However, the Diverge has a smaller trail at 57.2 while the Topstone has a 63.1 trail. This bike is a no-brainer if you want your next all-rounder adventure gravel bike. If youre looking for a speedier bike, the Topstone Carbon is its faster, more race-oriented counterpart, utilizing 700c wheels and a rigid fork. 5 Things We Love About The Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty 3. The Topstone Carbon Lefty 3 handled it all with aplomb, as far as gravel bikes are concerned, yet I came away from those sessions disappointed because it wasnt a mountain bike. It floated over gravel with ease, and let me aggressively dig into singletrack. It has nicer wheels, crank, tires, a lot better tire clearance, and bag mounts. The new Specialized Diverge Evo is supposed to represent that. Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon This bike offers front suspension so you won't feel the bumpy terrain underneath you as you ride. The thing about this version or model is that the geometry is the same as the top models. Topstone It's tough. Scan this QR code to download the app now. While the Diverge has 26.41 and 101.17. Overall, the Diverge offers something different (including a carbon version), with gears to suit what you throw at it, a tire clearance that allows for wheel size upgrades, and much more. Cannondale Cannondale Topstone | Gravel Bikes It could be the perfect bike for almost any adventurer. When it comes to tire clearance, the Topstone fits up to 700c x 45mm or 27.5 x 2.1, with 6mm of mud-sheddingclearance. Best gravel bike under $1600 : r/gravelcycling - Reddit There's no doubt that these bikes are lookers.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'cyclingglobal_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_15',154,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cyclingglobal_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); As I touched up, the gearing is 105, and that gives you a 21 gear system. 4,700.00. WebSuper offre pour le vlo 2022 SPECIALIZED Diverge Elite E5: Bleu - Neuf - taille du cadre 52cm. This means that you're getting a well research frame for prices much less than those found on the higher range! Verkaufe hier mein Cannondale Carbon Topsten 5 in Gre L Es wird ohne Pedale, Halterungen,,Cannondale Carbon Topstone 5//Gravelbike in Niedersachsen - Lohne (Oldenburg) Kostenlos. We find out in this Cannondale Topstone 105 review. The big kids on the block who have been around forever. We've been through a lot together - we've even been to Paris togethertwice!. I do not understand much about bike specs so any help differentiating between the two would be great. And this is evident with the Diverge having a 13 mm longer wheelbase. WebBicicleta Specialized Diverge STR Expert 23. Giving you the confidence, regardless of climbs, traction, or activity, the Specialized Diverge Elite comes with a disc braking system so you will be able to take on every gravel road at an attractive price point.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'cyclingglobal_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_17',156,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cyclingglobal_com-narrow-sky-2-0'); Gear range is good and should see you up all the climbs you wish to take on without issues - abilities allowing! By continuing to use the site you acceptour cookie policy. The more stable the bike under a load the better. You do get the choice to buy much more affordable models. WebCompare: Specialized S-Works Diverge 2023: 54 -VS- Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2020: MD -VS- 3T Cycling Exploro 2018-2021: M -VS- Prove Humanity: Please click here to start. His resume includes a bronze medal at the 2015 Track Cycling World Championships, three trips to the Olympic Games, Pan American titles, and dozens of National titles. Then the Cannondale would be the better pick out of the two. I love this wheelset, it makes rides so smooth - it feels like you're gliding at times!