Cannondale Topstone Carbon Apex 1

Cannondale Topstone Carbon Apex 1 - Graveling with comfort: The Topstone with KingPin suspension

The US manufacturer Cannondale is one of the pioneers in the construction of mountain bikes.Fact: In the beginning, the wild machines were more cyclocrossers than mountain bikes - and thus basically pretty close to today's gravel bikes. In a way, the Topstone returns to this original way of cycling. Sporty riding on mixed terrain, from asphalt to forest paths and gravel tracks. Of course, the Topstone was designed according to the latest aspects and is equipped with the most modern components. With a Topstone you can cruise along your favourite trail today and set off on an exciting bikepacking adventure tomorrow. The frame offers numerous mounting points for accessories, both in the aluminium and in the Apex Carbon series.

The extra charge for the carbon frame is worth it! Thanks to the KingPin suspension, you will enjoy a completely new level of comfort on gravel roads. Equipment: Like the aluminium version, the Carbon Apex 1 comes with the tried and tested Sram Apex component group, consisting of the Apex XPLR 1 x 12 drivetrain and the corresponding hydraulic disc brakes. Cannondale has been developing other parts such as handlebars, stem and seatpost in its own laboratories for years. The high-quality wheelset with Formula hubs and DT-Swiss rims is prepared for tubeless operation.

The innovative KingPin suspension makes the difference

You feel it as soon as you turn onto the first gravel road: The Topstone Carbon literally glides over the bumps.On the one hand, this is due to the frame material itself, because carbon can generally absorb vibrations better than aluminium. But there is also the KingPin system developed by Cannondale: the rear triangle is flexibly mounted on the seat tube with the help of a thru axle. And thanks to flexible zones on the top tube and seat tube, the rear triangle can yield vertically by up to 30 millimetres.  That's even enough to absorb rough bumps. The bottom line is: more control, more comfort, more traction. Other advantages: The suspension is low-maintenance and requires no setup. Carbon layup and tube diameter are adjusted for each frame size to achieve the right amount of stiffness and flex for each rider type. Internal cable guides protect against dirt and emphasise the clear design.