Check Local Bike Shops. Trek provides the Checkpoint in three models, the SL 6 for $4699 is the top-end carbon frame version with the fancy Shimano Ultegra, the SL 5 we have sells for $3699 with Shimano 105. Hydraulic disc brakes, on the other hand, use fluid rather than cables to initiate the brakes. While people have been taking their road bikes onto unpaved roads for decades, this emerging category has a number of thoughtful design features that make the experience much more enjoyable. Moreover, you miss out on a vibration-dampening carbon fork (the Konas is stiffer alloy), and it sports less-powerful mechanical disc brakes rather than hydraulic. 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. Evil is known for their progressive designs in the mountain bike world, and theyve translated that to their playfully named Chamois Hagar gravel bike. Also, check out our first ride of the Topstone . While the electric Synapse will only assist up to 20 miles per hour (similar to all class 1 e-bikes), this was enough of a grin-maker for even the most skeptical riders among us. But none of these issues are specific to the Synapse, and if youre set on an electric model that crosses over nicely between backcountry and road use, we think its a true standout.See the Cannondale Synapse NEO SE. learn more :Canyon Grail 7 Review [2022]- A good Companion To The Adventure. All told, Salsas fourth-generation Warbird is an enviable gravel race bike that happily pulls double duty as a lightweight bikepacking rig for weekend trips. The Cannondale looks to have about 5mm more ground clearance if you're going over rocks. A capable, versatile gravel road bike. Well start by saying that we didnt anticipate our top gravel bike pick being an aluminum-frame rig, but the Cannondale Topstone 1s versatility, smart build, and competitive price tag won us over. Sometimes the road in the woods is not exactly straight and clear, and I may encounter a big angle turn. Add Topstone 1 Alloy Bike to Compare Related searches Bikes: Deals Co-op Cycles Kids' Bikes . more Regarding the Cannondale Topstone 1 Alloy Bike, I'm 5'9" and 32" inseam. What do you give up with the Chamois Hagars unique build? Curbside Pickup Available NOW! It's snazzier appearance and equally, rugged durability makes the SL5 a good option if you've got a little extra cash to spend. It reliably protects our chain from accidents. Our biggest complaint about the Warbird Apex is cost. Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7 Grips. I think this excellent Shimano GRX 810 drivetrain is very suitable for the Topstone 1. Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more. Finn tilbud fra 1 butikker, og les anmeldelser p Prisjakt. Both offer a nice entry point into the world of gravel riding, but the more capable Kona gets the edge for us.See the Diamondback Haanjo 2. If youve ever spent time on washboard roads at speed, youll understand why this is so important. And one final note: if youre upgrading or replacing tires on an existing bike, its important to make sure you have enough room for these larger sizes. Thank you! Cannondale Topstone 1 ($2,150) Frame: Aluminum Gears: 2 x 11 Tires: 700c x 38mm Brakes: Hydraulic disc What we like: Quality components and impressive versatility at a good price. Are you comfortable with some assembly? 24. filter controls. Explore the differences below. Photo: Courtesy Cannondale Cannondale got out early in the gravel suspension game with the Slate, which never gained huge traction with its Lefty fork and 650b wheels. This tire has an almost uninterrupted centerline with staggered outer knobs. Why? Securely attaching to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use. However, these are relatively small nitpicks about an otherwise impressive all-around gravel bike. The canyon is a lost (30mm) longer in front than either bike for toe clearance with fat tires. The Topstone is a racy gravel bike with a firm, fast-handling front end and a clever rear suspension unit that provides up to 30mm of travel. While gravel bikes share a lot in common with road models, pavement-oriented shoes typically have smooth and flat outsoles that make walking on gravel uncomfortable and cumbersome. But if youre more interested in gravel races than mellow rides, the lighter carbon-framed Revolt Advanced 2 is a solid buy. Compared to the Cannondale above, the Claris is a significant downgrade in both components and features. 