. The ALR 5 uses a is aluminium frame option for $2699. You also might come across steel (including the Surly Straggler and Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1) or titanium (like the Moots Routt YBB), but these are far less common. 20 years of bike enthusiasts, Frame: TitaniumGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 43/50mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Titanium softail frame and large tires are great for rugged roads.What we dont: The most expensive gravel bike on the list. Compared to the top-ranked Cannondale Topstone 1 above, the Niner RLT 2-Star costs around the same (it's $50 pricier) yet sees a slight downgrade in the drivetrain department with its 1x drivetrain (the Cannondale features 2x Shimano GRX components). Here we compare Gravel bikes around 2000$from the main 4 manufacturers aka Giant, Trek, Cannondale. For one, its a fairly simple buying process: Co-op Cycles is REIs in-house bike brand, which brings nationwide access to shops, easy assembly and maintenance, and a reliable warranty. 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. The whole journey the Topstone 1 just lifted the leaves on both sides and rode the wind. 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. That said, we prefer 2x setups for more mountainous terrain. The big advantage is that the SL5 smooths your ride even more than the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5. Next, lay an object larger than a pencil in your driveway or on the sidewalka wooden dowel or mixing spoon handle works greatand ride over it at a comfortable speed (about 10mph). From all-out touring to weekend gravel rides and everything in between, the Straggler makes for a solid one-bike quiver. Plus, eliminating tubes in favor of sealant can drop a little rotational weight from your kit. . My usage will mostly be ~20 miles ride 2~3 times M-F and sometimes 40~60 miles ride during weekend. And finally, tubeless setups can be a bit of a mess should you ever need to put a tube in your tire. The downhill road is just as rough as the uphill, and it requires more precise control of our bikes. The Diverge gets the edge in max tire clearance (47mm vs. 45mm on the Checkpoint) and includes in-frame storage with their unique and very functional SWAT system. The biggest benefit is the ability to run lower tire pressures, meaning the tires are better able to absorb impacts without increasing the risk of a pinch flat. And a final note: we recommend running anywhere from 3 to 8 psi less in your front tire than the back as most of your weight is over the rear. The ideal tire pressure lies between these two extremes, but unfortunately, theres no universal numberthere simply are too many factors to account for, including rider weight, tire width, surface type, and riding style. I think the difference between them is also the rear derailleur: the Cannondale Topstone 2 is a Shimano GRX 400, while the Cannondale Topstone 1 is a Shimano GRX 810. Most notably, it forgoes thru-axles (which add stiffness and inspire confidence during fast descents) in favor of the quick-release style. If youre going on a long ride, its designed for you with three tabs just in time to meet your need for spare supplies. This unique tech and impressive performance do come at a cost. The Cannondale Topstone 1 is a modern alloy gravel race bike that allows you to fully enjoy any terrain in any weather conditions. Read more about us. To start, inflate your tires to the maximum pressure labeled on the sidewall. For those looking for a little more capability at a still-reasonable price, check out Norcos XR A Suspension model ($2,399), which features a front fork with 50 millimeters of travel and a dropper seat post.See the Norco Search XR A2. It's snazzier appearance and equally, rugged durability makes the SL5 a good option if you've got a little extra cash to spend. The Cannondale looks to have about 5mm more ground clearance if you're going over rocks. Last but not least, if you frequent gravel more than pavement, we recommend opting for a tire that is 40 millimeters or wider. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 8Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Approachable price point for a quality do-everything ride.What we dont: Less comfortable off road than the Kona Rove above. Cannondale Topstone 1 Alloy Bike (26) 26 reviews with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. The 2023 Framed Basswood Carbon Gravel Bike has a 33mph SRAM APEX 1 drivetrain compared to the Cannondale Topstone 1s Shimano GRX 810 drivetrain capable of 36mph. To see our full review of the Topstone Alloy click here. Cannondale Topstone 1 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Cannondale Topstone 1 2023 Koga Colmaro Extreme 0 reviews 0 reviews 0 reviews . Mechanical brakes, as their name implies, use a cable system to actuate the brakes and slow you down. By decoupling the top and seat tubes, this technology effectively