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'cyclingglobal_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',150,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cyclingglobal_com-leader-2-0'); The wtb riddler tires on the Topstone 105 are tubeless ready so you can make the decision whether or not to go tubeless. Cannondale Topstone Vs Specialized Diverge, Specialized Crux Vs Diverge : Breaking Down the Differences. The Cannondale Topstone 105 hydraulic disc brake bike is getting lots of interest as the new gravel bike on the block, is the hype justified? Generally speaking, the Specialized Diverge is considered an ultimate do-it-all gravel bike for all your cycling adventure needs but also a fast gravel bike when you need it to be. Our size-large test bike has 394mm of reach and a stack height of 610mm. Ny grus-sykkel fra Canyon - Blandevei, grus, bikepacking og cross Privacy Policy. A thru-axle pivot in the seat tube allows the entire back of the framerear stays, seat tube, even the rear of the top tubeto flex like a series of connected leaf springs to provide comfort and traction on rough terrain while retaining pedaling efficiency. Gravel bikes: Field Test | - gravel bikes comfort challenge Especially when considering these two specific bikes. Compare. Firstly the stack/reach ratio for the Topstone is 1.50 vs the Diverge 1.56, which suggests that the Diverge is a more upright bike. DESCUBRE DESCUENTO EN EL CARRITO. Ride freer. The tires give you plenty of traction and grip to give you that 'fixed in place at all times' feeling. Both bikes are priced from around $3,300 to $3,500. Test of the Best Electric Gravel Bikes: Cannondale vs. Should you think that's too many, Trek has fitted adjustable Stranglehold dropouts so you are able to change the component to a single speed. Whether tubeless is for you or not, these wheels and tires will prove to be comfortable, they will give you the grip you're after when you're out on the road or trails. Available in their standard Diverge models, STR (which features their special suspension technology), and the Diverge flat bar. Style GravelMaterial CarbonWheel Size 650bFork 30mm Lefty OliverTravel 30mmDrivetrain Shimano GRX 600 shift levers, GRX 800 rear derailleurCranks Cannondale 1Chainring 40tCassette 11-42Brakes Shimano GRX 400 hydraulic discWheels WTB ST i23 TCS, tubeless readyTires WTB Venture 47 TCS Light (front), 47mm WTB Byway 47 TCS Light (rear)Saddle Fizik New Aliante R5Seatpost Cannondale 2, carbonHandlebar Cannondale 3, aluminum, 16-degree flareStem Cannondale 2, aluminum Tire Clearance 650b x 47mm. Las mejores bicicletas de gravel estn en Escapa, encuentra la tuya en nuestra seccin. It too is alloy but there's something about a Trek frame that stands out. Made in Scotland. They are there for you in stopping power too with their hydraulic disc brakes. Privacy and Cookies. Chaque fabricant a ses propres tailles de cadre. Topstone 1 WebShop for Cannondale Gravel Bikes at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. The suspension is active only while seated. The suspension gravel bike battle from Specialized and Cannondale! Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty 3 Details. The single-pivot design is an evolution of the compliance thats been engineered into other Cannondale frames, said Sam Ebert from the Cannondale Product Team. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Cannondale has made solid design choices with the frame and geometry to ensure that the rider gets a comfortable, positive riding experience. All the measurements below are in mm and are for both medium-sized bikes. Something that I really like about the Trek is the frame. The best gravel bikes 2023 | Carbon, aluminium, steel A Quick Review. See the Yes, it is the more expensive bike out of the two. Comprar Bicicleta BH Gravelx Evo 4.5 23 | Gravel-CX So if being the fastest adventurer is in your plans. Lokal. The Topstone 4 has better components, while We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. But within that realm, this bike boasts amazing versatility on account of its ability to transition between pavement and dirt. It's an aluminium flat bar bike using Future Shock, wide tyres and is compatible with a dropper-post to boot. Which is the better bike? There is a slight difference when it comes to price. WebThe Orbea Terra H40 is $2500, Cannondale Topstone 1 is $2325, and the Specialized Diverge Elite E5 is $2000. As you can clearly see by these numbers that the Topstone is much more capable when it comes to climbing especially if you have a loaded bike and bikepacking gear. You feel like it will handle what you throw at it and that's important for a gravel bike. This model though boasts some interesting features, that are definitely worth considering. Delivering a smooth ride without the added weight and complexity of a shock and links. Specialized has a wide range of bikes to choose from but are more competitive in the expensive high-end bike segment. Heres where they