A capable, versatile gravel road bike. Built for chasing horizons, exploring routes less travelled or accelerating your commute. 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 microSHIFT Advent X 10-speed shifting / Promax mechanical disc brakes WTB Riddler Comp tires, 700 x 37c Frame Lightweight SmartForm C2 Alloy, 12x142 thru-axle, tapered headtube, BSA threaded BBm flat mount disc, StraightShot internal cable routing, multiple gear/bottle mounts Fork Topstone Carbon, 1-1/8" to 1.5" steerer, 55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc, internal routing, 12x100 thru-axle, fender/gear mounts Rims/Wheels GXD 1.0, 28h Hubs (F) Formula alloy, 12x100mm / Formula alloy, 12x142mm Spokes Stainless Steel, 14g Tires WTB Riddler Comp, 700 x 37c Crankset Prowheel Chainrings Charm 40T Bottom Bracket Cartridge, square taper Chain KMC X10, 10-speed Front Derailleur N/A Rear Derailleur microSHIFT Advent X Cassette/Rear Cogs microSHIFT, 11-48, 10-speed Shifters microSHIFT Advent X, 10-speed Handlebars Cannondale 3, butted 6061 Alloy, 16 deg flare drop Stem Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7Ā° Brake Levers microSHIFT Advent X Brakes Promax Render R mechanical disc, 160/160mm rotors Saddle Cannondale Stage CX Seat Post Cannondale 4, 6061 Alloy, 27.2 x 350mm Extras Removable fender bridge *Product specifications are subject to change without notice.
A capable, versatile gravel road bike. Built for chasing horizons, exploring routes less travelled or accelerating your commute. 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 microSHIFT Advent X 10-speed shifting / Promax mechanical disc brakes WTB Riddler Comp tires, 700 x 37c Frame Lightweight SmartForm C2 Alloy, 12x142 thru-axle, tapered headtube, BSA threaded BBm flat mount disc, StraightShot internal cable routing, multiple gear/bottle mounts Fork Topstone Carbon, 1-1/8" to 1.5" steerer, 55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc, internal routing, 12x100 thru-axle, fender/gear mounts Rims/Wheels GXD 1.0, 28h Hubs (F) Formula alloy, 12x100mm / Formula alloy, 12x142mm Spokes Stainless Steel, 14g Tires WTB Riddler Comp, 700 x 37c Crankset Prowheel Chainrings Charm 40T Bottom Bracket Cartridge, square taper Chain KMC X10, 10-speed Front Derailleur N/A Rear Derailleur microSHIFT Advent X Cassette/Rear Cogs microSHIFT, 11-48, 10-speed Shifters microSHIFT Advent X, 10-speed Handlebars Cannondale 3, butted 6061 Alloy, 16 deg flare drop Stem Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7Ā° Brake Levers microSHIFT Advent X Brakes Promax Render R mechanical disc, 160/160mm rotors Saddle Cannondale Stage CX Seat Post Cannondale 4, 6061 Alloy, 27.2 x 350mm Extras Removable fender bridge *Product specifications are subject to change without notice.
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The lowest price for Cannondale Topstone 4 | BikeExchange 2023 right now is $1,999.00.
Prices last updated 17 Dec 2024.