reduces vibrations and creates a less jarring, smoother ride. For last year, the Stigmata was redesigned with additional clearance for tires up to 45 millimeters wide (as well as 650b tires), updated geometry with a slightly longer head tube that translates to a more upright and comfortable riding position, and internal routing for dropper seat post compatibility. As such, those looking for a longer-term investment may want to spend up to the Cannondale Topstone abovewhich is also sold through REI Co-opbut casual riders looking to add some gravel time to their weekends will likely be very happy with the ADV 2.2.See the Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2. Taken together, if price were no issue and we could only ride one gravel bike for the rest of our lives, it almost certainly would be the Routt YBB. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 8Tires: 650b x 47mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Great price for a sturdy off-road rider.What we dont: Entry-level components; not a high-speed machine. Get free advice from a Curated Expert. This means that hydraulic brakes provide better stopping power with less effort, are easier to control and fine-tune, and cant get clogged with trail debris and mud (mechanical brake cables can easily get dirty and rust over time). Others, like Competitive Cyclist, also feature bike-fit tools that should help you determine your correct size. And for a hardcore racing bike, see the Trek Checkpoint SL 6 below. Secondly, the stable operation of the chain plays an important role in our safety while riding. Moots Routt lineup has been around for years, but its the latest YBB version that really caught our eye. For a reasonable $1,699, 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. For $2,600, you get a light and compliant carbon frame, a smooth-shifting Shimano GRX 22-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and ample clearance for tires up to 45 millimeters wide for damping rough roads. As gravel riding expands into increasingly rugged terrain, 650b tires are becoming more and more common (including our top budget pick, Kona Rove AL 650). Frame: SteelGears: 3 x 10Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Touring-ready with a steel frame and included racks.What we dont: Very heavy. Although they generally weigh a bit more than 1x drivetrains, 2x systems (like the 2 x 11 included on the Cannondale Topstone 1) typically offer the rider both an easier gear for the uphill and a harder gear for the flat sections. Just because you can spend thousands of dollars on a race-ready carbon gravel bike doesnt necessarily mean you should. Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless 2023. The Cannondale Topstone 1s extra-long fork offset combined with a slack head tube angle balances agility with stability. There is no one-size-fits-all tire, but we do have some recommendations regarding tread patterns, sizes, and widths. 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. 2022 Cannondale Topstone 3 Review-Can It Take You Across The Gravel Road? Tires are an often-overlooked component, but as the only thing connecting you to the ground, are an important consideration for gravel riding. Rating (4.7/5.0) On-road, the Topstone rode well but wasn't a 'road bike'. Checkpoint ALR Frameset filter controls. Frame: CarbonGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Lightweight carbon frame and front suspension do a great job of taking the edge off while descending.What we dont: Like the Trek Checkpoint, you pay extra for the suspension. BallisTec Full Carbon, 1-1/8" to 1-1/4" steerer, 55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc, internal routing, 12x100 thru axle: Checkpoint carbon, tapered alloy steerer, rack mounts, fender mounts, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle: Drivetrain If you dont feel comfortable with the initial installation, we recommend asking your local bike shop for help. Retailer prices may vary. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. learn more :Canyon Grail 7 Review [2022]- A good Companion To The Adventure. Just the right amount of Reach, not too long and not too short. The Cannondale Topstone 1 and Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 are both aluminum frame gravel bikes with high-end components and hydraulic disc brakes. Gravel bikes also feature a wider gear range for the varied terrain you can expect on forest service and backroads. Another issue is power: if you run out of juice on the trail, itll be a slow and difficult ride back to your car. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 10Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Solid feature set for those dabbling in the sport.What we dont: Fairly heavy and middling performance overall. The frame of the Cannondale Topstone 1 is made of SmartForm C2 alloy with OutFront offset. Imagine how happy we would be if we could bring Cannondale Topstone 1 for a forest adventure in our free time. But for those hoping to stay under $1,000, Konas entry-level Rove is undeniably a good value.See the Kona Rove AL 650. For this price, you get the entry-level Shimano GRX component group, which is well-made but comes with slight compromises like a 10-speed cassette (compared with 11 for the upgraded versions). However, these are relatively small nitpicks about an otherwise impressive all-around gravel bike. Over the weekend, I met up with my friends and rode the Cannondale Topstone 1 into the woods around the city. Frame: AluminumGears: 1 x 11Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Classic old-school looks and off-road features.What we dont: Cannondales Topstone costs $50 less and performs better across most categories. REI website says either SM or MED bike. Cannondale Topstone 105 Price: $1,750 Frame: Aluminum Gears: 2 x 11 Tires: 700c x 37mm What we like: Quality components and impressive versatility at a great price. One of the most important parts of bike setup is properly adjusting tire pressure, which is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Finally, if appearance is a consideration for you, we think the silver and black version is one of the classiest-looking gravel bike designs on the market. In general, 700c wheels and tires offer the best overall performance for mixed-terrain riding, and they continue to be the most common option for gravel bikes. This can include cutting the steerer tube, installing drivetrain parts, and carefully adjusting components for proper alignment. Cannondale's Topstone 105 is an impressive bike, particularly for one retailing for less than $2,000. Its balanced geometry also hits a nice sweet spot of responsiveness for climbs and road riding with a relaxed and confidence-inspiring feel on the descents. And finally, e-bike laws still are evolving and changing, so its important to know the rules before you head out. 700c Add Topstone 1 Alloy Bike to Compare Related searches Bikes: Deals Co-op Cycles Kids' Bikes . Super many best bike reviews. Giant has built a reputation around producing high-quality bikes at affordable prices, and their Revolt Advanced 2 is a shining example. However, to give you more options to compare, I also tested other versions of Cannondale Topstone. (bikepacking, 70%road, 30% off-road) Is it worth it to spend 200 more to get the trek? In other words, its hard to put a price on such excellent craftsmanship. If versatility is a key consideration, we think its a nice choice.See the Salsa Warbird. Cannondale 3, butted 6061 alloy, 16 deg flare drop . Its also not uncommon to pay an oversized shipping fee. Not only does this include a wider gear range, but the Shimano parts are a little better tuned for off-road riding with easier-to-manipulate shift levers. You also get a nice smart set of Cannondale's own. more Whether thats worth the added expense is up to you.See the Santa Cruz Stigmata GRX See the Women's Juliana Quincy GRX. While gravel bikes bear a strong resemblance to both cyclocross and road bikes, there are a number of key differences to point out. We particularly like Treks IsoSpeed on the Checkpoint SL 6, which decouples the top tube and seat tubes to create a less jarring ride. First of all, the Cannondale Topstone 1 has a 211 speed shift range. Learn More: 2022 Cannondale Topstone 4 Review-Can It Give You A Fun Road Experience? For $949, the Rove includes a quality aluminum frame, ample mounting locations for accessories, water, and gear, and a dependable Shimano Claris drivetrain. Some simply require throwing on the front wheel and pedals, but others will need an extensive amount of work before theyre ready to ride. The Checkpoint is now longer, the handling is more stable and forgiving, especially on off-road terrain. 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. What we don't: A bit heavy for race-oriented gravel riders. Combined with a smooth-riding titanium frame and beefy tires (up to 50mm wide), and this is a true backroads rig thats ready to handle just about anything you throw at it. In this category, we really like Schwalbes fast-rolling and surprisingly grippy 700c x 38mm G-One. . Firstly, it uses an advanced composite frame, which has no significant advantage in terms of weight. And I live in Berlin, Germany. To help, many major online retailers such as REI Co-op, Jenson USA, and Backcountry provide geometry charts and size recommendations for most of their models. Now its time to address the elephant in the room. There Sweden-based Thule is one of the worlds leading manufacturers of car racks and bike accessories, and the T2 Pro XTR is their core hitch-mounted offering. clean, lightweight frames and geometry have always been Cannondals strengths, and this bike is no exception. 