CANNONDALE TOPSTONE CARBON 3 650B – PRODUCT FEATURE

 

We’re back with another product feature! This time we’re taking a closer look at the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 650B featuring (as the model name suggests) smaller-diameter 650B wheels with fatter 47mm tyres compared to the rest of the Topstone Carbon range which are spec’d with larger diameter 700c wheels and slightly narrower tyres.

It’s a testament to just how much Cannondale understand the diverse nature of gravel biking and the many riding interpretations within ‘gravel’ that they offer a choice wheel size within the small range of Topstones. In fact Cannondale could legitimately claim to have the most varied choice of gravel bike specifications of any brand.

The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 650B is built ready to play…

 

With all Topstone Carbons featuring Cannondale’s unique Kingpin rear suspension configuration their current range of gravel bikes cater to every style of riding; for example choose the Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty for rowdy riding on the trails thanks to their super-plush 30mm travel Lefty Oliver front suspension fork, the Topstone Carbon 2 L for speedy efficiency and Bikepacking luggage carrying capacity along with the SmartSense lighting system allowing you to continue riding late into the night. Then there’s the Topstone Carbon 3 650B that we’re looking at today which is crying out to be ridden hard and on tight singletrack thanks to those fatter, more capable tyres.

Already one of the most versatile gravel bikes out there; the inclusion of 650B wheels with fatter tyres opens up your riding possibilities even more.

 

This latest generation Topstone Carbon features some really sorted geometry which is almost identical to its predecessor, because it worked! Cannondale have really nailed it when it comes to using the sort of angles that keep you stable at speed, with the bike still being agile and responsive thanks to those short chainstays. Thanks to Cannondale’s OutFront steering the Topstone Carbon 3 650B never feels skittish or nervous on the descents and when you take the bike onto tight, technical singletrack you won’t lose control or feel like the bike is getting away from you.

The geometry of the Cannondale Topstone Carbon gives a really confidence-inspiring ride.

 

The slim, flattened out top tube and junction with the seat tube is design to flex for more compliance.

 

It’s worth noting too that Cannondale have included their Proportional Response principle to the construction of each frame size in the Topstone Carbon range. This size-specific manufacturing technique involves using different carbon layups specific to the size of frame and fork meaning that every size of rider experiences exactly the same ride quality regardless of the size of Topstone Carbon they’re on.

Proportional response means that every size of rider experiences exactly the same ride quality.

 

You’ll probably already be familiar with Cannondale’s iconic Kingpin suspension system from the original Topstone Carbon; it was very much the bike’s unique selling point. When the newest version of the Topstone Carbon launched last year the same rear suspension featured a new low-friction bushing which was more durable than the previous version’s cartridge bearing setup. This simple system which relies on the engineered flex of the carbon fibre rear triangle provides 30mm of travel at the saddle and 10mm at the rear axle; it takes the sting out of rough terrain without adding any extra weight or complexity and is completely maintenance-free.

The Topstone Carbon’s unique Kingpin rear suspension configuration provides 30mm of travel at the saddle.

 

There’s an option to fit a small top tube bag to your Topstone Carbon; the perfect solution for long days in the saddle.

 

Want to run a single chainring up front? No problem, the front derailleur hanger is removable.

 

The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 650B is equipped ready to upgrade to Cannondale’s SmartSense system which entails front & rear lights, rear radar and an integrated PowerPack. This system was originally seen on the most recent-generation Cannondale Synapse endurance road bike when it caused a bit of stir, with customers indifferent to having it fitted as standard at point of purchase. Some models in the Topstone Carbon range do feature the system, however, here the Carbon 3 650B does not include it and instead features a handy cradle where the SmartSense battery would have been located. This cradle accommodates a spare inner tube and multi-tool – a nice storage solution for when you need to be well-equipped on epic gravel rides.

The small cradle sitting neatly within the frame’s downtube recess allows you to carry a tube and mini-tool on your frame.

 

The Topstone Carbon 3 650B includes a Cannondale wheel sensor which pairs up with the Cannondale App to measure key metrics.

 

Cannondale have done everything possible to encourage you to spend longer on your gravel bike. The versatility of the Topstone Carbon 3 650B shows itself in its superior carrying capability; while the bike excels at short, fast blasts around your local woods when you want to load it up and head out on a multi-day adventure there’s a ton of gear and water bottle mount bosses on the frame and fork for all of your Bikepacking luggage.

Cannondale want you to spend as much time on your bike as possible and have included multiple bolt-on bosses on the frame and forks.

 

Within the current range of Topstone Carbon bikes most models are fitted with the larger-diameter 700c wheel size option; a Topstone with this size of wheel can comfortably handle a 45mm wide tyre thanks to the ample clearance between trye and frame/fork. Here though, with the smaller diameter 650B wheelset fitted the, Topstone Carbon 3 can accommodate an even wider 47mm tyre. That’s the defining factor of this particular model, with those smaller 650B wheels and slightly fatter tyres adding more comfort and compliance to your ride while creating an even more playful and agile ride.

There’s plenty of tyre clearance even with the chunky 47mm with 650B tyres fitted.

 

Cannondale have spec’d the Topstone Carbon 3 650B with a nice mix of drivetrain components and finishing kit. Shimano take care of the groupset with a mix of 11-speed gravel-specific GRX 660 and GRX 810 components. The GRX 600 gear shifter and brake units feel great in your hands and have been designed to provide light, crisp gear selections as well as powerful hydraulic braking even when your hands are positioned on the hoods thanks to a clever tweak to the position of the brake lever pivot. The Shimano GRX 810 11-speed rear derailleur moves flawlessly through the block giving you all the gear ratios you’ll need, regardless of whether you’re flying downhill on a smooth tarmac road or are slowly inching your way up a steep, loose gravel climb.

An 11-speed Shimano GRX 810 rear derailleur takes cares of gear shifting duties and performs flawlessly.

 

The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 650B boasts a conventional threaded bottom bracket as opposed to the press-fit option seen on the previous generation Topstone. The return of the threaded bottom bracket is pretty universal across all leading bike brands and the rational is twofold; first off it makes home bike maintenance easier and means speedy bottom bracket changes are a more realistic option – a plus if you’re touring remote areas of the world on your Topstone! Secondly, by moving away from press-fit to a threaded bottom bracket any potential for unwanted noise reverberating through the frame is removed. Cannondale have paired the threaded bottom bracket with an FSA Gossamer Pro Modular AGX+ crankset featuring 46/30T chainrings which, when combined with the 11-34T cassette will give you all the gear ratios you’ll need regardless of whether you’re zipping along on the tarmac or grovelling up a steep gravel climb.

An FSA Gossamer Pro Modular AGX+ crankset featuring 46/30T chainrings will give you all the gear ratios you’ll need.

 

Shimano GRX 600 shifters provide instantaneous, light-feeling gear shifts, even in difficult riding conditions.

 

Shimano GRX 600 hydraulic brake calipers provide consistent braking performance, delivering just the right amount of breaking power when you need it.

 

The Cannondale 3 alloy handlebars feature a nice 16 degree flare at the drops to help give you a wider stance when you’re descending on the drops; it’s amazing how this small change to handlebar configuration can give you a much more confidence-inspiring ride. You feel way more in control on fast, technical descents and are encouraged to wrestle the bike through technical terrain thanks to the extra leverage provided. Cannondale have spec’d the Topstone Carbon 3 650B with a conventional alloy seatpost, however, if you find your riding getting ever more rowdy and you’re pushing the limits of control you may prefer to retro fit a dropper post; the frame can accommodate internal cable routing for a dropper post should you decide to fit one.

A pair of gravel-specific Cannondale 3 alloy handlebars with a subtle flair at the drops puts you in a confidence-inspiring position.

 

All of the latest-generation Cannondale Topstone Carbons include a significant change to their wheel and frame configuration compared to the previous Topstone. Gone is their unique Ai system which required the rear wheel to dished differently to a conventional wheel. This meant that swapping out wheels from one bike to another was more complicated than it needed to be; now all wheels feature standard dishing for easy interchangeability. The other improvement is seen in the mud-shedding clearance capability of the new Topstone thanks to that new dropped drive-side chainstay.

