New Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty AXS 2025 – First Ride Review

With the brand-new 2025 Topstone Carbon, Cannondale are aiming to dominate the all-round gravel segment. The third generation of the American brand’s off-road machine doesn’t just come with the latest version of the Lefty Oliver fork but also features top-notch integration and plenty of mounting points. But how did the 2025 Cannondale Topstone Carbon perform in our first ride review?

Just weeks after unveiling the new Super X, Cannondale are already launching their second gravel bike of the year. However, unlike the race-focused Super X, the Topstone stays true to its roots as a versatile all-rounder. Whether it’s a quick post-work spin, a long weekend ride, or a full-blown bikepacking adventure into the unknown, Cannondale are confident that the Topstone Carbon is the perfect choice.
Of course, potential alone isn’t enough – the tech has to back it up. And here, Cannondale pulled out all the stops. With the refined Lefty Oliver suspension fork and KingPin flex at the rear, even the roughest gravel tracks should feel smoother. That said, all of this comes at a price– € 6,899 to be exact. So, where’s the catch?

Big Tires and Plenty of Compliance – The suspension of the 2025 Cannondale Topstone Carbon

The Cannondale Topstone Carbon is all about versatility – but what does this actually mean in practice? A quick look at the model range reveals a key choice: do you prioritise compliance, or rather choose maximum tire clearance and bikepacking qualities?
The Topstone is available in different specs. Our test bike features Cannondale’s in-house Lefty Oliver suspension fork, but there’s also a rigid fork version designed for bikepacking. And it’s not just about comfort – the Lefty Oliver limits tire clearance to 47 mm, whereas the rigid fork allows for tires up to 56 mm wide. To complicate matters further, Cannondale also capped the frame’s tire clearance at 52 mm.

Limitations aside, the Lefty Oliver fork is still an impressive piece of engineering. The latest version of Cannondale’s signature, single-sided fork now offers 40 mm of travel– 10 mm more than before– and comes with a range of adjustments. You can fine-tune the air pressure to set the spring rate, tweak the rebound damping, and lock it out completely when efficiency is the priority. If you like to fine-tune your fork, you can use volume spacers to increase the final progression.

Paired with the KingPin suspension at the rear, this setup is designed to deliver a smooth, controlled ride. It also makes the Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty AXS one of the few full-suspension gravel bikes on the market.
Unlike the fork, however, KingPin keep things relatively simple. The key lies in a free-moving pivot between the seat stays and seat tube, which allows the rear triangle to flex. Additional flex zones in the chainstays provide up to 30 mm of travel – without the complexity of a traditional shock.

Comfort isn’t everything – the spec options of the 2025 Cannondale Topstone Carbon

Even the most comfortable ride needs some storage, and Cannondale have thought of that too. The new Topstone Carbon comes with an integrated storage compartment in the downtube, complete with an internal pouch to keep your essentials neatly organised.
In addition to the two standard bottle cage mounts inside the frame, there’s another mount under the downtube. You can also fit a frame bag on the top tube, which makes it easy to quickly grab a gel or energy bar. . The rigid fork version also features mounting points for bigger bikepacking loads, which makes it perfectly suitable for long-distance adventures. Mudguards can be retrofitted as well, though unfortunately, that’s not an option for models with the Lefty fork.

A standard seatpost rounds off the package, making it easy to fit a dropper or another aftermarket post. But what really gives the Cannondale Topstone Carbon its modern edge is the near-total cable integration. The only exception is the front brake hose on the models with Lefty Oliver fork, which, due to the design, has to be routed externally.

The 2025 Cannondale Topstone Carbon in Detail

With or without suspension fork, electronic or mechanical shifting, 1x or 2x drivetrain – anything goes. The Cannondale Topstone Carbon range reflects this versatility perfectly.
Our test bike is the only one in the entire lineup that comes equipped with a Lefty Oliver suspension fork. It rolls on Reserve 40 | 44 rims paired with DT Swiss 350 hubs. Shifting is taken care of by a mixed SRAM drivetrain, with Rival AXS shifters, a GX Eagle T-Type rear derailleur, a 10–52T cassette, and a Rival crankset with a 42T chainring. With this setup, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty AXS is well-equipped for even the steepest climbs.

SARM Rival AXS brakes do stopping duties. The WTB Raddler tires add to the bike’s all-terrain capability, offering plenty of grip across a wide range of surfaces. The cockpit consists of Easton EA70 AX handlebars and a Cannondale C1 Conceal stem. At 440 mm wide, the handlebars are well suited for all-round gravel riding, though its round aluminium shape isn’t the most ergonomic.
All in, the bike weighs 9.88 kg, retailing at € 6,899.

