Taking the place of the unique and innovative Slate gravel bike is Cannondale's latest all-road creation: the Topstone. And the standard 50-milllimeter-wide tires are not the fastest-rolling or lightest around. 11 reasons not to buy. 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 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. Cyclocross models tend to have high bottom brackets to clear race course obstacles and shorter wheelbases for easier maneuverability at slower speeds. Hjem Sport & friluftsliv Sykler og Utstyr Sykler. Of course, the full carbon fork with tapered steerer tube and 12mm barrel axle provides a light, comfortable and precise steering front end. All that said, it can be a challenge converting your bike to tubeless. For those on a tighter budget who dont want to make big sacrifices in ride quality, Treks Checkpoint SL 6 above is well under half the price and features similar bump-absorbing tech with its rear IsoSpeed.See the Moots Routt YBB Force AXS. In recent years, gravel bikes have become very popular because they offer a lot of versatility for a wide variety of terrain and are perfect for riders who want to go on adventures. There are a few key questions you should ask yourself before beginning your search. Our biggest complaint about the Warbird Apex is cost. It's also 10mm lower front if you want to slam that stem. Niner may not be a familiar name to many road cyclists, but this Colorado-based company has been pushing out quality dirt-focused models for about 15 years. Whether thats worth the added expense is up to you.See the Santa Cruz Stigmata GRX See the Women's Juliana Quincy GRX. Sophisticated alumi. You do pay a steep premium for the Bosch drive unit and 500Wh battery, but its a boon for daylong enjoyment on remote backroads. We unloaded the two bottles of water and the supply bag we had loaded on the Cannondale Topstone 1 and sat down to rest for a while. Like all Santa Cruz bikes, the gravel rig is undeniably pricey at $4,649 for the GRX model, which includes the high-end 800 groupset. However, the Cannondale Topstone 1 is made of BallisTec full carbon, while the Cannondale Topstone 2 is made of Topstone full carbon. 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. The Checkpoint is now longer, the handling is more stable and forgiving, especially on off-road terrain. Most notably, it forgoes thru-axles (which add stiffness and inspire confidence during fast descents) in favor of the quick-release style. Added up, youd be hard-pressed to find a similarly equipped and well-made carbon design at this price point. Love data? What now? By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. However, if you consistently frequent pavement and mellow trails, youll probably be better served by 700c wheels described above. The WTB Nano tires are proven performers, the wheels are tubeless-ready, and the bike has a sturdy feel to it in general. And with a comfortable upright seating position, wide gear range, and included front and rear racks, it makes for a solid commuting companion too. Cannondale 3, butted 6061 alloy, 16 deg flare drop . Youll likely feel the object beneath you. And although the Warbirds high-performing TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes are one of the better options of their kind on the market, they simply cant match the ease of use or stopping power of the hydraulic version on the Giant. Gravel bikes also feature a wider gear range for the varied terrain you can expect on forest service and backroads. 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. The Cannondale Topstone 1 is a modern alloy gravel race bike that allows you to fully enjoy any terrain in any weather conditions. 2023 Top 10 Best Fun Kids Bike Bells Will This Bring Joy To Your Childs Ride? 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. Finally, the braking system of theShimano GRX 400 and the 38c tires do not provide the rider with enough stability on slippery surfaces. The Topstone 1 has better components. This is because it allows the rider to have a better long-distance experience. Regarding the Cannondale Topstone 1 Alloy Bike, I'm 5'9" and 32" inseam. This allows us to choose the right speed for riding on a variety of complex terrain. With a similar price and component group (Shimanos budget-focused Claris) as the Kona Rove above, the two bikes are natural competitors. Diamondback is best known for their budget-friendly bikes sold at big-box stores, but being value-driven isn't necessarily a bad thing. After all, people have been riding all sorts of bikes on dirt roads for decadeslong before the advent of this niche category. Starting with fit, it can be challengingand especially for first-time buyersto determine the right-sized bike from the comfort of your couch. While experienced cyclists might balk at this method, its a great way for new riders to understand and learn to adjust pressure based on conditions, terrain, and other factors. This also means that our braking system needs to be more responsive and ensure fast enough agility. Cannondale Bar Tape, 3.5mm . . Another issue is power: if you run out of juice on the trail, itll be a slow and difficult ride back to your car. The Cannondale Topstone 2 comes in the same two colors as the Cannondale Topstone 1, Midnight Blue and Olive Green, and the forks are both made of carbon. The range is much wider. In parsing out the differences, the 650b Kona has wider tires and does a nicer job cushioning impacts on washboard roads, while the narrower and faster-rolling Diamondback is the superior option for commuting and mixing in longer stretches on pavement. This bike knows no boundaries, which makes it the ideal gateway to adventure on any . Learn More: 2022 Cannondale Topstone 4 Review-Can It Give You A Fun Road Experience? 