truly shine and often offer a bit extra compared to competing brands. That doesnt mean Cannondale has less competitive bikes, on the contrary. Cannondale offers a range of high-end bikes that will make you drool. Here's a video from GCN Tech to explain tubeless pros/cons! The 2023 Cannondale Topstone 2, known for its aluminum frame, is similar in some ways to the aforementioned 2022 Specialized Diverge Elite E5. It performs well and is a joy to use. But thats not a fair judgement. But again overall from these numbers, we can assume that both bikes strike an interesting balance for adventure-focused riding. New Specialized Diverge and You wont be shown this message again :). The closest option in price that Specialized offer is the Diverge Sport Carbon at $3,500. The leaf-spring design adds 30mm of travel without heavy shocks or linkage systems. Orbea Terra H40 vs Cannondale Topstone 1 vs Compare Bikes You also get the SmartSenses system of intelligent lights (and optional rear-facing radar) which increases your visibility out on the open road and makes it easy to ride smart. Cookie Notice Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Cannondale VS Specialized: Which is the better brand? Top 5 Worst Gravel Bikes of 2019 Gravelstoke The mid-range bike battle. Just like the Topstone, the Checkpoint comes with a 105 cassette so these bikes give you the same gearing which is a good thing and keeps them fairly level. For some people, that's going to add value, those who like to be discreet but for others, it might be disappointing.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'cyclingglobal_com-leader-4','ezslot_13',152,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cyclingglobal_com-leader-4-0'); Perhaps I'm being unfair, the Topstone is a decent-looking product and there's a surprise in it. SRAM works differently but it is often found on mountain bikes and handles gravel surfaces/descents brilliantly. Cannondale Frankly, I didnt have high hopes for stellar road performance from a 24-pound fully suspended bike with small wheels and fat tires. Not so much.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'cyclingglobal_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',148,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cyclingglobal_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Available to you is a 22-speed drivetrain, you won't have any delay in shifting as the shifters respond quickly when you ask them. Terms and Conditions. The canyon is a lost (30mm) longer in front than either bike for toe clearance with fat tires. When standing up on the pedals, the only noticeable compliance comes from the tires and the small amount of flex in the chain stays. You get Shimano GRX 600 on the Topstone compared to the Apex on the Diverge. The variety of speed and the difference in track conditions, give them an edge over road rides so reviewing this gravel bike was a joy!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'cyclingglobal_com-box-3','ezslot_1',141,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cyclingglobal_com-box-3-0'); For me, the Topstone 105 delivered everything it promised and more. But I hope this article cleared up some things for you. It's responsible and reliable. The tires are wider than what you find on road bikes so it's capable when you want to take to the gravel. Or riding some gnarly single track with quick turns and berms. Price: $4,250Weight: 24.3 lb. The Topstone Carbon Lefty 1 ups the ante with carbon Hollowgram wheels and a SRAM Force AXS 1x drivetrain, but it will set you back $8,500. Riding on the Checkpoint models is quite firm but Trek does a good job soaking up most of the bumps on rough terrain and roads. Kona Rove vs 2023 Cannondale Topstone 2. Even though the Topstone is more aggressive in comparison it is still a rather upright and comfortable bike for adventures. My first love. (L).css-1146q7{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#fff;-webkit-transition:background 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:background 0.3s ease-in-out;display:inline-block;background-image:unset;-webkit-background-position:0 100%;background-position:0 100%;background-repeat:repeat-x;-webkit-background-size:0 0;background-size:0 0;padding-bottom:0.05rem;padding-top:0.05rem;background-color:#067EA7;font-family:Teko,Teko-fallback,Helvetica,'Arial Narrow',Sans-serif;font-size:1rem;line-height:1.2;letter-spacing:0.1rem;margin-top:0.625rem;padding:0.625rem 0.9375rem 