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Beloved American bicycle brand Cannondale continues to improve its gravel bike platform by bringing new updates to their adventure-focused Topstone Carbon. Designed for maximizing the fun found in taking rides onto less predictable surfaces like gravel and singletrack, the improved Topstone receives a refined dual-suspension design and high-tech safety features that include radar and lighting. Essentially, the upgrades boil down to the bike handling more of the ride, so you can enjoy more of the view.
Take one look at the the Lefty models of the updated Topstone Carbon and you'll notice a strange thing: the bike's front end is a bit one-sided. That's Cannondale’s proprietary Lefty Oliver fork, a single-legged design that saves weight while providing 30 millimeters of suspension travel. Towards the rear of the bike, Cannondale updates its Kingpin suspension system to cut out 100 grams over their previous build while providing another 30 millimeters of suspension for the back end of the bike.
If somehow all those numbers don’t add up to a smooth enough ride for the terrain ahead, riders can fit up to 45 millimeters of tire on the stock 700c wheelset or swap in 650b size wheels to fit as much heft as a 27.5x2.1” mountain bike tire. That range turns this bike into a chameleon, allowing riders to confidently take it on all kinds of roads and trails.
Certain models of the updated Topstone Carbon feature a more traditional carbon fork, replacing the Lefty and receiving Cannondale’s SmartSense system in the process. SmartSense is a radar-equipped lighting system that controls front and rear light brightness and flashing patterns based on traffic proximity and ambient light to maximize rider awareness on roads. Again, the design allows you to focus more on the ride, and less on managing your cockpit.
The new Topstone Carbon will be revealed in person at the upcoming Sea Otter Classic expo in California, which runs from April 7-10, and will arrive at Cannondale dealers this spring.
Price: $2,800-$7,800 SHOP NOW
Published 04-05-2022