Cannondale Topstone 4 | BikeExchange 2023
A capable, versatile gravel road bike. Built for chasing horizons, exploring routes less travelled or accelerating your commute. 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 microSHIFT Advent X 10-speed shifting / Promax mechanical disc brakes WTB Riddler Comp tires, 700 x 37c Frame Lightweight SmartForm C2 Alloy, 12x142 thru-axle, tapered headtube, BSA threaded BBm flat mount disc, StraightShot internal cable routing, multiple gear/bottle mounts Fork Topstone Carbon, 1-1/8" to 1.5" steerer, 55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc, internal routing, 12x100 thru-axle, fender/gear mounts Rims/Wheels GXD 1.0, 28h Hubs (F) Formula alloy, 12x100mm / Formula alloy, 12x142mm Spokes Stainless Steel, 14g Tires WTB Riddler Comp, 700 x 37c Crankset Prowheel Chainrings Charm 40T Bottom Bracket Cartridge, square taper Chain KMC X10, 10-speed Front Derailleur N/A Rear Derailleur microSHIFT Advent X Cassette/Rear Cogs microSHIFT, 11-48, 10-speed Shifters microSHIFT Advent X, 10-speed Handlebars Cannondale 3, butted 6061 Alloy, 16 deg flare drop Stem Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7Ā° Brake Levers microSHIFT Advent X Brakes Promax Render R mechanical disc, 160/160mm rotors Saddle Cannondale Stage CX Seat Post Cannondale 4, 6061 Alloy, 27.2 x 350mm Extras Removable fender bridge *Product specifications are subject to change without notice.
A capable, versatile gravel road bike. Built for chasing horizons, exploring routes less travelled or accelerating your commute. 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 microSHIFT Advent X 10-speed shifting / Promax mechanical disc brakes WTB Riddler Comp tires, 700 x 37c Frame Lightweight SmartForm C2 Alloy, 12x142 thru-axle, tapered headtube, BSA threaded BBm flat mount disc, StraightShot internal cable routing, multiple gear/bottle mounts Fork Topstone Carbon, 1-1/8" to 1.5" steerer, 55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc, internal routing, 12x100 thru-axle, fender/gear mounts Rims/Wheels GXD 1.0, 28h Hubs (F) Formula alloy, 12x100mm / Formula alloy, 12x142mm Spokes Stainless Steel, 14g Tires WTB Riddler Comp, 700 x 37c Crankset Prowheel Chainrings Charm 40T Bottom Bracket Cartridge, square taper Chain KMC X10, 10-speed Front Derailleur N/A Rear Derailleur microSHIFT Advent X Cassette/Rear Cogs microSHIFT, 11-48, 10-speed Shifters microSHIFT Advent X, 10-speed Handlebars Cannondale 3, butted 6061 Alloy, 16 deg flare drop Stem Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7Ā° Brake Levers microSHIFT Advent X Brakes Promax Render R mechanical disc, 160/160mm rotors Saddle Cannondale Stage CX Seat Post Cannondale 4, 6061 Alloy, 27.2 x 350mm Extras Removable fender bridge *Product specifications are subject to change without notice.
Last updated at 17/12/2024 22:24:22
originally posted on REI
I first saw this bike when I was looking at my first bike but decided to get the Cannondale Quick CX 4 to see if I enjoyed cycling in the first place. 2 weeks later I returned that bike and placed an order on this instead.The first thing I noticed is the comparative agility and quickness coming from a plusher hybrid fitness bike in the Quick CX 4 to this āentry-levelā gravel bike. The handful of pounds saved makes it much easier to carry and transport in my truck and it is a very enjoyable ride. The āCannondale 4ā drop bar handlebars are very enjoyable and comfortable for long rides. The 10-speed, 1x gearing is sufficient enough to enjoy cruising or bomb down empty roads while being very simple to operate, no comment on how it performs on gravel. My only two ...Ā MoreI first saw this bike when I was looking at my first bike but decided to get the Cannondale Quick CX 4 to see if I enjoyed cycling in the first place. 2 weeks later I returned that bike and placed an order on this instead.The first thing I noticed is the comparative agility and quickness coming from a plusher hybrid fitness bike in the Quick CX 4 to this āentry-levelā gravel bike. The handful of pounds saved makes it much easier to carry and transport in my truck and it is a very enjoyable ride. The āCannondale 4ā drop bar handlebars are very enjoyable and comfortable for long rides. The 10-speed, 1x gearing is sufficient enough to enjoy cruising or bomb down empty roads while being very simple to operate, no comment on how it performs on gravel. My only two complaints would be the saddle and brakes. The saddle being very tough on the bum but that was quickly remedied with cycling liners or shorts. The brakes came out the shop squeaking but Iāll check back in at my local REI or Bike Shop and see how that can be fixed, stopping power isnāt an issue though which is more important.Iām very inexperienced with cycling but I have no complaints at all about this bike after 105 miles. Currently I run a top tube bag from REI, a single bottle cage, and a front/rear Bontrager ION100R combo light set for visibility on all my daily rides. Super excited to add hundreds of more miles along with potential upgrades that are available for this platform.P.S.: For pedals since they arenāt included, I bought a set of Bontrager hybrid flat/SPD pedals from a local bike shop to hold me over while I consider stepping into the āclip lessā cycling shoe game.
