learn more :Canyon Grail 7 Review [2022]- A good Companion To The Adventure. Search by Stack and Reach. What pushes the Straggler towards the bottom of our list? Get free advice from a CuratedExpert. 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. If you have hesitation between these two bikes, then I think the Cannondale Topstone 1 must be the winner. Thank you! 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. While small, niche bike companies have dominated the gravel race scene for years, this growing category has recently started to attract the big players. Topstone 1 vs Checkpoint ALR 5 ? For pedals, we like Shimano's clipless 520 SPD in particularweve put over 5,000 miles on ours and have been very impressed. Of course, the full carbon fork with tapered steerer tube and 12mm barrel axle provides a light, comfortable and precise steering front end. The steel-framed ADV 1.1 is a prime example: for $1,599 (and often marked down further during sales), the ADV is a solid all-rounder that can confidently tackle adventures ranging from gravel road exploration to extended bikepacking and bike touring outings. You can now . For $400-$600 less, the Trek and Specialized models above feature similar components but include a notable upgrade in ride quality over bumpy terrain with their proprietary suspension designs. However, with so many brands to choose from, it can Not long ago, mountain bikers didnt have a choice when it came to wheel sizes26 inches was the only option. It is a gravel bike that is well worth getting, both in terms of appearance and performance. 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. For $949, the Rove includes a quality aluminum frame, ample mounting locations for accessories, water, and gear, and a dependable Shimano Claris drivetrain. Wed be remiss not to include Salsas venerable and highly sought-after Warbird on this list. That said, we prefer 2x setups for more mountainous terrain. Others, like Competitive Cyclist, also feature bike-fit tools that should help you determine your correct size. . From the list above, youll notice that carbon and aluminum are by far the most popular materials for gravel bike frames. This protects the cables from wear and tear without sacrificing the beautiful look of the Topstone 1. We think the sweet spot is in the 20- to 23-pound range for most riders, which will usually set you back roughly $2,000. Alternatively, Specialized focuses their tech at the front of the Diverge Sport, which they equate to about 20 millimeters of suspension travel. Salsas Warbird, for example, has been through many iterations over the years in search of that perfect balance. Lower your tire pressure by 3 to 5 psi and repeat this process again until you barely feel the item. 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, fender mounts, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle: Drivetrain The brakes have been upgraded to Shimano GRX 600 hydraulic disc brakes for greater agility and stability. 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. Youll also have to replace the sealant a couple of times per yearit has a tendency to dry and become ineffective at sealing small holes. 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. 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. 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. To see our full review of the Topstone Alloy click here. While a hardtail with skinny tires certainly will do the trick (we did this for quite some time), for those who plan on spending a lot of time on pavement and gravel, its hard to ignore the performance differences. 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). 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. Cannondale's Topstone 105 is an impressive bike, particularly for one retailing for less than $2,000. When we choose a gravel bike, we need it to be adaptable to a wider range of terrain. 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. While experienced cyclists might balk at this method, its a great way for new riders to understand and learn to adjust pressure based on conditions, terrain, and other factors. Today I have chosen the 2023 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 for analysis and comparison. It is not comparable to the Shimano GRX 810 of the Cannondale Topstone 1 in terms of both sensitivity and comfort. At a minimum, we like 3 to 4 millimeters of clearance to account for mud and debris between the tire and frame. Over the weekend, I met up with my friends and rode the Cannondale Topstone 1 into the woods around the city. You also might come across steel (including the Surly Straggler and Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1) or titanium (like the Moots Routt YBB), but these are far less common. The Cannondale Topstone 1 and Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 are both aluminum frame gravel bikes with high-end components and hydraulic disc brakes. It allows us to switch to the right speed at any time on different terrains. The range is much wider. Finally, the braking system of theShimano GRX 400 and the 38c tires do not provide the rider with enough stability on slippery surfaces. If youve ever spent time on washboard roads at speed, youll understand why this is so important. Also, the design of the outer grain of the Flying V reduces drag and drives over the road more quickly. In general, long gravel rides pass through far fewer service areas, meaning youll need to stock up on food, water, and other gear before heading out. 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. I think thats why Cannondale Topstone 1 chose WTB Nano vacuum tires. For riders just dipping their toes into the gravel world, Co-op Cycles ADV gravel bikes have a lot of appeal. It looks like a brown tree trunk blended with orange and red fallen leaves, and at the same time mixed with the reflective metallic texture of SmartForm C2 alloy, a gentle yet refined feeling. The Cannondale Topstone 1 and Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 are both aluminum frame gravel bikes with hydraulic disc brakes. From weekend gravel rides to daily commutes, the Cannondale Topstone is an excellent option. Although heavier than carbon, aluminum typically is more durable, and even heftier steel and titanium rigs will stand up to years of use and abuse. For more background information, see our gravel bike comparison table and buying advice below the picks. On-road, the Topstone rode well but wasn't a 'road bike'. The three mounting tabs on its frame were designed to make our ride very convenient. Where it thrives Gravel roads, out in the elements What it's built for Traction, handling, comfort Highlights Light, durable SmartForm C2 Alloy Frame w/ full carbon fork Shimano GRX 800/600 11-speed shifting Having said that, buying online certainly has its benefits. After all, no one wants to have the problem of chain breakage off the beaten track, which will be no small trouble. Super many best bike reviews. This also provides me with the advantage of agile steering. What does all this mean for you? Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless 2023. 