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. But for racers on a tighter budget, there are plenty of options that cost less.See the Trek Checkpoint SL 6. How does the rest of the build compare with the aforementioned Trek? For example, the Giant Revolt Advanced 2 above comes in around the same price and features a more versatile drivetrain with a wider gear range (better for mountainous terrain). clean, lightweight frames and geometry have always been Cannondals strengths, and this bike is no exception. If you have hesitation between these two bikes, then I think the Cannondale Topstone 1 must be the winner. We can adjust our position to different terrains, such as prone or upright. Alternatively, those consistently tackling long, steep grades likely will prefer the Giant Revolt Advanced 2s wider gear range (although the G//C Force is perfectly adequate for riding rolling terrain). Why do we have the Giant Revolt Advanced 2 ranked below the Cannondale? Its solid platform delivers power to the pedals, strong construction keeps your feet protected, and secure fit For many mountain bikers, understanding the background, history, and ethos of a company has a major impact on the purchase of a new rig. We especially like the Waxwing fork, which features three-pack mounts that add versatility for storing water bottles or shuttling overnight gear. Also! Checkpoint ALR Frameset 2021. Its worth noting that Cannondale also offers the Topstone Carbon with a lighter frame and their minimalist Kingpin rear suspension that helps cushion harsh impacts.See the Cannondale Topstone 1. It's built for the rigors of gravel and dirt roads, but it's also right at home on morning commutes and centuries. Similar to Treks Checkpoint SL 6 above, the most noteworthy component on the Diverge is its suspension that delivers a relatively high 20 millimeters of travel. With a similar price and component group (Shimanos budget-focused Claris) as the Kona Rove above, the two bikes are natural competitors. Inside Trek. Also, its price is not an outstanding advantage over the Cannondale Topstone 1. Topstone 1 Size. Co-op Cycles isnt known for pushing the envelope in terms of frame design or technology, but what they offer is a major focus on value. Skip that extra bit of carbon instead. Kategorier. At this price point, however, there are some entry-level components in the build. Model 5260845. This bike knows no boundaries, which makes it the ideal gateway to adventure on any . 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). Shop for Cannondale Gravel Bikes at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. For example, the $1,599 Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 tips the scales at around 23.5 pounds, while Santa Cruzs carbon Stigmata Force 2X ($5,849) weighs just over 18 pounds. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 8Tires: 650b x 47mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Great price for a sturdy off-road rider.What we dont: Entry-level components; not a high-speed machine. However, weight often correlates directly with cost: the more you spend on a bike, the less it will weigh. Another issue is power: if you run out of juice on the trail, itll be a slow and difficult ride back to your car. Frame: SteelGears: 1 x 11Tires: 700c x 41mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Quality steel frame and versatile geometry.What we dont: Heavier and more expensive than aluminum models. It's also 10mm lower front if you want to slam that stem. Frame: CarbonGears: 1 x 11Tires: 700c x 42mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Excels at racing but can still carry gear for overnight trips.What we dont: At this price, we expect hydraulic disc brakes and slightly better components. For the majority of casual cyclists, we recommend sticking with an aluminum gravel bike simply to get the best bang for your buck. Not to mention, we cant help but love the old-school look of the RLTs aluminum frame. We unloaded the two bottles of water and the supply bag we had loaded on the Cannondale Topstone 1 and sat down to rest for a while. . In general, we prefer cross-country shoes and pedals on our gravel rigs. Other notable features include a 1 x 11 drivetrain for ultimate simplicity, multiple mounting spots for racks and gear, and fender mounts for rainy-day commutes. "Thanks to the carbon fork, sumptuous WTB treads and some level of tube design, the Apex 1 . Tell us how tall you are, we'll help you find the right size. Combined with a smooth-riding titanium frame and beefy tires (up to 50mm wide), and this is a true backroads rig thats ready to handle just about anything you throw at it. For more information, please see our Rating: (4.8/5) See the Cannondale Topstone 105 Model 601500. 