Salsas Warbird, for example, has been through many iterations over the years in search of that perfect balance. To see our full review of the Topstone Alloy click here. I think thats why Cannondale Topstone 1 chose WTB Nano vacuum tires. From the list above, youll notice that carbon and aluminum are by far the most popular materials for gravel bike frames. Another choice youll have to make when choosing a gravel bike is whether you want hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes. Search by Stack and Reach. 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. The main advantage to these beefier tires is their ability to run lower air pressure, which results in a more forgiving ride and greater traction. "Thanks to the carbon fork, sumptuous WTB treads and some level of tube design, the Apex 1 . 14 Reviews / Write a Review. 2023 Top 10 Best Fun Kids Bike Bells Will This Bring Joy To Your Childs Ride? Smart Form C2 alloy frame provides lightweight, agile handling. And their ADV collection includes solid performers like the mid-range 2.2, which comes in at a very competitive $1,599. However, if you consistently frequent pavement and mellow trails, youll probably be better served by 700c wheels described above. If you want a more cost-effective bike, my recommendation is still the Cannondale Topstone 1. The Diverge gets the edge in max tire clearance (47mm vs. 45mm on the Checkpoint) and includes in-frame storage with their unique and very functional SWAT system. Its nice to see Shimano GRX derailleurs and crank, but the shifters are from the road-focused Tiagra line, so theyre not as user-friendly on gravel. Tell us how tall you are, we'll help you find the right size. Heritage Technology Racing Social responsibility Stories Work at Trek Podcast Support. 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. Another key difference between these types of bikes is their geometry, or the measurements of the frame. Topstone 1 vs Checkpoint ALR 5 ? Not only that, but the Topstone 1 tires are WTB Nano vacuum tires, which are lightweight and durable. Put simply, gravel bikes can continue on when traditional roads bikes are forced to turn around, and they can easily handle the daily commute to work too. Not only that, but I was very worried about dropping the chain at first, a concern I think you usually have as well. Germany-based Canyon might not have the name recognition of many of the brands on this list, but their Grail AL 6 adventure bike is an excellent all-around value. 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. The big news is its geometry, which has a downhill-oriented 66.67-degree head angle for an aggressive stance thats impressively stable and confidence-inspiring on the descent (for reference, most gravel bikes are around 70 degrees or higher). 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. Like all Santa Cruz bikes, the gravel rig is undeniably pricey at $4,649 for the GRX model, which includes the high-end 800 groupset. Learn more , SmartForm C2 Alloy, 12x142 thru-axle, tapered headtube, flat mount disc, StraightShot internal cable routing, multiple gear/bottle mounts, 300 Series Alpha Aluminium, tapered head tube, Control Freak internal routing, 3S chain keeper, rack and fender mounts, flat mount disc, horizontal sliding dropouts, 142x12 mm thru-axle, BallisTec Full Carbon, 1-1/8" to 1-1/4" steerer, 55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc, internal routing, 12x100 thru axle, Checkpoint carbon, tapered alloy steerer, rack mounts, mudguard mounts, flat-mount disc, 12x100 mm thru axle, FSA Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom, Size: 49, Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 80 mm length; Size: 52, 54, Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 90 mm length; Size: 56, 58, Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 100 mm length; Size: 61, Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 110 mm length, Cannondale 3, butted 6061 alloy, 16 deg flare drop, Size: 49, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-CF, alloy, 31.8 mm, 93 mm reach, 123 mm drop, 38 cm width; Size: 52, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-CF, alloy, 31.8 mm, 93 mm reach, 123 mm drop, 40 cm width; Size: 54, 56, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-CF, alloy, 31.8 mm, 93 mm reach, 123 mm drop, 42 cm width; Size: 58, 61, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-CF, alloy, 31.8 mm, 93 mm reach, 123 mm drop, 44 cm width, Bontrager Montrose Comp, steel rails, 138 mm width, Bontrager Comp, 6061 alloy, 27.2 mm, 8 mm offset, 330 mm length, Shimano GRX RX810, long cage, 34T max cog, Size: 49, Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30, 165 mm length; Size: 52, Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30, 170 mm length; Size: 54, 56, Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30, 172.5 mm length; Size: 58, 61, Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30, 175 mm length, Shimano GRX 400, hydraulic disc, 160/160mm RT54 rotors, Bontrager Tubeless Ready, 28-hole, 17 mm width, Presta valve, Formula cartridge bearing, Centerlock, 12x100mm, Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, CenterLock disc, 100x12 mm thru axle, Formula cartridge bearing, Centerlock, 12x142mm, Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, CenterLock disc, Shimano 11-speed freehub, 142x12 mm thru axle, Bontrager GR1 Comp, wire bead, 60 tpi, 700x40 c. Love bikes? We have reviewed other versions of Cannondale Topstone if you want to learn more. Gravel bikes also feature a wider gear range for the varied terrain you can expect on forest service and backroads. For the majority of casual cyclists, we recommend sticking with an aluminum gravel bike simply to get the best bang for your buck. Model 5260845. The lightweight Shimano GRX 400 braking system utilizes ICE TECHNOLOGIES in order to dissipate heat in time under high-intensity friction. As we all know, the most outstanding feature of a gravel bike is that it adapts to a very wide range of terrain. For more information, please see our First of all, the Cannondale Topstone 1 has a 211 speed shift range. The biggest benefit is the ability to run lower tire pressures, meaning the tires are better able to absorb impacts without increasing the risk of a pinch flat. In the gravel realm, we especially like their Haanjo 2, which is the most affordable design to make our list at $925. Inside Trek. Most notably, it forgoes thru-axles (which add stiffness and inspire confidence during fast descents) in favor of the quick-release style. Having said that, buying online certainly has its benefits. Overall, the Domane was preferred by our test riders largely due to its better performance characteristics. Can't decide? Cannondale has a full line of gravel-ready rigs that are well spec'd but won't empty your pockets. Learn more: 2022 Cannondale Topstone 3 Review-Can It Take You Across The Gravel Road? 2023 Top 10 City Bike Bell Super Value-For-Money, 27.5 vs 29er Mountain Bikes The Battle Of The Century, Best 20-inch Bikes For 6-13 Years Old Kids Bikes (With Gears), SmartForm C2 Alloy, 12142 thru-axle, tapered headtube, flat mount disc, StraightShot internal cable routing, multiple gear/bottle mounts, BallisTec Full Carbon, 1-1/8 to 1-1/4 steerer, 55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc, internal routing, 12100 thru axle, Cannondale 3, butted 6061 alloys, 16 deg flare drop, Shimano GRX 400, hydraulic disc, 160/160mm RT54 rotors, Formula cartridge bearing, Centerlock, 12x100mm, Formula cartridge bearing, Centerlock, 12x142mm. I believe that those who like mechanical style will like it more. Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 . There are only two build kits currently offered (plus a frame-only option), but the GRX model is well-appointed with high-end 800-series components, an all-carbon frame, and off-road extras like a dropper post and meaty tires. It checks all the boxes, with solid handling, competitive spec and an understated, high-quality look and feel. The G//C Force listed here is purpose-built to own gravel roads with a race-oriented ethos, smartly specd build kit, and high-quality, tubeless-ready wheels and tires made by Donnelly themselves (the bike comes stock with 700c wheels, but it can also accommodate 650b). Those who already own a hardtail might be wondering: Cant I just ride my mountain bike on gravel roads instead of purchasing something new? And the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, we actually encourage riders to use what they already have whenever possible. Sophisticated alumi. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee . In terms of shoes, we recommend an option like Giros Cylinder or Shimano's XC3theyre light, affordable, stiff enough for efficient power transfer, and still very comfortable for time spent off the bike. Formerly Clement, this niche and adventure-oriented company made its name in the tire arena, but in 2018 decided to shift its focus to dedicated cyclocross and gravel bikes. The fresh air of the forest intertwined with the Cannondale Topstone 1 and made me feel a different kind of energy from the old days. Cannondale Bar Tape, 3.5mm . For example, Backcountry and REI often have an additional charge for shipping a bike, although REI offers a free ship-to-store option, which is a