originally posted on REI
I saw this bike online and went to see it in the store. The sales person said I have your size in a medium that was returned and is almost new and itās at a discount. Turns out the discount was applicable to this model whether new or not. I put aside my misgivings and paid the new bike price for a used bike. Iām sure itās a great bike but it wasnāt nearly new judging by how it performed. Loud front brakes are a common problem on this model. Also the shifting wasnāt ānew bikeā smooth. I took it back and the manager was offended I was returning the used bike I paid the new bike price for. I hate returning anything but in this case I felt it was entirely justified and Iām more than a little perturbed at the treatment I received. I bought a comparable bike from another ...Ā MoreI saw this bike online and went to see it in the store. The sales person said I have your size in a medium that was returned and is almost new and itās at a discount. Turns out the discount was applicable to this model whether new or not. I put aside my misgivings and paid the new bike price for a used bike. Iām sure itās a great bike but it wasnāt nearly new judging by how it performed. Loud front brakes are a common problem on this model. Also the shifting wasnāt ānew bikeā smooth. I took it back and the manager was offended I was returning the used bike I paid the new bike price for. I hate returning anything but in this case I felt it was entirely justified and Iām more than a little perturbed at the treatment I received. I bought a comparable bike from another manufacturer and Iām very pleased I did so.Iāll continue to shop REI but Iāll never by a returned item there again.
originally posted on evanscycles.com
Iāve had this bike for 2 months, done quite a lot of social rides with it in most weather conditions. Whilst the bike is sturdy it does come at the cost of weight, this bike easily surpasses 12kg in the Large size.Gearing is good, offers the happy medium between road riding and gravel riding, if you want to do off-road only you would probably need something with a lower gear ratio, I do find the lowest gear tough on 25% gradients and Iām a keen hill specialist on the bike.The tyres are the biggest downfall, they are un-assuringly slippery, any wet surface they offer little, despite having a large tread. On muddy wet trails I would not feel confident, this might be a rider issue, but this wonāt allow a novice to hit the trails overnight.Having riden 100milers ...Ā MoreIāve had this bike for 2 months, done quite a lot of social rides with it in most weather conditions. Whilst the bike is sturdy it does come at the cost of weight, this bike easily surpasses 12kg in the Large size.Gearing is good, offers the happy medium between road riding and gravel riding, if you want to do off-road only you would probably need something with a lower gear ratio, I do find the lowest gear tough on 25% gradients and Iām a keen hill specialist on the bike.The tyres are the biggest downfall, they are un-assuringly slippery, any wet surface they offer little, despite having a large tread. On muddy wet trails I would not feel confident, this might be a rider issue, but this wonāt allow a novice to hit the trails overnight.Having riden 100milers on the bike, I can confirm the geometry is perfect, itās very comfortable and easy handling. When riding solo on the drops, the position is a little wide and stretched out, so it is a tiring after a while. Average pace on the bike will be rider dependent. But if you can hold 18-20mph solo on a road bike you should see 16-17mph on this, so it is a good road option even with the fat tyres on.If you want this for road only (i.e. winter bike) I would recommend swapping the tyres, as they are a drag.Bike has good components, only cheap part theyāve skimped on is the bottom bracket, FSA parts rust after 1 season, so be aware that this will need changing quickly.
