BATTLE Of The Gravel Bikes | GT Grade vs Cannondale Topstone | 2020 Bike of The Year

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  • čas přidán 28. 06. 2024
  • GT Grade vs the Cannondale Topstone, it's the gravel bike battle of 2020. Our 2020 bike of the year was hotly contested in the gravel bike category, but eventually Senior Road Editor Warren Rossiter narrowed it down to just two amazing bikes. Which one comes out on top? You'll have to watch to find out.
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Komentáře • 185

  • @bikeradar
    @bikeradar  Před 4 lety +15

    Who do you think should have won the gravel category this year? Let us know why in the comments below!

    • @jochem1986
      @jochem1986 Před 4 lety +2

      The BMC UnReStricted :)

    • @Peter-tc3ep
      @Peter-tc3ep Před 4 lety +6

      Open WIDE, great modification on the amazing Open UP that help start this category. Rides incredible well, much lighter then the Cannondale and little lighter then the GT, better tire clearance then either of these bikes. No ability to get 1 by in the GT or Cannondale. Second choice would have been the Allied Able, after all it won Dirty Kanza in both men’s and women’s again modern 1 by system unlike your two choices.

    • @IronX77
      @IronX77 Před 4 lety +5

      Canyon Grail

    • @Strengthoftenmen
      @Strengthoftenmen Před 4 lety +1

      Another vote for OPEN WI.DE, why isn’t it featured here?

    • @jivan093
      @jivan093 Před 4 lety +2

      Specialized Diverge. How have you not reviewed it?

  • @littlegoobie
    @littlegoobie Před 4 lety +14

    little did i know, based on how they're riding, every bike i've owned since i was a kid is a gravel bike.

  • @alert.272
    @alert.272 Před 4 lety +12

    I like how much innovation in frame design wound up in this test. I enjoy companies trying brave new things.

    • @littlegoobie
      @littlegoobie Před 4 lety +2

      It's refreshing to hear about new frame ideas that aren't all about shaving 2g off the weight then talking like it's a big deal, and/or changing the shape of tubs and parts to make a bike more aero. or maybe i'm just watching the wrong reviewers.

  • @deployeddan
    @deployeddan Před 4 lety +5

    I bought a Topstone 105 new last year and after a few weeks of riding had an issue with the crap formula hubs. Waiting months for Cannondale to fix it, I bought a Scott Addict Gravel 10 and haven't looked back. What a beast of a bike that flies and I have had zero issues. I thank Cannondale for introducing me to my Scott 👍

    • @HeatherSpoonheim
      @HeatherSpoonheim Před 4 lety

      Sorry to hear about that - still loving my Topstone. What went wrong with the hubs?

  • @HeatherSpoonheim
    @HeatherSpoonheim Před 4 lety +6

    Excellent review - I can't fault any of it. Still, though, I love my Topstone 105 alloy because I wanted the pavement performance with dirt road as an option.

  • @Felix-lg8br
    @Felix-lg8br Před 4 lety +6

    Nice comparison guys!
    Are you thinking about testing the new Rose Backroad? In my opinion a very interresting Bike.
    Greetings!

  • @francoisrdt
    @francoisrdt Před 4 lety +12

    THANK YOU for not just looking at numbers! Gravel done right. :)

    • @bikeradar
      @bikeradar  Před 4 lety

      Thanks for the comment and for watching!

  • @IronX77
    @IronX77 Před 4 lety +12

    Where's the Canyon Grail?

  • @cartilagehead6326
    @cartilagehead6326 Před 4 lety +20

    I would really, really like to see a comparison of the feel and ride experience between the carbon Grade and the 105-equipped alloy Grade. What do you give up or change about the frame’s behavior when you switch materials? How does the back-end compliance differ, and what does that ultimately do to the experience of riding the bike? The carbon model gets a lot of attention because of its fancy tricks and unique build features, but I haven’t seen anything about the other models that share the name- and are way more accessible and likely to be purchased by the average rider.

