Cannondale Topstone
Cyclist UK|July 2023 - 140
The Topstone's novel Kingpin pivot pumps up the comfort
SAM CHALLIS
Cannondale Topstone

With its roots in one of modern gravel’s most pioneering designs, the Cannondale Slate, the Topstone is one of the most well-informed gravel bikes on the market. This is the second-generation Topstone, and since the release of its predecessor the category has exploded in popularity, splitting off into sub-genres.

Cannondale has designs that cater for each, including the SuperSix Evo SE for racing and the Topstone Lefty for more extreme adventuring. This rigid Topstone sits in the middle and is perhaps the best reflection of the gravel bike category because its design is modifiable, allowing it to make a decent fist of any riding.

There’s a range of spec options, of which the Carbon 2 L sits at the upper end. Shimano’s GRX groupset features in 2x mechanical guise and the finishing kit is similarly dependable: aluminium bars and stem, Fizik’s Terra Argo X5 saddle and WTB’s KOM Light i23 TCS wheels. There are also fancier touches such as Cannondale’s flexy Save carbon seatpost and Vittoria’s fast-rolling Terreno Dry tyres. Cannondale’s SmartSense system of lights tops things off.

The second version of the Topstone frameset introduces a raft of changes from the first. Most notable is that the bike’s USP, the Kingpin pivot at the junction of the seatstays and seat tube, has been redesigned. Simply put, the pivot point now sits on bushings instead of bearings, meaning it can be 100g lighter while also making it maintenance-light, all while preserving its claimed 30mm of fore-aft flex at the saddle.

Trimmer and freer

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 2023 - 140-Ausgabe von Cyclist UK.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 2023 - 140-Ausgabe von Cyclist UK.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS CYCLIST UKAlle anzeigen
Best of both worlds
Cyclist UK

Best of both worlds

The new Trek Madone blends the speed of the brand's quickest superbike with the lightness of its mountain-crushing Émonda to become the ultimate race bike

time-read
3 Minuten  |
September 2024 - Issue 155
Eddy Merckx Pévèle Carbon
Cyclist UK

Eddy Merckx Pévèle Carbon

A versatile design that shows the pros and cons of flexible build options

time-read
5 Minuten  |
September 2024 - Issue 155
Gravel ride: Girona Welcome to Cycling Central
Cyclist UK

Gravel ride: Girona Welcome to Cycling Central

Girona in Catalonia has become one of Europe's most popular cycling venues thanks to its weather, roads and culture. But it's still possible to leave the hordes behind by going off-tarmac

time-read
6 Minuten  |
September 2024 - Issue 155
Revolutions and evolutions
Cyclist UK

Revolutions and evolutions

The wheel may be a 5,000-year-old invention but designers are still finding ways to make it lighter, faster, safer and more stable.

time-read
6 Minuten  |
September 2024 - Issue 155
Kitzbüheler Horn
Cyclist UK

Kitzbüheler Horn

The Austrian climb that dishes out pain

time-read
5 Minuten  |
September 2024 - Issue 155
Cycling history in six items
Cyclist UK

Cycling history in six items

In the first of a series on cyling's historical artefacts, Cyclist visits the KOERS Museum in Belgium to discover the pick of the exhibits.

time-read
10+ Minuten  |
September 2024 - Issue 155
Different times
Cyclist UK

Different times

What was the cycling world like 75 years ago? Now in his midnineties, Scottish former champion Ramsay Mackay remembers those times like they were yesterday

time-read
7 Minuten  |
September 2024 - Issue 155
Big Ride: Alpe d'Huez - Climb and a half
Cyclist UK

Big Ride: Alpe d'Huez - Climb and a half

No climb is as emblematic of the Tour de France as Alpe d'Huez. Ahead of its first appearance at the women's Tour, Cyclist takes a ride around it and up it. And then up it again

time-read
7 Minuten  |
September 2024 - Issue 155
This Olympic Road Race might actually be worth watching
Cyclist UK

This Olympic Road Race might actually be worth watching

A punchy finale around Paris's Butte de Montmartre will bring the excitement usually missing from the Olympic Road Race, says Felix Lowe

time-read
3 Minuten  |
September 2024 - Issue 155
Beryl Burton wins her first road Worlds
Cyclist UK

Beryl Burton wins her first road Worlds

Beryl Burton claimed the first of two World Championships Road Race titles in 1960, becoming the first rider to win pursuit and road world titles in the same year

time-read
4 Minuten  |
September 2024 - Issue 155