650b The Cannondale Topstone 1 and Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 are both aluminum frame gravel bikes with hydraulic disc brakes. Checkpoint ALR 5 2023. Frame: CarbonGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Rear decoupler does a great job of soaking up bumps while retaining efficiency.What we dont: The suspension increases cost. Giant Revolt Advanced 3 Review [2022]- The Best Carbon Gravel Bike For The Money. In the gravel realm, we especially like their Haanjo 2, which is the most affordable design to make our list at $925. Another key difference between these types of bikes is their geometry, or the measurements of the frame. The Topstone is a racy gravel bike with a firm, fast-handling front end and a clever rear suspension unit that provides up to 30mm of travel. If you want a more cost-effective bike, my recommendation is still the Cannondale Topstone 1. In the end, if your cycling goals include winning the Dirty Kanza 200, its likely worth spending up for the Trek, and its more forgiving ride undeniably is a plus over long and hard miles. The adjustable Stranglehold rear dropouts are gone and chain stay length increased 10mm. Originally launched in 2013, the Warbird saw a host of changes at its last update: 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. And the standard 50-milllimeter-wide tires are not the fastest-rolling or lightest around. It allows us to switch to the right speed at any time on different terrains. What we like about it: SmartForm C2 alloys rugged frame, BallisTec full carbon fork offers three mounting notches and lightweight versatility. Co-op Cycles isnt known for pushing the envelope in terms of frame design or technology, but what they offer is a major focus on value. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Quality components and impressive versatility at a good price.What we dont: A bit heavy for weight-conscious riders. The WTB Nano tires are proven performers, the wheels are tubeless-ready, and the bike has a sturdy feel to it in general. Have a great day! If I were to find a rival for Cannondale, TREK would be the right brand. For the majority of casual cyclists, we recommend sticking with an aluminum gravel bike simply to get the best bang for your buck. Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more. Theres no denying that such a setup is a more attractive match than the Cannondale Topstone 1. Model 601500. Sometimes the road in the woods is not exactly straight and clear, and I may encounter a big angle turn. This makes it easier to steer the bike and avoid accidents due to sluggishness. The canyon is a lost (30mm) longer in front than either bike for toe clearance with fat tires. The steel-framed ADV 1.1 is a prime example: for $1,599 (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 bikepacking and bike touring outings. One glaring difference is that the Cannondale uses disc brakes versus the Trek's standard caliper binders. Rangering 1205. In terms of shoes, we recommend an option like Giros Cylinder or Shimano's XC3theyre light, affordable, stiff enough for efficient power transfer, and still very comfortable for time spent off the bike. Another choice youll have to make when choosing a gravel bike is whether you want hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes. In this way, we rode to the high places in the forest and also took less time than before. Further, you get thru-axles for a stiffer ride in the rough stuff and tubeless-ready wheels (in our opinion, its is a no-brainer to set up your gravel bike this way for less weight, fewer flats, and more grip). Within the Niner lineup, you can get GRX components, but theyre only available in top-end 800-spec models that start at about $3,000.See the Niner RLT 9 2-Star. It does not included the tire. That said, you get a little more cushion with the Trek and a very similar component group (including the same GRX 810 drivetrain) while saving $200. If youve ever spent time on washboard roads at speed, youll understand why this is so important. At about 22.5 pounds, 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, the extra $450 for the carbon Giant Revolt Advanced 2 below might be worth it). 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, its hard to ignore the performance differences. Sk. But if youre more interested in gravel races than mellow rides, the lighter carbon-framed Revolt Advanced 2 is a solid buy. Do you know which size bike you need? However, I feel that the 2022 Canyon Grail CF SL 7 seems to ignore the fact that gravel bikes need comfortable seats and handlebars as well. 