A wealth of features like nimble-yet-stable progressive . Another choice youll have to make when choosing a gravel bike is whether you want hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes. All that said, carbon bikes are quite pricey, and you can often get a similarly equipped aluminum model for hundreds of dollars less. We particularly like Treks IsoSpeed on the Checkpoint SL 6, which decouples the top tube and seat tubes to create a less jarring ride. While gravel bikes bear a strong resemblance to both cyclocross and road bikes, there are a number of key differences to point out. To see our full review of the Topstone Alloy click here. I think thats why Cannondale Topstone 1 chose WTB Nano vacuum tires. The big news is its geometry, which has a downhill-oriented 66.67-degree head angle for an aggressive stance thats impressively stable and confidence-inspiring on the descent (for reference, most gravel bikes are around 70 degrees or higher). Cannondale's Topstone 105 is an impressive bike, particularly for one retailing for less than $2,000. 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). I think you guys should be very impressed with the Cannondale Topstone after my detailed introduction above. From the list above, youll notice that carbon and aluminum are by far the most popular materials for gravel bike frames. Experts bemoaned the Topstone's less-than-stellar climbing abilities. For $400-$600 less, the Trek and Specialized models above feature similar components but include a notable upgrade in ride quality over bumpy terrain with their proprietary suspension designs. Diamondback is best known for their budget-friendly bikes sold at big-box stores, but being value-driven isn't necessarily a bad thing. We especially like the Waxwing fork, which features three-pack mounts that add versatility for storing water bottles or shuttling overnight gear. However, the higher specification will naturally be more expensive. Click now, buy soon, and we'll get a few cents. Rating: (4.8/5) See the Cannondale Topstone 105 Uphill-focused riders that want a twitchy and extremely responsive ride wont like the laidback stance or beefed-up construction, which adds weight. REI website says either SM or MED bike. In short, the main differences between the two relate to power and ease of use. If the goal is covering ground quickly and efficiently, we recommend checking out a more focused design like Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 above, which cuts significant weight, has more off-road-oriented tires, and features more performance-oriented geometry for the same price. Privacy Policy. Youll likely feel the object beneath you. 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. Another key difference between these types of bikes is their geometry, or the measurements of the frame. 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 drivetrain of Cannondale Topstone 1 is Shimano GRX 400. It does not included the tire. It's a high-quality build that will hold up for long, rugged miles on pavement, dirt, and even the most treacherous gravel roads. 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. 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). 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. This unique tech and impressive performance do come at a cost. Cervelo has made their name in light, fast, and aerodynamic pavement racers, and theyve taken that expertise into the gravel world with their Aspero collection. Items expand_more. The stock front rim on the Topstone weighs 4.1 pounds. Now its time to address the elephant in the room. 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 24. filter controls. So I can sit firmly on the bike and still keep going at high speed. Moreover, the relatively wide 40mm large tires can press through the gravel effortlessly. Explore the differences below. 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. Alternatively, those consistently tackling long, steep grades likely will prefer the Giant Revolt Advanced 2s wider gear range (although the G//C Force is perfectly adequate for riding rolling terrain). (bikepacking, 70%road, 30% off-road) Is it worth it to spend 200 more to get the trek? For more background information, see our gravel bike comparison table and buying advice below the picks. Shop for Cannondale Gravel Bikes at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. Rating (4.7/5.0) 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. Last but not least, if you frequent gravel more than pavement, we recommend opting for a tire that is 40 millimeters or wider. Tire Clearance Do you know which size bike you need? How much will shipping cost? 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). By the way, this gravel bike also has three mounting tabs and fender mounting holes. It's snazzier appearance and equally, rugged durability makes the SL5 a good option if you've got a little extra cash to spend. Stem. All that said, it can be a challenge converting your bike to tubeless. using data and experience to teach you And with a comfortable upright seating position, wide gear range, and included front and rear racks, it makes for a solid commuting companion too. Released last year, the mid-range Topstone 105 features a sturdy aluminum frame A quality mountain bike shoe plays a number of important roles. This protects it from wear and tear during the ride, thus prolonging its service life. For $949, the Rove includes a quality aluminum frame, ample mounting locations for accessories, water, and gear, and a dependable Shimano Claris drivetrain. 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). 700c Secondly, and most importantly, the 2022 Giant Revolt, Advanced 3 has chosen a Shimano GRX 400 drivetrain. The downhill road is just as rough as the uphill, and it requires more precise control of our bikes. 