Cannondale Topstone Lefty

100/100
BikeRide Score
?
Where to buy
We earn affiliate commission. Learn more
Bike Size Charts

BikeRide finds and shows you the best prices of the bikes you want to buy. Prices constantly change and it’s impossible to compare them all yourself.

We search for prices on over 120 bike retailers to guarantee that we find the lowest prices – to save you time and money.

It’s a promise we stand behind: If you find a lower price on a bike elsewhere, we will sell it to you for 10% less. For example, if you find a bike for $480 that we have listed at $500, we will offer you to buy it for $432 through BikeRide. The bike must be the same color and size, sold in the US and not include the use of a coupon.

If you find a lower price, email us at [email protected] with documentation of the price. We’re committed to making sure that the cost of a bike does not keep you from cycling!

Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
23.4 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Cannondale Topstone Lefty. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

14 reasons to buy

  • The Cannondale Topstone Lefty is a full suspension gravel bike with 30mm of travel in the Oliver Lefty fork and 30mm of travel in the rear.
  • The Oliver Lefty fork steers with precision.
  • Cannondale provides riders with room for three water bottles on the Topstone Lefty, making this bike ideal for long days riding gravel roads.
  • The Kingpin flex suspension allows riders to ride comfortably over singletrack terrain.
  • Specced with 650b x 47mm tires and wheels, the Topstone Lefty is also compatible with a 700c setup.
  • Voluptuous, 650b tires provide riders with traction and comfort over a variety of terrain. Experts note they are able to stay in the saddle over most terrain.
  • The suspension is intuitive. It feels rigid until the rider encounters an obstacle in their path.
  • Experts found the gear range was wide and allowed them to tackle a variety of terrain.
  • The bike is attractive and has a sleek appearance with internally routed cables.
  • Experts found it easy to lock-out the Oliver Lefty fork.
  • The Ai rear offset increases the stiffness of the bike in the rear. This allows for greater power transfer when riding the Cannondale Topstone Lefty.
  • Experts describe the bike as capable of taking on endurance gravel races and bikepacking adventures. The bike has room for a frame bag.
  • The Topstone Lefty is available in both aluminum and carbon builds. This allows riders to find a version of the Topstone Lefty that best fits their budget and preferences.
  • The wedge seatpost attachment gives the bike a crisp and polished appearance.

4 reasons not to buy

  • Users were disappointed to find that there are few wheels compatible with the Topstone Lefty, due to the Ai offset in the rear.
  • The short chainstays on the bike reduce traction on steep descents.
  • Experts agree that the weighted front end can negatively affect one's climbing ability on steep climbs.
  • The bike is specced with a 1x drivetrain. Many test riders stated they would like to see a 2x set up on the bike.

Bottom line

The Cannondale Topstone Lefty is a sleekly designed, full suspension gravel bike. It has an Oliver Lefty fork and Kingpin flex suspension system. Testers agree the bike is comfortable over a variety of terrain. It allows riders to traverse trails they may not dare to tackle on a rigid gravel bike. The bike has an Ai offset which some find inconvenient when swapping wheels. The bike's short chainstays reduce traction on descents. With room for three water bottles or a framebag, experts rave this bike is ready for all-day endurance races or bikepacking adventures.

Expert Reviews

100/100 based on 1 rated expert review
100
Cyclingnews

Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty 3 Gravel Bike Review

The Cannondale Topstone Lefty 3 draws from the best ideas in Cannondale’s history. It’s a full-suspension gravel race bike that brings back the out-of-the-box thinking we’ve come to expect from Cannondale.

Visit full review
Gravel Cyclist

Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty: Long-Term Review!

This bike rides nicely on not so crazy singletrack. Obviously, it’s more forgiving than a rigid bike.

Visit full review

Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty review: Suspension Makes It Better

This bike is not only exceptionally entertaining, but a strong testament to the benefits of suspension for gravel riding when it’s done well.

Visit full review
Martin Gibbs

Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty 3 2021 – First Rides!

I have to say, I agree with Cannondale. This is a gravel bike to beat all gravel bikes. The dual suspension makes this the most off-road capable and on-road comfortable road bike ever made.

Visit full review
The Fat Cyclist

2021 Cannondale Topstone Lefty 250 Mile Review

It is an amazing bike. It hasn’t failed me once. The gearing works great. I can hit so many trails. It’s just an awesome bike to ride.

Visit full review

NEW Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty & Neo | GCN Tech First Look

Now while 30mm of suspension might not sound like much to mountain bikers, Cannondale reckon that with that and those nice big volume tires that this Topstone would comfortably overlap with the kind of terrain that you would consider taking a mountain bike on.

Visit full review
RoadBikeReview

Review: Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty 1

Cannondale is adding a full suspension model to its gravel bike arsenal. The Topstone Carbon Lefty features an all-new Lefty Oliver fork and knobby, high-volume 650b tires intended to increase the Topstone’s appetite for adventure.

Visit full review

User Ratings

94/100 based on 3 ratings
  • 5 star
    67%
  • 4 star
    33%
  • 3 star
    0%
  • 2 star
    0%
  • 1 star
    0%

Bike Comparison

Cannondale Topstone Lefty in comparison to averages

Forum Discussions

Discuss which bike to choose in the forum

Giveaway

Win a bike instead of buying one with our giveaways
  • 700c KENT retro bike
    24 March – 7 April