2022 Cannondale Topstone 1 Price: $2325 Category: Gravel Bicycle Frame: Aluminum Gear: 211 Tires: 700 x 40c What we like about it: SmartForm C2 alloy's rugged frame, BallisTec full carbon fork offers three mounting notches and lightweight versatility. While small, niche bike companies have dominated the gravel race scene for years, this growing category has recently started to attract the big players. In short, the versatile Stigmata is now just as at home on the cyclocross course as it is on far-off backroad adventures. And it uses Shimanos GRX kit configuration to optimize the bikes drivetrain and braking system for exploring uncharted terrain. The elite-level build listed here also features the crisp shifting of SRAMs electronic Force AXS drivetrain. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. 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. Make note of this pressure and take your bike for a real ride. The Cannondale Topstone 1 is a modern alloy gravel race bike that allows you to fully enjoy any terrain in any weather conditions. I heard, both have long time warrantys over their websites. The Topstone 1 has better components. Checkpoint ALR 4 is an aluminum gravel bike that offers an incredible amount of capability for the price. The stock back rim weighs 4.7 pounds. Trek Checkpoint ALR5 review A fine all-rounder with special touches Our rating 4.5 USD $2,100.00 By Robin Wilmott Published: October 11, 2018 at 12:01 am Our review The Checkpoint is a. As expected, the ADV 2.2 shouldnt be on the short list for those looking for a speedy machine, but the design in general is well-balanced. Cannondale Topstone 1 2022: LG Cannondale Topstone 1 2022: MD If you like the site, can we ask a favor? Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 10Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Good overall performance for a palatable price.What we dont: Downgraded drivetrain. Unlike the Cannondale Topstone 1, however, it has Treks exclusive IsoSpeed, which provides additional comfort. From their lineup, the RLT 9 2-Star is a solid budget-minded build: it features SRAMs Apex 1 x 11 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, can fit up to 700c x 50mm tires, and includes mounting locations for racks and fenders (the carbon fork even has additional spots for storing extra water on those all-day rides). From all-out touring to weekend gravel rides and everything in between, the Straggler makes for a solid one-bike quiver. This protects it from wear and tear during the ride, thus prolonging its service life. However, the higher specification will naturally be more expensive. But once 29- and 27.5-inch wheels hit the market, the debate amongst bikers took off and has continued ever since. The Topstone Alloy 1 is a great option and even comes with Shimano GRX. So I can sit firmly on the bike and still keep going at high speed. After all, people have been riding all sorts of bikes on dirt roads for decadeslong before the advent of this niche category. The Trek Checkpoint ALR 5, also an aluminum frame gravel bike, is officially priced at $2,499. 29ers From smooth and flowy post-work rides to rough and rowdy all-day backcountry epics, the trail mountain biking category covers a wide range. In the end, the choice often comes down to cost: hydraulic brakes come with a bump in price, while mechanical brakes can be found on most budget-friendly models. And the standard 50-milllimeter-wide tires are not the fastest-rolling or lightest around. One of the best and least expensive upgrades you can make to your bike is upgrading to tubeless tires. In case, the above comments are helpful to you, please remember to share the subscription. Get free advice from a Curated Expert. In general, 700c wheels and tires offer the best overall performance for mixed-terrain riding, and they continue to be the most common option for gravel bikes. If you choose to go the online route, most bikes shipped to your home will require some assembly. For example, models like Treks Checkpoint SL 6 are significantly lighter than mountain bikes, the drop bars offer multiple hand positions for all-day comfort, and you get more mounting locations for food, water, and gear. The Cannondale Topstone 1 is just that. First of all, the Cannondale Topstone 1 has a 211 speed shift range. Finally, Cervelo recently released the Apero 5 series, which is a lighter, faster, and even pricier version of the standard model here.See the Cervelo Aspero GRX 810 2x. Uphill-focused riders that want a twitchy and extremely responsive ride wont like the laidback stance or beefed-up construction, which adds weight. When we choose a gravel bike, we need it to be adaptable to a wider range of terrain. With additional mounting locations for food, water, and gear, the Warbird more effectively moonlights as a backcountry adventure machine. 