This 2022 Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 review covers the key features on the most comfortable gravel bike this year. In fact, the Topstone made the number two spot for Gravel Bike of the Year because it has comfort technology. The Carbon 3 model is mid-range in the overall Topstone lineup.
The price tag on a 2022 Topstone Carbon 3 is $3,000, and its a phenomenal value for cyclists looking at gravel bikes. It comes with the Shimano GRX 800/600 groupset that includes a 2×11 drivetrain. The 800 series is lighter and has more accurate shifting than 400 series GRX. It’s a great upgrade over lower cost versions of the Topstone.
2022 Topstone Carbon 3 Weight
The 2022 Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 weighs 23.3 pounds. That is impressive for a bike offering rear suspension with 30mm of travel. The comfort gains make up for the bike being heavy, at least when compared to the Checkpoint and Diverge from Trek and Specialized, respectively.
The weight will only be bothersome for cyclists doing a lot of climbing. If you live in the mountains there is a better gravel bike out there for you, but for everyone else the Topstone is going to be great. The bike I weighed had the Quicksand paint scheme. The 2022 Topstone Carbon 3 also comes in a carbon paint color, and ‘they’ say carbon is always lighter. 😉
It’s also worth noting, Cannondale doesn’t give an official weight on the Topstone 3. This is due to component availability and other factors with supply chain issues related to Covid-19.
Cannondale Topstone Carbon Key Features
One key feature included on all the carbon frame Topstone gravel bikes is Kingpin Suspension. It is not a traditional suspension system. Topstone Carbon frames are built with a flex zone in the seatpost. The flex zone provides roughly 30mm of travel to the saddle. The seatstay is connected to the seatpost via thru axle. That thru axle allows rotation when the frame is flexing.
The Kingpin system is unique because it is still stiff when climbing or on smooth pavement. You don’t have to sacrifice efficiency for a more comfortable ride thanks to the Kingpin on the Topstone Carbon gravel bikes.
Tire sizes vary across all Topstone models. The 2022 Carbon 3 comes with 45c WTB Riddler tires. One easy way to cut weight is by changing those tires. You can find really good gravel tires in 35-40c sizing that will offer better flat protection and an equally comfortable ride. Doing so will save weight and improve efficiency when riding.
Personally, I love the feel of the 38c MAXXIS Rambler. It is aggressive giving plenty of traction on gravel, but still buttery smooth on pavement. (Check Current Price on Amazon)
2022 Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 Overall
Overall this is a bike loaded with features to make gravel biking more comfortable. It may come with a small weight penalty, but the trade off is worth it. The Topstone Carbon 3 is for cyclists that want speed, but they prioritize comfort for longer rides.
Cannondale makes it easy to buy with confidence. The Topstone Carbon bikes have a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner. You must register the bike to qualify for the warranty. If your local bike shop doesn’t take care of registration, you can self-register on Cannondale.com.
If you enjoyed this 2022 Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 review, read about my top pick for 2022 Gravel Bike of the Year:
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23 pounds, seriously? That’s heavy. Did you weigh it? The aluminum Topstone 2 is listed at 22lbs. 10oz.