Cannondale Topstone Carbon

Cannondale know a thing or two about making a carbon frame comfortable, and the likes of the Synapse, and even the SuperSix have brought a remarkable level of smoothness to performance road bikes. This range-topping gravel/adventure Topstone is no exception, and adds a rear pivot point to give up to 30mm of suspension travel without the need for complex shocks or linkages.

That distinctive rear triangle design is the most eye-catching aspect of the design, but it doesn't end there, and as usual they've carefully designed the carbon layup and tube profiles to ensure that the bike is both stiff where needed and comfy wherever possible.

On this model the skinny 27.2mm seatpost is also carbon (as are the bars), bringing a carefully balanced mix of strength and ride feel. It also benefits from a set of Cannondale's own carbon rims, to keep the rotating mass down whilst remaining up for anything on or off road (and shod with 37mm WTB tyres this is a bike that is definitely up for the "adventure" part of its remit).

photos by Bence Bujaki