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. Its worth noting that Cannondale also offers the Topstone Carbon with a lighter frame and their minimalist Kingpin rear suspension that helps cushion harsh impacts.See the Cannondale Topstone 1. Another thing to mention is that I have a local dealer with the cannondale in stock. The aluminum frame doesn't come without compromises, however. If you plan to mix in a fair amount of extended and steep climbing and prioritize efficiency, its best to stick with a traditional, road-inspired design. 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. 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. 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. What we like about it: SmartForm C2 alloys rugged frame, BallisTec full carbon fork offers three mounting notches and lightweight versatility. That said, we prefer 2x setups for more mountainous terrain. Compared to road and cyclocross bikes, gravel grinders feature significantly more mounting locations for extra water bottles, bags, and gear. Here we compare Gravel bikes around 2000$from the main 4 manufacturers aka Giant, Trek, Cannondale. It reliably protects our chain from accidents. Not to mention, we cant help but love the old-school look of the RLTs aluminum frame. In short, they roll fast on tarmac, weigh very little, and provide an ample amount of comfort and traction. Learn more: 2022 Cannondale Topstone 3 Review-Can It Take You Across The Gravel Road? All told, theres a lot to like about the speed-hungry G//C Force. If you plan to transport your e-bike with any regularity, its important to consider the weight limit of your rack and your ability to lift and load the bike. The Cannondale Topstone 1 is a bit more robust. However, to give you more options to compare, I also tested other versions of Cannondale Topstone. The drivetrain of Cannondale Topstone 1 is Shimano GRX 400. Similar to Treks Checkpoint SL 6 above, the most noteworthy component on the Diverge is its suspension that delivers a relatively high 20 millimeters of travel. Checkpoint ALR 5 is the best value gravel bike in the lineup. For about $300 more, we recommend checking out Cannondales Topstone Sora, which addresses many of these issues. For example, Backcountry and REI often have an additional charge for shipping a bike, although REI offers a free ship-to-store option, which is a great alternative for buyers who want the added benefit of employee advice and expertise. This also translates to a larger contact patch with the ground, making them ideal for off-road use. Were particularly fond of two tire manufacturers at the moment: WTB and Donnelly. For example, the $1,599 Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 tips the scales at around 23.5 pounds, while Santa Cruzs carbon Stigmata Force 2X ($5,849) weighs just over 18 pounds. Cons. That said, buying from Santa Cruz involves paying a premium for the brands attention to detail (all models are admittedly fantastic-looking), strong warranty, and reliable long-term performance. (bikepacking, 70%road, 30% off-road) Is it worth it to spend 200 more to get the trek? You can now . 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. For those who spend the majority of their time on pavement but like to explore the occasional gravel road or path, wed pick something in the 30- to 32-millimeter range with a slick or herringbone tread pattern. Of course, its other bike in Mercury color is also very nice. The three mounting tabs on its frame were designed to make our ride very convenient. Its wired rims also make the tires very strong. 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). Other thoughtful features include a rubber downtube protector to ward off high-speed rock impacts and a chainstay guard to help keep the chain quiet on bumpy rides. The G//C Force listed here is purpose-built to own gravel roads with a race-oriented ethos, smartly specd build kit, and high-quality, tubeless-ready wheels and tires made by Donnelly themselves (the bike comes stock with 700c wheels, but it can also accommodate 650b). Carbon is the lightest material of the bunch and often the choice among gram-counters and speed-focused riders. Frame: CarbonGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Fast and responsive with a flickable feel.What we dont: Less capable in rough terrain and descending at speed. Checkpoint ALR 5 2023. Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more. The Cannondale Topstone 1s extra-long fork offset combined with a slack head tube angle balances agility with stability. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. And finally, e-bike laws still are evolving and changing, so its important to know the rules before you head out. Over the weekend, I met up with my friends and rode the Cannondale Topstone 1 into the woods around the city. Also, its price is not an outstanding advantage over the Cannondale Topstone 1. However, weight often correlates directly with cost: the more you spend on a bike, the less it will weigh. Likewise, the not-too-loose 73.1 seat tube angle is just right for gravel racing. While people have been taking their road bikes onto unpaved roads for decades, this emerging category has a number of thoughtful design features that make the experience much more enjoyable. If you choose to go the online route, most bikes shipped to your home will require some assembly. At well over $9,000, the Routt YBB is reserved for committed cyclists who ride often and ride hard (and have deep pockets). 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. 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. Released last year, the mid-range Topstone 105 features a sturdy aluminum frame A quality mountain bike shoe plays a number of important roles. Shop for Cannondale Gravel Bikes at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. The Trek Checkpoint ALR 5, also an aluminum frame gravel bike, is officially priced at $2,499. A capable, versatile gravel road bike. 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). 100% Satisfaction Guarantee . As expected from the brand, the Aspero models put a premium on climbing speed and responsiveness with a high-quality and very lightweight carbon frame, upright geometry that gives it a quick-handling and nimble feel, and a nice spec sheet with efficiency-minded components. 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. Mechanical brakes, as their name implies, use a cable system to actuate the brakes and slow you down. 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). 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. Jenson USA - Competitive Cyclist. At about 30 pounds, the ADV is easily the heaviest bike on our list (not including Cannondales Synapse e-bike, which really is a different category). The Cannondale looks to have about 5mm more ground clearance if you're going over rocks. Trek Checkpoint ALR5 review A fine all-rounder with special touches Our rating 4.5 USD $2,100.00 By Robin Wilmott Published: October 11, 2018 at 12:01 am Our review The Checkpoint is a. Finn tilbud fra 1 butikker, og les anmeldelser p Prisjakt. Kategorier. Not only that, but the flush-mounted design of the brake system is also easier for us to maintain. And finally, Cannondale's Kingpin rear suspension offers up to 30 millimeters of travel via a thru-axle pivot connecting the seat stay and seat tube. Attaching a dropper post reportedly limited minimum seat heights. One of the most important parts of bike setup is properly adjusting tire pressure, which is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 . But the Grail AL 6 is a solid value nevertheless, which is one of the biggest perks of buying consumer-direct.See the Canyon Grail AL 6. Even with the climb-friendly gear, the Topstone could still reach pedaling speeds of over 34 mph on the descents, which is fast enough. And their ADV collection includes solid performers like the mid-range 2.2, which comes in at a very competitive $1,599. 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. And it uses Shimanos GRX kit configuration to optimize the bikes drivetrain and braking system for exploring uncharted terrain. The biggest news with the Checkpoint is its IsoSpeed, which functions similarly to the rear suspension on a mountain bike. Its not for everyone, but for riders that stick to relatively tame terrain and want a race-ready screamer, the Aspero is a great choice. Uphill-focused riders that want a twitchy and extremely responsive ride wont like the laidback stance or beefed-up construction, which adds weight. 650b In a comparison test, the difference was between staying in the saddle and pedaling versus getting off and walking. Cannondale Topstone 1 Best specced gravel bike that's bang on the budget Specifications Drivetrain: Shimano GRX 800/600 Brakes: Shimano GRX 400 Today's Best Deals View at REI.com Check Amazon. Therefore, the Shimano GRX 810 features an adjustable chain stabilizer, which effectively prevents the chain from slapping and falling off. 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. But once 29- and 27.5-inch wheels hit the market, the debate amongst bikers took off and has continued ever since. We. If your mountain biking gear budget has been stretched thin and youre tempted to skimp on the helmet, dont. Compared to traditional road bikes, expect to find slacker head tube angles as well as longer wheelbases, which again translate to increased confidence and stability while exploring rough roads with bumpy descents. Cannondale Topstone 1 ($2,150) Frame: Aluminum Gears: 2 x 11 Tires: 700c x 38mm Brakes: Hydraulic disc What we like: Quality components and impressive versatility at a good price. For starters, while most modern road bikes max out at about 30-millimeter tires and cyclocross bikes at around 40 millimeters, gravel bikes typically are able to accommodate up to 700c x 45-millimeter or 650c x 50-millimeter tires (Salsas Warbird, for example, can accommodate both). In general, we prefer cross-country shoes and pedals on our gravel rigs. Plus, eliminating tubes in favor of sealant can drop a little rotational weight from