Cannondale Topstone
08-28-18, 05:22 PM
#51
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What's in the glass bottle?
It's a nice bike. R7000 parts perform really well, hydro disk, good tire clearance and the FSA adventure 46/30 cranks everyone was talking about. It is simple, reasonably light hydroformed alloy and reasonably cheap. I'm thinking this would be a great bike to race, beat the crud out of and if it broke, well, not a huge loss in terms of dollars.
-Tim-
08-28-18, 05:39 PM
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This is really impressive to most people. I'm a pretty good mechanic and think it would take me a lot longer.
What's in the glass bottle?
Actually, I think people just get caught up in the frenzy of an argument. I do, and sometimes I have to step back and ask myself what's really important.
It's a nice bike. R7000 parts perform really well, hydro disk, good tire clearance and the FSA adventure 46/30 cranks everyone was talking about. It is simple, reasonably light hydroformed alloy and reasonably cheap. I'm thinking this would be a great bike to race, beat the crud out of and if it broke, well, not a huge loss in terms of dollars.
-Tim-
What's in the glass bottle?
Actually, I think people just get caught up in the frenzy of an argument. I do, and sometimes I have to step back and ask myself what's really important.
It's a nice bike. R7000 parts perform really well, hydro disk, good tire clearance and the FSA adventure 46/30 cranks everyone was talking about. It is simple, reasonably light hydroformed alloy and reasonably cheap. I'm thinking this would be a great bike to race, beat the crud out of and if it broke, well, not a huge loss in terms of dollars.
-Tim-
Some say its necessary, others have had success with just the 609/641.
As to the second point, the captstone is a nice bike with a great spec sheet regardless of the BB standard. Wouldn't be surprise if the CAADX gets in upgrade to internal cables and a threaded BB either but to me its not a deal breaker either way. Going to TA front and rear is a bigger improvement just for consistency even though the rear doesn't need a TA by design
08-30-18, 02:31 AM
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CAADX vs Topstone - comparing the 105 models...
List price is within $50.
The Topstone has lower gearing as it comes with FSA Adventure 46/30 cranks and 11/34 cassette. The CAADX comes with Cannondale Si w/ FSA Rings 48/32 cranks and 11/32 cassette.
The Topstone has Shimano flat mount hydro brakes while the CAADX has TRP Spyre C mechanical.
It looks like the CAADX has QR hubs in the rear. Can anyone confirm? The Topstone is 12mm thru axle front and rear.
The top tube and chainstays meet lower on the Topstone. The CAADX has much less sloped top tube and this will make it stiffer, no? Or is that just for carrying the bike during CX races?
Both have a Fabirc Radius Sport saddle. This is excellent.
The Topstone says it is dropper post ready. I don't know what that entails. Can someone explain how that is different?
List price is within $50.
The Topstone has lower gearing as it comes with FSA Adventure 46/30 cranks and 11/34 cassette. The CAADX comes with Cannondale Si w/ FSA Rings 48/32 cranks and 11/32 cassette.
The Topstone has Shimano flat mount hydro brakes while the CAADX has TRP Spyre C mechanical.
It looks like the CAADX has QR hubs in the rear. Can anyone confirm? The Topstone is 12mm thru axle front and rear.
The top tube and chainstays meet lower on the Topstone. The CAADX has much less sloped top tube and this will make it stiffer, no? Or is that just for carrying the bike during CX races?
Both have a Fabirc Radius Sport saddle. This is excellent.
The Topstone says it is dropper post ready. I don't know what that entails. Can someone explain how that is different?
See:No idea why it seems to be listed only with European dealers, and why there's nothing about it on Cannondale's product pages. Puzzling. Could be "region locked"?
08-30-18, 09:23 AM
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Some bike dealers have a new 2019 model of the CAADX 105 listed as imminent (available for purchase within a week). This has some changes compared to the 2018 model, notably hydraulic disc brakes, and a 46/36 chainset with the 11/34 cassette. It looks like it has QR in the rear.
See:No idea why it seems to be listed only with European dealers, and why there's nothing about it on Cannondale's product pages. Puzzling. Could be "region locked"?
See:No idea why it seems to be listed only with European dealers, and why there's nothing about it on Cannondale's product pages. Puzzling. Could be "region locked"?