0.5rem;text-transform:uppercase;width:auto;}.css-1146q7:hover{color:#fff;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-size:.625rem 3.125rem;background-size:.625rem 3.125rem;background-image:unset;background-color:#595959;}.css-1146q7:focus-visible{outline-color:body-cta-btn-link-focus;}BUY NOW MORE IMAGES. For as good as the bike performs off-road, its still surprisingly pleasant on smooth terrain. Compare: 2021 Cannondale Topstone 1 vs Specialized Diverge Cannondale Topstone 1 Been exploring the world by bike for a few years now. Specialized Diverge if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'cyclingglobal_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',158,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cyclingglobal_com-leader-1-0');The body and tires are good but the components are what helps to make it the bike it is. We are going to compare these two iconic gravel bikes side by side and see what the difference is between each. And same is true with the Cannondale Topstone. Looks like the Specialized has a lower spec. This tells the story of how each bike will corner and what the handling is like upfront. Which is the same tire clearance for both 650b setups on both bikes. The Topstone is still however designed for bike adventures in mind. But what really is the difference and which one is best for you and your riding goals? It's a very worthy competitor. The Topstone has a climbing gear of 24.67 and the largest gear of 117.17. Giant Revolt Advanced 2 ($2,600) Frame: Carbon Gears: 2 x 11 Tires: 700c x 38mm Boy was I wrong. WebThe Cannondale Topstone 4 and Specialized Diverge Base E5 are both aluminum frame gravel bikes with mechanical disc brakes. Not only are they the same price, but they both choose to use an aluminum This suspension could help in aiding in that extra comfort over the long haul. I was getting teased with that ability but not able to go all-in. The 5 Best Affordable Gravel Bikes of 2023 | livestrong In his spare time between testing bikes and continuing to race at a regional level, he can be found enjoying the quieter side of life and cheap beer on the farm he shares with his wife and their 2 dogs, 3 cats, and 14 chickens. The Topstone is powered by a Force XPLR eTap, Force eTap drivetrain while the Diverge has a GX Eagle AXS, RED eTap groupset. Cannondale Topstone 105 Review What You Should Know. Chaque revendeur est visit et contrl par velocorner. Watch this video: Climb Easy with the Best Mountain Bikes Under $500, A Bike That Saves: Cannondale Catalyst 4 Review, Can You Put Pegs on a Mountain Bike? WebAn amazingly capable, versatile gravel road bike. In particular, the saddle and the handlebars are of high quality and that gives you the feeling that you're on a more expensive bike than you are. Gravels bikes by nature have a more upright design than road bikes but for some people, the Topstone might be a little too upright. How does it size up against other gravel bike brands? Cannondale Topstone 2. But if you want to run 700c the Diverge has slightly wider clearance. The bottom bracket height also felt appropriately balanced between low enough to provide stability and high enough to allow for adequate pedal clearance on uneven terrain. Explore further. They say the Diverge STR dampens vibrations by both suspensions without removing the sensation of fast road cycling. SPECIALIZED Diverge There is one important distinction to make. I can see this bike being perfect for those fast and quick adventures. The 5 Best Affordable Gravel Bikes of 2023 | livestrong WebThe Cannondale Topstone 1 and Specialized Diverge Elite E5 are both aluminum frame gravel bikes with hydraulic disc brakes. Built for chasing horizons, exploring routes less travelled or accelerating your commute. Taking a closer look at prices you can get something like the Cannondale Lefty (front suspension option) for the same price as the Diverge STR Expert, which doesnt have a front shock. Riders who prefer a short, upright, and comfortable position as well as those who like a more aggressive, stretched-out fit should be able to get what they need on the Topstone Carbon Lefty 3. The Lefty Oliver fork has an easy-to-reach lockout lever on the crown, and a quick flip of that lever was all it took to transform the trail-eating machine into an efficient road cruiser. My first carbon bike. It doesnt mean you still cant have any fun. This bike is equipped with Cannondales SmartSense, which got a bad 2023 Reddit, Inc. All rights reserved. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! In that regard, the bike is a victim of its own success. Final Verdict This bike delivers on every promise it makes. It seems the Diverge has that slight edge when it comes to practicality and cycling adventures. I never anticipated using words like lively and agile to describe pavement performance, but thats what it was. The geometry favors a neutral riding position. It is definitely something to consider when buying a bike. $3,500.00 at Specialized.com Just like how cars have a suspension to mitigate feeling every bump in the road, bikes can have a suspension to help dampen vibrations, too. Find bikes that match your geometry criteria. 1 5 For example, comparing the Trek Checkpoint to the Cannondale Topstone doesnt seem like a fair comparison as the Checkpoint lacks this suspension (even though they have that subtle vibration-dampening technology that I am not sure you could consider as suspension.). Precio 7.500 Verde Oliva Negro. 4.5 out of 5 star rating. In fact, there are so many different mounts, you can carry enough water bottles for days! There are so many different models to choose from for each bike. At Cycle Travel Overload we are all about inspiring people to get outside and explore more! Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon. Is this Shimano's new 105 12-Speed Mechanical? That somewhat limits the primary use of this bike to single-day adventures and light bikepacking trips. I enjoyed a speedy and exciting ride and was able to lean the bike into high-speed turns with confidence. Cannondale Topstone For that reason that is why I think it is super interesting to specifically compare the Diverge STR model to the Topstone which features Kingpin suspension technology. I do not understand much about bike specs so any help differentiating between the two would be great. Specifically, if you want to run panniers the Diverge is your best bet, they arent the most ideal chainstay length for touring. I was riding a Salsa Warbird on a lot of the same trails and paths when I had the Topstone, and despite the bone-jarring (and slower) ride on the most technical terrain that I rode on both, I was never disappointed with that bikes off-road performance. Cannondale Topstone or Specialized Diverge E5 Elite? Cannondale. The single-sided fork offers up to 30mm of front wheel travel. 105 to Ultegra? Its not one bike to do it all, but if speed isnt the primary objective, its a wonderful machine with which to play bikes. There are a huge number of mounts available to you - it's no wonder it will score highly in these categories in reviews. Then later we can compare the STR Diverge to the Ccannondale Lefty Topstone. Shock absorption is good and there are plenty of options for mounting racks, fenders, and other accessories.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'cyclingglobal_com-box-4','ezslot_5',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cyclingglobal_com-box-4-0'); Overall, the Topstone 105 gives you a lot of things from a road bike, and a mountain bike and pulls them together so if you want that "do everything adventure bike", this is a good option. Add Topstone 1 Alloy Bike to Compare Cannondale Topstone 3 Bike (1) 1 reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. Taking a look at something like theCannondale Topstone Carbon 3 Lpriced at $3,325. ber 15'000+ Velos, E-Bikes und Velozubehr.. Cycling Global is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca etc) and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. Gravel bikes: Field Test | - gravel bikes comfort challenge The Diverge should feel rather responsive and predictable. After testing a half dozen competitors, including the Cannondale Topstone, Giant Revolt, Salsa Warbird, and Trek Checkpoint, over the course of the spring and Privacy Policy and WebELECTRIC BIKE. Honestly, it's hard to find anything not to like about this bike - it's a great option.