| Wheels Dimension | 700C |
| Rear Derailleur | microSHIFT Advent X |
| Chain | KMC X10, 10-speed |
| Brakes | Promax Render R mechanical disc, 160/160mm rotors |
| Tires | WTB Riddler Comp, 700 x 37c |
I first saw this bike when I was looking at my first bike but decided to get the Cannondale Quick CX 4 to see if I enjoyed cycling in the first place. 2 weeks later I returned that bike and placed an order on this instead.The first thing I noticed is the comparative agility and quickness coming from a plusher hybrid fitness bike in the Quick CX 4 to this āentry-levelā gravel bike. The handful of pounds saved makes it much easier to carry and transport in my truck and it is a very enjoyable ride. The āCannondale 4ā drop bar handlebars are very enjoyable and comfortable for long rides. The 10-speed, 1x gearing is sufficient enough to enjoy cruising or bomb down empty roads while being very simple to operate, no comment on how it performs on gravel. My only two ...Ā MoreI first saw this bike when I was looking at my first bike but decided to get the Cannondale Quick CX 4 to see if I enjoyed cycling in the first place. 2 weeks later I returned that bike and placed an order on this instead.The first thing I noticed is the comparative agility and quickness coming from a plusher hybrid fitness bike in the Quick CX 4 to this āentry-levelā gravel bike. The handful of pounds saved makes it much easier to carry and transport in my truck and it is a very enjoyable ride. The āCannondale 4ā drop bar handlebars are very enjoyable and comfortable for long rides. The 10-speed, 1x gearing is sufficient enough to enjoy cruising or bomb down empty roads while being very simple to operate, no comment on how it performs on gravel. My only two complaints would be the saddle and brakes. The saddle being very tough on the bum but that was quickly remedied with cycling liners or shorts. The brakes came out the shop squeaking but Iāll check back in at my local REI or Bike Shop and see how that can be fixed, stopping power isnāt an issue though which is more important.Iām very inexperienced with cycling but I have no complaints at all about this bike after 105 miles. Currently I run a top tube bag from REI, a single bottle cage, and a front/rear Bontrager ION100R combo light set for visibility on all my daily rides. Super excited to add hundreds of more miles along with potential upgrades that are available for this platform.P.S.: For pedals since they arenāt included, I bought a set of Bontrager hybrid flat/SPD pedals from a local bike shop to hold me over while I consider stepping into the āclip lessā cycling shoe game.
I saw this bike online and went to see it in the store. The sales person said I have your size in a medium that was returned and is almost new and itās at a discount. Turns out the discount was applicable to this model whether new or not. I put aside my misgivings and paid the new bike price for a used bike. Iām sure itās a great bike but it wasnāt nearly new judging by how it performed. Loud front brakes are a common problem on this model. Also the shifting wasnāt ānew bikeā smooth. I took it back and the manager was offended I was returning the used bike I paid the new bike price for. I hate returning anything but in this case I felt it was entirely justified and Iām more than a little perturbed at the treatment I received. I bought a comparable bike from another ...Ā MoreI saw this bike online and went to see it in the store. The sales person said I have your size in a medium that was returned and is almost new and itās at a discount. Turns out the discount was applicable to this model whether new or not. I put aside my misgivings and paid the new bike price for a used bike. Iām sure itās a great bike but it wasnāt nearly new judging by how it performed. Loud front brakes are a common problem on this model. Also the shifting wasnāt ānew bikeā smooth. I took it back and the manager was offended I was returning the used bike I paid the new bike price for. I hate returning anything but in this case I felt it was entirely justified and Iām more than a little perturbed at the treatment I received. I bought a comparable bike from another manufacturer and Iām very pleased I did so.Iāll continue to shop REI but Iāll never by a returned item there again.