08-30-18, 09:31 AM
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08-30-18, 09:36 AM
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as for the 650 debate, yes fat is fun, but..... between Cannondale 'SAVE' and a supple tire. 700 is good enough. Maybe better. I have no idea.
08-30-18, 10:01 AM
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I find wide 650b tires have negated the need for a carbon frame. You'd be surprised how much a 650x47 tire at low PSI sucks up the road vibrations.
08-30-18, 10:35 AM
#61
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I'll send a $10 Starbucks gift card to the first person who posts a photo of their personal Topstone covered in dirt.
-Tim-
-Tim-
08-31-18, 06:54 PM
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So my question about the bike is why is the price so much lower than the competitors? Most 105 equipped bikes are $2000. This one is $1650. Which makes me wonder what they cut to get to that price.
Orbea Terra H30-D is $2000
Trek Checkpoint ALR5 is $2000
Giant Revolt Advanced 2 is $2000 (but carbon)
Fuji Jari 1.1 (2019) is $2000
Ridley X-Trail Alloy 105 HDB is $2000
Diamondback Haanjo Trail is $2000
Specialized CruX Sport E5 is $2200
Kona NRB DL is $2300
Bianchi Impulso All Road 105 is $2100
Felt Breed 30 is $1900
Some of those are 2018 prices and some 2019 prices, but they’re generally remarkably consistent. And then there’s the Topstone at a 17.5% discount. I’m not seeing any big corners cut. Am I missing something or is this the bargain it appears to be?
Orbea Terra H30-D is $2000
Trek Checkpoint ALR5 is $2000
Giant Revolt Advanced 2 is $2000 (but carbon)
Fuji Jari 1.1 (2019) is $2000
Ridley X-Trail Alloy 105 HDB is $2000
Diamondback Haanjo Trail is $2000
Specialized CruX Sport E5 is $2200
Kona NRB DL is $2300
Bianchi Impulso All Road 105 is $2100
Felt Breed 30 is $1900
Some of those are 2018 prices and some 2019 prices, but they’re generally remarkably consistent. And then there’s the Topstone at a 17.5% discount. I’m not seeing any big corners cut. Am I missing something or is this the bargain it appears to be?
08-31-18, 09:21 PM
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why should it be priced higher? $1600 Is the same as all the other 105 Cannondale Al, bicycles.
the difference with this bike? tire clearance and different tires.
Edit: Cannondale price gouged (in my opinion on the Slate) Maybe they learned something? There has also been multiple threads/posts on why are gravel bikes more expensive than road bikes. Finally a manufacture prices them the same and someone sees it as a bad thing? I am confused.
the difference with this bike? tire clearance and different tires.
Edit: Cannondale price gouged (in my opinion on the Slate) Maybe they learned something? There has also been multiple threads/posts on why are gravel bikes more expensive than road bikes. Finally a manufacture prices them the same and someone sees it as a bad thing? I am confused.
Last edited by Metieval; 08-31-18 at 09:32 PM.
09-01-18, 10:04 AM
#64
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So my question about the bike is why is the price so much lower than the competitors? Most 105 equipped bikes are $2000. This one is $1650. Which makes me wonder what they cut to get to that price.
Orbea Terra H30-D is $2000
Trek Checkpoint ALR5 is $2000
Giant Revolt Advanced 2 is $2000 (but carbon)
Fuji Jari 1.1 (2019) is $2000
Ridley X-Trail Alloy 105 HDB is $2000
Diamondback Haanjo Trail is $2000
Specialized CruX Sport E5 is $2200
Kona NRB DL is $2300
Bianchi Impulso All Road 105 is $2100
Felt Breed 30 is $1900
Some of those are 2018 prices and some 2019 prices, but they’re generally remarkably consistent. And then there’s the Topstone at a 17.5% discount. I’m not seeing any big corners cut. Am I missing something or is this the bargain it appears to be?
Orbea Terra H30-D is $2000
Trek Checkpoint ALR5 is $2000
Giant Revolt Advanced 2 is $2000 (but carbon)
Fuji Jari 1.1 (2019) is $2000
Ridley X-Trail Alloy 105 HDB is $2000
Diamondback Haanjo Trail is $2000
Specialized CruX Sport E5 is $2200
Kona NRB DL is $2300
Bianchi Impulso All Road 105 is $2100
Felt Breed 30 is $1900
Some of those are 2018 prices and some 2019 prices, but they’re generally remarkably consistent. And then there’s the Topstone at a 17.5% discount. I’m not seeing any big corners cut. Am I missing something or is this the bargain it appears to be?
not sure about the others, but just wanted to mention that.
as for Cannondale, yeah its a nice departure from what been common for that brand and other LBS brands.
