Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty 2025: Full-Suspension Gravel Bike for Ultimate Adventures

The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty, first introduced in 2020 and revamped for 2025, is a trailblazing gravel bike that redefines performance on diverse terrains. Featuring Cannondale’s signature Kingpin rear suspension and the upgraded Lefty Oliver Carbon fork with 40mm of travel, this bike offers unmatched comfort and control for gravel racing, bikepacking, or technical singletrack. Equipped with a SRAM Rival/GX Eagle AXS 12-speed drivetrain, Reserve carbon wheels, and integrated storage, the Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty is built for riders who push boundaries. Discover why this bike sets the standard for full-suspension gravel riding.

Release Date

• Launch Date: Initially released in May 2020, with significant updates for the 2025 model introduced in March 2025
• Availability: Available since 2020, with the 2025 model widely available in select markets since March 2025

Key Features and Specifications

Lightweight Frameset with Full Suspension

• Frame: Topstone Carbon, Kingpin suspension system (30mm travel), Proportional Response construction, 12x142mm thru-axle, BSA 68mm threaded bottom bracket, UDH rear dropout
• Fork: Lefty Oliver Carbon, 40mm travel, lockout, Chamber Damper with All-Over tune, tapered steerer, 700c, 55mm offset
• Tire Clearance: Up to 47mm (Lefty fork), 52mm (frame), or 56mm (rigid fork variant)
• Weight: Approximately 9.88 kg (21.8 lbs, size 56)

The 2025 model features a refined carbon frame with internal cable routing, a StashPort downtube storage compartment, and a dropped chainstay design for enhanced tire clearance. The Kingpin suspension provides 30mm of rear travel via a flexing rear triangle, while the Lefty Oliver fork’s 40mm travel (up from 30mm in previous models) ensures a smooth, precise ride.

High-Performance Drivetrain

• Groupset: SRAM Rival/GX Eagle AXS, 12-speed
• Crankset: SRAM Rival DUB Wide, 42T
• Cassette: SRAM GX XS-1275, 10-52T, T-Type
• Chain: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission, 12-speed
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission
• Shifters: SRAM Rival AXS, 12-speed

The wireless SRAM AXS drivetrain offers precise, reliable shifting with a wide gear range, ideal for steep climbs, loaded bikepacking, or high-speed gravel sprints.

Advanced Braking and Wheels

• Brakes: SRAM Rival hydraulic disc, 160/160mm CenterLine rotors
• Wheels: Reserve 40|44 GR Carbon, 700c, 27mm internal width (40mm front, 44mm rear), tubeless-ready
• Tires: WTB Raddler TCS Light, 700x44c, tubeless-ready (Europe/UK: Vittoria Mezcal III, 700x44c ANT)
• Hubs: Lefty 50 (front), DT Swiss 370 (rear)
• Spokes: Sapim flat spokes

The carbon Reserve wheels reduce weight and enhance ride quality, while the hydraulic disc brakes provide confident stopping power in all conditions.

Comfort and Handling

• Seatpost: SAVE Carbon, 27.2mm (350mm for sizes 47–56, 400mm for 58–61)
• Saddle: Fizik Terra Argo X5, S-alloy rails
• Handlebar: Easton EA70 AX, 440mm, aluminum
• Stem: Cannondale C1 Conceal, alloy, 31.8mm, -6°
• Grips: Cannondale KnurlCork, 2.7mm

The SAVE carbon seatpost and Kingpin suspension absorb vibrations, while the OutFront steering geometry (70.7° head angle, 55mm fork offset) ensures stable yet agile handling. The 2025 model features a relaxed reach for a more comfortable riding position.

Smart Features and Integration

• Storage: StashPort downtube compartment with StashBag for essentials
• Mounts: Multiple gear, water bottle, and top tube mounts for bikepacking
• Connectivity: Cannondale Wheel Sensor for speed, distance, and service tracking
• Cable Routing: Fully internal via headset, except for external front brake hose (Lefty fork design)
• Dropper Post Compatibility: Internal routing for 27.2mm dropper post

The StashPort and integrated cable routing enhance practicality and aesthetics, while the wheel sensor connects to the Cannondale app for ride data.

Additional Highlights

• Geometry: Proportional Response design for size-specific ride quality (sizes 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61)
• Colors: Black, other select options
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty on frame, 1-year on components

Geometry (Size 56)

• Seat Tube Length: 518 mm
• Top Tube Length: 564 mm
• Head Tube Angle: 70.7°
• Seat Tube Angle: 73.1°
• Stack: 597 mm
• Reach: 386 mm
• Wheelbase: 1035 mm
• Chainstay Length: 420 mm
• Bottom Bracket Drop: 76 mm
• Bottom Bracket Height: 283 mm

The 2025 geometry balances comfort and sportiness, with a slack 70.7° head angle and compact chainstays for confident descents and agile handling.

Why Choose the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty?

The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty stands out for its full-suspension design, combining the 30mm Kingpin rear suspension with the 40mm Lefty Oliver fork for unmatched comfort on technical terrain. Its SRAM Rival/GX Eagle AXS drivetrain delivers precise shifting, while the Reserve carbon wheels and WTB Raddler tires ensure a smooth, grippy ride. Compared to competitors like the Trek Checkpoint SL or Specialized Diverge STR, the Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty offers superior suspension performance and a unique single-sided fork design, though its 9.88 kg weight is slightly heavier. The StashPort storage, SmartSense-ready frame, and bikepacking mounts make it a versatile choice for gravel racing, long-distance adventures, or off-road exploration.

Ride Without Limits with the Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty

The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty, updated for 2025, is your ultimate companion for conquering gravel, dirt, and singletrack. With its innovative suspension, lightweight carbon frame, and advanced features, this bike delivers a class-leading ride. Join the gravel revolution and experience the Topstone’s unmatched performance today!