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. You also get a nice smart set of Cannondale's own. Finally, the braking system of theShimano GRX 400 and the 38c tires do not provide the rider with enough stability on slippery surfaces. 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. (bikepacking, 70%road, 30% off-road) Is it worth it to spend 200 more to get the trek? The bikes share the same Shimano GRX 800/600 drivetrain and GRX 400 brakes, and weve found Cannondales aluminum builds are impressively comfortable (a common knock on aluminum is its too harsh). Sometimes the road in the woods is not exactly straight and clear, and I may encounter a big angle turn. Why do we have the Giant Revolt Advanced 2 ranked below the Cannondale? Make note of this pressure and take your bike for a real ride. Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 2023. Also, the design of the outer grain of the Flying V reduces drag and drives over the road more quickly. Super light, with a frame weighing 880 grams and a fork weighing 370 grams, the U.P.P.E.R. If I were to find a rival for Cannondale, TREK would be the right brand. What pushes the Straggler towards the bottom of our list? 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. Its the best of both worlds! There are only two build kits currently offered (plus a frame-only option), but the GRX model is well-appointed with high-end 800-series components, an all-carbon frame, and off-road extras like a dropper post and meaty tires. Cannondale Topstone 1 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Cannondale Topstone 1 2023 Koga Colmaro Extreme 0 reviews 0 reviews 0 reviews . Read more about us. 2023 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review The King Of The Adventure. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. Added up, youd be hard-pressed to find a similarly equipped and well-made carbon design at this price point. 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. What now? 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. Model 5260845. After spending some time on the Synapse NEO SE, we came away extremely impressed by the bikes smooth acceleration, confidence-inspiring ride, and quality build. 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. 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. Also, the lack of tire clearance affects grip in mixed terrain. 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. Get free advice from a Curated Expert. But for racers on a tighter budget, there are plenty of options that cost less.See the Trek Checkpoint SL 6. California-based Specialized is one of the biggest names in cycling, so it should come as no surprise that they offer a winner in the gravel-focused Diverge line. Shop with an Expert Similar Bikes 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). 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. 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. 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. Firstly, it uses an advanced composite frame, which has no significant advantage in terms of weight. 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). Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless 2023. What we don't like about it: Not enough light car weight. . 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. 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). Logg inn. If you want a more cost-effective bike, my recommendation is still the Cannondale Topstone 1. 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). 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. 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 Explore the differences below. To start, inflate your tires to the maximum pressure labeled on the sidewall. Can't decide? However, if you consistently frequent pavement and mellow trails, youll probably be better served by 700c wheels described above. Its also worth noting the max tire width for the Aspero is 42 millimeters, which is a few millimeters less than most designs on this list. The three mounting tabs on its frame were designed to make our ride very convenient. Checkpoint ALR 5. But if youre more interested in gravel races than mellow rides, the lighter carbon-framed Revolt Advanced 2 is a solid buy. One of the most important parts of bike setup is properly adjusting tire pressure, which is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Just because you can spend thousands of dollars on a race-ready carbon gravel bike doesnt necessarily mean you should. For some people, there is no lighter car weight. Are you comfortable with some assembly? Our biggest complaint about the Warbird Apex is cost. First of all, the Cannondale Topstone 1 has a 211 speed shift range. You can now . Specialized and tell you which is the best among them. For budget-oriented riders interested in exploring backroads or taking the scenic route to work, Konas Rove AL 650 is plenty of bike. The aluminum frame doesn't come without compromises, however. As with any budget offering, the Rove AL 650 has its fair share of compromises. The Cannondale looks to have about 5mm more ground clearance if you're going over rocks. 650b 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. Checkpoint ALR Frameset filter controls. Both offer a nice entry point into the world of gravel riding, but the more capable Kona gets the edge for us.See the Diamondback Haanjo 2. 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. 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. 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. Lower your tire pressure by 3 to 5 psi and repeat this process again until you barely feel the item. 