09-01-18, 10:23 AM
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Has anyone seen what the Topstone weighs? Does Cannondale list weights for any of their bikes? Perhaps I am losing my sight.
09-01-18, 04:14 PM
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https://www.cyclingabout.com/2019-ca...touring-bikes/
Last edited by Blumenkraft; 09-02-18 at 09:48 AM.
09-02-18, 07:56 AM
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why should it be priced higher? $1600 Is the same as all the other 105 Cannondale Al, bicycles.
the difference with this bike? tire clearance and different tires.
Edit: Cannondale price gouged (in my opinion on the Slate) Maybe they learned something? There has also been multiple threads/posts on why are gravel bikes more expensive than road bikes. Finally a manufacture prices them the same and someone sees it as a bad thing? I am confused.
the difference with this bike? tire clearance and different tires.
Edit: Cannondale price gouged (in my opinion on the Slate) Maybe they learned something? There has also been multiple threads/posts on why are gravel bikes more expensive than road bikes. Finally a manufacture prices them the same and someone sees it as a bad thing? I am confused.
I'm wondering if the wheels are cheaper?
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09-04-18, 09:14 AM
#68
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This past weekend we randomly stopped in an LBS that was a Cannondale dealer and I asked about the Topstone. The guy said they did all the marketing, got everyone excited, but it's not even a bike bike shops can order yet. He actually checked just the other day. His best guess is that they might be available for purchase in a month.
09-04-18, 09:42 AM
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My LBS ordered some already they'll be here in a week......
so one of the 2 bike stores is fibbing. or....
cheaper than what wheels? on what entry level gravel bike?
but yeah they are WTB i23 on formula hubs. Personally I'd rather buy a complete bike on entry level wheel as a lower price than to buy a Trek with Trek wheels at a higher price. Or a Specialized sequoia with boat anchor wheels and fails hubs that are marked up.
why don't 1 of the 2 of you do a parts break down and show us where Cannondale cut corners? BB vs BB, crank vs crank, brake vs brake, saddle vs saddle etc.....
so one of the 2 bike stores is fibbing. or....
cheaper than what wheels? on what entry level gravel bike?
but yeah they are WTB i23 on formula hubs. Personally I'd rather buy a complete bike on entry level wheel as a lower price than to buy a Trek with Trek wheels at a higher price. Or a Specialized sequoia with boat anchor wheels and fails hubs that are marked up.
why don't 1 of the 2 of you do a parts break down and show us where Cannondale cut corners? BB vs BB, crank vs crank, brake vs brake, saddle vs saddle etc.....
09-05-18, 06:32 AM
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Thanks! At least someone got my question…
This past weekend we randomly stopped in an LBS that was a Cannondale dealer and I asked about the Topstone. The guy said they did all the marketing, got everyone excited, but it's not even a bike bike shops can order yet. He actually checked just the other day. His best guess is that they might be available for purchase in a month.
This past weekend we randomly stopped in an LBS that was a Cannondale dealer and I asked about the Topstone. The guy said they did all the marketing, got everyone excited, but it's not even a bike bike shops can order yet. He actually checked just the other day. His best guess is that they might be available for purchase in a month.
My LBS has had two large 105 models in since last week (with a couple more in various sizes/builds on the way). Weird thing is that they came with Ultegra shifters and brakes (maybe supply issue with newest 105?). Makes it even a better deal than usual at $1650.
I'm seriously tempted but I took it for a ride around the parking lot and the large feels massive to me (6 feet tall and ride a 56cm SuperSix Evo as my road bike) but the people at the shop said it's gonna feel bigger/longer since it's a gravel bike and not a race bike. I'm really curious to see how a medium feels once they get them in though.
EDIT: The other various builds/sizes are actually just on order (with no ETA yet), not on the way. My mistake. They still have 2 large 105s in stock though.
Last edited by Peter2290; 09-06-18 at 05:39 AM.
09-05-18, 07:18 AM
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My LBS has had two large 105 models in since last week (with a couple more in various sizes/builds on the way). Weird thing is that they came with Ultegra shifters and brakes (maybe supply issue with newest 105?). Makes it even a better deal than usual at $1650.
