Cannondale TOPSTONE 2019 is released

[DamonRinard]

Hi TheKaiser,

Glad the chart is helpful! It's not always easy picturing two coordinate systems (x,y) *and* steerer tube angles.

Yes, we designed the Topstone to work with a compact double (34-50) crank as well. Should be no problem. Unofficially, maaaaaybe a 39-53 would even fit, depending on crank, etc.

Enjoy your test ride,
Cheers,
Damon

[RandoRichard]

Thannks for the info. With 650b x 48mm tires, at the fattest point of the tire, what is the distance between chain stays (with the tire removed to measure of course)? 55mm? I am disappointed that they didn't design a dropped chainstay like is found on the Salsa Warbird or the Open U.P. series (yeah I know...this is a low-end gravel bike, but how much time would it take to design this feature into a brand new frame?).
Cheers,
RR

Update:
Running now carbon wheels 650b w 48mm tires.
Plenty of space around them, minimum of 8mm all around front and back.
With that, the new WTB nobby road tires should be fine as well.

[jemima]

Anyone have any recommendations for bikes that could be a good alternative to the Topstone with the same (or VERY similar specs and price)?

I can't get a Topstone 105 in Size XL, local dealer says they're unavailable until April 2019 and none of the other delaers they normally "trade" inventory with have one. I've emailed a couple bike stores that show Topstone 105 in Size XL available on their websites and hoping I can get one of them to ship the bike to me (if their websites are accurate).

I've considered the Fuji Jari 1.1 and Trek Checkpoint ALR5, but both are $350+ more than the Topstone and I'm not crazy about either paint job. Any other options out there? The Canyon Grail AL was another option, but on the US Website it's "Coming Soon" so who knows how long it'll be until they're actually in stock - plus, they cost alitttle more than the Topstone + Shipping.

Felt Broam 30 (61cm) ?
$1799 at R&A NY, plus shipping.

Very similar stack and reach to the XL Topstone.
FSA crank. Threadedd bb.

[Shrike]

This has popped up on my shortlist today but see it’s labelled as a gravel bike. I’m looking for a cross bike that will do most of its miles on the road in bad weather and only see a little pure cross action. Want an all rounder, something I can load up for ultras on rare occasions.

I like aggressive bikes though, would this be too tame or does it feel racey enough. I don’t something that isn’t fun to ride..

[frogtape777]

From what i've read the CAADX is more of a pure cross bike with racing geo and twitchier, the topstone slacker head angle and longer wheelbase for more endurance/comfort miles and stable on the rough stuff.

[DJT21]

From what i've read the CAADX is more of a pure cross bike with racing geo and twitchier, the topstone slacker head angle and longer wheelbase for more endurance/comfort miles and stable on the rough stuff.

The CAADX is certainly not a pure cross bike, it's a bit of an all rounder.

[DamonRinard]

This has popped up on my shortlist today but see it’s labelled as a gravel bike. I’m looking for a cross bike that will do most of its miles on the road in bad weather and only see a little pure cross action. Want an all rounder, something I can load up for ultras on rare occasions.

I like aggressive bikes though, would this be too tame or does it feel racey enough. I don’t something that isn’t fun to ride..

Hi Shrike,

Check the geometry for each model in your size. They are very similar, with only small differences:
- Same steering geometry (71 head angle, 55 fork offset, 6.2 to 6.5 trail depending on tire size);
- BB is a tiny bit lower on the Topstone (7.5 cm drop v. ~7 on the CAADX) (again depends on tire size);
- Chainstays a bit shorter on the CAADX (42.2 cm v. 43 on the Topstone).
- Stack and reach are slightly harder to compare. Because Topstone has 5 sizes (XS., S, M, L, XL) while CAADX has 6 (46, 51, 54, 56. 58, 61), there aren't exactly comparable sizes. In general, Topstone has slightly higher stack, maybe a centimeter or so, but check in your size for each model to make a real comparison.

To your question about ride feel, both should ride well, with the slight differences tipping a bit in favor of CAADX being more racy than Topstone. Though to be honest I'd race either one; you'd probably adjust reactions within a few minutes of riding either one.

For your occasional ultra needs, Topstone may be better: it has top tube bosses and the slightly longer chainstays and lower BB could be nice.

In contrast, the higher BB on the CAADX is welcome in racing, to avoid pedal strike when pedaling through fast corners.

Cheers,
Damon

[frogtape777]

I picked the topstone over the CAADX for little things like the internal cable routing, i'm not keen on exposed cables especially on the downtube, and then the rear QR on the CAADX, much prefer the bolt through on TS.

I'm not sure on tyre clearance but the topstone can take a huge 47mm 650b, or a 45mm 700c

[Shrike]

This has popped up on my shortlist today but see it’s labelled as a gravel bike. I’m looking for a cross bike that will do most of its miles on the road in bad weather and only see a little pure cross action. Want an all rounder, something I can load up for ultras on rare occasions.

I like aggressive bikes though, would this be too tame or does it feel racey enough. I don’t something that isn’t fun to ride..

Hi Shrike,

Check the geometry for each model in your size. They are very similar, with only small differences:
- Same steering geometry (71 head angle, 55 fork offset, 6.2 to 6.5 trail depending on tire size);
- BB is a tiny bit lower on the Topstone (7.5 cm drop v. ~7 on the CAADX) (again depends on tire size);
- Chainstays a bit shorter on the CAADX (42.2 cm v. 43 on the Topstone).
- Stack and reach are slightly harder to compare. Because Topstone has 5 sizes (XS., S, M, L, XL) while CAADX has 6 (46, 51, 54, 56. 58, 61), there aren't exactly comparable sizes. In general, Topstone has slightly higher stack, maybe a centimeter or so, but check in your size for each model to make a real comparison.

To your question about ride feel, both should ride well, with the slight differences tipping a bit in favor of CAADX being more racy than Topstone. Though to be honest I'd race either one; you'd probably adjust reactions within a few minutes of riding either one.

For your occasional ultra needs, Topstone may be better: it has top tube bosses and the slightly longer chainstays and lower BB could be nice.

In contrast, the higher BB on the CAADX is welcome in racing, to avoid pedal strike when pedaling through fast corners.

Cheers,
Damon

That. Was. Awesome

Thanks Damon, really clear now, but still struggling to decide. It'll come to me though. Which frame is lighter in a reasonably comparable size and can even the cheapest Sora be upgraded to something like 1x hydraulic later?

[DamonRinard]

Hi Shrike,

Glad to help.

Both frames are at a similar level, and in fact share some tubes, so (without checking, I'm not in the office at the moment), I expect similar weight.

All versions of both CAADX and Topstone can accept hydraulic brakes, no problem.

A few differences that might help you choose (frogtape777 already mentioned some of these):
- BB: Topstone is threaded BSA only, CAADX is BB30 only, so has the potential for a lighter build.
- Cables: Topstone is internal (looks nicer), CAADX external (easier servicing).
- Axles: Topstone is thru axle F&R, CAADX thru axle front, QR rear.
- Inventory: Sometimes this can be the tiebreaker: What's in stock to actually buy?!?!?

Happy choosing!

Cheers,
Damon

[frogtape777]

Hey Damon,

I think I might have found one of the last large TS 105 in the UK, called 10+ shops who showed stock but all advised dates from March to June, I think they show fake stock to get the enquiry. Most shops simply don't show stock.

[DamonRinard]

Hi frogtape77,

Yep, good work! Topstone has been more successful than we expected it would be, which unfortunately makes it harder to find while we're making another batch.

Cheers,
Damon

[frogtape777]

Damon a question if you don't mind about the Megaexo BB, i'm planning to swap out the cranks for Shimano 105 in future, can I just remove the megaexo and fit a shimano BB, same threads, no spacers required?

https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/product/ ... BBR60.html

[DamonRinard]

Hi frogtape777,

Yes, the Topstone has a standard English threaded BB shell, 1.37x24 and 68mm wide. Just remove the existing BB and thread in the Shimano BB.

Cheers,
Damon

[frogtape777]

Thanks Damon, great help, very final question before she arrives, can I fit a 36t cassette on the back with 105 setup as it ships? Mech long enough etc