    • @xuchenglin6256
      @xuchenglin6256 Před 4 lety +5

      You can refer to the experience of the previous model, there's a lot of information about it on the internet than the new model, I think the talks would also apply to the new 2020 model in the aspect of the material, because the main concept is not changing much. I own a GT grade carbon 2017 and it's great. Wondering the same thing before my purchase, finally got the carbon on wiggle's clearance with a great discount, and it's proved to be a good decision. If you ask me my verdict I'll tell you spend some more money and go straight with the carbon one, it's so much difference. ALU just doesn't have that compliance, it's a physical thing that cannot be altered by the geometry design, because alu is a so stiff material. Also you have to caution that in the 2020 model the alu version may have a different rear design than the carbon version, the seat stay and seat tube maybe fixed-connected in the alu version other than the carbon version (so it's just like the old model, took a glance at the 2020 alu model some time ago, memory could be wrong, check carefully), however the carbon version the seat stay and the seat tube is disconnected and movable/bounce-able, which brings more travel than the previous model, that's a main difference/evolution in the 2020 carbon model. With the alu version, you'll also lose the fiberglass + carbon fiber seat stay, which is the main source of the bouncing. The reason why you don't see much of the alu version is that the smart material choice + smart geometry design is the merit of the GT grade, that's what the media likes because it's new and deserves the talk. With alu, you'll miss some of it. Save (or raise?) some money and go with the carbon version, and you'll be happy with it!

    • @mantiq7768
      @mantiq7768 Před 4 lety +1

      @@xuchenglin6256 Thanks. I had the same question. On the Topstone it's clear that the aluminium doesn't have the kingpin suspension so I thought the GT Grade may provide the same flex (suspension feel) in the aluminium. The carbon is over my budget; if I look for an older carbon model on clearance will it be as comfortable on bumps as the 2020 model?

    • @DilbertMuc
      @DilbertMuc Před 4 lety

      @@xuchenglin6256 so the Alu Version of the Grade has no flexing seat stays but rigid Alu poles? So No Compliance at all... 😲😕

    • @xuchenglin6256
      @xuchenglin6256 Před 4 lety

      @@mantiq7768 I think it will, the "travel" may be a little smaller than the 2020 model (fixed-jointed vs. disconnected, 5mm maybe?), but I guess the difference may be limited. Actually the only difference there on the 2020 model may be that the "swing" things begin at the connecting point of the [seat stay] and [top tube], and on 2017 model it's on that of the [seat stay] and [seat tube]. It's the "double triangle" part, check it visually you'll understand what I'm saying... So if you are for the "compliance" definitely go with the [carbon] one, no matter of the model. Remember the difference in the characteristics of material prevails that in the geometry designs... I had the same struggle but now I'll definitely go with the carbon ones, it's a whole new experience and you won't look back.

    • @xuchenglin6256
      @xuchenglin6256 Před 4 lety

      @@DilbertMuc Hey man, I checked some of the reviews on the 2020 model, I might have made a mistake here, the aluminum version of GT grade 2020 DOES HAVE the floating seat stay. Check this out: www.bikeradar.com/news/gt-grade-2020/ , the floating stay section says "However, there is a difference here; the long, low dropped seatstays are no longer bonded, or welded on the alloy models, to the seat tube.". So if this webpage is accurate, then the ALU version of Grade DOES HAVE the floating aluminum seat stay, which should provide more compliance than the previous ALU model, but I think it should not be as par to the carbon models, no matter old or new. So it may not be "no compliance at all", but I'm also very curious of how much the compliance the ALU floating seat stay could provide, there's just no proper review of the ALU version on this yet on the internet.

  • @roblopez111
    @roblopez111 Před 4 lety +3

    I've had a Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS since December and I love it and the electronic wireless shifting. I 'm about to put on some 700x32 Conti GP5000s for the warmer weather. Warren has always loved the GT! No surprise on the outcome of this one.

  • @robt8159
    @robt8159 Před 3 lety +1

    I'm looking at the Topstone Lefty 3, and wondering how this would compare with the GT and Topstone tested. Any thoughts?