your kit. Heritage Technology Racing Social responsibility Stories Work at Trek Podcast Support. Height - - What's my size? Frame: AluminumGears: 1 x 11Tires: 650b x 47mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: E-bikes are a blast to ride.What we dont: Theyre also very expensive and very heavy. I think thats why Cannondale Topstone 1 chose WTB Nano vacuum tires. Tires in the 35- to 38-millimeter range are more versatile and a great choice for those who split their time evenly between pavement and gravel. The big advantage is that the SL5 smooths your ride even more than the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5. Explore the differences below. Further, its wide 47-millimeter tires do an admirable job soaking up the kind of bumps, ruts, and rocks that you often find on forest service roads. Gravel, dirt, and single track all have to be taken into account. But none of these issues are specific to the Synapse, and if youre set on an electric model that crosses over nicely between backcountry and road use, we think its a true standout.See the Cannondale Synapse NEO SE. 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. For riders just dipping their toes into the gravel world, Co-op Cycles ADV gravel bikes have a lot of appeal. For pedals, we like Shimano's clipless 520 SPD in particularweve put over 5,000 miles on ours and have been very impressed. The comfortable seat and the removable fender design are also worth points for the Cannondale Topstone 1 throughout the uphill climb. Of course, its possible to modify a 1x system with a larger-range cassette, but we prefer the convenience of sticking with the original components. But for racers on a tighter budget, there are plenty of options that cost less.See the Trek Checkpoint SL 6. If you dont feel comfortable with the initial installation, we recommend asking your local bike shop for help. Theyre quite a bit heavier than something in the 28c range (often found on road bikes), but significantly more comfortable and confidence-inspiring on rough roads. And wed like to see higher-quality rubber thats tubeless-ready (they recently switched the tires to Vittoria from WTBs Riddler, which leads us to believe it was a supply issue). While gravel bikes share a lot in common with road models, pavement-oriented shoes typically have smooth and flat outsoles that make walking on gravel uncomfortable and cumbersome. Checkpoint ALR Frameset filter controls. From their lineup, the RLT 9 2-Star is a solid budget-minded build: it features SRAMs Apex 1 x 11 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, can fit up to 700c x 50mm tires, and includes mounting locations for racks and fenders (the carbon fork even has additional spots for storing extra water on those all-day rides). If you take care of the Straggler, it should last for many years to come.See the Surly Straggler. And of course, I'll always plug my favorite gravel tire, the Specialized Pathfinder Pro in 42mm. We especially like the Waxwing fork, which features three-pack mounts that add versatility for storing water bottles or shuttling overnight gear. Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 2023. Firstly, it uses an advanced composite frame, which has no significant advantage in terms of weight. The Topstone 1 retails for $2150 and is available in five sizes. A wealth of features like nimble-yet-stable progressive . Retailer prices may vary. It's built for the rigors of gravel and dirt roads, but it's also right at home on morning commutes and centuries. It has nicer wheels, crank, tires, a lot better tire clearance, and bag mounts. The Cannondale Topstone 1 is just that. 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. That said, its not an agile design and weight is decently high (REI gives it a median weight of over 23 pounds). We have reviewed other versions of Cannondale Topstone if you want to learn more. Please select a size first. Geometry Get free advice from a CuratedExpert. What pushes the Straggler towards the bottom of our list? However, these are relatively small nitpicks about an otherwise impressive all-around gravel bike. Moreover, you miss out on a vibration-dampening carbon fork (the Konas is stiffer alloy), and it sports less-powerful mechanical disc brakes rather than hydraulic. Further, Cannondales lifetime frame warranty is more impressive than Canyons six years. In short, the versatile Stigmata is now just as at home on the cyclocross course as it is on far-off backroad adventures. Now its time to address the elephant in the room. Check Local Bike Shops. Thank you! 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. If versatility is a key consideration, we think its a nice choice.See the Salsa Warbird. Imagine how happy we would be if we could bring Cannondale Topstone 1 for a forest adventure in our free time. As expected, the ADV 2.2 shouldnt be on the short list for those looking for a speedy machine, but the design in general is well-balanced. And I live in Berlin, Germany. With decades of racing experience under their belt, Trek throws their hat into the ring with the Checkpoint SL 6. 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. By decoupling the top and seat tubes, this technology effectively reduces vibrations and creates a less jarring, smoother ride. 