Trying to decide between two Cannondale Topstones
03-06-20, 11:06 AM
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
Trying to decide between two Cannondale Topstones
I have the budget for the Ultegra version but I'm not sure I would appreciate the upgrades vs the 105 version. It's about a $1500 CAD upcharge. I'm basically looking for an all-around road and gravel bike. Something I can take on multi-day backpacking trips, ride with friends on paved roads and trails and run the occasional mixed-surface event.
The groupset itself doesn't really matter to me. I find the 105 to be perfectly acceptable. But, I'm not sure about the carbon fibre wheels (vs. alloy), Hollogram crank (vs. Cannondale1) and the BB30 bottom bracket (vs. PressFit30). Am I going to get a big benefit out of any of the above during my intended uses?
The PressFit30 is pressed first into a housing and then into the frame whereas the BB30 is pressed directly into the frame. Does that have any implication on future serviceability?
The groupset itself doesn't really matter to me. I find the 105 to be perfectly acceptable. But, I'm not sure about the carbon fibre wheels (vs. alloy), Hollogram crank (vs. Cannondale1) and the BB30 bottom bracket (vs. PressFit30). Am I going to get a big benefit out of any of the above during my intended uses?
The PressFit30 is pressed first into a housing and then into the frame whereas the BB30 is pressed directly into the frame. Does that have any implication on future serviceability?
03-06-20, 01:01 PM
#2
Senior Member
I would go for the Ultegra version (I'm assuming it's the Ultegra RX, not the Ultegra RX 2)...the crank and wheels are worth the price difference on their own. Plus you get a clutched rear derailleur, in the RX.
Keep in mind that the Topstone using the weird AI dishing on the back wheel. So, if you go with the alloy wheels and want to upgrade later, you'll have to have them re-dished.
BB wise...Cannondale has the most asinine/confusing labeling on the planet, so I'll let someone more familiar chim in. But, the frame is the same on both models, so it should (in theory, at least) be able to except wither bottom bracket.
Keep in mind that the Topstone using the weird AI dishing on the back wheel. So, if you go with the alloy wheels and want to upgrade later, you'll have to have them re-dished.
BB wise...Cannondale has the most asinine/confusing labeling on the planet, so I'll let someone more familiar chim in. But, the frame is the same on both models, so it should (in theory, at least) be able to except wither bottom bracket.
03-06-20, 01:28 PM
#3
Full Member
Thread Starter
I would go for the Ultegra version (I'm assuming it's the Ultegra RX, not the Ultegra RX 2)...the crank and wheels are worth the price difference on their own. Plus you get a clutched rear derailleur, in the RX.
Keep in mind that the Topstone using the weird AI dishing on the back wheel. So, if you go with the alloy wheels and want to upgrade later, you'll have to have them re-dished.
BB wise...Cannondale has the most asinine/confusing labeling on the planet, so I'll let someone more familiar chim in. But, the frame is the same on both models, so it should (in theory, at least) be able to except wither bottom bracket.
Keep in mind that the Topstone using the weird AI dishing on the back wheel. So, if you go with the alloy wheels and want to upgrade later, you'll have to have them re-dished.
BB wise...Cannondale has the most asinine/confusing labeling on the planet, so I'll let someone more familiar chim in. But, the frame is the same on both models, so it should (in theory, at least) be able to except wither bottom bracket.
03-08-20, 10:18 AM
#4
Junior Member
I would go for the Ultegra version (I'm assuming it's the Ultegra RX, not the Ultegra RX 2)...the crank and wheels are worth the price difference on their own. Plus you get a clutched rear derailleur, in the RX.
Keep in mind that the Topstone using the weird AI dishing on the back wheel. So, if you go with the alloy wheels and want to upgrade later, you'll have to have them re-dished.
BB wise...Cannondale has the most asinine/confusing labeling on the planet, so I'll let someone more familiar chim in. But, the frame is the same on both models, so it should (in theory, at least) be able to except wither bottom bracket.
Keep in mind that the Topstone using the weird AI dishing on the back wheel. So, if you go with the alloy wheels and want to upgrade later, you'll have to have them re-dished.
BB wise...Cannondale has the most asinine/confusing labeling on the planet, so I'll let someone more familiar chim in. But, the frame is the same on both models, so it should (in theory, at least) be able to except wither bottom bracket.
03-08-20, 11:14 AM
#5
Senior Member
Likes For melikebikey35:
03-31-20, 10:31 AM
#6
Newbie
Gravel Bike
Not trying to flip your decision on its head and I'm sure you would be very happy with the Cannondale Topstone. I too was in the same boat and located in Canada also. Do yourself a favor and look at the Norco Search XR, I just got the Norco Search XR A1 for $2100 plus tax! That's a great price for a bike loaded with GRX 800 components. At least have a look on the website before you pull the trigger. Best of luck to you!
03-31-20, 11:18 AM
#7
Senior Member
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Let me preface this with a caveat: I'm a Cannondale fanboy. But they've really lost me lately with their offerings. The unnecessary proprietary standards they keep pushing out is maddening. My riding buddy has the Ultegra Carbon Topstone and his BB is already creaking bad. I wouldn't trust that on a multiday bikepacking trip. Also the tire clearance is nowhere near up to modern standards. Now don't get me wrong, it's a fantastic bike, but it just seems like it will be an expensive headache.
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2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird
2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird
