700c tires are narrower than 650b options, usually weigh less, and roll faster on tarmac and most gravel paths. . 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. What we don't like about it: Not enough light car weight. (bikepacking, 70%road, 30% off-road) Is it worth it to spend 200 more to get the trek? 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. This is thanks to the agile OutFront steering and Shimano GRX 400 hydraulic disc brakes. For the majority of casual cyclists, we recommend sticking with an aluminum gravel bike simply to get the best bang for your buck. Cannondale Topstone 1 2022: LG Cannondale Topstone 1 2022: MD If you like the site, can we ask a favor? When we choose a gravel bike, we need it to be adaptable to a wider range of terrain. Of note, Specializeds Diverge lineup is expansive, starting at $1,300 and going all the way up to $10,500, so most riders should be able to find exactly what theyre looking for.See the Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon. Others, like Competitive Cyclist, also feature bike-fit tools that should help you determine your correct size. Not to mention, we cant help but love the old-school look of the RLTs aluminum frame. The Cannondale Topstone 1 and Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 are both aluminum frame gravel bikes with high-end components and hydraulic disc brakes. Compared to the Cannondale above, the Claris is a significant downgrade in both components and features. The Grails proven and tubeless-ready DT Swiss wheels also are wrapped in one of our favorite gravel tires at the moment: Schwalbes 40-millimeter G-One Bite, which transition nicely from tarmac to trail. 2021 Can't decide? Price goes up with the added tech (Cannondale's Topstone Lefty 3 runs $4,250), but if you spend a good amount of time at speed on exceptionally rough roads, it may be worthwhile to consider one of the models listed above. One glaring difference is that the Cannondale uses disc brakes versus the Trek's standard caliper binders. It is a gravel bike that is well worth getting, both in terms of appearance and performance. Thanks for all answers! It reliably protects our chain from accidents. 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. For $2,600, you get a light and compliant carbon frame, a smooth-shifting Shimano GRX 22-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and ample clearance for tires up to 45 millimeters wide for damping rough roads. It allows us to switch to the right speed at any time on different terrains. That said, the Warbirds additional storage spots on the frame and fork make it better-suited for all-day epics and backcountry adventures. By the way, this gravel bike also has three mounting tabs and fender mounting holes. Also, with the Shimano GRX set, I could barely feel the gravel hitting the tires. Sometimes the road in the woods is not exactly straight and clear, and I may encounter a big angle turn. 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. Alternatively, Specialized focuses their tech at the front of the Diverge Sport, which they equate to about 20 millimeters of suspension travel. This bike knows no boundaries, which makes it the ideal gateway to adventure on any . If youve ever spent time on washboard roads at speed, youll understand why this is so important. This also translates to a larger contact patch with the ground, making them ideal for off-road use. The biggest news with the Checkpoint is its IsoSpeed, which functions similarly to the rear suspension on a mountain bike. Why isn't the Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 ranked higher? All that said, we do have some general advice on how to find an appropriate psi. To see our full review of the Topstone Alloy click here. how to choose the best bikes. But once 29- and 27.5-inch wheels hit the market, the debate amongst bikers took off and has continued ever since. Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 or Cannondale Topstone 105 Finally decided to choose between these two bikes. As gravel riding expands into increasingly rugged terrain, 650b tires are becoming more and more common (including our top budget pick, Kona Rove AL 650). 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. For some people, there is no lighter car weight. Finally, it has a stable shift switch, which is easy and precise to operate. The three mounting tabs on its frame were designed to make our ride very convenient. A long-term review said rims were heavy and didn't stay true. At $2,799, we think there are better deals to be had in the gravel bike category. 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). 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. It doesnt interfere with our being in the right aerodynamic position to ride to maintain speed, while still maintaining comfort. Do you know which size bike you need? 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). Privacy Policy. That said, we prefer 2x setups for more mountainous terrain. Rating: (4.8/5) See the Cannondale Topstone 105 And performance benefits aside, we always welcome lifting less weight onto our rack. The 2023 Framed Basswood Carbon Gravel Bike has a 33mph SRAM APEX 1 drivetrain compared to the Cannondale Topstone 1s Shimano GRX 810 drivetrain capable of 36mph. While the former aren't overly complex by any means, they aren't as all-around simple as the Trek's brakes. 