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'cyclingglobal_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',143,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cyclingglobal_com-medrectangle-4-0'); This is largely down to the fantastic lineup of components and decent, solid construction. Both bikes come with a rather high-end A true source of freedom! I think that was largely due to the fact that I had no unrealistic performance expectations of a rigid drop bar bike. That translates to a ride that feels extremely lively and efficient when accelerating out of the saddle, yet comfortable and compliant when seated. And the Diverge has 20 mm in the front and 30 mm in the rear. Neuf -, SPECIALIZED > Riprock Cstr 12 Int Nenblu/Blk/Wht 6, SPECIALIZED ROCKHOPPER COMP 29 2X SMK/BLK XL, Specialized > TARMAC SL7 COMP TLTNT/BLK/LTSIL 52, SPECIALIZED DIVERGE E5 ELITE SLT/CLGRY/CHRM 54. Why measure travel at the saddle? Precio 5.499 Close. Carbon 1 RLE Review ($7,800) The 2022 Topstone Carbon 1 RLE is the same bike as the Lefty, but it ditches the quirky suspension fork for a rigid carbon fork and a radar light system. Thanks to the Cannondale Lefty Oliver Carbon you get 30 mm travel up front but no travel in the rear. As you will have already realized, there are plenty of good things (and some bad things!) SPECIALIZED Diverge It comes with a Lefty Oliver fork and has the same frame as the other Topstone Carbon bikes in the line, one that touts rear suspension without the weight and complexity of a shock and linkages. You should not have to do this more than once. Built for chasing horizons, exploring routes less travelled or accelerating your commute. This full-suspension gravel bike crushes trails and remains animated on smooth roads. Best Gravel Bikes | Switchback Travel When it comes to the chainstay, the measurements are 420 mm (Topstone) vs 425 mm (Diverge). What all this translates to is an agile bike that delivers time and time again on any gravel surfaces, without any concerns, only a smile on your face. Competitors of the Topstone can't really compete with it when it comes to how practical this bicycle is. Comparing a 1x setup to a 2x is quite unfair. .css-18bc37s{display:block;font-family:Velo,Velo-fallback,Georgia,Serif;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-18bc37s:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 61.25rem){.css-18bc37s{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 61.25rem){.css-18bc37s{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-18bc37s{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;}}New Gear for Road and Gravel from Sea Otter 2023. If youre in the market for a Cannondale, we suggest looking at the Topstone, good looking aluminum gravel bikes that come stock with 40c tires. Web2021 Cannondale Topstone 1 or 2021 Specialized Diverge Elite E5? Lokal. The Diverge would be in theory a more comfortable bike to ride on bikepacking trips and for longer amounts of time in the saddle. And because they are both perfect all-rounder gravel bikes. WebSuper Angebot 2022 SPECIALIZED Diverge Elite E5: Rot - Neu - 52cm Rahmengrsse. A writer and when I'm not writing, I'm usually found on two wheels! The specialized diverge comp e5 comes with the Axis Sport Disc wheels. Diverge STR Expert Vs Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty . You are using a browser that does not support javascript. Cannondale used to make the lightest aluminum frames but those days have passed. The rear triangle will take a fender but not a pannier rack. The frame is durable and fairly impact-resistant. The Topstone 1 has a 2 11 drivetrain providing The Topstone 105 is incredibly versatile and doesn't break the bank, which is why it appeals to so many people. What's Good About The Cannondale Topstone 105, What's Not So Good About The Cannondale Topstone 105, SmartForm C2 Alloy, 142x12 thru-axles, tapered headtube, flat mount disc, StraightShot internal cable routing, multiple gear/bottle mounts, Full Carbon, 1-1/8 to 1-1/4 steerer, 55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc, internal routing, 12x100 thru-axle, C 3, butted 6061 aluminum, 16 deg flare drop, WTB Riddler TCS Light, 700x37c, tubeless-ready. Each bike has its own specialty that they bring to the table and the same rings true with the Topstone and Diverge. The rear wheel stayed planted remarkably well on steep, chunky climbs, and the firm pedaling platform was most welcome when I needed to stand up to power over obstacles and challenging segments. Which gravel bike is best? Somehow, Cannondale has managed to balance that brilliantly with softness.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'cyclingglobal_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',145,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cyclingglobal_com-banner-1-0'); The stiffness keeps it safe from big impacts and prevents any damage occurring to the frame or the components, yet it's still sufficiently soft that you stay in control of the bicycle and any shocks are absorbed.