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. But for mountain bikers looking for a familiar, fun feel while bombing down their local forest service road or even popping off small features, Evils gravel grinder has a lot of appeal.See the Evil Bikes Chamois Hagar. Alternatively, XC pedals and shoes still are lightweight yet feature a much more walkable and more comfortable outsole. 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. Cannondale Topstone. With decades of racing experience under their belt, Trek throws their hat into the ring with the Checkpoint SL 6. 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. See the Giant Revolt Advanced 2 See the Women's Liv Devote Advanced 2. Plus, eliminating tubes in favor of sealant can drop a little rotational weight from your kit. At $2,799, we think there are better deals to be had in the gravel bike category. As their name suggests, gravel bikes are designed to be ridden on surfaces like gravel trails, doubletrack, and forest service roads. Having said that, buying online certainly has its benefits. 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. Bob & Dave. 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. 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. It's built for the rigors of gravel and dirt roads, but it's also right at home on morning commutes and centuries. The Trek Checkpoint ALR 5, also an aluminum frame gravel bike, is officially priced at $2,499. 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. In addition, the IsoSpeed decoupler does add a little complexity to the design and will require occasional maintenance. 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. Smart Form C2 alloy frame provides lightweight, agile handling. Theres no denying that such a setup is a more attractive match than the Cannondale Topstone 1. What we don't: A bit heavy for race-oriented gravel riders. In the end, unless you spend the vast majority of your time on exceptionally rough gravel, we think 700c tires and wheels are the best choice for all-around riding. Better known for their extensive lineup of mountain bikes, Norco did a nice job with the dirt-focused Search XR A2. 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. My usage will mostly be ~20 miles ride 2~3 times M-F and sometimes 40~60 miles ride during weekend. Subscribe for updates. 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. I have always been a big fan of the Shimano brand and the superior experience I get from its high-quality components is unique. 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. 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). Not only that, but the flush-mounted design of the brake system is also easier for us to maintain. 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. While the electric Synapse will only assist up to 20 miles per hour (similar to all class 1 e-bikes), this was enough of a grin-maker for even the most skeptical riders among us. Sk. If youve ever spent time on washboard roads at speed, youll understand why this is so important. There are a few key questions you should ask yourself before beginning your search. It is not comparable to the Shimano GRX 810 of the Cannondale Topstone 1 in terms of both sensitivity and comfort. Inside Trek. And I live in Berlin, Germany. This can include cutting the steerer tube, installing drivetrain parts, and carefully adjusting components for proper alignment. And their ADV collection includes solid performers like the mid-range 2.2, which comes in at a very competitive $1,599. Why isn't the Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 ranked higher? Checkpoint ALR 5 is the best value gravel bike in the lineup. Over the weekend, I met up with my friends and rode the Cannondale Topstone 1 into the woods around the city. Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more. 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. . 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. Most gravel bikes come with one of two popular drivetrain options: 1x (which features a single front chainring and fewer overall gears) or 2x (which has two front chainrings and more gear options). In short, they roll fast on tarmac, weigh very little, and provide an ample amount of comfort and traction. 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. 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. In general, long gravel rides pass through far fewer service areas, meaning youll need to stock up on food, water, and other gear before heading out. Some simply require throwing on the front wheel and pedals, but others will need an extensive amount of work before theyre ready to ride. All told, theres a lot to like about the speed-hungry G//C Force. 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. The elite-level build listed here also features the crisp shifting of SRAMs electronic Force AXS drivetrain. Evil is known for their progressive designs in the mountain bike world, and theyve translated that to their playfully named Chamois Hagar gravel bike. That said, its not an agile design and weight is decently high (REI gives it a median weight of over 23 pounds). Are better deals to be ridden on surfaces like gravel trails, youll probably better. For more background information, see our gravel bike doesnt necessarily mean you should but! Does n't come without compromises, however the picks you & # x27 ; ll get a nice job the... And I may encounter a big fan of the Flying V reduces drag and drives over road... A strong resemblance to both cyclocross and road bikes, Norco did a job!, particularly for one retailing for less than $ 2,000 the bike and still keep at... Flying V reduces drag and drives over the road more quickly 370 grams, the mid-range Topstone 105 an. Overnight gear by the way, this gravel bike in the woods is not exactly straight and clear and. 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