The good thing about a gravel bike is you can ride on the road, turn onto gravel and keep going. You can use one around Christchurch, ride the Little River Rail Trail or pack some bags and head away for a few days.
In the Cannondale range, the Topstone is the all-rounder. It’s the bike we’d look at for gravel roads, longer rides and bikepacking. The SuperX is more focused on going fast and racing.
If you’re not sure which one suits you, here’s a run through the range and what we’d consider before choosing.
A Bit of Cannondale History
Cannondale started in Connecticut in 1971, making outdoor and cycling products before introducing its first bike in 1983.
That first bike was an aluminium touring bike. At the time, most bikes were made from steel, but Cannondale went down a different path with large-diameter aluminium tubing. The company became well known for its aluminium frames, and they’re still part of the range today.
Cannondale has come up with some interesting ideas over the years. The single-sided Lefty fork is probably the one most people recognise. There’s a gravel version called the Lefty Oliver, which you’ll find on some Topstone models.
The Topstone Carbon also has Cannondale’s Kingpin system at the rear. We’ll get into what that does below.
Why Choose a Gravel Bike?
For most people, it comes down to being able to ride in more places on the same bike.
Gravel bikes have drop handlebars like a road bike, but usually have room for wider tyres. That extra tyre width helps with comfort and grip on rough chipseal, gravel roads and formed trails.
Many also have lower gearing for climbing and mounting points for bottles and bags. You can use one for:
- Road rides and rough chipseal
- Gravel roads and Canterbury back roads
- Rail trails and suitable cycle trails
- Commuting and everyday riding
- Gravel events and racing
- Bikepacking and longer rides carrying your own gear
They’re capable bikes, but they don’t replace a mountain bike for every ride. If your regular route includes steep, rocky singletrack, jumps or technical descents, a mountain bike is likely to suit you better.
Cannondale Gravel Bikes at a Glance
| Bike | What It’s Made For | Who Should Look at It? |
|---|---|---|
| Topstone CAAD 2 | All-round gravel riding with an aluminium frame | Riders looking for a bike for commuting, gravel roads and weekend exploring |
| Topstone Carbon | Gravel riding with a carbon frame and Kingpin rear suspension | Riders who enjoy longer days, rougher roads and bikepacking |
| Topstone Carbon Lefty | Topstone Carbon with a Lefty Oliver suspension fork | Riders who want more comfort and control on rough gravel |
| SuperX | Fast gravel riding and racing | Riders who want a race-focused gravel bike |
| LAB71 SuperX Frameset | High-end custom gravel builds | Riders who want to choose their own components |
Models and sizes can change. Check our Cannondale gravel collection, or give us a call if you’re looking for a particular bike.
Cannondale Topstone CAAD 2 CUES 1x
The Topstone CAAD 2 CUES 1x is an aluminium gravel bike for riders who want one bike for a mix of riding.
It has a carbon fork, Shimano CUES 11-speed gears and hydraulic disc brakes. There’s one chainring at the front, so you only need to shift at the rear. The wide-range cassette gives you an easier gear for hills.
The 45 mm tyres are suited to sealed roads, gravel and suitable cycle trails. There are also mounts for bottles and gear, plus provision for racks and mudguards if you want to use the bike for commuting or longer trips.
Our thoughts: If you want a gravel bike you can ride to work during the week and take exploring at the weekend, have a look at the CAAD 2. The simple gearing and mounting points make it a practical bike to live with.
Cannondale Topstone Carbon
The Topstone Carbon is for riders who want a carbon frame and a bit more comfort on rough gravel.
Its Kingpin system allows controlled movement at the rear of the frame. When you’re sitting down and pedalling over rough gravel or corrugations, it helps take some of the sting out of the ride and lets the rear wheel follow the ground.
It isn’t full suspension like you’d find on a mountain bike. It’s a small amount of movement, but you may appreciate it after a few hours on rough gravel.
Topstone Carbon Models to Compare
Topstone Carbon 3 GRX 1x
Shimano GRX gearing with one front chainring. It’s a good option if you want straightforward shifting for gravel roads and mixed-surface rides.
Topstone Carbon 3 GRX 2x
Shimano GRX gears and two front chainrings. It’s useful if you ride plenty of sealed road as well as gravel and like smaller steps between gears.
Topstone Carbon 2 AXS 1x
One front chainring and SRAM AXS electronic shifting. There’s no front derailleur, so you only need to shift at the rear.