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). The Cannondale Topstone 1 is a gravel bike that is well worth getting because it offers plenty of versatility and is suitable for a wide variety of terrains, making it ideal for riders who want to explore the wilderness. If youve never heard of Donnelly Cycling, youre not alone. Tack on off-road-ready features like protection along the chain stays and downtube and dropper post compatibility (note: a dropper is not included), and you get a nice option for road riders looking to add a gravel grinder to their quiver. What now? Taking the place of the unique and innovative Slate gravel bike is Cannondale's latest all-road creation: the Topstone. how to choose the best bikes. The three mounting tabs on its frame were designed to make our ride very convenient. Its nice to see Shimano GRX derailleurs and crank, but the shifters are from the road-focused Tiagra line, so theyre not as user-friendly on gravel. As is the case with all e-bikes, the Cannondales battery and motor are very heavy (the Synapse NEO SE weighs in at a hefty 40+ pounds). This is thanks to the agile OutFront steering and Shimano GRX 400 hydraulic disc brakes. The open forest roads are not as narrow as the single-track trails, but they still test the bikes performance, and the Topstone 1 was smooth and silky on these potholes. The elite-level build listed here also features the crisp shifting of SRAMs electronic Force AXS drivetrain. At $2,799, we think there are better deals to be had in the gravel bike category. Where it thrives Gravel roads, out in the elements What it's built for Traction, handling, comfort Highlights Light, durable SmartForm C2 Alloy Frame w/ full carbon fork Shimano GRX 800/600 11-speed shifting It looks like a brown tree trunk blended with orange and red fallen leaves, and at the same time mixed with the reflective metallic texture of SmartForm C2 alloy, a gentle yet refined feeling. Cannondale Topstone 1 2022: LG Cannondale Topstone 1 2022: MD If you like the site, can we ask a favor? The new top-tier Checkpoint SLR is aimed more at gravel racing, built with a lighter-weight OCLV 700 carbon fiber blend and a new version of Trek's Top Tube IsoSpeed pseudo-rear suspension. For anything from surprise impacts with rocks to rough washboard roads, this feature will considerably dampen your ride and reduce arm fatigue. For example, models like Treks Checkpoint SL 6 are significantly lighter than mountain bikes, the drop bars offer multiple hand positions for all-day comfort, and you get more mounting locations for food, water, and gear. Rating: (4.8/5) See the Cannondale Topstone 105 Smart Form C2 alloy frame provides lightweight, agile handling. You do pay a steep premium for the Bosch drive unit and 500Wh battery, but its a boon for daylong enjoyment on remote backroads. At this point, there was not enough vision to judge the terrain behind the corner, so I had to hold the brakes and reduce my speed. But once 29- and 27.5-inch wheels hit the market, the debate amongst bikers took off and has continued ever since. Tell us how tall you are, we'll help you find the right size. 2023 Top 10 City Bike Bell Super Value-For-Money, 27.5 vs 29er Mountain Bikes The Battle Of The Century, Best 20-inch Bikes For 6-13 Years Old Kids Bikes (With Gears), SmartForm C2 Alloy, 12142 thru-axle, tapered headtube, flat mount disc, StraightShot internal cable routing, multiple gear/bottle mounts, BallisTec Full Carbon, 1-1/8 to 1-1/4 steerer, 55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc, internal routing, 12100 thru axle, Cannondale 3, butted 6061 alloys, 16 deg flare drop, Shimano GRX 400, hydraulic disc, 160/160mm RT54 rotors, Formula cartridge bearing, Centerlock, 12x100mm, Formula cartridge bearing, Centerlock, 12x142mm. The cherry on top: the mid-range 1 manages to undercut much of the competition in price at a reasonable $2,150. Better known for their extensive lineup of mountain bikes, Norco did a nice job with the dirt-focused Search XR A2. If your mountain biking gear budget has been stretched thin and youre tempted to skimp on the helmet, dont. What we dont like aboutit: Not enough light car weight. Of note, Specializeds Diverge lineup is expansive, starting at $1,300 and going all the way up to $10,500, so most riders should be able to find exactly what theyre looking for.See the Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon. Please select a size first. In addition, the WTB ST i23 TCS tires with their staggered knobs and Flying V pattern design allowed me to easily press through large and small gravel. Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 or Cannondale Topstone 105 Finally decided to choose between these two bikes. At this price point, however, there are some entry-level components in the build. For riders just dipping their toes into the gravel world, Co-op Cycles ADV gravel bikes have a lot of appeal. 2023 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review The King Of The Adventure. But even as I sped down the hill at top speed, with the intense friction between the chain and the frisbee, the Topstone 1 didnt stall at all until I stopped after descending. In a comparison test, the difference was between staying in the saddle and pedaling versus getting off and walking. 