Cannondale Topstone: the gravel bike that gets it all right

Cannondale Topstone Carbon: next-generation gravel

The gravel market is booming, and Cannondale has chosen innovation with the Topstone Carbon. Where others offer a road bike with big tyres, Cannondale developed specific off-road technologies.

Kingpin: frame-integrated suspension

Kingpin technology is a flexible pivot integrated at the seatstay/seat tube junction. No shock, no linkage: it's the controlled flex of carbon that creates about 30 mm of travel at the saddle.

The result is impressive on gravel roads. The Topstone absorbs small irregularities without transmitting them to the rider, while remaining firm and reactive under pedalling. It's invisible comfort — you don't feel the suspension working, you just feel less fatigued after 100 km of gravel.

SmartSense: the connected bike

The Topstone Carbon integrates the SmartSense system on select models:

• Front/rear lighting integrated into the frame, powered by a rechargeable battery in the downtube
• Rear radar Garmin Varia integrated into the tail light
• Speed/cadence sensor integrated into the hub

Everything is discreet, clean, no dangling cables. Lights turn on automatically when ambient light drops. The radar shows approaching vehicles on your Garmin computer.

Tyre clearance: up to 45 mm

The Topstone Carbon accepts tyres up to 45 mm in 700c. That's huge for a gravel bike and opens up bikepacking and seriously technical trail riding. You can also run 650b wheels with even wider tyres.

Gravel racing vs bikepacking

The Topstone excels at both:

Gravel racing: Kingpin absorbs vibrations without slowing momentum. Geometry is aggressive enough for races like Unbound Gravel. Weight stays contained (~8.5 kg on Carbon 1).

Bikepacking: numerous mounting points (fork, frame, seatpost) for bags. 45 mm tyre clearance ensures grip on all terrain. SmartSense provides lighting without external batteries.

Carbon vs aluminium

Cannondale also offers the Topstone in aluminium (without Kingpin). It's an excellent bike for getting into gravel at a more affordable price (from $1,200). But you lose Kingpin suspension, and that's what makes the Topstone special.

The verdict

The Cannondale Topstone Carbon is one of the most innovative gravel bikes on the market. Kingpin is a genuine technical success, SmartSense is a welcome addition, and 45 mm tyre clearance gives rare versatility.

For Kingpin system torque specs, SmartSense mounting specifications, or Cannondale tyre compatibilities, check L'Atelier.