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. At this price point, however, there are some entry-level components in the build. Trek and Cannondale are two of the largest bike companies in the world and they both offer lifetime warranties on frame + fork for bikes purchased new, receipt in hand. However, if you consistently frequent pavement and mellow trails, youll probably be better served by 700c wheels described above. Further, when the time comes to replace your tires (or you simply need a different tread pattern that better suits your local terrain), there are significantly more options available in the 700c size. . The softail designfirst used on the companys mountain bikes in the 90sdelivers 20 millimeters of rear micro-suspension that effectively reduces the harshness of rough roads. The Cannondale looks to have about 5mm more ground clearance if you're going over rocks. First and foremost, buying from a consumer-direct company like Canyon sometimes can be a pain: availability is often limited and customer service can be hit or miss, plus you dont get the convenience of walking into your local bike shop to ride the bike or get replacement parts before buying. Lower your tire pressure by 3 to 5 psi and repeat this process again until you barely feel the item. Too little pressure, on the other hand, will make you feel as though youre riding with the brakes on and can result in flat tires or bottoming out your rims on rocks. 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. 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). To be sure, the Haanjo 2 cant match the performance or low weight of pricier models on the list, but its a serviceable companion for those who do a little bit of everythingincluding commuting, cruising mellow doubletrack, and exploring forest service roads. Even with the climb-friendly gear, the Topstone could still reach pedaling speeds of over 34 mph on the descents, which is fast enough. 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 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. 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. Finally, the braking system of theShimano GRX 400 and the 38c tires do not provide the rider with enough stability on slippery surfaces. In addition, the moderate wheelbase is one of the advantages we have in being able to handle the Cannondale Topstone 1 consistently. The Topstone 1 has better components. 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. 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). For $949, the Rove includes a quality aluminum frame, ample mounting locations for accessories, water, and gear, and a dependable Shimano Claris drivetrain. The Cannondale Topstone 1 and Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 are both aluminum frame gravel bikes with hydraulic disc brakes. The bigger contact patch with the ground also translates to increased traction, which can be especially helpful on soft or loose sections of road. Diamondback is best known for their budget-friendly bikes sold at big-box stores, but being value-driven isn't necessarily a bad thing. 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. It allows us to switch to the right speed at any time on different terrains. Whether thats worth the added expense is up to you.See the Santa Cruz Stigmata GRX See the Women's Juliana Quincy GRX. Formerly Clement, this niche and adventure-oriented company made its name in the tire arena, but in 2018 decided to shift its focus to dedicated cyclocross and gravel bikes. Close. Why do we have the Giant Revolt Advanced 2 ranked below the Cannondale? The reach and front center on the second-generation Checkpoint increased by about 20mm across all sizes. At well over $9,000, the Routt YBB is reserved for committed cyclists who ride often and ride hard (and have deep pockets). While the definition of these dirt-focused models still is up for debate, they share a few key design features including a more upright seating position for added comfort over long distances, high-volume tires to help smooth out rough roads, and multiple mounting points for extra water and gear. 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. Checkpoint ALR 5. 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. Securely attaching to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use. And with a comfortable upright seating position, wide gear range, and included front and rear racks, it makes for a solid commuting companion too. 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. However, these are relatively small nitpicks about an otherwise impressive all-around gravel bike. Well start by saying that we didnt anticipate our top gravel bike pick being an aluminum-frame rig, but the Cannondale Topstone 1s versatility, smart build, and competitive price tag won us over. 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. Also, the lack of tire clearance affects grip in mixed terrain. The Topstone Alloy 1 is a great option and even comes with Shimano GRX. If youve ever spent time on washboard roads at speed, youll understand why this is so important. While the former aren't overly complex by any means, they aren't as all-around simple as the Trek's brakes. We have reviewed other versions of Cannondale Topstone if you want to learn more. Can't decide? Sometimes the road in the woods is not exactly straight and clear, and I may encounter a big angle turn. There's good reason why this is one of the fastest-growing bike categories. 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). It almost goes without saying that a lighter bike will feel sprightlier and more responsive than a heavier rig on the road or path. From leading budget options to range-topping carbon rigs, below are the top gravel grinders of 2021. Cons. In the end, the choice often comes down to cost: hydraulic brakes come with a bump in price, while mechanical brakes can be found on most budget-friendly models. Tell us how tall you are, we'll help you find the right size. Get free advice from a Curated Expert. To see our full review of the Topstone Alloy click here. Topstone 1 vs Checkpoint ALR 5 ? Although they are heavier and roll slower than 700c wheels, the larger footprint and lower air pressure allows them to float over obstacles much more smoothly. Having said that, buying online certainly has its benefits. 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. 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. 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. 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. Sammenlign tilbud fra M-Wave. We. The Grails proven and tubeless-ready DT Swiss wheels also are wrapped in one of our favorite gravel tires at the moment: Schwalbes 40-millimeter G-One Bite, which transition nicely from tarmac to trail. The biggest news with the Checkpoint is its IsoSpeed, which functions similarly to the rear suspension on a mountain bike. Secondly, the stable operation of the chain plays an important role in our safety while riding. For anything from surprise impacts with rocks to rough washboard roads, this feature will considerably dampen your ride and reduce arm fatigue. This also means that our braking system needs to be more responsive and ensure fast enough agility. The comfortable seat and the removable fender design are also worth points for the Cannondale Topstone 1 throughout the uphill climb. 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. Another issue is power: if you run out of juice on the trail, itll be a slow and difficult ride back to your car. This also translates to a larger contact patch with the ground, making them ideal for off-road use. For some people, there is no lighter car weight. The canyon is a lost (30mm) longer in front than either bike for toe clearance with fat tires. 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). You also get a nice smart set of Cannondale's own. more For the majority of casual cyclists, we recommend sticking with an aluminum gravel bike simply to get the best bang for your buck. Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 2023. You also miss out on some nice upgrades like hydraulic disc brakes, although the Tektro mechanicals are decent performers and dont require much in terms of maintenance. is the prototypical gravel race bike. For example, the Giant Revolt Advanced 2 above comes in around the same price and features a more versatile drivetrain with a wider gear range (better for mountainous terrain). 700c On the flip side, titanium undoubtedly is pricey, but Moots uses a high-quality, U.S.-made version thats welded in-house at the companys headquarters. 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. Why isn't the Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 ranked higher? And reduce arm fatigue it almost goes without saying that a lighter bike will feel sprightlier and more and... Components in the woods is not exactly straight and clear, and I may a. 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