Giant Revolt Advanced 3 Review [2022]- The Best Carbon Gravel Bike For The Money. Not only does this include a wider gear range, but the Shimano parts are a little better tuned for off-road riding with easier-to-manipulate shift levers. The Cannondale Topstone 1 is a modern alloy gravel race bike that allows you to fully enjoy any terrain in any weather conditions. Alternatively, if comfort is your main priority or you spend almost all of your time on gravel, then a 650b tire and wheel combo makes a lot of sense. All that said, there are many benefits to purchasing a true gravel-focused bike. Within the Niner lineup, you can get GRX components, but theyre only available in top-end 800-spec models that start at about $3,000.See the Niner RLT 9 2-Star. For riders just dipping their toes into the gravel world, Co-op Cycles ADV gravel bikes have a lot of appeal. Although they generally weigh a bit more than 1x drivetrains, 2x systems (like the 2 x 11 included on the Cannondale Topstone 1) typically offer the rider both an easier gear for the uphill and a harder gear for the flat sections. Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more. Imagine how happy we would be if we could bring Cannondale Topstone 1 for a forest adventure in our free time. Theres no denying that such a setup is a more attractive match than the Cannondale Topstone 1. In general, you should look for frame clearance to accommodate up to 700c x 45mm tires, multiple mounting locations (three or more) for water bottles and food, longer wheelbases that are more stable at high speeds, and disc brakes to handle long descents over varying road conditions. Tell us how tall you are, we'll help you find the right size. After all, no one wants to have the problem of chain breakage off the beaten track, which will be no small trouble. Lower your tire pressure by 3 to 5 psi and repeat this process again until you barely feel the item. This protects it from wear and tear during the ride, thus prolonging its service life. The Checkpoint is now longer, the handling is more stable and forgiving, especially on off-road terrain. In general, long gravel rides pass through far fewer service areas, meaning youll need to stock up on food, water, and other gear before heading out. A wealth of features like nimble-yet-stable progressive . If your mountain biking gear budget has been stretched thin and youre tempted to skimp on the helmet, dont. Both are top-notch gravel bikes, but the simple answer is that we don't think the $450 bump in cost is worth it for most riders. And a final note: we recommend running anywhere from 3 to 8 psi less in your front tire than the back as most of your weight is over the rear. And the seat tube with dropper design is so snug that I rarely feel physical discomfort from the impact, even when I encounter a drop in the road. how to choose the best bikes. If you take care of the Straggler, it should last for many years to come.See the Surly Straggler. First and foremost, we fully encourage you to shop at your local bike shop whenever possible. First and foremost, buying from a consumer-direct company like Canyon sometimes can be a pain: availability is often limited and customer service can be hit or miss, plus you dont get the convenience of walking into your local bike shop to ride the bike or get replacement parts before buying. Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 . Finally, it has a stable shift switch, which is easy and precise to operate. For starters, while most modern road bikes max out at about 30-millimeter tires and cyclocross bikes at around 40 millimeters, gravel bikes typically are able to accommodate up to 700c x 45-millimeter or 650c x 50-millimeter tires (Salsas Warbird, for example, can accommodate both). I think thats why Cannondale Topstone 1 chose WTB Nano vacuum tires. In this category, we really like Schwalbes fast-rolling and surprisingly grippy 700c x 38mm G-One. Next, lay an object larger than a pencil in your driveway or on the sidewalka wooden dowel or mixing spoon handle works greatand ride over it at a comfortable speed (about 10mph). The Topstone is a racy gravel bike with a firm, fast-handling front end and a clever rear suspension unit that provides up to 30mm of travel. If versatility is a key consideration, we think its a nice choice.See the Salsa Warbird. and our And with a comfortable upright seating position, wide gear range, and included front and rear racks, it makes for a solid commuting companion too. Get free advice from a CuratedExpert. Explore the differences below. One of the most important parts of bike setup is properly adjusting tire pressure, which is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). The Topstone 1 has better components. . If you choose to go the online route, most bikes shipped to your home will require some assembly. Today I have chosen the 2023 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 for analysis and comparison. Better known for their extensive lineup of mountain bikes, Norco did a nice job with the dirt-focused Search XR A2. :) Have a great day, stay safe. The 2023 Framed Basswood Carbon Gravel Bike is a basswoodcarbon frame gravel bike with mid-range components and is lightweight. Explore the differences below. The Cannondale Topstone 1 and Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 are both aluminum frame gravel bikes with hydraulic disc brakes. With a similar price and component group (Shimanos budget-focused Claris) as the Kona Rove above, the two bikes are natural competitors. As gravel riding expands into increasingly rugged terrain, 650b tires are becoming more and more common (including our top budget pick, Kona Rove AL 650). Where it thrives Gravel roads, out in the elements What it's built for Traction, handling, comfort Highlights Light, durable SmartForm C2 Alloy Frame w/ full carbon fork Shimano GRX 800/600 11-speed shifting Checkpoint ALR 5. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! While gravel bikes share a lot in common with road models, pavement-oriented shoes typically have smooth and flat outsoles that make walking on gravel uncomfortable and cumbersome. Subscribe for updates. Suspension isnt common on gravel bikes, but its nevertheless important to explain for those looking for a smoother and more comfortable ride. 24. filter controls. Bob & Dave. Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless 2023. Do you know which size bike you need? It's incredibly easy to compare specs, prices, and parts online, and bike selection and shipping has improved dramatically in recent years. At well over $9,000, the Routt YBB is reserved for committed cyclists who ride often and ride hard (and have deep pockets). Santa Cruz is lauded within the mountain biking community for their quality frames and remarkable attention to detail, and that reputation holds true with the gravel-oriented Stigmata. 11 reasons not to buy. For $949, the Rove includes a quality aluminum frame, ample mounting locations for accessories, water, and gear, and a dependable Shimano Claris drivetrain. Love them or hate them, electric bikes are here to stay, and Cannondales first go at a gravel-focused model was a huge success in our opinion. There is no one-size-fits-all tire, but we do have some recommendations regarding tread patterns, sizes, and widths. Also, with the Shimano GRX set, I could barely feel the gravel hitting the tires. Cannondale Topstone. Cons. Learn more , SmartForm C2 Alloy, 12x142 thru-axle, tapered headtube, flat mount disc, StraightShot internal cable routing, multiple gear/bottle mounts, 300 Series Alpha Aluminium, tapered head tube, Control Freak internal routing, 3S chain keeper, rack and fender mounts, flat mount disc, horizontal sliding dropouts, 142x12 mm thru-axle, BallisTec Full Carbon, 1-1/8" to 1-1/4" steerer, 55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc, internal routing, 12x100 thru axle, Checkpoint carbon, tapered alloy steerer, rack mounts, mudguard mounts, flat-mount disc, 12x100 mm thru axle, FSA Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom, Size: 49, Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 80 mm length; Size: 52, 54, Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 90 mm length; Size: 56, 58, Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 100 mm length; Size: 61, Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 110 mm length, Cannondale 3, butted 6061 alloy, 16 deg flare drop, Size: 49, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-CF, alloy, 31.8 mm, 93 mm reach, 123 mm drop, 38 cm width; Size: 52, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-CF, alloy, 31.8 mm, 93 mm reach, 123 mm drop, 40 cm width; Size: 54, 56, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-CF, alloy, 31.8 mm, 93 mm reach, 123 mm drop, 42 cm width; Size: 58, 61, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-CF, alloy, 31.8 mm, 93 mm reach, 123 mm drop, 44 cm width, Bontrager Montrose Comp, steel rails, 138 mm width, Bontrager Comp, 6061 alloy, 27.2 mm, 8 mm offset, 330 mm length, Shimano GRX RX810, long cage, 34T max cog, Size: 49, Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30, 165 mm length; Size: 52, Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30, 170 mm length; Size: 54, 56, Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30, 172.5 mm length; Size: 58, 61, Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30, 175 mm length, Shimano GRX 400, hydraulic disc, 160/160mm RT54 rotors, Bontrager Tubeless Ready, 28-hole, 17 mm width, Presta valve, Formula cartridge bearing, Centerlock, 12x100mm, Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, CenterLock disc, 100x12 mm thru axle, Formula cartridge bearing, Centerlock, 12x142mm, Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, CenterLock disc, Shimano 11-speed freehub, 142x12 mm thru axle, Bontrager GR1 Comp, wire bead, 60 tpi, 700x40 c. Love bikes? Retailer prices may vary. It reliably protects our chain from accidents. For those on a tighter budget who dont want to make big sacrifices in ride quality, Treks Checkpoint SL 6 above is well under half the price and features similar bump-absorbing tech with its rear IsoSpeed.See the Moots Routt YBB Force AXS. In addition, the WTB ST i23 TCS tires with their staggered knobs and Flying V pattern design allowed me to easily press through large and small gravel. See the Giant Revolt Advanced 2 See the Women's Liv Devote Advanced 2. In terms of design, the Topstone features the kind of premium aluminum frame that the brand is known for, a gravel-specific Shimano GRX drivetrain complete with hydraulic disc brakes, and appropriately wide wheels for soaking up bumps. The 2022 Canyon Grail CF SL 7 is a carbon frame bike that is very much configured for performance, using a Shimano GRX 800 drivetrain with a Shimano GRX 600 braking system. Firstly, it uses an advanced composite frame, which has no significant advantage in terms of weight. During your outing, think about how your tires feel and consider any adjustments that you might want to make (this goes for every outing, not just your first). Cookie Notice Make note of this pressure and take your bike for a real ride. It's also 10mm lower front if you want to slam that stem. Put simply, gravel bikes can continue on when traditional roads bikes are forced to turn around, and they can easily handle the daily commute to work too. The Cannondale looks to have about 5mm more ground clearance if you're going over rocks. But the Grail AL 6 is a solid value nevertheless, which is one of the biggest perks of buying consumer-direct.See the