The History Of Cannondale Topstone

The Cannondale Topstone is a name which is instantly recognisable and the Topstone bike model is instantly associated with the Cannondale brand. As well as being associated with the brand, Topstone represents adventure and versatility - important things in this ultra competitive gravel bike market segment.

Since its introduction, the Topstone has carved out a niche for itself as a leading gravel bike, blending performance and comfort seamlessly and it’s a bike which has been done really well, right from the start.

In this overview of the models history, we'll trace the history of the Cannondale Topstone, exploring its development, evolution, and impact on the cycling community, alongside where it sits within the gravel bike market at the moment.

Origins and Launch

Cannondale, one of the biggest bike brands in the world and a brand known for its innovative designs and manufacturing processes, introduced the Topstone Gravel Bike model range back in 2018.

Not many people know, but the Topstone is actually named after a dirt road loop near Cannondale's headquarters in Connecticut, USA. The Topstone was designed to fill a growing demand for versatile gravel bikes that could handle various terrains. The initial launch featured the Topstone Alloy, an aluminum-framed bike aimed at providing solid performance which is available at a sensible price point.

Topstone Carbon

It did not take long for the Topstone to become popular, fuelling the demand and budget for advancements in designs. In 2019, Cannondale expanded the Topstone lineup with the introduction of the Topstone Carbon.

This new model boasted a complete carbon fibre frame and introduced Cannondale’s revolutionary Kingpin suspension system, which provided up to 30mm of rear travel without the complexity and weight of a suspension shock. This Suspension was and still is a game-changer, for the gravel bike industry, offering increased comfort and control over rough terrain without additional weight and complexity.

Topstone Lefty

Continuing their tradition of pushing boundaries with the Topstone lineup, Cannondale released the instantly recognisable Topstone Lefty in 2020. This model featured a single-sided Lefty suspension fork, providing an additional 30mm of front suspension travel to the front of the bike - enough to assist in comfort and compliance.

This combination of front and rear suspension set the Topstone Lefty apart in the gravel bike market, further enhancing its capability to tackle rougher terrain than its competition, allowing riders of Topstones to tackle singletrack and really push the terrain in which this segment of bike can operate.

E-Topstone

Everything has gone electric in the last five years, and the Topstone is no different.

Cannondale introduced the Topstone Neo series in 2021. These e-gravel bikes use tried and tested Bosch motors and market leading batteries, making the electric Cannondale Topstone range ideal for those seeking to extend their adventures and tackle more demanding routes with ease. Although frowned upon by some, we really think Gravel Bikes suit electric motors - more so than almost any other style of bike.

2024 Cannondale Topstone - Buy Online

The Cannondale Topstone series has continually evolved to meet the needs of the gravel bike market and has long set the standard of what a Gravel Bike should look like.

At Westbrook Cycles, we stock and supply the complete range of Cannondale Topstone models, all of which are available to order online.