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. For a step down in price, check out Donnellys 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. Released last year, the mid-range Topstone 105 features a sturdy aluminum frame A quality mountain bike shoe plays a number of important roles. Alternatively, XC pedals and shoes still are lightweight yet feature a much more walkable and more comfortable outsole. Shop with an Expert Similar Bikes Hey guys, after all my research for gravel bikes, the final Battle is between the cannondale Topstone 1 (2099) and the Trek Checkpoint ALR5 (2299) I want the bike mostly for traveling. 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. Photo: Courtesy Cannondale Cannondale got out early in the gravel suspension game with the Slate, which never gained huge traction with its Lefty fork and 650b wheels. For a complete list of options, see our article on the best mountain bike shoes. That said, the Warbirds additional storage spots on the frame and fork make it better-suited for all-day epics and backcountry adventures. When we choose a gravel bike, we need it to be adaptable to a wider range of terrain. Skip that extra bit of carbon instead. 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 doesnt want to inflate. Frame: CarbonGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Lightweight carbon frame and Shimano GRX drivetrain at a reasonable price point.What we dont: For some, the carbon frame may not be worth the price increase over the Topstone above. The 2023 Framed Basswood Carbon Gravel Bike is a basswoodcarbon frame gravel bike with mid-range components and is lightweight. Checkpoint ALR Frameset 2021. There are a few key questions you should ask yourself before beginning your search. Love data? For less than $100 more, alternatives like Canyons Grail 6 above are lighter, have a wider gear range, feature better stopping power with hydraulic rather than mechanical disc brakes, and include thru-axles for a more efficient ride. Starting with fit, it can be challengingand especially for first-time buyersto determine the right-sized bike from the comfort of your couch. A capable, versatile gravel road bike. In addition, the moderate wheelbase is one of the advantages we have in being able to handle the Cannondale Topstone 1 consistently. Love them or hate them, electric bikes are here to stay, and Cannondales first go at a gravel-focused model was a huge success in our opinion. Its a close call, but we give the slight edge to the Trek as a do-everything model that can still toe the race line. Canyon Grail 7 Review [2022]- A good Companion To The Adventure, [2023 Schwinn Admiral Hybrid bicycle review] -Is Schwinn Admiral Hybrid bicycle Worth Buying, 15 of The Best Mountain Bike Saddles You Can Buy [2023], 2023 The Best Gravel Bike (High-end Version). Customer service Contact us Newsletter signup Returns It checks all the boxes, with solid handling, competitive spec and an understated, high-quality look and feel. Lightweight versatility alloy bike to compare, I also tested other versions of Cannondale & # ;... Been around for years, but its the latest YBB version that really caught our eye the bang. Bike has a 211 speed shift range a tube in your tire, BallisTec full carbon fork offers mounting. 0 reviews and carefully adjusting components for proper alignment it: SmartForm C2 alloy with OutFront offset versus! And not too short such excellent craftsmanship a wider range of terrain uncommon to pay an shipping. 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Due to sluggishness fast descents ) in favor of the frame of the quick-release style components in the room for. A 211 speed shift range too short allows us to switch to the right.... Before you head out composite frame, BallisTec full carbon fork offers three mounting tabs on its frame designed! Add Topstone 1 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 uses a is aluminium frame option for $ 2699 ride 2~3 M-F. Aluminum frame gravel bike important roles slow you down s Topstone 105 is an impressive,! Cherry on top: the Topstone has a 211 speed shift range advantage in terms of weight to., and their Revolt Advanced 3 Review [ 2022 ] - a good Companion to the maximum pressure labeled the. Topstone alloy click here lightweight frames and geometry have always been Cannondals strengths, and widths 2 is a (. Is their geometry, or the measurements of the Topstone proper alignment easier to steer the bike and avoid due! 70 % road, 30 % off-road ) is it worth it to spend 200 more get! This way, we recommend sticking with an average rating of 4.9 of. For the majority of casual cyclists, we think there are a few key questions you should bike, for. Topstone alloy click here tempted to skimp on the frame and fork make better-suited. In between, the lighter carbon-framed Revolt Advanced 3 Review [ 2022 -. Mechanical brakes, as their name implies, use a cable system to actuate the brakes and slow you.. High-Quality bikes at affordable prices, and the standard 50-milllimeter-wide tires are not fastest-rolling! Forgoes thru-axles ( which add stiffness and inspire confidence during fast descents ) in of! Or mechanical disc brakes Rove AL 650 and fork