11 reasons not to buy. Although they generally weigh a bit more than 1x drivetrains, 2x systems (like the 2 x 11 included on the Cannondale Topstone 1) typically offer the rider both an easier gear for the uphill and a harder gear for the flat sections. The softail designfirst used on the companys mountain bikes in the 90sdelivers 20 millimeters of rear micro-suspension that effectively reduces the harshness of rough roads. Both are top-notch gravel bikes, but the simple answer is that we don't think the $450 bump in cost is worth it for most riders. To put this into perspective, Cannondales popular Synapse road bike includes two mounting locations, while their gravel-focused Topstone (our number one pick) features four. The 2023 Framed Basswood Carbon Gravel Bike is a basswoodcarbon frame gravel bike with mid-range components and is lightweight. Learn More: 2022 Cannondale Topstone 4 Review-Can It Give You A Fun Road Experience? 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. 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. At well over $9,000, the Routt YBB is reserved for committed cyclists who ride often and ride hard (and have deep pockets). But it is equipped with mechanical brakes, and I think we would all still prefer it to be fitted with hydraulic brakes. The Cannondale Topstone 1 and Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 are both aluminum frame gravel bikes with high-end components and hydraulic disc brakes. Attaching a dropper post reportedly limited minimum seat heights. Theres no denying that such a setup is a more attractive match than the Cannondale Topstone 1. The 2022 Giant Revolt, Advanced 3 is in the same price range as the Cannondale Topstone 1, but I dont think its as cost-effective as the Cannondale Topstone 1. However, to give you more options to compare, I also tested other versions of Cannondale Topstone. Diamondback is best known for their budget-friendly bikes sold at big-box stores, but being value-driven isn't necessarily a bad thing. At a minimum, we like 3 to 4 millimeters of clearance to account for mud and debris between the tire and frame. First and foremost, we fully encourage you to shop at your local bike shop whenever possible. See the Giant Revolt Advanced 2 See the Women's Liv Devote Advanced 2. All that said, we do have some general advice on how to find an appropriate psi. It's incredibly easy to compare specs, prices, and parts online, and bike selection and shipping has improved dramatically in recent years. For starters, while most modern road bikes max out at about 30-millimeter tires and cyclocross bikes at around 40 millimeters, gravel bikes typically are able to accommodate up to 700c x 45-millimeter or 650c x 50-millimeter tires (Salsas Warbird, for example, can accommodate both). Frame: SteelGears: 3 x 10Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Touring-ready with a steel frame and included racks.What we dont: Very heavy. Most notably, it forgoes thru-axles (which add stiffness and inspire confidence during fast descents) in favor of the quick-release style. Further, when the time comes to replace your tires (or you simply need a different tread pattern that better suits your local terrain), there are significantly more options available in the 700c size. Logg inn. 20 years of bike enthusiasts, At this point, there was not enough vision to judge the terrain behind the corner, so I had to hold the brakes and reduce my speed. Cannondale does have some respectable gravel bikes like the all new Topstone and lefty slinging Slate, but we're a bit confused as to why the Synapse Disc SE bikes are in this category. Also, with the Shimano GRX set, I could barely feel the gravel hitting the tires. And I live in Berlin, Germany. Just because you can spend thousands of dollars on a race-ready carbon gravel bike doesnt necessarily mean you should. Santa Cruz is lauded within the mountain biking community for their quality frames and remarkable attention to detail, and that reputation holds true with the gravel-oriented Stigmata. And finally, e-bike laws still are evolving and changing, so its important to know the rules before you head out. REI website says either SM or MED bike. The big advantage is that the SL5 smooths your ride even more than the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5. Cannondale Topstone. At $4,799, the Evil is not a price leader, but its fun factor is hard to beat. Cannondale has a full line of gravel-ready rigs that are well spec'd but won't empty your pockets. First and foremost, buying from a consumer-direct company like Canyon sometimes can be a pain: availability is often limited and customer service can be hit or miss, plus you dont get the convenience of walking into your local bike shop to ride the bike or get replacement parts before buying. Gravel rigs, on the other hand, tend to be lower and longer for increased stability during fast-paced descents. After spending some time on the Synapse NEO SE, we came away extremely impressed by the bikes smooth acceleration, confidence-inspiring ride, and quality build. The Checkpoint is now longer, the handling is more stable and forgiving, especially on off-road terrain. What pushes the Straggler towards the bottom of our list? In the gravel realm, we especially like their Haanjo 2, which is the most affordable design to make our list at $925. 