  • @DevinWiles
    @DevinWiles Před 3 lety +1

    Any differences year to year? Just put the 2021 Topstone Carbon on order, excited to explore all the gravel / fire / logging roads of Ontario, CA!

  • @stevenhay7756
    @stevenhay7756 Před 4 lety +1

    Hi, thanks for the videos. Do you have a best gravel bike under $2000 Australia dollars category?
    Thanks

  • @HughTexJudd
    @HughTexJudd Před 4 lety +1

    I watched a similar video, from another CZcams cycling-specific content provider whos name was not an acronym and they said Salsa was the first to market with their gravel bike... and consequently was also given their bike of the year award. Thanks for pushing the content and providing the information.

  • @sergiobuccino7355
    @sergiobuccino7355 Před 4 lety +22

    The external cable routing of the Gt is absolutely oltragious

    • @WakizashiSabre
      @WakizashiSabre Před 3 lety

      No hassle to service it at least... Also believe GT offeres the highst rider limit too of about 130kg for only biker himself.

  • @cyclewise6926
    @cyclewise6926 Před 4 lety +2

    The GT, sounds awesome, I am curious how would it fare as a go fast bike?

  • @mtbgo7860
    @mtbgo7860 Před 4 lety

    Nice review!

  • @stardreamer1st
    @stardreamer1st Před 4 lety +1

    What about testing as bike packing as an option?

  • @johnhilton1360
    @johnhilton1360 Před 4 lety

    Bergamont grandurance elite for me love it..

  • @richardwood8657
    @richardwood8657 Před 4 lety

    Is there a list of the bikes that were tested anywhere?

  • @mattkavanaugh5623
    @mattkavanaugh5623 Před 4 lety +3

    I wonder if the Cannondale Lefty 30mm fork on my Slate would fit on the Topstone to balance the front end with the rear end compliance? I like the Slate, it's definitely a go-anywhere gravel bike, especially since I put a Wolftooth rear derailleur extension, 11-42 cassette (with compact crank), and dropper seatpost. But the lighter Topstone or Grade would be faster fun I thinks.

    • @leflate
      @leflate Před 4 lety

      Matt Kavanaugh there you go!

    • @DilbertMuc
      @DilbertMuc Před 4 lety

      Check Out the new Cannondale Tombstone With the Oliver lefty. It's Like the Slate but als a gravel Bike.

  • @bml337
    @bml337 Před 3 lety

    need some sizing help here on the topstone. i'm 5'9'' with a 30'' inseam and ride a 54cm supersix w 100mm stem. i'm between the sm/med based on the sizing chart on the cdale website... I just clear the stand over height of the MED. Is this acceptable or should i be riding a small? TIAA

  • @ankushshirsath2666
    @ankushshirsath2666 Před 4 lety

    What do you think between GT Grade Elite and Cannondale Topstone
    Sora? the difference money-wise is like 70 Euros.

  • @saturupiah5940
    @saturupiah5940 Před 4 lety +3

    I've owned the old model Grade Ultegra for almost 5 years now. It's an incredible bike fast and comfortable. It was a groundbreaking bike when at the time. The latest version looks even more capable. Would love to see a comparison between the two.

  • @berzerkercat
    @berzerkercat Před 4 lety +6

    I'm pretty sure I've seen a battle between these two bikes on the channel not long ago :)

    • @danielcooper8753
      @danielcooper8753 Před 4 lety

      I was thinking the same thing. I truly can't remember if it was these 2 or that... I think it was a Cervelo gravel bike. R3 if I'm remembering correctly?

    • @mantiq7768
      @mantiq7768 Před 4 lety

      @@danielcooper8753 these two. But watching both is worth it if you are trying to decide

  • @gabrieledalessio6707
    @gabrieledalessio6707 Před 4 lety +1

    Is tire clearance exactly what gt says or is it possible to squeeze in something more? especially for 650b rims (47mm compared to 42mm for 700c rims isn't that big difference)
    No rack mounts right?

  • @evelasq1
    @evelasq1 Před 4 lety

    For the Carbon bike at 58 cm, it weighs 20.04 pounds according to GT Bicycles. My De Bernardi Aluminum/Carbon bike weights 21 pounds at 56cm.

