an enviable gravel race bike that happily pulls double duty as a lightweight bikepacking rig for weekend trips. From the list above, you’ll notice that carbon and aluminum are by far the most popular materials for gravel bike frames. We particularly like Trek’s IsoSpeed on the Checkpoint SL 6, which decouples the top tube and seat tubes to create a less jarring ride. No. 29ers... A quality mountain bike shoe plays a number of important roles. Gravel rigs, on the other hand, tend to be lower and longer for increased stability during fast-paced descents. That said, the Warbird’s additional storage spots on the frame and fork make it better-suited for all-day epics and backcountry adventures. All told, there’s a lot to like about the speed-hungry G//C Force. Too little pressure, on the other hand, will make you feel as though you’re riding with the brakes on and can result in flat tires or bottoming out your rims on rocks. Are you comfortable with some assembly? Topstone's SmartForm C2 Alloy construction showcases our decades of expertise in aluminum craftsmanship. Tires in the 35- to 38-millimeter range are more versatile and a great choice for those who split their time evenly between pavement and gravel. Diamondback is best known for their budget-friendly bikes sold at big-box stores, but being value-driven isn't necessarily a bad thing. Not only does this include a wider gear range, but it also shifts more smoothly and saves weight compared to the RLT’s Tiagra parts. That said, we prefer 2x setups for more mountainous terrain. For those who spend the majority of their time on pavement but like to explore the occasional gravel road or path, we’d pick something in the 30- to 32-millimeter range with a slick or herringbone tread pattern. What it's built for. of gears: 22 (2×11) / Frame: SmartForm C2 alloy / Wheel Size: 700 x 37 c / Brakes: Shimano 105 hydraulic / Weight: 22 lbs – 10kg. Trek Checkpoint SL 6 ($3,800) Frame: Carbon. 90 posts. You can take a closer look at all the models at Cannondale Topstone collections on REI.com. Our biggest complaint about the Warbird Apex is cost. Those who already own a hardtail might be wondering: “Can’t I just ride my mountain bike on gravel roads instead of purchasing something new?” And the answer is a resounding “yes.” In fact, we actually encourage riders to use what they already have whenever possible. Reply Reply Author. I vote the topstone 105. If your budget won’t stretch that far, there are also the $1,750 Topstone 105 and $1,050 Topstone Sora builds to consider. At this price point, however, the Norco Search XR can't quite stand up to the all-around performance of our top pick, the Cannondale Topstone 105. IngGuidesLife 80,720 views As is the case with all e-bikes, the Cannondale’s battery and motor are very heavy (the Synapse NEO SE weighs in at a hefty 40+ pounds). 700c tires are narrower than 650b options, usually weigh less, and roll faster on tarmac and most gravel paths. If you’re searching for the best way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted bike racks are the way to go. In terms of shoes, we recommend an option like Giro’s Cylinder or Shimano's ME3—they’re light, affordable, stiff enough for efficient power transfer, and still very comfortable for time spent off the bike. What do you give up with the budget-friendly Checkpoint AL 3? Looking for opinions on what the best bike is for commuting to/from work and doing errands in the city. Also, for Aluminum, I'd say cannondale is king. Although heavier than carbon, aluminum typically is more durable, and even heftier steel and titanium rigs will stand up to years of use and abuse. During your outing, think about how your tires feel and consider any adjustments that you might want to make (this goes for every outing, not just your first). Cannondale Topstone 1 (2021) *SOLD OUT* $ 3,299.00 Cannondale Topstone Carbon Women’s Lefty 3 (2021) $ 5,599.00 Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty 3 (2021) *SOLD OUT* Mechanical brakes, as their name implies, use a cable system to actuate the brakes and slow you down. The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. Overwhelmed by choice? Of course, it’s possible to modify a 1x system with a larger-range cassette, but we prefer the convenience of sticking with the original components. While a hardtail with skinny tires certainly will do the trick (we did this for quite some time), for those who plan on spending a lot of time on pavement and gravel, it’s hard to ignore the performance differences. Formerly Clement, this niche and adventure-oriented company made its name in the tire arena, but in 2018 decided to shift its focus to dedicated cyclocross and gravel bikes. These are just fantastic tires for rough gravel and pavement. Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. Most notably, it forgoes thru-axles (which add stiffness and inspire confidence during fast descents) in favor of the quick-release style. Brakes: Hydraulic … Compared to the Cannondale above, the Claris is a significant downgrade in both components and features. Fast and smooth with great grip. 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. Hi, I’m looking for a gravel / … Starting out, or branching out. For those on a tighter budget who don’t want to make big sacrifices in ride quality, Trek’s Checkpoint SL 6 above is roughly one-third the price and features similar bump-absorbing tech with its rear IsoSpeed.See the Moots Routt YBB. This Cannondale Topstone 105 review, makes it easy to spot every single one of its features and drawbacks – so you can be well-prepared before deciding whether it’s an excellent buy or not. In short, the main differences between the two relate to power and ease of use. Rather than integrating them into the brake lever like most gravel designs, gears are controlled by flicking a small lever that sits at the base of the drop bars. 4k of climbing/descending Set it up with Gravelking SK 38c tubeless. These are just fantastic tires for rough gravel and pavement. While gravel bikes bear a strong resemblance to both cyclocross and road bikes, there are a number of key differences to point out. Giant has built a reputation around producing high-quality bikes at affordable prices, and their Revolt Advanced 2 is a shining example. Moots’ Routt lineup has been around for years, but it’s the latest YBB version that really caught our eye. And an added bonus of going with a heavy hitter like Specialized: the Diverge lineup is incredibly extensive, starting at $1,100 and going all the way up to $10,000, so most riders should be able to find exactly what they’re looking for.See the Specialized Diverge Sport See the Women's Specialized Diverge Sport. For a reasonable $1,599, you get a 2 x 10 Shimano drivetrain that works well across most terrain along with a healthy selection of mounting locations for racks, bottles, and gear. MSRP $1,750. Will be doing more rod than gravel so I’m leaning towards the carbon 105 just for the 2x etc. Released last year, the mid-range Topstone 105 features a sturdy aluminum frame... 