Having reviewed every iteration of the Topstone, we have a soft spot for Cannondale‘s kooky gravel platform. While this new 2025 Cannondale Topstone has evolved into something far more advanced than the first aluminum Topstone, it’s got some interesting features, so let’s take a closer look…
While there are many reasons to love this bike, what makes Topstone Carbon different is the unique Kingpin and Lefty Oliver suspension systems. When it comes to gravel riding, suspension doesn’t just deliver comfort and control; it also delivers greater traction, which results in more speed. As Travis would say, suspension makes gravel bikes better.
2025 Cannondale Topstone Quick Hits
- Pricing:
Topstone Carbon LTD Di2 $7,300
Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty AXS $6,400
Topstone Carbon 2 AXS $4,300
Topstone Carbon 2 GRX $4,000
Topstone Carbon 3 CRX $3,400 - Max Tire Size
52mm for the frame
56mm for the rigid fork
47mm for the Lefty Oliver - Topstone Carbon Lefty
40mm front / ≈30mm rear - Topstone Carbon
≈30mm rear - Frame: Topstone Carbon, Kingpin suspension
system, Proportional Response construction,
downtube Stashport, internal cable
routing, 12x142mm thru-axle, 27.2 dropper
post ready, UDH, BSA 68mm threaded
BB, flat mount disc, removable fender
bridge, multiple gear/bottle mounts - Fork Options:
- Topstone Carbon, 1-1/8″ to 1.5″ steerer,
55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc,
internal routing, 12×100 thru-axle, triple
bottle/gear mounts, fender mounts - Lefty Oliver Carbon, 40mm travel,
lockout, Gen 2 Chamber Damper w/ All-
Over tune, ISO High-Ride air spring,
tapered steerer, 700c, 55mm offse - Headset
Acros IS52/40 IC
2025 Cannondale Topstone Geometry
2025 Cannondale Topstone Details
Cannondale has long been known for pushing the envelope and the 2025 Topstone carbon chassis embodies this approach.
KingPin
Topstone Carbon wouldn’t be Topstone Carbon without KingPin, Cannondale’s innovative gravel rear suspension. A pivot in the seat tube, plus precise tube shaping and carbon layup, allow the bike’s rear triangle and seatpost to flex in unison, delivering up to 30mm of bump-smoothing travel. KingPin provides optimal compliance along with lateral stiffness, efficient pedaling, and low weight—making Topstone Carbon ideal for everything from long endurance rides to technical trails. The Kingpin system on the new Topstone Carbon has been refined to deliver an even more compliant and smooth ride across all frame sizes.
Lefty Oliver
Up front, select Topstone Carbon bikes are equipped with the third-generation Lefty Oliver, Cannondale’s ultralight, single-sided suspension fork built specifically for gravel. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Lefty Oliver is better than ever! Updated with 40mm of travel and a brand-new damper tune, the latest Lefty Oliver offers unparalleled responsiveness, stability, and control on mixed surfaces. It’s smoother, faster, and ready to tackle the toughest gravel terrain.
Tuned Ride
Speaking of ride-enhancing efficiency, Cannondale has refined their size-specific Proportional Response construction on the new Topstone Carbon. Everything from the carbon layup to the geometry is carefully tuned by frame size to ensure the bike and its KingPin suspension provide a ride that’s perfectly optimized to your dimensions.
Stash It
Let‘s not forget about your gear. Topstone Carbon features Cannondale’s all-new StashPort storage system, seamlessly integrated inside the bike’s downtube. Paired with the custom StashBag, the StashPort storage system keeps essentials secure for any ride. Plus, with plenty of mounts on the frame and fork, Topstone is ready to lug tons of gear for those bigger adventures.
Tire Clearance
With clearance for tires up to 52mm at the rear and 56mm at the front, Topstone Carbon is ready for anything. As you don’t need as much tire volume with a suspension fork, Lefty models offer 6mm of mud-shedding clearance with a 700x47mm tire up front.
Keep it Tidy
Topstone Carbon keeps the emphasis on simplicity and compatibility. In addition to a rear suspension system that requires no set-up and virtually no regular maintenance, the bike features a threaded BSA bottom bracket, standard seatpost and external seat binder, standard-dished rear wheel, and a universal derailleur hanger. Easy-to-use internal cable routing from Conceal Stem through the frame keeps things tidy and streamlined.
Check out more at Cannondale.
