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

Combining Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty Kingpin rear suspension (30mm travel) with the Lefty Oliver Carbon fork (40mm travel), this bike offers a smooth, controlled ride on gravel, dirt, or singletrack. With its SRAM Rival/GX Eagle AXS 12-speed drivetrain, Reserve carbon wheels, and StashPort storage, the Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty excels in gravel racing, long-distance bikepacking, and off-road exploration. Discover why this bike redefines gravel performance.

Release Date

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

Key Features and Specifications

Advanced 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 (with rigid fork)
• Weight: Approximately 9.88 kg (21.8 lbs, size 56)

The 2025 frame features a lightweight carbon construction with internal cable routing, a StashPort downtube storage compartment, and a dropped chainstay for enhanced tire clearance. The Kingpin suspension uses a flexing rear triangle for 30mm of travel, while the Lefty Oliver fork’s 40mm travel (up from 30mm in prior models) ensures precise handling and comfort.

Precision Drivetrain

• Groupset: SRAM Rival/GX Eagle AXS, 12-speed, wireless
• 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 SRAM AXS drivetrain provides seamless, wireless shifting with a wide gear range, perfect for steep climbs, loaded bikepacking, or high-speed gravel sprints.

High-Performance 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 lightweight Reserve carbon wheels enhance ride quality, while the hydraulic disc brakes deliver reliable stopping power in wet, muddy, or dry 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, 16° flare
• Stem: Cannondale C1 Conceal, alloy, 31.8mm, -6°
• Grips: Cannondale KnurlCork, 2.7mm

The SAVE carbon seatpost and Kingpin suspension absorb vibrations for a comfortable ride, while the OutFront steering geometry (70.7° head angle, 55mm fork offset) ensures stable yet responsive handling. The 2025 model’s relaxed reach enhances comfort for long rides.

Smart Features and Integration

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

The StashPort and integrated cable routing improve functionality and aesthetics, while the wheel sensor connects to the Cannondale app for real-time ride data.

Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty Additional Highlights

• Geometry: Proportional Response design for size-specific ride quality (sizes 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61)
• Colors: Black, Olive Green, or select custom 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 offers a balanced, sporty ride with a slack head angle and compact chainstays for confident descents and agile cornering.

Why Choose the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty?

The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty excels with its full-suspension design, pairing the 30mm Kingpin rear suspension with the 40mm Lefty Oliver fork for superior comfort on technical terrain. Its SRAM Rival/GX Eagle AXS drivetrain ensures precise shifting, while the Reserve carbon wheels and WTB Raddler tires provide excellent traction and speed. Compared to competitors like the Trek Checkpoint SL or Specialized Diverge STR, the Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty offers a unique single-sided fork and lightweight suspension system, though it’s slightly heavier at 9.88 kg. The StashPort storage, bikepacking mounts, and app connectivity make it ideal for gravel racing, long-distance adventures, or rugged trails.

Conquer Any Terrain with the Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty

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