Crunch time - Topstone AL vs Grade Carbon
06-25-20, 05:54 PM
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Crunch time - Topstone AL vs Grade Carbon
Looking for some last minute advice as I will probably be confirming my purchase tomorrow.
With the bike shortage going around I was able to find a Cannondale Topstone 105 aluminum and a GT Grade Carbon Elite both in my size (58). This would my first gravel bike. The GT is about $100 cheaper (Canadian pricing) so that's nice.
Biggest differences I can see:
Grade: Carbon frame, Tiagra front & rear derailleurs (2x10), Tiagra Hydraulic brakes
Topstone: Aluminum frame, 105 front & rear derailleurs (2x11), 105 Hydraulic brakes
Everything other components seem similar. One more thing, the Topstone would be purchased from a bike shop and the GT from a Big Box store. There a few very reputable small bike mechanic shops around (they don't sell bikes) so I think I could make that work although it's obviously nicer to buy from an LBS.
Any opinions? Thanks in advance.
With the bike shortage going around I was able to find a Cannondale Topstone 105 aluminum and a GT Grade Carbon Elite both in my size (58). This would my first gravel bike. The GT is about $100 cheaper (Canadian pricing) so that's nice.
Biggest differences I can see:
Grade: Carbon frame, Tiagra front & rear derailleurs (2x10), Tiagra Hydraulic brakes
Topstone: Aluminum frame, 105 front & rear derailleurs (2x11), 105 Hydraulic brakes
Everything other components seem similar. One more thing, the Topstone would be purchased from a bike shop and the GT from a Big Box store. There a few very reputable small bike mechanic shops around (they don't sell bikes) so I think I could make that work although it's obviously nicer to buy from an LBS.
Any opinions? Thanks in advance.
06-25-20, 06:18 PM
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Looking for some last minute advice as I will probably be confirming my purchase tomorrow.
With the bike shortage going around I was able to find a Cannondale Topstone 105 aluminum and a GT Grade Carbon Elite both in my size (58). This would my first gravel bike. The GT is about $100 cheaper (Canadian pricing) so that's nice.
Biggest differences I can see:
Grade: Carbon frame, Tiagra front & rear derailleurs (2x10), Tiagra Hydraulic brakes
Topstone: Aluminum frame, 105 front & rear derailleurs (2x11), 105 Hydraulic brakes
Everything other components seem similar. One more thing, the Topstone would be purchased from a bike shop and the GT from a Big Box store. There a few very reputable small bike mechanic shops around (they don't sell bikes) so I think I could make that work although it's obviously nicer to buy from an LBS.
Any opinions? Thanks in advance.
With the bike shortage going around I was able to find a Cannondale Topstone 105 aluminum and a GT Grade Carbon Elite both in my size (58). This would my first gravel bike. The GT is about $100 cheaper (Canadian pricing) so that's nice.
Biggest differences I can see:
Grade: Carbon frame, Tiagra front & rear derailleurs (2x10), Tiagra Hydraulic brakes
Topstone: Aluminum frame, 105 front & rear derailleurs (2x11), 105 Hydraulic brakes
Everything other components seem similar. One more thing, the Topstone would be purchased from a bike shop and the GT from a Big Box store. There a few very reputable small bike mechanic shops around (they don't sell bikes) so I think I could make that work although it's obviously nicer to buy from an LBS.
Any opinions? Thanks in advance.
06-25-20, 08:02 PM
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Agree with your choice, the Giant was (or is) on my list but it's impossible to find my size anywhere. From what I heard Giant are sold of most of their bikes and nothing coming in until the fall. Great choice, enjoy the bike!