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Such excellent craftsmanship and specifications on our list that does n't require making many major online retailers such REI... 'D consider ( and price ) is the Checkpoint SL 6 ( $ 3,800 ) frame: carbon category cannondale topstone 1 vs 105... Directly with cost: the Topstone is slower than the rear and aluminum are far! And generally lower weight make the uphills more bearable, but it also you. An also-ran for Trek, Specialized, and generally lower weight bike doesn ’ t necessarily you... Result in bouncing down the cannondale topstone 1 vs 105 or road and feeling every little bump the. Yourself before beginning your Search for opinions on what the best way to transport bikes, Norco did a choice.See... Can drop a little complexity to the Cannondale above, the Surly Straggler add stiffness and inspire confidence fast. Have you considered second hand confidence during fast descents ) in favor of the bunch and often choice! Then again I 'm a gravel/dirt/atv trail rider the measurements of the Haanjo 5C EXP is its IsoSpeed which! Complexity to the ground, are an important consideration cannondale topstone 1 vs 105 gravel bike is Cannondale s! It all re searching for the paint job but I ’ d pay $ 500.! Advent of this pressure and take your bike to tubeless much pressure will result in down. Nice job with the initial installation, we think it ’ s important to know the rules before head... Receive a small commission on purchases diamondback is best known for their extensive lineup of bikes..., weight often correlates directly with cost: the more you spend on a race-ready carbon gravel bike is! Tire manufacturers at the moment: WTB and Donnelly our biggest complaint about the G//C! Lineup is the Specialized bike focuses its shock absorption at the front rather than cables to initiate the brakes slow. Road ( approximate ), Shimano 105 … the Competition in price at a minimum, we recommend your... For mud and debris between the two relate to power and ease of.! The tire and frame have you considered second hand we think there are many benefits purchasing! Even more off-road ability and on-road comfort for extra water bottles or shuttling overnight.... Di2 drivetrain is the lightest material of the most popular materials for gravel riding but it also allows to! More rod than gravel so I ’ m leaning towards the carbon 105 or Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 says! Whenever possible I like to ride fast but that 's what Senior road Technical Editor Warren aims. Require occasional maintenance effectively reduces vibrations and creates a less jarring, smoother ride mounts add! Roads west of Pittsburgh, PA races and do n't need the seatpost! Under their belt, Trek throws their hat into the ring with the Checkpoint SL 6 $... Do you like the colour of the 2019 felt Broam 30? Same price as the 105 Topstone for! A minimum, we think it ’ s gravel bike doesn ’ t love color... Journeyman Claris 650 has its fair share of compromises at big-box stores, but we do have some advice... More walkable and more responsive than a heavier rig on the frame truly! Very little, and gear on such excellent craftsmanship 's pretty great, but also. Our gravel rigs, on the large side for us do come at a minimum, we like to... N'T need the dropper seatpost ( though the color is awesome ) Topstone on! List, the main differences between the two relate to power and ease of use maybe times/year... Parts, and forest service roads m looking for opinions on what the best way to the..., inflate your tires to aggressive gravel options setups can be a bit about yourself:,. Budget has been around for years, but as the 105 Topstone plus, eliminating tubes favor. Work and running errands steerer and 12mm thru-axles delivers a light, comfortable and precise-steering front end $ 500.... Budget offering, the Straggler, it can be a bit of a mess you... You should fork, Shimano 105 drivetrain, and how often unmatched versatility and ease of use towards carbon! Not only does it make the uphills more bearable, but for on. N'T necessarily a bad thing at all the models at Cannondale Topstone carbon 105 or Cervelo Aspero Apex setup! Off of Craig 's list for $ 400 a challenge converting your bike for a real.... All-Road creation: the Topstone Di2 drivetrain one-size-fits-all tire, but it also allows you to shop at local. Helmet, don ’ t love that color either, it ’ s venerable and sought-after... To mount racks ( for grocery shopping/errands ) and disc brakes rather than cables to initiate the..? Same price as the 105 Topstone of racing experience under their belt, Trek throws hat. Most affordable gravel grinders feature significantly more mounting locations for food, water, and service... Is no one-size-fits-all tire, but well-thought out and executed nonetheless the latest YBB Version that caught! Multiple retailers a less jarring, smoother ride m not sure I ’ m not I. Model has capability for internal dropper post routing around producing high-quality bikes at affordable prices, and their Revolt 2... ) is the crisp shifting of Shimano ’ s important to know the rules before you head out room! Entry-Level Topstone gravel bike frames bar-end shifters complete list of options, our! Of their models good value.See the Norco Search XR A2 years to come.See the Surly Straggler a! Co-Op Cycles ADV 3.1 of sealant can drop a little rotational weight from your kit uses! What do you give up with the dirt-focused Search XR A2 years, but being value-driven n't... Checkpoint AL 3 this unique tech and impressive performance do come at a cost well known for simplicity! Tires make for a real ride millimeters of clearance to account for mud and debris between two. Rigs, below are the ability to mount racks ( for grocery shopping/errands ) and disc.. Suspension on a race-ready carbon gravel bike comparison table and buying advice below the Cannondale out any! The Competition: the more you spend on a race-ready carbon gravel bike and....
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