Increased tyre clearance and conventional wheel spacing, it’s a win win!

 

Those 650B wheels which give this bike its model name are more compact and robust than their 700c counterparts and are begging to be ridden hard over technical off-road terrain. Cannondale have spec’d a durable pair of WTB ST i25 TCS 650B rims laced to smooth-rolling Formula hubs featuring hard-wearing cartridge bearings. Shod with 47mm wide Vittoria Terreno Dry 650B tyres this Topstone will zip along on tarmac with the minimal tyre tread rolling along efficiently without any unwanted drag; swing the bike off-road though and there’s just enough grip to keep you in control and riding in confidence when the ground gets loose and unpredictable.

Wide volume Vittoria Terreno Dry tyres, roll fast, grip well and add provide enhanced comfort over rough terrain thanks to their larger size.

 

Cannondale nailed the Topstone’s geometry on the previous version, so remains the same for the latest iteration. 

 

As we’ve already highlighted Cannondale have certainly brought an incredibly versatile range of carbon gravel bikes to the market with their Topstone Carbon bikes. Reflecting a good understanding of the subtle differences in the way that riders are using their gravel bikes they’ve ensured there’s an option for every style of riding. The Topstone Carbon 3 650B is a fantastic choice for someone looking for a simple gravel bike that’s built to take on more technical, playful terrain without the need for the sort of front suspension seen on some of the other Topstone models where Cannondale’s Lefty fork is spec’d. The Kingpin rear suspension configuration will do a great job of isolating you from the roughest terrain you can find while those compact 650B wheels and fatter tyres will help keep you in control when things get rowdy and allow you to really throw the bike around. If your gravel riding is firmly focused on fast, fun off-road riding the Topstone Carbon 3 650B is the gravel bike for you!

Already super-versatile, the inclusion of the alternatively sized 650B wheels adds another dimension to your gravel riding.

 

Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 650B RRP £3,200.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: Topstone Carbon, Kingpin suspension system, SmartSense compatible, Proportional Response construction, 12x142mm thru-axle, 27.2 dropper post compatible, BSA 68mm threaded BB, DirectLine internal cable routing, removable fender bridge, multiple gear/bottle mounts
• Fork: Topstone Carbon, 1-1/8″ to 1.5″ steerer, 55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc, internal routing, 12×100 thru-axle, triple bottle/gear mounts, fender mounts
• Headset: Integrated, 1-1/8″ – 1-1/2″
• Handlebar: Cannondale 3, butted 6061 Alloy, 16 deg flare drop
• Handlebar Tape: Fizik Solocush Soft, 3mm
• Stem: Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7°
• Shifters: Shimano GRX 600, 11-speed
• Brake Levers: Shimano GRX 600 hydraulic disc
• Brake Calipers: Shimano GRX 600 hydraulic disc
• Brake Rotors: 160/160mm RT64
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano GRX 810, Shadow RD+
• Front Derailleur: Shimano GRX 810, braze-on
• Chain: Shimano HG601, 11-speed
• Wheel Rims: WTB ST i25 TCS, 650b, 28h, tubeless ready
• Spokes: Stainless Steel, 14g
• Hubs: (F) Formula cartridge bearing, 12x100mm, centerlock / (R) Formula cartridge bearing, 12x142mm, centerlock
• Wheel Sensor: Cannondale Wheel Sensor
• Tyres: Vittoria Terreno Dry 650 x 47c ANT tubeless compatible
• Crankset: FSA Gossamer Pro Modular AGX+, 46/30
• Bottom Brackett: Shimano BSA 68
• Cassette: Shimano HG700, 11-34, 11-speed
• Chain: Shimano HG601, 11-speed
• Seatpost: Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 27.2 x 350mm
• Saddle: Fizik Aliante Delta, S-alloy rails
• Accessory: StrapRack Tool Holder

 

Last year shortly after the launch of the all-new range of Topstone Carbons we got our hands on a Topstone Carbon 2L from Cannondale for a long-term test. This model features the larger diameter 700c wheelset; you can read our product feature HERE.

A while back we took a look at the Topstone Carbon 2 L. You can watch our bike check video HERE.

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

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