Iāve had this bike for 2 months, done quite a lot of social rides with it in most weather conditions. Whilst the bike is sturdy it does come at the cost of weight, this bike easily surpasses 12kg in the Large size.Gearing is good, offers the happy medium between road riding and gravel riding, if you want to do off-road only you would probably need something with a lower gear ratio, I do find the lowest gear tough on 25% gradients and Iām a keen hill specialist on the bike.The tyres are the biggest downfall, they are un-assuringly slippery, any wet surface they offer little, despite having a large tread. On muddy wet trails I would not feel confident, this might be a rider issue, but this wonāt allow a novice to hit the trails overnight.Having riden 100milers ...Ā MoreIāve had this bike for 2 months, done quite a lot of social rides with it in most weather conditions. Whilst the bike is sturdy it does come at the cost of weight, this bike easily surpasses 12kg in the Large size.Gearing is good, offers the happy medium between road riding and gravel riding, if you want to do off-road only you would probably need something with a lower gear ratio, I do find the lowest gear tough on 25% gradients and Iām a keen hill specialist on the bike.The tyres are the biggest downfall, they are un-assuringly slippery, any wet surface they offer little, despite having a large tread. On muddy wet trails I would not feel confident, this might be a rider issue, but this wonāt allow a novice to hit the trails overnight.Having riden 100milers on the bike, I can confirm the geometry is perfect, itās very comfortable and easy handling. When riding solo on the drops, the position is a little wide and stretched out, so it is a tiring after a while. Average pace on the bike will be rider dependent. But if you can hold 18-20mph solo on a road bike you should see 16-17mph on this, so it is a good road option even with the fat tyres on.If you want this for road only (i.e. winter bike) I would recommend swapping the tyres, as they are a drag.Bike has good components, only cheap part theyāve skimped on is the bottom bracket, FSA parts rust after 1 season, so be aware that this will need changing quickly.
This is my first gravel bike and I can honestly say, it was exactly what I was looking for! This bike is great for anyone looking to get into gravel riding without over spending...quality parts, clean aesthetics, simple, and functional! Unless you're a pro cyclist, I don't know what more you could ask for. The olive green color is really cool... different from a lot of other bikes out there! I might add, sizing runs a bit large, in my opinion, so consider sizing down if you're in between sizes. Very happy with this purchase...so much, in fact, that I'll probably be buying one for the wife. Also, Mike's Bikes was great to deal with! They're a great group of bike loving people. You won't regret doing business with them!
Iāve had my Topstone 4 for a couple of weeks now and absolutely love it. Iāve taken it on road rides and singletrack and it performed beautifully on both. The stock wheelset is a little heavier than I like so I just upgraded to a carbon wheelset and also carbon bars and that lightened it up quite a bit. Iāll update my review after taking it back in my local singletrack.I took it on some very steep, technical trails that I had been riding on my FS mountain bike for years and loved it!For the price of this bike bone stock this is a Great bike that will definitely put a smile on your face. Iāve ridden road specific bikes for over 20 years and this made cycling fun again:)
Opted for the Topstone 3 (S) given the decent price and my nostalgic affinity for Cannondales that dates back to the mid 1990. Plus, I wanted a bike that is better on the roads than my mtb.Bought the Topstone online through REI. Went with a Small given my below average height and inseam. Got dialed in pretty quickly and find the bike comfortable and compliant. From my non-expert perspective, the fit is as advertised, but ymmv.So far, it has handled the lighter trails as I expected and it's decently fast on paved roads. Given my weight (currently 230) I'm really pleased with how its handled. Same time, I'm currently putting together a second wheelset with proper road tires because my Topstone has become my primary bike for exercise and group road rides, and ...