  • @29jayr
    @29jayr Před 3 lety

    Tapstone: Very good performance fast on road and dirt! Down side 40mm tire on the rear only leave you a little space in the BB area. Different story if there is a mud!

  • @andreteixeira5635
    @andreteixeira5635 Před 3 lety +1

    Is the new Specialized Diverge equipped with future shock 2.0 any better than the GT Grade from the comfort point of view or not really? I find my 2020 GT Grade VERY comfortable but I still suffer bit at it's front end on realy rough offroad terrain and sometimes I consider buying the new Diverge suposing its front end would be more forgiving. Although I find much more rewarding to pedal the GT grade than a mountain bike, when I am not sure of how the terrain of the trail will be like I still tend to pick my hardtail cross country bike due to its suspension fork. I wonder if I would ever use again my hardtail cross country bike if I had a Siverge with it's future shock. Could anyone answer me please? Where I live I cannot test ride a Diverge, but only buy one on internet sites.

  • @melvmay
    @melvmay Před 4 lety +4

    Loving my GT Grade Carbon Pro 2020 . My only (small) gripe was them not supplying the cheap rubber caps for the mount holes on the forks and top-tube. I see in the video the top-tube doesn't have any but your forks do. For £3500 it would've been nice to supply them TBH. I did add some carbon flat bars and a Redshift suspension stem which means the longer rides are much more comfortable now. Apart from that, it's been a trouble free bike. I was surprised you didn't mention how many mount points this thing has! Very impressive bike.

    • @daz_the_cyclist8961
      @daz_the_cyclist8961 Před 4 lety +2

      I have a GT grade Expert and have lost 2 of them little rubber grommets as well. Very annoying

    • @melvmay
      @melvmay Před 4 lety +1

      ​@@daz_the_cyclist8961 In the end I opted for some lightweight black anodised bolts which look nicer and are not going to get lost. I guess I was just surprised to not have them when I opened the box. All reviews I saw last year tended to show the bike with grommets. Can't complain though, the bike has more than made up for it.

    • @jg9008
      @jg9008 Před 4 lety +1

      Loving my Pro as well! (I also added the redshift stem recently. Just need to add carbon wheels and I'm done.)

    • @CowneloAlvaroid
      @CowneloAlvaroid Před 3 lety

      Good to see feedback from Grade owners! Just one question guys, does the grade feel like it has suspension/ flex when pedaling on roads/ smooth gravel??
      I ask bc I want efficiency rather than comfort. Thanx

    • @melvmay
      @melvmay Před 3 lety

      @@CowneloAlvaroid There's no notable bobbing up/down as you can get with spring/air suspension but it does an amazing job of damping out rear bumps and on gravel it's a delight to ride. Subjectively it's like a comfy road bike you can use off road. Super comfy bike. The stock bars were horrible for me as they are very uncomfortable round bars. Swapped them for a carbon flat bar and Redshift suspension stem and I can now take it anywhere, even slightly beyond where it was designed to go i.e. more MTB territory.

  • @robynogre
    @robynogre Před 4 lety +1

    What size should I choose ? I am 180 cm height and 88 cm inseam. I tried (static) the Topstone in M and L, rather for the M but not convinced by the upright position. What about the GT : both 55 and 58 could fit but what about the position ?

  • @yes_i_love
    @yes_i_love Před 4 lety

    Which do you like

  • @otisjordan5613
    @otisjordan5613 Před 4 lety

    I am thinking about getting the Topstone, but I am kinda worrying about the reliability of the flexing points, will they break earlier than other, stiffer, carbon frames?
    I am absolutely new to these kinds ob bikes

    • @HeatherSpoonheim
      @HeatherSpoonheim Před 4 lety

      That's exactly why I got a Topstone 105 alloy! (Well, actually I couldn't afford carbon)

