Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty
At a Glance:
- Frame: Topstone Carbon with Kingpin suspension system
- Fork: Lefty Oliver gravel suspension fork, 30mm travel
- Drivetrain: Shimano GRX 800/600 11-speed gravel group
- Tires: WTB Raddler TCS Light, 700x44c, tubeless ready
- Extra Features: Built to accept an internally-routed 27.2mm dropper seatpost
Our Verdict: The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty is a performance-packed gravel bike offering a cutting-edge combination of an ultra-lightweight carbon frame with a highly innovative suspension system. Its standout features like the Lefty gravel suspension fork, Shimano 11-speed drivetrain, plus tubeless-ready tires, and an internally-routed dropper seatpost, make this bike an exceptional choice for rugged off-road adventures.
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The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty is the ultimate gravel bike that beautifully amalgamates top-notch engineering, advanced technology, and luxurious comfort. It bridges the gap between the needs of rugged explorers, racing speedsters, and leisure riders. Its innovative deployment of dual suspension, with the unique incorporation of the Kingpin system and Lefty Oliver gravel fork, sets it apart as a peerless companion for challenging dirt roads and singletrack trails. The Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty is not just a bike, it’s a ticket to unlimited off-road adventures.
Unravelling the Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty’s Unique Features
Behind the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty’s outstanding performance lies high-end, meticulously integrated components. Its laser-focused design uses specially selected materials that ensure a perfect balance between weight, strength, and flexibility.
A Rugged and Lightweight Frame
The marquee feature of the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty is undoubtedly its meticulously crafted Topstone Carbon frame. The lightweight construction incorporates the unique Kingpin Suspension system, giving riders up to 30mm of bump-absorbing flex. The system's low-friction bushings offer smooth action and maintenance-free reliability, providing over 100 grams of weight saving compared to traditional cartridge bearings.
A Revolutionary Lefty Oliver Fork
The Lefty Oliver fork takes the gravel suspension game to new heights with an impressive 30mm of bob-free travel. This fork offers precision control over uneven surfaces, and the unique single-sided design enhances steering precision. The generous 700x45mm clearance provides room for large-volume tyres, optimising grip and control over rough terrains. With the Lefty Oliver, riders can push the boundaries of gravel riding with unmatched comfort and control.
The Power of the Shimano GRX 800/600 Groupset
- The Shimano GRX 800/600 11-speed drivetrain is a clear highlight. Known for its flawless shifting and wide 11-42 gearing range, it assures performance on any gradient while boosting resilience on rocky terrains.
- Matching the drivetrain's prowess, the Shimano GRX 800 hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power. The 160mm RT76 rotors ensure swift, consistent performance, allowing confident control in all weather conditions.
Integrated Tech for a Better Ride
The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty further brings tech to the trails with numerous smart features. It houses an integrated wheel sensor that relays vital information including speed, route, and distance. The sensor also registers your bike and reminds you of needed service through the free Cannondale App – a valuable aid to help maintain peak performance. Offering optional upgrades, the SmartSense-ready frame can also accommodate intelligent running lights and rear-facing radar, enhancing visibility and safety.
Experience the Ride on the Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty
Whether you’re shredding rugged dirt roads, cruising on rough pavements, or challenging yourself on singletrack trails, the Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty promises a matchless gravel riding adventure.
Its trail-blazing combination of the Kingpin system and Lefty Oliver Fork grants it imperturbable calm when hammering down gnarly trails. The OutFront Steering Geometry – a pairing of slack head angle and long fork offset - ensures nimble handling and steadfast confidence during high speeds and hardcore riding sessions.
The bike's clearance for large tyres (up to 700x45mm or 27.5x2.1"), together with the WTB KOM Light i23 TCS rims, amplifies the bike's brawny hold over all terrains. With 6mm mud-shedding clearance on each side and the Topstone's Proportional Response size-specific construction, riders of all sizes can enjoy the epitome of ride feel, stiffness and compliance.
Detailed Specifications of The Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty
Let’s delve into the technical aspects which make this bike a marvel:
- Frame: The Topstone Carbon frame with inbuilt Kingpin suspension ensures lightweight performance and unmatched comfort. The frame is compatible with a 27.2mm dropper seatpost and has a 12x142mm thru-axle.
- Fork: The Lefty Oliver gravel suspension fork provides 30mm of travel and is optimized for 700c wheel size.
- Rear Derailleur: The Shimano GRX 810, Shadow RD+ ensures crisp gear shifts.
- Chain: The Shimano HG701, 11-speed chain delivers robust and seamless power transfer.
- Brakes: The Shimano GRX 800 hydraulic disc brakes utilise 160mm RT76 rotors for assured stopping power.
- Rims: The WTB KOM Light i23 TCS, 28-spoked rims are tubeless ready for optimal performance.
- Tyres: The WTB Raddler TCS Light, 700x44c, tubeless ready tyres ensure considerable traction on rough terrains.
- Handlebar: The Cannondale 2 ShortDrop, 7050 alloy, 12 degrees flare drop enhances control and maneuvering.
Summing Up the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty Gravel Bike
With promises of dominating the gravel, Cannondale's Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty lives up to its expectations and surpasses many. The dual-suspension set-up is probably one of the biggest game-changers in the gravel sector today. It transforms off-road experiences, turning intimidating, challenging terrains into thrilling, enjoyable adventures. The integration of advanced technology further enhances the ride experience, assuring safety and ride performance.
Riders across all expertise levels have praised the unmatched riding comfort and overall performance of the Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty. Overall, with its capabilities and features, it's undeniably an excellent gravel bike choice for anyone seeking a high-performance, durable, and comfortable ride for off-road trails and exploration. The bike truly embodies the essence of "nothing is impassable".