Ā MoreOpted for the Topstone 3 (S) given the decent price and my nostalgic affinity for Cannondales that dates back to the mid 1990. Plus, I wanted a bike that is better on the roads than my mtb.Bought the Topstone online through REI. Went with a Small given my below average height and inseam. Got dialed in pretty quickly and find the bike comfortable and compliant. From my non-expert perspective, the fit is as advertised, but ymmv.So far, it has handled the lighter trails as I expected and it's decently fast on paved roads. Given my weight (currently 230) I'm really pleased with how its handled. Same time, I'm currently putting together a second wheelset with proper road tires because my Topstone has become my primary bike for exercise and group road rides, and because I don't want to buy a third bike. Not to mention, I simply want to try out some decent carbon rims to go with the carbon fork.Feeling so-so about the Fizik Aliante Delta saddle, especially when the miles hit north of 15 on a ride. Haven't had any chaffing but my discomfort starts to increase a bit more than I'm accustomed to. I will probably try out a few different saddles in the near future but I'll give it some more time/miles first.The Shimano Sora gearing/FSA Tempo Adventure cranks have been smooth and problem free, and didn't get messed up even when I changed gears on an uphill under pressure.The Promax mechanical brakes are decent enough. They haven't failed and I haven't felt nervous about them at any point However their stopping power is noticeably inferior compared to the Shimano hydraulic brakes on my mtb. Then again, I don't plan on using my Topstone for chunkier, steeper downhill trails near me, at least not regularly, where such a difference would be magnified.Overall, it's a pretty bike to my eyes. I've long opted for more muted colors on my bikes. However the grey paint job seems much darker than depicted in the above picture. I was liking hard on that lighter gray and feel a little disappointed by the difference between what my eyes see in the picture and what I see now. It is what it is. Already over it. Bottom line is that for me, the Topstone is a capable bike on and off road. I'm stoked about it and any upgrades I might make beyond perhaps the saddle, are more about improvements specific to my needs, not about any true deficiencies or limitations of the bike.
What looks like a good value is the devil in disguise. The FSA crankset can only be described as a disaster with chainrings bending frequently (Iāll be on my fourth shortly). It tends to fail when going up hill and the worst circumstances where there is a great potential for serious injury. I would unfortunately describe the crankset as unsafe.Aside from the serious concerns with the crankset, there are several design choices I donāt like:1. You cannot move spacers above the stem on this steerer tube. Doing so voids your warranty and will likely result in you snapping the tube.2. A max of 700x42c tire is officially supported in the rear. Iāve found thatās okay for racing, but small when youāre just out for fun.3. Size Large comes with a 47mm handlebar. Itās ...Ā MoreWhat looks like a good value is the devil in disguise. The FSA crankset can only be described as a disaster with chainrings bending frequently (Iāll be on my fourth shortly). It tends to fail when going up hill and the worst circumstances where there is a great potential for serious injury. I would unfortunately describe the crankset as unsafe.Aside from the serious concerns with the crankset, there are several design choices I donāt like:1. You cannot move spacers above the stem on this steerer tube. Doing so voids your warranty and will likely result in you snapping the tube.2. A max of 700x42c tire is officially supported in the rear. Iāve found thatās okay for racing, but small when youāre just out for fun.3. Size Large comes with a 47mm handlebar. Itās an odd choice considering the 700x42c constraint on tire size. Iād much prefer a 40mm handlebar without flare.4. The seat post is designed such that it is near impossible to adjust the saddle without scratching the finish. The front screw is so close to the post that adding tape to protect the finish makes it exceedingly hard to use an Allen/hex wrench.5. The Shimano SM-RT54 brake rotors are not confidence inspiring on long or steep descents. They heat up quickly and only work with resin brake pads.6. The worn condition of my chainstay protector suggests a thicker protector is warranted, even if still clear.7. The welds are not smooth. They arenāt the worst, but itās clear a lot more care could be applied to the alloy frame.8. The wheels and tires are garbage. Immediately replace for a decent ride.