Topstone Carbon 1 AXS
A higher-spec build with SRAM AXS and carbon wheels. Have a look at this one if you spend a lot of time on the bike and want more of the upgrades included from the start.
Check each listing for the full specification and available sizes.
Our thoughts: If you ride a lot of rough gravel, the Topstone Carbon is worth considering for the extra comfort. The different builds give you a choice of gearing and components depending on what you want to spend.
Topstone Carbon Lefty
The Lefty looks unusual, but it’s a suspension fork made for gravel riding.
The Topstone Carbon LTD Lefty AXS uses a Lefty Oliver fork with 40 mm of front travel. It helps the front wheel follow rough ground and reduces some of the jarring through the handlebars.
The bike also has Kingpin at the rear, SRAM Force AXS shifting and Reserve carbon wheels.
Our thoughts: You don’t have to have suspension to enjoy gravel. If the roads you ride are often rough or corrugated, the Lefty is worth a look. It’ll take the edge off rough gravel, but it won’t turn the bike into a mountain bike.
Cannondale SuperX
If you’re getting into gravel racing and want a fast bike, the SuperX is the one we’d show you.
It’s Cannondale’s race-focused gravel bike, built for riders who enjoy pushing the pace at events or on fast gravel rides.
The Topstone is where we’d start for all-round riding, bikepacking and longer days on mixed surfaces. If racing is higher on your list, take a closer look at the SuperX.
LAB71 SuperX Frameset
The Cannondale LAB71 SuperX Frameset is an option if you want to choose your own groupset, wheels, tyres and cockpit.
Cannondale lists clearance for tyres up to 48 mm at the frame and 51 mm at the fork. Tyre dimensions vary between brands and rims, so the actual clearance still needs to be checked.
Our thoughts: If you’re planning a custom gravel bike, come and have a chat. We can help you choose the parts and make sure they’ll fit.
Topstone or SuperX?
| Feature | Topstone | SuperX |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | All-round gravel riding and longer days | Fast gravel riding and racing |
| Frame options | Aluminium CAAD or carbon, depending on model | Race-focused carbon models and framesets |
| Comfort | Topstone Carbon uses Kingpin; selected builds add a Lefty fork | Designed with race performance in mind |
| Best suited to | Back roads, bikepacking, events and exploring | Racing, fast events and performance builds |
You can race a Topstone and take a SuperX out for a long ride. Think about the riding you do most often, then make sure the bike fits you properly.
Where Can You Ride a Gravel Bike?
You don’t need to head away for a week to enjoy a gravel bike. A local loop with a gravel road in the middle is enough to get started. If you’re planning a trip, here are a few rides to consider.
Little River Rail Trail, Canterbury
The Little River Rail Trail is a handy ride from Christchurch. It has a mix of surfaces and generally gentle gradients, and you can ride a section or make a longer day of it.
Some sections use roads, so check the route before you leave.
Otago Central Rail Trail
The Otago Central Rail Trail follows the old railway through Central Otago. It’s a good trip to do over a few days, with places to stop along the way.
There can be loose gravel in places. Choose tyres you’re comfortable on and take care around walkers and other riders.
Alps 2 Ocean
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail has a mix of surfaces. Some sections are narrower and more demanding than others, so check the details and choose sections that suit your experience and bike.
Molesworth Muster Trail
The Molesworth Muster Trail is a bigger undertaking for experienced riders. It’s mostly gravel and passes through remote high country.
Check access and road conditions before you go. Plan for changing weather, limited phone coverage, food, water and a way to get help if you need it.
Canterbury Back Roads
There are plenty of gravel roads around Canterbury. You can link them with sealed roads to make a loop.
Check road access and conditions, watch for traffic, and be considerate around farms, homes and other road users.
What Tyres Should You Use?
The tyres fitted to your bike are a starting point. Once you’ve spent some time riding, you might want to choose something that better suits the roads you use most.
- Mostly sealed roads: A smoother, faster-rolling tyre can work well.
- A mix of road and gravel: Look for a tyre that rolls easily but still has grip for loose corners.
- Rougher gravel: A wider tyre with more tread can add comfort and control.
- Wet or loose conditions: A more open tread can help, but you’ll still need to choose your line and adjust your speed.
Pressure matters too. The right pressure depends on your weight, the tyre and rim, and the surface you’re riding. Stay within the tyre and rim limits, and ask us if you’d like help finding a starting point.
Should You Go Tubeless?
