Name: Cannondale Topstone
Brand: Cannondale
Availability: InStock
Rating: 95 (14 reviews)

95/100

BikeRide Score

Users (11 ratings)

Experts (3 reviews)

Summary of Reviews

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

14 reasons to buy

Comfort from suspension and a balanced seating position was undeniable.

Every model of Topstone is equipped with a full carbon fork.

This rig is renowned for nimble, confident handling on sketchy surfaces.

Some reviewers described Apex models as ‘relatively inexpensive’.

It’s a cycling factotum; serving as a gravel, road, commuting and winter ride.

The Kingpin active suspension system is a breakthrough in the gravel world.

SRAM and Shimano hydraulic brakes were welcomed (on high-end models).

WTB Riddler tires came tubeless-ready.

The 2x12 drivetrain on the Carbon Force saw riders spoilt for a gear range.

Subtle color schemes and discreet welds made for an appealing package.

One expert felt this bike accelerated well, compared to the competition.

Components were seen to be decent as specced. On 105 models, the groupset is lauded.

Hollowgram wheels have wide, light, shallow rims strong enough for singletrack.

Mounts are provided for three bottle cages, frame bags, spares, a rear rack, full mudguards and a top tube storage pouch.

11 reasons not to buy

Experts bemoaned the Topstone’s less-than-stellar climbing abilities.

Attaching a dropper post reportedly limited minimum seat heights.

On-road, the Topstone rode well but wasn’t a 'road bike'.

A long-term review said rims were heavy and didn’t stay true.

Gear ratios and ranges were great off-road but not so fast on-road.

One expert felt that internal cable routing was noisy.

Carbon models were somewhat expensive, compared to the competition.

One expert really would have preferred a threaded bottom bracket.

The Force eTap AXS shifters were sometimes too bulky for smaller hands.

A long-term reviewer felt that Cannondale could have provided more greases and lubes.

On technical and rough terrain, small tire volumes and a high centre of gravity caused problems.

Bottom line

Testers enjoyed the Topstone’s ride, feel and fun-factor over uneven surfaces. As is understood, this rig performed better off-road than on. But that didn’t stop enthusiastic owners happily using the Topstone as their do-everything bike. The innovative Kingpin suspension system uses pivot points and apparently has the effect of running a 9mm wider tire. It wasn’t just a gimmick, as experts noted that it genuinely contributed to comfort on longer rides. Due to wide-ish tires and a moderate weight, alloy models felt a little sludgy on climbs. Conversely, the Carbon Force comes equipped with a 2x12 drivetrain, featuring 46/33 cranks and 10–33 cassette, which meant no struggling on ascents. Riders were happy to use the Topstone for short bikepacking trips, gravel, cross and winter road applications. A seemingly impressive bike with performance reflected in the price.

Where to buy

$999.99 eBay See it $1,174.95 Mike's Bikes See it $1,175.00 REI.com See it $1,400.00 Sun & Ski See it $1,899.97 Gravity Coalition See it $2,000.00 Planet Cyclery See it

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