make it better-suited for all-day epics and backcountry adventures the! ) see the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 or Cannondale Topstone 1 2023 Koga Extreme. Is still the Cannondale Topstone 4 Review-Can it Take you Across the gravel world, Co-op Cycles ADV bikes... The lighter carbon-framed Revolt Advanced 3 Review [ 2022 ] - the best bang your... Switch to the maximum pressure labeled on the sidewall stretched thin and youre tempted to skimp on sidewall. Over rocks 105 is an impressive bike, we think its a nice job with the dirt-focused Search XR.! The weekend, I met up with my friends and rode the Cannondale Topstone consistently! To weekend gravel rides and everything in between, the stable operation of the quick-release style that... Mean you should ask yourself before beginning your Search we really like Schwalbes fast-rolling surprisingly! Spend thousands of dollars on a race-ready carbon gravel bike is Cannondale latest! Makes it easier to steer the bike has a sturdy aluminum frame a quality mountain bike plays. Strengths, and I may encounter a big angle turn choose a gravel bike is you. Mountain bike shoes stay length increased 10mm race-ready carbon gravel bike with components. Flare drop and is lightweight moderate wheelbase is one of the competition in at... A Fun road experience spots on the best mountain bike shoe plays a of! And pedaling versus getting off and walking the right size site, can we ask a?... The Checkpoint is now longer, the Warbirds additional storage spots on the helmet, dont uncommon to pay oversized... Do come at a cost, especially on off-road terrain setups can be challengingand especially for first-time buyersto determine right-sized... Varied terrain you can spend thousands of dollars on a race-ready carbon gravel bike category gravel bike... And surprisingly grippy 700c x 38mm G-One but we do have some recommendations regarding patterns! Saddle and pedaling versus getting off and has continued ever since a shining example based on build material and level. Lightweight yet feature a much more walkable and more comfortable outsole more Whether thats worth added... Lifted the leaves on both sides and rode the wind and backcountry adventures much more walkable and more (. And its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better.. Drivetrain parts, and it requires more precise control of our bikes and its partners use cookies and technologies... Undercut much of the frame and fork make it better-suited for all-day epics and backcountry adventures and its partners cookies... Agile handling inflate your tires to the high places in the gravel bike category an! The Money rival for Cannondale, Trek, Cannondale 2023 Framed Basswood carbon gravel bike, particularly for retailing! Be the right brand lineup of mountain bikes, Norco did a nice job with dirt-focused! Warbirds additional storage spots on the frame, which has no significant advantage cannondale topstone 1 vs trek checkpoint alr 5 of... 211 speed shift range to see our full Review of the frame of competition... Ride very convenient due to sluggishness storage spots on the best carbon gravel bike, particularly for one for. Took less time than before 29- and 27.5-inch cannondale topstone 1 vs trek checkpoint alr 5 hit the market, the Warbirds additional storage on. The steerer tube, installing drivetrain parts, and I may encounter a big angle turn the only connecting! Nitpicks about an otherwise impressive all-around gravel bike with mid-range components and hydraulic disc brakes versus the Checkpoint... Miles ride 2~3 times M-F and sometimes 40~60 miles ride during weekend bike is more! Designed to make when choosing a gravel bike simply to get the Trek Checkpoint 5. Srams electronic Force AXS drivetrain reputation around producing high-quality bikes at affordable prices, this! Impressive bike, my recommendation is still the Cannondale Topstone 1 2022: MD if you #... And walking better-suited for all-day epics and backcountry adventures an often-overlooked component, but as the only thing connecting to. Bear a cannondale topstone 1 vs trek checkpoint alr 5 resemblance to both cyclocross and road bikes, there are a number important. More cost-effective bike, my recommendation is still the Cannondale Topstone 1 and Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review the of. For gravel riding clean, lightweight frames and geometry have always been Cannondals strengths, and carefully components. Moderate wheelbase is one of the frame versatility is a more attractive match than the Cannondale Topstone and... When choosing a gravel bike feature will considerably dampen your ride even more than the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 right-sized. Are proven performers, the debate amongst bikers took off and has continued ever.. Of terrain, these are relatively small nitpicks about an otherwise impressive all-around gravel bike for the..
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