  • @richlijacanacua
    @richlijacanacua Před 9 měsíci

    Gravel Bike especially the GT is a very durable and practical Gravel Bike.
    The geometric design of frame is reliable and for safety purpose. The setpost and with floating back support suspension is quiet unique and effective on off-road and safe purpose.
    I really like the GT Bike because of the brilliant engineering design for practical and purpose.
    Not only fashionable in looks, but safe in functions.
    I have now my GT 4.0 Traffic and turn into a gravel Bike Hybrid with 2X crankcase 48 Teeth and 38 Teeth. Combine with 10 speed 11-46 Teeth sprocket. It drives very-well. Climbing off road and on road so manageable. Long distance plain road and off-road works very well.
    I am so happy with my GT Hybrid Gravel Bike it serves well to my different terrains destinations.

  • @filipvonsak9350
    @filipvonsak9350 Před 3 lety

    Can you help me I am 182 cm and 87 inseam. I want topstone , but what size I have to choose M or L ? Thanks

  • @jg9008
    @jg9008 Před 4 lety +10

    I have put a little over 100 miles on my new Grade Carbon Pro and I absolutely agree with the video review! Love it! Tons of compliance without any proprietary components and the Di2 (my first bike with electronic shifting) was well worth the upgrade. The only thing left to add is a set of carbon wheels! (Speaking of carbon wheels, any way we could get a carbon wheelset shootout video to help us narrow down the options?) Thanks for all your content!

    • @bikeradar
      @bikeradar  Před 4 lety +1

      Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the video!

    • @pikachupowers
      @pikachupowers Před 3 lety

      Do you think the extra compliance of the carbon frame is worth it over an alloy counterpart?

    • @jg9008
      @jg9008 Před 3 lety

      @@pikachupowers I'm now at 800 miles. Yes, if you can swing it carbon is absolutely worth the upgrade.

    • @pikachupowers
      @pikachupowers Před 3 lety

      @@jg9008 what about the electric shifting?

    • @jg9008
      @jg9008 Před 3 lety

      @@pikachupowers I'll never own another road/gravel bike without it! I absolutely love it!

  • @Malio75
    @Malio75 Před 4 lety +1

    I demoed the Cannondale Topstone 105 back in March at a bike show in Toronto Canada. I ride a full suspension mountain bike as well as a cross bike. I would buy that bike in a heartbeat as it felt great. I think I just might if I live through the virus and can find one. ;-)

    • @CowneloAlvaroid
      @CowneloAlvaroid Před 3 lety

      Haha I also ride mtb and am wondering if this grade has the suspension like flex/give when pedaling?

  • @user-dz7us7rj4q
    @user-dz7us7rj4q Před 3 lety

    какой у вас размер рамы и рост ?
    и комфортно ли ?

  • @tyronemontgomery7840
    @tyronemontgomery7840 Před 3 lety

    What is the size of the frame ?

  • @brianpostlethwaite
    @brianpostlethwaite Před 4 lety +1

    Ridley Kanzo speed was my choice for a gravel bike this year.

    • @mikeclements4548
      @mikeclements4548 Před 4 lety

      I have the xtrail same bike I think - great bike on the road and gravel - FAST

  • @Spartan9567
    @Spartan9567 Před 4 lety +1

    I've got a carbon road bike but have been interested in gravel for a long time due to wanting more give in the frame for being a twat on the bike.
    I'm really thinking about getting the Cannondale Topstone, the flex on the rear coupled with a 650b wheelset would be great. Too bad Cannondale don't sell the frames as its a bit pricey to buy just to change half of the things on it.

    • @yusukeyurameshi2482
      @yusukeyurameshi2482 Před 3 lety

      What parts of the topstone you want to change? And change it into what specs?

  • @laurentiudaisoreanu9902

    Not sure why the CUBE nuroad speed 2020 is not taken into consideration. I mean, it has the GRX600 groupset and is super cheap...

  • @JogBird
    @JogBird Před 4 lety +6

    you should present the bikes as people use them, e.g. w water bottles, saddle bags, lights, fenders, etc

    • @HeatherSpoonheim
      @HeatherSpoonheim Před 4 lety

      facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3331193863578908&set=pb.100000649801572.-2207520000..