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. It has nicer wheels, crank, tires, a lot better tire clearance, and bag mounts. All that said, we do have some general advice on how to find an appropriate psi. Its a close call, but we give the slight edge to the Trek as a do-everything model that can still toe the race line. Evil is known for their progressive designs in the mountain bike world, and theyve translated that to their playfully named Chamois Hagar gravel bike. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee . By the way, this gravel bike also has three mounting tabs and fender mounting holes. There's good reason why this is one of the fastest-growing bike categories. Now its time to address the elephant in the room. To achieve this, the Shimano GRX 400 has a flush-mount design that provides us with better control. The aluminum frame doesn't come without compromises, however. The Checkpoint is now longer, the handling is more stable and forgiving, especially on off-road terrain. Checkpoint ALR 5. 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. At well over $9,000, the Routt YBB is reserved for committed cyclists who ride often and ride hard (and have deep pockets). However, I feel that the 2022 Canyon Grail CF SL 7 seems to ignore the fact that gravel bikes need comfortable seats and handlebars as well. A wealth of features like nimble-yet-stable progressive . Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7 Grips. For more information, please see our The Cannondale Topstone 1 is a bit more robust. Likewise, the not-too-loose 73.1 seat tube angle is just right for gravel racing. For some people, there is no lighter car weight. Moreover, the relatively wide 40mm large tires can press through the gravel effortlessly. 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. A long-term review said rims were heavy and didn't stay true. 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. In short, the main differences between the two relate to power and ease of use. The adjustable Stranglehold rear dropouts are gone and chain stay length increased 10mm. And their ADV collection includes solid performers like the mid-range 2.2, which comes in at a very competitive $1,599. From the picks above, the Trek Checkpoint SL 6, Moot Routt, and Specialized Diverge Sport all feature some sort of suspension-like technology or dampers to help take the edge off big potholes and washboard roads. However, to give you more options to compare, I also tested other versions of Cannondale Topstone. 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. It takes a 1x or 2x drivetrain and fits up to a 2.1-inch-wide . And the standard 50-milllimeter-wide tires are not the fastest-rolling or lightest around. 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). Cervelo has made their name in light, fast, and aerodynamic pavement racers, and theyve taken that expertise into the gravel world with their Aspero collection. Even with the climb-friendly gear, the Topstone could still reach pedaling speeds of over 34 mph on the descents, which is fast enough. From leading budget options to range-topping carbon rigs, below are the top gravel grinders of 2021. How much will shipping cost? You also get a nice smart set of Cannondale's own. Plus, eliminating tubes in favor of sealant can drop a little rotational weight from your kit. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 10Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Good looks and quality components at a reasonable price.What we dont: Buying consumer-direct has its own set of challenges. While the former aren't overly complex by any means, they aren't as all-around simple as the Trek's brakes. California-based Specialized is one of the biggest names in cycling, so it should come as no surprise that they offer a winner in the gravel-focused Diverge line. 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). With a similar price and component group (Shimanos budget-focused Claris) as the Kona Rove above, the two bikes are natural competitors. 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. 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. That said, its not an agile design and weight is decently high (REI gives it a median weight of over 23 pounds). Mounts While it cant match the racing pedigree of the Trek Checkpoint SL or versatility of the Salsa Warbird above, the Search XR is an impressively capable companion for everything from backroad exploring to daily commutes. For about $300 more, we recommend checking out Cannondales Topstone Sora, which addresses many of these issues. Moots Routt lineup has been around for years, but its the latest YBB version that really caught our eye. 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. . Explore the differences below. The listed weight for the stock rims includes the rim, spokes and hubs. 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. 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. The ALR 5 uses a is aluminium frame option for $2699. Too little pressure, on the other hand, will make you feel as though youre riding with the brakes on and can result in flat tires or bottoming out your rims on rocks. We especially like the Waxwing fork, which features three-pack mounts that add versatility for storing water bottles or shuttling overnight gear. Love them or hate them, electric bikes are here to stay, and Cannondales first go at a gravel-focused model was a huge success in our opinion. I believe that those who like mechanical style will like it more. Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 . However, the core of both bikes is similar. At this price point, however, there are some entry-level components in the build. What are the downsides? I think this excellent Shimano GRX 810 drivetrain is very suitable for the Topstone 1. At about 30 pounds, the ADV is easily the heaviest bike on our list (not including Cannondales Synapse e-bike, which really is a different category). This is thanks to the agile OutFront steering and Shimano GRX 400 hydraulic disc brakes. 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? 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). For a step down in price, check out Donnellys G//C Rival, which shares the same carbon frame and wheel compatibility as the Force but with a slightly downgraded drivetrain.See the Donnelly G//C Force. Not only that, but I was very worried about dropping the chain at first, a concern I think you usually have as well. All that said, carbon bikes are quite pricey, and you can often get a similarly equipped aluminum model for hundreds of dollars less. If you plan to transport your e-bike with any regularity, its important to consider the weight limit of your rack and your ability to lift and load the bike. The Cannondale Topstone 1 is a modern alloy gravel race bike that allows you to fully enjoy any terrain in any weather conditions. Canyon Grail 7 Review [2022]- A good Companion To The Adventure, [2023 Schwinn Admiral Hybrid bicycle review] -Is Schwinn Admiral Hybrid bicycle Worth Buying, 15 of The Best Mountain Bike Saddles You Can Buy [2023], 2023 The Best Gravel Bike (High-end Version). 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). We can adjust our position to different terrains, such as prone or upright. Make note of this pressure and take your bike for a real ride. First and foremost, we fully encourage you to shop at your local bike shop whenever possible. 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