A tubeless setup uses a compatible tyre and rim, a sealed valve and liquid sealant instead of an inner tube.
The sealant can plug many small punctures while you ride. Tubeless can also allow lower pressures for comfort and grip, provided you stay within the tyre and rim manufacturer’s limits.
We’d still carry a spare tube and know how to fit it. A bigger cut doesn’t always seal, and it’s good to have another way home.
Our workshop can help with tubeless setup and show you what to carry.
Not sure which sealant to use? Our Tyre Sealant Buyer’s Guide covers sealant for gravel bikes, along with tubeless valves and what to check before setting up your tyres.
1x or 2x Gearing?
You’ll see both 1x and 2x drivetrains on gravel bikes.
1x: One Front Chainring
A 1x bike has one chainring at the front and a range of gears at the back. There’s no front derailleur, so you only need to think about shifting at the rear.
It’s a good choice if you like simple shifting or spend more of your time off-road.
2x: Two Front Chainrings
A 2x bike has two chainrings at the front. Depending on the gearing fitted, it can give you a wide range with smaller steps between some gears.
It’s worth considering if you ride plenty of sealed road as well as gravel, or like being able to fine-tune your pedalling rhythm.
Neither is better for everyone. Look at the chainrings and cassette, and think about the hills you ride and whether you’ll be carrying luggage.
Can You Go Bikepacking on a Gravel Bike?
Yes. You don’t need to start with a week-long trip either. An overnight ride or a long day carrying your own gear is a good way to work out what you need.
A saddle bag, handlebar bag and top-tube bag can carry the basics. A frame bag can add more room without putting everything on your back.
Before buying bags or racks, check the mounting points and weight limits for your particular bike. Topstone and SuperX models don’t all have the same fittings, and not every frame is designed for the same rack setup.
What Should You Carry?
For a short ride close to home, you can keep things simple. If you’re heading further away, we’d usually take:
- A spare tube, even if you’re running tubeless
- Tyre levers and a pump or suitable inflation system
- A multi-tool
- A tubeless plug kit if your tyres are tubeless
- Water and enough food for the ride
- A phone and a way to navigate
- An extra layer to suit the conditions
For remote trips, think about the weather, water, a backup plan and how you’ll get help if something goes wrong.
Which Cannondale Gravel Bike Should You Choose?
- For a first gravel bike: Look at the Topstone CAAD 2 CUES 1x.
- For longer rides and rough roads: Look at the Topstone Carbon.
- For rough gravel and front suspension: Consider the Topstone Carbon Lefty.
- For racing and fast gravel rides: Take a closer look at the SuperX.
- For a custom race build: Start with the LAB71 SuperX Frameset and choose your own parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a gravel bike on the road?
Yes. A gravel bike is a good option if you want to ride on the road and take the occasional gravel detour. Your tyres and gearing will affect how it feels on the seal.
Can I ride a gravel bike on mountain bike trails?
Some smoother, less technical trails may be suitable, depending on your bike, tyres and experience. Steep, rocky or technical trails are generally better suited to a mountain bike.
Is the Topstone a good first gravel bike?
Yes. The Topstone CAAD 2 is an option for getting started. If you want a carbon frame and the Kingpin system, compare it with a Topstone Carbon.
What does Kingpin do?
Kingpin allows controlled movement at the rear of the Topstone Carbon frame. It’s designed to help with comfort and traction on rough ground without using a conventional rear shock.
Is the Lefty fork only for mountain bikes?
No. Cannondale makes the Lefty Oliver for gravel riding. The Topstone Carbon LTD Lefty listed above uses a Lefty Oliver with 40 mm of travel.
Can I ride the Otago Central Rail Trail on a gravel bike?
Yes. A gravel bike with suitable tyres can be a good choice. Check the current trail conditions and make sure your setup suits your experience and the luggage you’re carrying.
Can Chain Reaction help with setup and servicing?
Yes. Our Christchurch workshop can help with sizing, tyre choice, tubeless setup, servicing and upgrades. We can also talk you through bags and accessories for the riding you have planned.
Need Help Choosing?
If you’re deciding between a Topstone CAAD and Carbon, wondering whether the Lefty is for you, or planning a SuperX build, come in and have a chat.
Tell us where you want to ride and what you’re riding now. We’ll help you work through the options and find the right size.
Visit Chain Reaction at 4/218 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch. We have over 200 free car parks on-site.
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Shop Cannondale Gravel Bikes at Chain Reaction