  • @gravelymas
    @gravelymas Před 4 lety +1

    It is obvious that most of us will say "this X bike because... I have it". I own a Giant Revolt Advanced 2 2019. I am in love with it. However for me, the best in 2020 is the Backroad from the German brand Rose. Beautiful update. Cheers.

    • @saturupiah5940
      @saturupiah5940 Před 4 lety

      We're as riders are likely to be biased in favour of the bikes we own. However most of us test several bikes before making our purchase.
      Bike testers such as Bike Radar are very objective. They test lots of bikes and as far as I know are not sponsored.

  • @toolinc.collection1521

    Bike of the year for me is a 80s chimo with gravel wheels .

  • @miguelcardoso3038
    @miguelcardoso3038 Před 4 lety +5

    What about the Vitus bikes? TThe substance adventure bike lineup seems pretty interesting!

  • @GGori_99
    @GGori_99 Před 4 lety

    Where was the Orbea Terra????

  • @elorz007
    @elorz007 Před 4 lety

    I am planning to build a bike for bikepacking from parts. Can anyone recommend a nice frameset that can be bought in Europe which is not heavy and which is around 700-1000 euros? It's easy to find nice complete gravel bikes but it's hard to find framesets.

    • @littlegoobie
      @littlegoobie Před 4 lety

      what do the Surly frames cost there?

    • @HeatherSpoonheim
      @HeatherSpoonheim Před 4 lety

      This might help: czcams.com/video/Ue3oj0kFi-Y/video.html

  • @TheMurmuringGolem
    @TheMurmuringGolem Před 4 lety +4

    Is it possible to just buy the GT frameset? It's so sweet...

    • @pikachupowers
      @pikachupowers Před 3 lety

      I love GT frames. They're impossibly light for how stiff they are.

    • @goochnectar2265
      @goochnectar2265 Před 3 lety

      Proscloset has a few right now

    • @f1fnatik
      @f1fnatik Před 3 lety

      They offer a frame only option: www.gtbicycles.com/int_en/grade-carbon-aftermarket-frameset

  • @Fixingeverthingwithaengine567

    Have you guys try the trek mtbs yet.

  • @brucelittle1137
    @brucelittle1137 Před 4 lety

    Just don't get 1 pivot point. How long can the frame flex before braking

    • @littlegoobie
      @littlegoobie Před 4 lety

      how many fish can you catch with a fishing rod before it snaps? How many arrows can a bow shoot before it breaks?

    • @brucelittle1137
      @brucelittle1137 Před 4 lety

      @@littlegoobie There is no pivot point in a fishing rod or a bow and they are made to flex.

  • @AmsterDanTheAmerican
    @AmsterDanTheAmerican Před 4 lety +6

    I like the GT but think it needs internal cable routing.

    • @bikeradar
      @bikeradar  Před 4 lety +12

      Although the externally routed cables does make it easier for the home mechanic to work on.

    • @IdontNeedHandles
      @IdontNeedHandles Před 4 lety

      No, it doesn't.

    • @thelmaviaduct
      @thelmaviaduct Před 4 lety +3

      They shouldn't need working on. Di2 and hydraulic brakes are fit and forget.

    • @driventomadness117
      @driventomadness117 Před 4 lety +1

      @@bikeradar unless you have so many bikes you never need to service cables ;) n+1

    • @wazon8
      @wazon8 Před 4 lety +2

      Great looking feature, but a nightmare, if you need to exchange a hydraulic brake. That's why I prefer external cable routing at the end of the day.

  • @tristandesade8635
    @tristandesade8635 Před 4 lety +3

    Definitely Cannondale! GT brand had something to say in the past, but not any more. I already had two Cannondales, and they had amazing frame. I have also tried a few GTs, but I was not impressed. Besides Cannondale is 1st tier brand, while GT is 2nd tier brand of their parent company. Also, I really like Cannodale's rear flex technology.

    • @BoxCarBoy12
      @BoxCarBoy12 Před 4 lety +3

      But the proprietary BB and the custom rear wheel dish! Both make the Cannondale a pain in the butt when it comes to service

  • @msrfrog
    @msrfrog Před 3 lety

    Giant revolt 2 aluminum, affordable and fun!

