What we dont like aboutit: Not enough light car weight. Most notably, it forgoes thru-axles (which add stiffness and inspire confidence during fast descents) in favor of the quick-release style. Whether you're a new gravel rider looking for adventure, or an experienced cyclist on a budget, the Topstone 105 is well worth a look. 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 the Grail AL 6 is a solid value nevertheless, which is one of the biggest perks of buying consumer-direct.See the Canyon Grail AL 6. The aluminum frame doesn't come without compromises, however. Within the Niner lineup, you can get GRX components, but theyre only available in top-end 800-spec models that start at about $3,000.See the Niner RLT 9 2-Star. 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. The elite-level build listed here also features the crisp shifting of SRAMs electronic Force AXS drivetrain. 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. Love data? Salsas Warbird, for example, has been through many iterations over the years in search of that perfect balance. With additional mounting locations for food, water, and gear, the Warbird more effectively moonlights as a backcountry adventure machine. As we all know, the most outstanding feature of a gravel bike is that it adapts to a very wide range of terrain. Securely attaching to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use. Cyclocross bikes are typically stripped of additional braze-ons for fenders or racks, both of which youll likely find on a gravel bike. After all, people have been riding all sorts of bikes on dirt roads for decadeslong before the advent of this niche category. Cyclocross models tend to have high bottom brackets to clear race course obstacles and shorter wheelbases for easier maneuverability at slower speeds. Are you comfortable with some assembly? A capable, versatile gravel road bike. Now its time to address the elephant in the room. 20 years of bike enthusiasts, 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. Carbon is the lightest material of the bunch and often the choice among gram-counters and speed-focused riders. The 2023 Framed Basswood Carbon Gravel Bike is a basswoodcarbon frame gravel bike with mid-range components and is lightweight. If you plan to transport your e-bike with any regularity, its important to consider the weight limit of your rack and your ability to lift and load the bike. The new top-tier Checkpoint SLR is aimed more at gravel racing, built with a lighter-weight OCLV 700 carbon fiber blend and a new version of Trek's Top Tube IsoSpeed pseudo-rear suspension. Just because you can spend thousands of dollars on a race-ready carbon gravel bike doesnt necessarily mean you should. There's just no replacement for a great local shop, the bike and trail advice that goes with it, and the ability to ride a certain model beforehand and easily get replacement parts and service. Evil is known for their progressive designs in the mountain bike world, and theyve translated that to their playfully named Chamois Hagar gravel bike. And finally, Cannondale's Kingpin rear suspension offers up to 30 millimeters of travel via a thru-axle pivot connecting the seat stay and seat tube. Smart Form C2 alloy frame provides lightweight, agile handling. Thanks for all answers! Mounts 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. 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 Thank you! 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. Frame: CarbonGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Lightweight carbon frame and front suspension do a great job of taking the edge off while descending.What we dont: Like the Trek Checkpoint, you pay extra for the suspension. 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. Put another way, its the polar opposite of the Evil Chamois Hagar above, which crushes the downhills at the expense of power and efficiency when pedaling. 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. For example, the $1,599 Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 tips the scales at around 23.5 pounds, while Santa Cruzs carbon Stigmata Force 2X ($5,849) weighs just over 18 pounds. Although quite a bit heavier than the carbon and aluminum models above, the Stragglers smooth-riding steel frame and classic design are ideal for those who prioritize comfort and durability over speed and new tech. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee . Why? What do you give up with the Chamois Hagars unique build? 650b I heard, both have long time warrantys over their websites. Do you know which size bike you need? The Topstone 1 retails for $2150 and is available in five sizes. All told, Salsas fourth-generation Warbird is an enviable gravel race bike that happily pulls double duty as a lightweight bikepacking rig for weekend trips. And performance benefits aside, we always welcome lifting less weight onto our rack. But for racers on a tighter budget, there are plenty of options that cost less.See the Trek Checkpoint SL 6. . The Cannondale looks to have about 5mm more ground clearance if you're going over rocks. From weekend gravel rides to daily commutes, the Cannondale Topstone is an excellent option. Tell us how tall you are, we'll help you find the right size. 