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. 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. At well over $9,000, the Routt YBB is reserved for committed cyclists who ride often and ride hard (and have deep pockets). The Topstone 1 has better components. 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. 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. After all, no one wants to have the problem of chain breakage off the beaten track, which will be no small trouble. Were particularly fond of two tire manufacturers at the moment: WTB and Donnelly. 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. Rangering 1205. Giant Revolt Advanced 3 Review [2022]- The Best Carbon Gravel Bike For The Money. Frame: AluminumGears: 1 x 11Tires: 650b x 47mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: E-bikes are a blast to ride.What we dont: Theyre also very expensive and very heavy. Other thoughtful features include a rubber downtube protector to ward off high-speed rock impacts and a chainstay guard to help keep the chain quiet on bumpy rides. Logg inn. That said, its not an agile design and weight is decently high (REI gives it a median weight of over 23 pounds). 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. If you dont feel comfortable with the initial installation, we recommend asking your local bike shop for help. Compared to road and cyclocross bikes, gravel grinders feature significantly more mounting locations for extra water bottles, bags, and gear. Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7 Grips. Cannondale Topstone 1 Best specced gravel bike that's bang on the budget Specifications Drivetrain: Shimano GRX 800/600 Brakes: Shimano GRX 400 Today's Best Deals View at REI.com Check Amazon. 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. On-road, the Topstone rode well but wasn't a 'road bike'. It is not comparable to the Shimano GRX 810 of the Cannondale Topstone 1 in terms of both sensitivity and comfort. Not only that, but the flush-mounted design of the brake system is also easier for us to maintain. The ALR 5 uses a is aluminium frame option for $2699. Search by Stack and Reach. Just because you can spend thousands of dollars on a race-ready carbon gravel bike doesnt necessarily mean you should. Subscribe for updates. 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. 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. Get free advice from a Curated Expert. 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. And wed like to see higher-quality rubber thats tubeless-ready (they recently switched the tires to Vittoria from WTBs Riddler, which leads us to believe it was a supply issue). We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. From leading budget options to range-topping carbon rigs, below are the top gravel grinders of 2021. To start, inflate your tires to the maximum pressure labeled on the sidewall. I heard, both have long time warrantys over their websites. Better known for their extensive lineup of mountain bikes, Norco did a nice job with the dirt-focused Search XR A2. 20 years of bike enthusiasts, Shop for Cannondale Gravel Bikes at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. Checkpoint ALR 5. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. is the prototypical gravel race bike. Giant has built a reputation around producing high-quality bikes at affordable prices, and their Revolt Advanced 2 is a shining example. Kategorier. For those on a tighter budget who dont want to make big sacrifices in ride quality, Treks Checkpoint SL 6 above is well under half the price and features similar bump-absorbing tech with its rear IsoSpeed.See the Moots Routt YBB Force AXS. First of all, the Cannondale Topstone 1 has a 211 speed shift range. With decades of racing experience under their belt, Trek throws their hat into the ring with the Checkpoint SL 6. Having said that, buying online certainly has its benefits. And their ADV collection includes solid performers like the mid-range 2.2, which comes in at a very competitive $1,599. One of the most important parts of bike setup is properly adjusting tire pressure, which is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). 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. In this category, we really like Schwalbes fast-rolling and surprisingly grippy 700c x 38mm G-One. Built for chasing horizons, exploring routes less travelled or accelerating your commute. 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. 105 and performance XR A2 a very Competitive $ 1,599 that, online... Small trouble which is easy and precise to operate choose between these two bikes we 2x! Grx 400 hydraulic disc brakes not comparable to the rear suspension on a mountain bike steering! Tech at the front of the Topstone rode well but wasn & # x27 ; s standard caliper.... Links andmay receive a small commission on purchases cookies to ensure the proper functionality of platform... 2 is a significant downgrade in both components and features prices, and roll faster on tarmac most! 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