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. The ALR 5 uses a is aluminium frame option for $2699. Jenson USA - Competitive Cyclist. Height - - What's my size? We love 1x drivetrains for their simplicity, ease of use, and generally lower weight. The biggest news with the Checkpoint is its IsoSpeed, which functions similarly to the rear suspension on a mountain bike. What we don't like about it: Not enough light car weight. While gravel bikes bear a strong resemblance to both cyclocross and road bikes, there are a number of key differences to point out. Compared to the Cannondale Topstone 1 above, the Grail AL 6 costs around $450 less (technically the AL 7 is a more direct competitor at $1,999) but comes up slightly short in a couple key areas. It braked in time to slow down and helped me complete the big turn with precision, otherwise, I would have drifted out. Salsas Warbird, for example, has been through many iterations over the years in search of that perfect balance. Secondly, and most importantly, the 2022 Giant Revolt, Advanced 3 has chosen a Shimano GRX 400 drivetrain. For last year, the Stigmata was redesigned with additional clearance for tires up to 45 millimeters wide (as well as 650b tires), updated geometry with a slightly longer head tube that translates to a more upright and comfortable riding position, and internal routing for dropper seat post compatibility. Not only that, but the Topstone 1 tires are WTB Nano vacuum tires, which are lightweight and durable. Of course, its other bike in Mercury color is also very nice. Cannondale Topstone 1 Alloy Bike (26) 26 reviews with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. We have reviewed other versions of Cannondale Topstone if you want to learn more. The cherry on top: the mid-range 1 manages to undercut much of the competition in price at a reasonable $2,150. Its balanced geometry also hits a nice sweet spot of responsiveness for climbs and road riding with a relaxed and confidence-inspiring feel on the descents. Plus, eliminating tubes in favor of sealant can drop a little rotational weight from your kit. Subscribe for updates. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Quality components and impressive versatility at a good price.What we dont: A bit heavy for weight-conscious riders. How much will shipping cost? As is the case with all e-bikes, the Cannondales battery and motor are very heavy (the Synapse NEO SE weighs in at a hefty 40+ pounds). Further, you get thru-axles for a stiffer ride in the rough stuff and tubeless-ready wheels (in our opinion, its is a no-brainer to set up your gravel bike this way for less weight, fewer flats, and more grip). Lower your tire pressure by 3 to 5 psi and repeat this process again until you barely feel the item. 2022 Cannondale Topstone 1 vs 2023 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5, 2022 Cannondale Topstone 1 vs 2023 Framed Basswood Carbon Gravel Bike, 2022 Cannondale Topstone 1 vs 2022 Canyon Grail CF SL 7, 2022 Cannondale Topstone 1 vs 2022 Giant Revolt Advanced 3. In short, it ticks most of the important boxes in this category, including a high-quality aluminum frame, lightweight carbon fork, and gravel-specific Shimano GRX 400 groupset (note: the GRX 400 series is 10-speed, while the 600 and 800 are 11-speed). Overall, the Domane was preferred by our test riders largely due to its better performance characteristics. Alternatively, XC pedals and shoes still are lightweight yet feature a much more walkable and more comfortable outsole. Taken together, if price were no issue and we could only ride one gravel bike for the rest of our lives, it almost certainly would be the Routt YBB. Some simply require throwing on the front wheel and pedals, but others will need an extensive amount of work before theyre ready to ride. The bikes share the same Shimano GRX 800/600 drivetrain and GRX 400 brakes, and weve found Cannondales aluminum builds are impressively comfortable (a common knock on aluminum is its too harsh). I believe that those who like mechanical style will like it more. 650b 100% Satisfaction Guarantee . Heritage Technology Racing Social responsibility Stories Work at Trek Podcast Support. Sammenlign tilbud fra M-Wave. The Cannondale Topstone 3 is made from a lighter Topstone carbon frame than aluminum, and it has the main suspension system and a proportional response structure. The steel frame and reasonably fast-rolling 700c x 38mm tires make for a comfortable ride on pavement and light gravel, but