great alternative for buyers who want the added benefit of employee advice and expertise. The Cannondale Topstone 1 is a modern alloy gravel race bike that allows you to fully enjoy any terrain in any weather conditions. However, these are relatively small nitpicks about an otherwise impressive all-around gravel bike. This also translates to a larger contact patch with the ground, making them ideal for off-road use. The Checkpoint is now longer, the handling is more stable and forgiving, especially on off-road terrain. That said, its not an agile design and weight is decently high (REI gives it a median weight of over 23 pounds). Get free advice from a CuratedExpert. The Trek Checkpoint ALR 5, also an aluminum frame gravel bike, is officially priced at $2,499. I had been riding at second-gear speed before, but luckily I had Shimano GRX 400 hydraulic disc brakes. The 2023 Framed Basswood Carbon Gravel Bike is a basswoodcarbon frame gravel bike with mid-range components and is lightweight. :) Have a great day, stay safe. Attaching a dropper post reportedly limited minimum seat heights. Youll likely feel the object beneath you. Next, lay an object larger than a pencil in your driveway or on the sidewalka wooden dowel or mixing spoon handle works greatand ride over it at a comfortable speed (about 10mph). 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. Explore the differences below. So I can sit firmly on the bike and still keep going at high speed. Frame: CarbonGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Race-inspired design and geometry; premium build.What we dont: Not a great all-rounder. That said, buying from Santa Cruz involves paying a premium for the brands attention to detail (all models are admittedly fantastic-looking), strong warranty, and reliable long-term performance. The stock front rim on the Topstone weighs 4.1 pounds. This makes it easier to steer the bike and avoid accidents due to sluggishness. The elite-level build listed here also features the crisp shifting of SRAMs electronic Force AXS drivetrain. During your outing, think about how your tires feel and consider any adjustments that you might want to make (this goes for every outing, not just your first). Model 601500. If youve never heard of Donnelly Cycling, youre not alone. 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. The aluminum frame doesn't come without compromises, however. And the standard 50-milllimeter-wide tires are not the fastest-rolling or lightest around. To help, many major online retailers such as REI Co-op, Jenson USA, and Backcountry provide geometry charts and size recommendations for most of their models. Height - - What's my size? Imagine how happy we would be if we could bring Cannondale Topstone 1 for a forest adventure in our free time. Frame: TitaniumGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 43/50mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Titanium softail frame and large tires are great for rugged roads.What we dont: The most expensive gravel bike on the list. Giant Revolt Advanced 3 Review [2022]- The Best Carbon Gravel Bike For The Money. The brakes have been upgraded to Shimano GRX 600 hydraulic disc brakes for greater agility and stability. It does not included the tire. Its not for everyone, but for riders that stick to relatively tame terrain and want a race-ready screamer, the Aspero is a great choice. Checkpoint ALR 5 2023. This is thanks to the agile OutFront steering and Shimano GRX 400 hydraulic disc brakes. To start, inflate your tires to the maximum pressure labeled on the sidewall. Additionally, because carbon bikes are made with molds instead of welds, companies are able to better tune their ride characteristics, making them more compliant for comfort or stiffer for better power transfer and efficiency. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 10Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Solid feature set for those dabbling in the sport.What we dont: Fairly heavy and middling performance overall. Hydraulic disc brakes, on the other hand, use fluid rather than cables to initiate the brakes. The Cannondale Topstone 1 is a gravel bike that is well worth getting because it offers plenty of versatility and is suitable for a wide variety of terrains, making it ideal for riders who want to explore the wilderness. Its also not uncommon to pay an oversized shipping fee. 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. Hey guys, after all my research for gravel bikes, the final Battle is between the cannondale Topstone 1 (2099) and the Trek Checkpoint ALR5 (2299) I want the bike mostly for traveling. 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