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). Unfortunately, I think this configuration may lose customers like me who are strict about speed. And it uses Shimanos GRX kit configuration to optimize the bikes drivetrain and braking system for exploring uncharted terrain. In addition, the moderate wheelbase is one of the advantages we have in being able to handle the Cannondale Topstone 1 consistently. If you have hesitation between these two bikes, then I think the Cannondale Topstone 1 must be the winner. But if youre more interested in gravel races than mellow rides, the lighter carbon-framed Revolt Advanced 2 is a solid buy. In general, 700c wheels and tires offer the best overall performance for mixed-terrain riding, and they continue to be the most common option for gravel bikes. And finally, e-bike laws still are evolving and changing, so its important to know the rules before you head out. Niner may not be a familiar name to many road cyclists, but this Colorado-based company has been pushing out quality dirt-focused models for about 15 years. In a comparison test, the difference was between staying in the saddle and pedaling versus getting off and walking. The 2022 Giant Revolt, Advanced 3 is in the same price range as the Cannondale Topstone 1, but I dont think its as cost-effective as the Cannondale Topstone 1. A long-term review said rims were heavy and didn't stay true. Frame: CarbonGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Typical Santa Cruz craftsmanship and attention to detail.What we dont: Not the best value. Checkpoint ALR 5 is the best value gravel bike in the lineup. How does the rest of the build compare with the aforementioned Trek? Therefore, the Shimano GRX 810 features an adjustable chain stabilizer, which effectively prevents the chain from slapping and falling off. Finally, if appearance is a consideration for you, we think the silver and black version is one of the classiest-looking gravel bike designs on the market. And with a comfortable upright seating position, wide gear range, and included front and rear racks, it makes for a solid commuting companion too. "Thanks to the carbon fork, sumptuous WTB treads and some level of tube design, the Apex 1 . Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Also! This also means that our braking system needs to be more responsive and ensure fast enough agility. 29ers From smooth and flowy post-work rides to rough and rowdy all-day backcountry epics, the trail mountain biking category covers a wide range. Also, its price is not an outstanding advantage over the Cannondale Topstone 1. From the picks above, the Trek Checkpoint SL 6, Moot Routt, and Specialized Diverge Sport all feature some sort of suspension-like technology or dampers to help take the edge off big potholes and washboard roads. However, the Cannondale Topstone 1 is made of BallisTec full carbon, while the Cannondale Topstone 2 is made of Topstone full carbon. And although the Warbirds high-performing TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes are one of the better options of their kind on the market, they simply cant match the ease of use or stopping power of the hydraulic version on the Giant. If you take care of the Straggler, it should last for many years to come.See the Surly Straggler. Other notable features include a 1 x 11 drivetrain for ultimate simplicity, multiple mounting spots for racks and gear, and fender mounts for rainy-day commutes. Topstone 1 vs Checkpoint ALR 5 ? From the list above, youll notice that carbon and aluminum are by far the most popular materials for gravel bike frames. In addition, the WTB ST i23 TCS tires with their staggered knobs and Flying V pattern design allowed me to easily press through large and small gravel. 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. Have a great day! There is also the issue of chain protection on the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5, which has caused problems for riders. Not only does this include a wider gear range, but the Shimano parts are a little better tuned for off-road riding with easier-to-manipulate shift levers. It checks all the boxes, with solid handling, competitive spec and an understated, high-quality look and feel. The open forest roads are not as narrow as the single-track trails, but they still test the bikes performance, and the Topstone 1 was smooth and silky on these potholes. The bigger contact patch with the ground also translates to increased traction, which can be especially helpful on soft or loose sections of road. A wealth of features like nimble-yet-stable progressive . Privacy Policy. If youre going on a long ride, its designed for you with three tabs just in time to meet your need for spare supplies. The WTB Nano tires are proven performers, the wheels are tubeless-ready, and the bike has a sturdy feel to it in general. Skip that extra bit of carbon instead. 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. The canyon is a lost (30mm) longer in front than either bike for toe clearance with fat tires. This allows us to choose the right speed for riding on a variety of complex terrain. There are a few key questions you should ask yourself before beginning your search. Compared to the Cannondale above, the Claris is a significant downgrade in both components and features. What pushes the Straggler towards the bottom of our list? 2023 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review The King Of The Adventure. Alternatively, XC pedals and shoes still are lightweight yet feature a much more walkable and more comfortable outsole. Youll also have to replace the sealant a couple of times per yearit has a tendency to dry and become ineffective at sealing small holes. At $4,799, the Evil is not a price leader, but its fun factor is hard to beat. 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. The Cannondale Topstone 1 is a bit more robust. 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. Make note of this pressure and take your bike for a real ride. Frame: CarbonGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 50mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Downhill-oriented geometry and components.What we dont: Limited build options and not a standout climber. It allows us to switch to the right speed at any time on different terrains. Having said that, buying online certainly has its benefits. 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. 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