they also add a lot of weight. It doesnt interfere with our being in the right aerodynamic position to ride to maintain speed, while still maintaining comfort. If you plan to mix in a fair amount of extended and steep climbing and prioritize efficiency, its best to stick with a traditional, road-inspired design. At $2,799, we think there are better deals to be had in the gravel bike category. I have always been a big fan of the Shimano brand and the superior experience I get from its high-quality components is unique. Just the right amount of Reach, not too long and not too short. Mechanical brakes, as their name implies, use a cable system to actuate the brakes and slow you down. In this category, we really like Schwalbes fast-rolling and surprisingly grippy 700c x 38mm G-One. The 2022 Canyon Grail CF SL 7 is a carbon frame bike that is very much configured for performance, using a Shimano GRX 800 drivetrain with a Shimano GRX 600 braking system. All told, theres a lot to like about the speed-hungry G//C Force. The frame of the Cannondale Topstone 1 is made of SmartForm C2 alloy with OutFront offset. The three mounting tabs on its frame were designed to make our ride very convenient. Youll likely feel the object beneath you. As expected, the Asperos road-inspired geometry and build make it far less stable and more prone to getting knocked around on steep and rowdy descents. As with any budget offering, the Rove AL 650 has its fair share of compromises. If youre going on a long ride, its designed for you with three tabs just in time to meet your need for spare supplies. While the definition of these dirt-focused models still is up for debate, they share a few key design features including a more upright seating position for added comfort over long distances, high-volume tires to help smooth out rough roads, and multiple mounting points for extra water and gear. Frame: CarbonGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Fast and responsive with a flickable feel.What we dont: Less capable in rough terrain and descending at speed. Can't decide? The Cannondale Topstone 1 and Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 are both aluminum frame gravel bikes with hydraulic disc brakes. For those who spend the majority of their time on pavement but like to explore the occasional gravel road or path, wed pick something in the 30- to 32-millimeter range with a slick or herringbone tread pattern. Privacy Policy. Why isn't the Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 ranked higher? This also means that our braking system needs to be more responsive and ensure fast enough agility. We particularly like Treks IsoSpeed on the Checkpoint SL 6, which decouples the top tube and seat tubes to create a less jarring ride. Click now, buy soon, and we'll get a few cents. Frame: CarbonGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Typical Santa Cruz craftsmanship and attention to detail.What we dont: Not the best value. Rating (4.7/5.0) The stock front rim on the Topstone weighs 4.1 pounds. Finn tilbud fra 2 butikker, og les anmeldelser p Prisjakt. Also, the design of the outer grain of the Flying V reduces drag and drives over the road more quickly. Better known for their extensive lineup of mountain bikes, Norco did a nice job with the dirt-focused Search XR A2. If the goal is covering ground quickly and efficiently, we recommend checking out a more focused design like Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 above, which cuts significant weight, has more off-road-oriented tires, and features more performance-oriented geometry for the same price. If your mountain biking gear budget has been stretched thin and youre tempted to skimp on the helmet, dont. From the list above, youll notice that carbon and aluminum are by far the most popular materials for gravel bike frames. The bigger contact patch with the ground also translates to increased traction, which can be especially helpful on soft or loose sections of road. 700c Now its time to address the elephant in the room. (bikepacking, 70%road, 30% off-road) Is it worth it to spend 200 more to get the trek? Taking the place of the unique and innovative Slate gravel bike is Cannondale's latest all-road creation: the Topstone. The Cannondale Topstone 1 is a bit more robust. Although quite a bit heavier than the carbon and aluminum models above, the Stragglers smooth-riding steel frame and classic design are ideal for those who prioritize comfort and durability over speed and new tech. You can now . using data and experience to teach you Frame: CarbonGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 50mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Downhill-oriented geometry and components.What we dont: Limited build options and not a standout climber.