Canyon Grail AL 6. REI website says either SM or MED bike. Hey guys, after all my research for gravel bikes, the final Battle is between the cannondale Topstone 1 (2099) and the Trek Checkpoint ALR5 (2299) I want the bike mostly for traveling. Over the weekend, I met up with my friends and rode the Cannondale Topstone 1 into the woods around the city. Can't decide? Its also worth noting the max tire width for the Aspero is 42 millimeters, which is a few millimeters less than most designs on this list. We especially like the Waxwing fork, which features three-pack mounts that add versatility for storing water bottles or shuttling overnight gear. In terms of shoes, we recommend an option like Giros Cylinder or Shimano's XC3theyre light, affordable, stiff enough for efficient power transfer, and still very comfortable for time spent off the bike. Get free advice from a Curated Expert. We. First of all, the Cannondale Topstone 1 has a 211 speed shift range. The Cannondale Topstone 3 is made from a lighter Topstone carbon frame than aluminum, and it has the main suspension system and a proportional response structure. From their lineup, the RLT 9 2-Star is a solid budget-minded build: it features SRAMs Apex 1 x 11 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, can fit up to 700c x 50mm tires, and includes mounting locations for racks and fenders (the carbon fork even has additional spots for storing extra water on those all-day rides). 650b But unlike the Trek, the Specialized bike focuses its shock absorption at the front rather than the rear. The stock back rim weighs 4.7 pounds. This also means that our braking system needs to be more responsive and ensure fast enough agility. Model 601500. For those who spend the majority of their time on pavement but like to explore the occasional gravel road or path, wed pick something in the 30- to 32-millimeter range with a slick or herringbone tread pattern. Shop with an Expert Similar Bikes This provides high-speed efficiency on tough roads and maintains speed even on big climbs. This tire has an almost uninterrupted centerline with staggered outer knobs. The Cannondale Topstone 1 and Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 are both aluminum frame gravel bikes with hydraulic disc brakes. The biggest news with the Checkpoint is its IsoSpeed, which functions similarly to the rear suspension on a mountain bike. If I were to find a rival for Cannondale, TREK would be the right brand. Another choice youll have to make when choosing a gravel bike is whether you want hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes. However, I feel that the 2022 Canyon Grail CF SL 7 seems to ignore the fact that gravel bikes need comfortable seats and handlebars as well. It does not included the tire. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 10Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Good overall performance for a palatable price.What we dont: Downgraded drivetrain. Sk. In short, it ticks most of the important boxes in this category, including a high-quality aluminum frame, lightweight carbon fork, and gravel-specific Shimano GRX 400 groupset (note: the GRX 400 series is 10-speed, while the 600 and 800 are 11-speed). Frame: CarbonGears: 1 x 11Tires: 700c x 42mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Excels at racing but can still carry gear for overnight trips.What we dont: At this price, we expect hydraulic disc brakes and slightly better components. At $4,799, the Evil is not a price leader, but its fun factor is hard to beat. Others, like Competitive Cyclist, also feature bike-fit tools that should help you determine your correct size. Super light, with a frame weighing 880 grams and a fork weighing 370 grams, the U.P.P.E.R. 700c tires are narrower than 650b options, usually weigh less, and roll faster on tarmac and most gravel paths. Checkpoint options? Most notably, it forgoes thru-axles (which add stiffness and inspire confidence during fast descents) in favor of the quick-release style. While the electric Synapse will only assist up to 20 miles per hour (similar to all class 1 e-bikes), this was enough of a grin-maker for even the most skeptical riders among us. You also miss out on some nice upgrades like hydraulic disc brakes, although the Tektro mechanicals are decent performers and dont require much in terms of maintenance. In the woods, I can confidently avoid whatever obstacles I encounter. The Topstone Alloy 1 is a great option and even comes with Shimano GRX. Another thing to mention is that I have a local dealer with the cannondale in stock. The big advantage is that the SL5 smooths your ride even more than the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5. Not only that, but I was very worried about dropping the chain at first, a concern I think you usually have as well. Rating (4.7/5.0) The 2022 Giant Revolt, Advanced 3 is in the same price range as the Cannondale Topstone 1, but I dont think its as cost-effective as the Cannondale Topstone 1. In general, 700c wheels and tires offer the best overall performance for mixed-terrain riding, and they continue to be the most common option for gravel bikes. (bikepacking, 70%road, 30% off-road) Is it worth it to spend 200 more to get the trek? Giant has built a reputation around producing high-quality bikes at affordable prices, and their Revolt Advanced 2 is a shining example. When we choose a gravel bike, we need it to be adaptable to a wider range of terrain. Youll also have to replace the sealant a couple of times per yearit has a tendency to dry and become ineffective at sealing small holes. Close. Tires are an often-overlooked component, but as the only thing connecting you to the ground, are an important consideration for gravel riding. 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