Alongside our test model, Cannondale offer four more variants with a rigid fork. The LTD Di2 edition comes equipped with a Shimano GRX Di2 groupset and Reserve 40 | 44 wheels with DT Swiss 240 hubs for € 7,499.
There’s also a more affordable SRAM Apex AXS version with WTB wheels, priced at € 4,299, as well as two entry-level models with cable-operated Shimano GRX drivetrain and WTB wheels for € 3,999 and € 3,299, respectively.

The geometry of the 2025 Cannondale Topstone Carbon

For 2025, Cannondale expanded the size range of the Topstone Carbon, which is now available in a total of six frame sizes. At the same time, they’ve moved away from the previous M, L, and XL sizing, using traditional frame size measurements instead.
The geometry is well-balanced, and is designed to strike en optimal balance between composure and precise handling. The 420 mm chainstays enable a compact rear end, allowing for direct power transfer while still ensuring smooth, composed handling over long distances. The slack 70.7° head angle provides confident, planted steering, especially on fast descents and loose terrain.
A stack-to-reach ratio of 1.56 suggests a relaxed riding position, making the Topstone Carbon an excellent choice for long days in the saddle. It’s clearly aimed at riders who prioritise comfort and control without sacrificing a sporty feel.

Size	47	51	54	56	58	61
Seat Tube Length	410 mm	446 mm	482 mm	518 mm	554 mm	590 mm
Top Tube Length (Horizontal)	532 mm	543 mm	554 mm	564 mm	576 mm	593 mm
Head Tube Angle	69.9°	70.7°	70.7°	70.7°	70.7°	70.7°
Seat Tube Angle	73.1°	73.1°	73.1°	73.1°	73.1°	73.1°
Standover Height	716 mm	741 mm	772 mm	800 mm	831 mm	864 mm
Head Tube Length	97 mm	101 mm	123 mm	142 mm	164 mm	194 mm
Wheelbase	1009 mm	1012 mm	1026 mm	1035 mm	1050 mm	1069 mm
Front Center	601 mm	603 mm	613 mm	617 mm	624 mm	659 mm
Chain Stay Length	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm
Bottom Bracket Drop	79 mm	79 mm	76 mm	76 mm	76 mm	74 mm
Bottom Bracket Height	280 mm	280 mm	283 mm	283 mm	283 mm	285 mm
Fork Rake	53 mm	53 mm	53 mm	53 mm	53 mm	53 mm
Trail	73 mm	67 mm	67 mm	67 mm	67 mm	67 mm
Stack	554 mm	567 mm	579 mm	597 mm	615 mm	640 mm
Reach	364 mm	373 mm	382 mm	386 mm	389 mm	397 mm

Suspension dilemma or comfort revolution? – First ride review of the 2025 Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty AXS

The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty AXS is packed with technical innovation– but how does it perform on the gravel? One thing becomes clear straight away: the suspension works exceptionally well. Both the Lefty Oliver fork and the KingPin system at the rear effectively absorb bumps and vibrations. Together, they ensure a smooth,comfortable ride, making the Topstone an excellent companion for long gravel adventures. The only trade-off? When you’re pushing for maximum speed and efficiency, the suspension sucks up some of your power.
Adding to the comfort is the well-balanced, central riding position, which is designed for adventure gravel riding and tackling trails. The slightly taller front end boosts confidence and control, especially in rough terrain. With its stable yet playful handling and grippy WTB Raddler tires, the Topstone Carbon encourages bold moves and invites you to explore beyond the beaten path.

Tuning tipp: Ergonomic handlebars for more comfort.

In terms of efficiency, the Topstone lags behind its race-focused sibling, the SuperX. But considering its high comfort levels, overall weight, and relatively slow-rolling tires, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty AXS performs surprisingly well. The same goes for acceleration– by adventure bike standards, the Topstone picks up speed willingly. It’s only on the climbs that you start noticing that it weighs nearly 10 kg. However, thanks to the massive gear range of its mullet setup, this isn’t much of an issue– you just spin up the climbs at a more relaxed pace.
All in all, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty AXS is a fun and versatile bike that truly shines when it comes to comfort.

What type of rider is the 2025 Cannondale Topstone Carbon ?

As an adventure-ready trail shredder, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon impresses with its playful, responsive handling and outstanding comfort. But it’s not just at home on the trails– its versatility in both ride characteristics and features makes it a true all-rounder. With plenty of mounting points and storage options, it’s ready for bikepacking trips, long explorations, or simply an enjoyable cruise.
For those who don’t need a race-focused gravel bike, the Topstone Carbon is a capable companion that can handle just about any situation.

Conclusions about the 2025 Cannondale Topstone Carbon

The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty AXS 2025 is an outstanding all-rounder that delivers across the board. With its playful, intuitive handling, innovative features, and high comfort levels, it’s the perfect companion for any gravel adventure. The only minor drawbacks are the relatively high weight of 9.88 kg and the limited tire clearance of the Lefty Oliver fork. But once you drop back down into the valley, the perfectly-tuned suspension will have you grinning from ear to ear again.

More information at cannondale.com.

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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Jan Fock