  • @steventrott8714
    @steventrott8714 Před 4 lety +6

    980 pounds is not light.

  • @andyheilmann1656
    @andyheilmann1656 Před 4 lety

    Ooof, nope. I hate those gt seat stays. Looks shouldn't matter, but to me they do

  • @Metal.Is.A.Adicshun
    @Metal.Is.A.Adicshun Před 4 lety

    I've got a Merida Reacto 5000 and I take that mutha all over because it's a bicycle and that's what they were made to do.
    I appreciate every new rider that joins our large, cycle fam (so to speak...) but I don't think a dedicated gravel bike is necessary to have loadsa fun, everywhere!
    But hey, if you wanna buy a new bike, you be you!
    Mua!

    • @TheJask101
      @TheJask101 Před 4 lety

      What sort of terrain would you push the Merida to?

  • @Ninja_Revenge
    @Ninja_Revenge Před 4 lety +1

    both are excellent choices, but I would pick up Cannondale. It just because I ride tarmac more than gravel and want SPEED and CLIMBING compatibility from my bike. That's why I am riding CAADX cyclocross frame from Cannondale.

    • @CowneloAlvaroid
      @CowneloAlvaroid Před 3 lety

      No. If you want more speed ,go with the grade. It doesn't have the rear linkage to slow you down

  • @qpwdfgh4939
    @qpwdfgh4939 Před 4 lety +2

    Damn if only I could get my hands on one of them...almost everything's over 2k

    • @enpluson1539
      @enpluson1539 Před 4 lety +1

      There is a very awesome lookin alloy expert version from GT. It's pretty great.

    • @qpwdfgh4939
      @qpwdfgh4939 Před 4 lety

      @@enpluson1539 Thanks man, but still don't get how these bikes are this expensive...

    • @enpluson1539
      @enpluson1539 Před 4 lety

      @@qpwdfgh4939 Well, that would be the integrated shift/brake levers, lightweight parts, tubeless tyres and such things. I mean, sure it's a lot of money, but it's much more than a basic ride-into-town kind of bike.

    • @DilbertMuc
      @DilbertMuc Před 4 lety

      @@enpluson1539 alloy ist stiff without Compliance Like the Carbon Modell. 😞

    • @HeatherSpoonheim
      @HeatherSpoonheim Před 4 lety

      I have a Topstone 105 alloy - carbon is well beyond my budget. I'm not riding rough gravel, so I don't perceive any limits to it, and pavement performance is wonderful.

  • @siffoine
    @siffoine Před 4 lety +1

    Mud guards would make either bike much more comfortable than di2 ever can.

    • @davidvonslingshot
      @davidvonslingshot Před 4 lety

      Mud guards will clog on a “Gravel” bike. If you want to ride mud, they make this thing called a mountain bike. They are new!

  • @capskibuttinski
    @capskibuttinski Před 4 lety

    I thought the Topstone wheels needed to be dished offset

  • @Fixingeverthingwithaengine567

    Tried

  • @thetheflyinghawaiian
    @thetheflyinghawaiian Před 4 lety +3

    The industry has convinced the bike snob community that touring (aka bikepacking) and relaxed endurance bikes are cool. Bravo, marketing teams.

    • @DaveCM
      @DaveCM Před 4 lety +2

      What does bike packing have to do with being a bike snob?

    • @jonwilliams41
      @jonwilliams41 Před 4 lety +1

      Good for you buddy...you got it all figured out.

  • @danielolivimalta
    @danielolivimalta Před 4 lety

    what about the diverge? dont even mencion it...

  • @headoverbars8750
    @headoverbars8750 Před 4 lety

    Man, why don't they add the extra mounts for bags and shit to trail bikes??!!
    I spend all day on my trail bike 35 to 40km comfortably and don't think I would want the tradeoff from a bit of 'free riding' on my all days or bike-packing trips that I get from a 130mm trail bike...
    ... getting my drill.