I'm seriously tempted but I took it for a ride around the parking lot and the large feels massive to me (6 feet tall and ride a 56cm SuperSix Evo as my road bike) but the people at the shop said it's gonna feel bigger/longer since it's a gravel bike and not a race bike. I'm really curious to see how a medium feels once they get them in though.
I'm seriously tempted but I took it for a ride around the parking lot and the large feels massive to me (6 feet tall and ride a 56cm SuperSix Evo as my road bike) but the people at the shop said it's gonna feel bigger/longer since it's a gravel bike and not a race bike. I'm really curious to see how a medium feels once they get them in though.
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09-05-18, 07:48 AM
#72
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My LBS has had two large 105 models in since last week (with a couple more in various sizes/builds on the way). Weird thing is that they came with Ultegra shifters and brakes (maybe supply issue with newest 105?). Makes it even a better deal than usual at $1650.
I'm seriously tempted but I took it for a ride around the parking lot and the large feels massive to me (6 feet tall and ride a 56cm SuperSix Evo as my road bike) but the people at the shop said it's gonna feel bigger/longer since it's a gravel bike and not a race bike. I'm really curious to see how a medium feels once they get them in though.
I'm seriously tempted but I took it for a ride around the parking lot and the large feels massive to me (6 feet tall and ride a 56cm SuperSix Evo as my road bike) but the people at the shop said it's gonna feel bigger/longer since it's a gravel bike and not a race bike. I'm really curious to see how a medium feels once they get them in though.
You are wise to take what the LBS says about size with a grain or two of salt and test the medium.
-Tim-
09-05-18, 08:40 AM
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My LBS has had two large 105 models in since last week (with a couple more in various sizes/builds on the way). Weird thing is that they came with Ultegra shifters and brakes (maybe supply issue with newest 105?). Makes it even a better deal than usual at $1650.
I'm seriously tempted but I took it for a ride around the parking lot and the large feels massive to me (6 feet tall and ride a 56cm SuperSix Evo as my road bike) but the people at the shop said it's gonna feel bigger/longer since it's a gravel bike and not a race bike. I'm really curious to see how a medium feels once they get them in though.
I'm seriously tempted but I took it for a ride around the parking lot and the large feels massive to me (6 feet tall and ride a 56cm SuperSix Evo as my road bike) but the people at the shop said it's gonna feel bigger/longer since it's a gravel bike and not a race bike. I'm really curious to see how a medium feels once they get them in though.
12-06-18, 02:15 PM
#74
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In September my very local LBS said November. Today they said they had some on order for January and I'm on a notify list.
But my question is about the dropper post on the Apex level Topstone. Is the upper height adjustable in some way? I spent a lot of time getting my existing bike's non-dropper seat height just so. But the way the LBS seemed to explain dropper post is that it is all the way up or all the way down and so seemed not finely adjustable. OTOH it was not the Topstone that they used to demonstrate.
My first choice would be the Topstone 105 without the dropper and less money but I thought I should do a little research in case it comes down to the Apex level or no Topstone because of size/availability at the LBS. Of course there's a good select of other slightly less local LBS in the area.
03-21-19, 09:01 PM
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My LBS has had two large 105 models in since last week (with a couple more in various sizes/builds on the way). Weird thing is that they came with Ultegra shifters and brakes (maybe supply issue with newest 105?). Makes it even a better deal than usual at $1650.
I'm seriously tempted but I took it for a ride around the parking lot and the large feels massive to me (6 feet tall and ride a 56cm SuperSix Evo as my road bike) but the people at the shop said it's gonna feel bigger/longer since it's a gravel bike and not a race bike. I'm really curious to see how a medium feels once they get them in though.
EDIT: The other various builds/sizes are actually just on order (with no ETA yet), not on the way. My mistake. They still have 2 large 105s in stock though.
I'm seriously tempted but I took it for a ride around the parking lot and the large feels massive to me (6 feet tall and ride a 56cm SuperSix Evo as my road bike) but the people at the shop said it's gonna feel bigger/longer since it's a gravel bike and not a race bike. I'm really curious to see how a medium feels once they get them in though.
EDIT: The other various builds/sizes are actually just on order (with no ETA yet), not on the way. My mistake. They still have 2 large 105s in stock though.
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