Cannondale has today launched a new line of bikes - called Topstone - befitting of the growing needs of consumers for bikes offering the maximum amount of versatility.
To that end, it would be doing the Topstone, named after a favourite stretch of dirt road near Cannondale’s U.S. global headquarters, a disservice to refer to it as a merely a ‘gravel bike’. Hence Cannondale might favour the term All-Road
Whatever you want to call it, it’s clear its potential uses go far beyond just nipping down the odd bumpy trail. It would be just as at home doing the daily grind on a commute as it would be laden with panniers and taken on a touring adventure.
Take it as far as you dare
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Cannondale’s Out Front geometry is very much aimed at confidently being able to take even rough steep trails in its stride.
A slack head tube angle (71°) combines with a bigger fork offset (55mm) to achieve a sweet spot where stability is not at the cost of a nimble and agile ride feel.
All models have clearance for up to 42mm (700c) tyres and the top end spec level (Sram Apex 1; £1800) even includes a dropper seat post, which hints at how aggressive Cannondale feels you might be able to get with the Topstone.
To ensure it’s got all bases covered, for even the most adventurous do-it-all mindset, the Topstone has rear rack mounts, three water bottle mounts, top tube bag mounts and mudguard eyes.
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The frame is constructed from Cannondale’s C2 Alloy, piggybacking off the wealth of expertise Cannondale is renowned for with its CAAD models and utilises a lot of similar construction techniques, such as SmartForm tube shaping.
Three models are available; A Shimano Sora equipped version at £900, a Shimano 105 equipped model at £1500, and finally the top spec model, with Sram Apex 1x gearing and dropper seat post at £1800.
Contact: cannondale.com