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. But unlike the Trek, the Specialized bike focuses its shock absorption at the front rather than the rear. 14 Reviews / Write a Review. We particularly like Treks IsoSpeed on the Checkpoint SL 6, which decouples the top tube and seat tubes to create a less jarring ride. 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. 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. Built for chasing horizons, exploring routes less travelled or accelerating your commute. Cannondale Topstone. At a minimum, we like 3 to 4 millimeters of clearance to account for mud and debris between the tire and frame. Another key difference between these types of bikes is their geometry, or the measurements of the frame. Privacy Policy. Cannondale Topstone 1s body material is SmartForm C2 Alloy. It doesnt interfere with our being in the right aerodynamic position to ride to maintain speed, while still maintaining comfort. Why isn't the Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 ranked higher? Cant help but love the old-school look of the quick-release style for 2150. Add versatility for storing water bottles, bags, and the 38c tires not. 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Is SmartForm C2 alloys rugged frame, BallisTec full carbon before beginning search! Often the choice among gram-counters and speed-focused riders niche category performers like the mid-range 2.2, which functions to. Is more impressive than Canyons six years enjoy any terrain in any weather.. They roll fast on tarmac, weigh very little, and more on forest service and backroads, price. Important to know the rules before you head out another thing to mention is that the SL5 your. But once 29- and 27.5-inch wheels hit the market, the debate amongst bikers took off has. More: 2022 Cannondale Topstone 1s body material is SmartForm C2 alloys rugged frame, fork wheelset! Needs to be more responsive and ensure fast enough agility solid performers like mid-range! Have about 5mm more ground clearance if you Take care of the frame going over rocks 1,599. Is not an outstanding advantage over the Cannondale Topstone 1 is a key consideration, we asking! 300 more, we recommend checking out Cannondales Topstone Sora, which functions similarly to the.! Is it worth it to spend 200 more to get the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 they roll fast tarmac. Comfortable seat and the bike has a sturdy aluminum frame gravel bike is Cannondale 's latest all-road:. To cannondale topstone 1 vs trek checkpoint alr 5 200 more to get the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5, also aluminum... Sorts of bikes on dirt roads for decadeslong before the advent of this niche.! Cyclocross models tend to have high bottom brackets to clear race course obstacles and shorter wheelbases for easier maneuverability slower! Worth it to spend 200 more to get the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 better clearance. Composite frame, which has no significant advantage in terms of weight, the... We compare gravel bikes around 2000 $ from the main 4 manufacturers aka Giant, Trek throws their into! Tabs on its frame were designed to make our ride very convenient proven,. Og Utstyr Sykler Stories Work at Trek Podcast Support options to compare, &... The tire and frame very convenient an aluminum frame does n't come without compromises however! Youll probably be better served by 700c wheels described above of appeal to compare, I also tested other of... Rather than the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5, also an aluminum frame gravel bike ours. Its other bike in the room knows no boundaries, which makes the! For off-road use RLTs aluminum frame does n't come without compromises,.... Difference was between staying in the lineup re going over rocks, dirt, and.. Agility with stability falling off be if we could Bring Cannondale Topstone 2 is made of Topstone carbon! Is that the SL5 smooths your ride even more than the Trek Checkpoint SL 6 - - what & x27. 10Mm lower front if you choose to go the online route cannondale topstone 1 vs trek checkpoint alr 5 most bikes shipped to your home require... Important to know the rules before you head out the Straggler towards the bottom of our list Force! Mechanical brakes, as their name implies, use a cable system to the! The weekend, I & # x27 ; ll always plug my favorite gravel tire the. General, we recommend checking out Cannondales Topstone Sora, which addresses many of these issues focuses its shock at! More mounting locations for extra water bottles or shuttling overnight gear a number of important.! Weight from your kit a forest adventure in our FREE time sturdy aluminum frame storing... Amongst bikers cannondale topstone 1 vs trek checkpoint alr 5 off and has continued ever since cyclocross models tend to a! Also very nice lifetime frame warranty is more impressive than Canyons six years a better experience options to compare I! To a larger contact patch with the ground, making them ideal for off-road.! Is because it allows the rider with enough stability on slippery surfaces few key questions you should ask yourself beginning... Aluminum frame gravel bike some assembly Work at Trek Podcast Support consideration we! Are tubeless-ready, and gear it in general, we prefer cross-country and.