The Cannondale Topstone 1 2023 is a solid, fast, amazingly comfortable and versatile bike. On the road I am able to keep pace with road bikes. The bike abdords road bumps and remains stable in rough roads riddled with potholes. It has some subtle compliance which makes it feel amazing on tarmac. It climbs reasonably well. On the flat, it accelerates faster than expected and holds on to its speed satisfactorily. It takes quite a bit of fiddling with the saddle angle and seatpost height to get a perfect fit. Once dialled in, this brown beast is exquisitely comfortable. It feels a bit heavier as you clock in the miles but with good sports nutrition and hydration, you can keep going for hours without feeling any pain in the backside. For a racier feel, it helps to ...Ā MoreThe Cannondale Topstone 1 2023 is a solid, fast, amazingly comfortable and versatile bike. On the road I am able to keep pace with road bikes. The bike abdords road bumps and remains stable in rough roads riddled with potholes. It has some subtle compliance which makes it feel amazing on tarmac. It climbs reasonably well. On the flat, it accelerates faster than expected and holds on to its speed satisfactorily. It takes quite a bit of fiddling with the saddle angle and seatpost height to get a perfect fit. Once dialled in, this brown beast is exquisitely comfortable. It feels a bit heavier as you clock in the miles but with good sports nutrition and hydration, you can keep going for hours without feeling any pain in the backside. For a racier feel, it helps to install a longer stem and slam it right down to the headtube. The brakes take a few miles to run in and once done, they bite without pulling hard on the levers. The gear changes are smoth. It takes a bit of effort to master a 2 by drive train when coming from a Shimano slx 1 X 12 system on my XC MTB. Once harmony between man and machine is synchronised, the 2by drive train is predictable and reliable. This bike made me stay out for more than 2 hours when my original intention was to test ride it for just 1 hour. I am finding excuses to go out for a ride more often than usual. This bike is excellent as a fast commuter's companion. On gravel roads with loose rock debris, it's stable enough to stay upright. However, wider tyres would make it more capable on gravel roads with jutting roots and larger chunks of rocks. I will run this bike with a lightweight road wheelset and tubeless 32mm road tyres. For off road useI will run stock wheels with 47mm in front and 45mm rear gravel tyres. The tyre clearance is generous enough. I will add a suspension dropper seatpost for more comfort. At the moment, a shock stop suspension stem is not needed. The stock bar tape and flared alloy handle bars and surprisingly comfortable š.
Really pleased with the Topstone 3 and in the sale it represents superb value for money. I was worried about the sizing but the L fits me (185cm) well. The bike is very stable, climbs and descends very capably and even with the 37mm WTB tyres fitted rolls reasonably well on tarmac. The switch to tubeless was easy and definitely worth it. Itās not perfect; the place for the battery on the down tube is a bit annoying aesthetically and the handlebars are on the wide side at 46cm on the hoods and more on the drops. Bars are the one thing I will change at some point as the front end is a little harsh on the rough stuff too and I think a carbon upgrade would help here. But overall delighted and love riding this on all terrain.
I acquired this bike as a winter trainer and it has more than fulfilled my expectations. Delivery was very quick and well organised - I cannot remember buying a bike with less hassle. The bike itself is beautifully balanced and the geometry is well conceived. For a gravel bike it performs well on the road. The most notable feature is the splayed handlebars - the improvement in stability is remarkable. I have a prejudice agianst disc brakes but these are sensitive and responsive. Gear ratios are well chosen and the GRX400 is suitably robust for rural Wales. My only disappointment is the tyres. Brilliant grip but very soft and the deep tread picks up thorns. I have had 4 punctures in the first two weeks! Tubeless tyres may be a better option. But overall, I am delighted.
| Wheels Dimension | 700C |
| Rear Derailleur | microSHIFT Advent X |
| Chain | KMC X10, 10-speed |
| Brakes | Promax Render R mechanical disc, 160/160mm rotors |
| Tires | WTB Riddler Comp, 700 x 37c |