  • @S.Prestage
    @S.Prestage Před 4 lety

    Gt all the way

  • @davelloyd8454
    @davelloyd8454 Před 3 lety

    a bit late to the party I know but that comment about the front end and back end being different (front race stiff and back much more compliant (paraphrasing)) - That just screams 'imbalance' to me... should that not have been tuned appropriately?

    • @pikachupowers
      @pikachupowers Před 3 lety

      The rear of the bike tends to take a lot more weight from the rider.

    • @davelloyd8454
      @davelloyd8454 Před 3 lety

      @@pikachupowers agreed but not really the point. It should be engineered to feel in balance. If the reviewer felt that the balance was off them that's not good.

    • @pikachupowers
      @pikachupowers Před 3 lety

      @@davelloyd8454 that's why the GT came out on top, esp considering the fact you can opt for flat bars, clear winner for me here

  • @DilbertMuc
    @DilbertMuc Před 4 lety +1

    I wonder how unbalanced these gravel bikes are built. Your video is all about wonderful compliance of a flexing seat tube and seat stays which make the bikes very comfy. But what about the front? You mention alu stem and alu bar, the usual stiff stuff. That's meh.
    Apart from that is the Specialized Diverge which has a wonderfully compliant front with its shock absorber, but they neglected the back.
    How come that there are no gravel bikes which make front AND back compliant (except Niner MCR, which is a starved down MTB)?

    • @bikeradar
      @bikeradar  Před 4 lety

      If you watch the video again you'll notice Warren comments on the front of the Cannondale.

  • @cyclofeedubox8332
    @cyclofeedubox8332 Před rokem

    I like both brands but the cannondale seems gimmicky given most of the flex is from the carbon, the bolt seems pretty pointless

  • @gsus4eternity687
    @gsus4eternity687 Před 4 lety

    I want the topstone with a GT fork.....joke only.

  • @BoxCarBoy12
    @BoxCarBoy12 Před 4 lety +8

    How did the Cannondale make it this far?! Any bike with that many proprietary parts is freaking stupid IMO. A proprietary BB, especially when it's pressfit, is bad enough, but a custom rear wheel dish? FOH!

    • @mattswain552
      @mattswain552 Před 4 lety +1

      It surprised me that the SuperSix Evo won Bike of The Year this year, too.

    • @Hexsense
      @Hexsense Před 4 lety +2

      IMO, Topstone Alloy is better than Topstone Carbon. Both for rear wheel compatibility and geometry where Topstone Alloy have lower BB but Topstone Carbon raise it back becase people complain about pedal strike when using 650b wheels.

    • @underbiked606
      @underbiked606 Před 4 lety

      Dishing a wheel isn't rocket science bro

    • @BoxCarBoy12
      @BoxCarBoy12 Před 4 lety +1

      @@underbiked606 True, but it's a pain in the ass. Making matters worse is the fact that you wouldn't even need to dish the wheel if Cannondale just went with a more conventional method to gain tire clearance such as dropping or lengthening the chainstays.

  • @andypaul999
    @andypaul999 Před 4 lety +4

    Gravel bikes should be versatile roadbikes and not watered down mountainbikes.

    • @bikeradar
      @bikeradar  Před 4 lety +5

      But what if a watered down mountain bike is in fact the same as a versatile road bike?

    • @andypaul999
      @andypaul999 Před 4 lety

      @@bikeradar Then it will be called a hybrid,

  • @markrskinner
    @markrskinner Před 4 lety +4

    How long before some idiot says "You were paid by GT"? Excellent review Warren.

  • @toddmcdonough
    @toddmcdonough Před 4 lety +2

    Its nice to see innovation in frame design but in the long run I can't be convinced that any of these gimmicks come close to the advantages of a fat tubeless tire (650b x 47mm) and appropriate inflation pressure. Both of these bikes accept 650b and I applaud this feature. My ideal adventure bike, however, is metal and most likely aluminum. Nice balance of light, inexpensive, and durable. Steel and titanium are great as well, you just have to be honest about how long you plan on owning in order to justify the extra $. Lastly, for the love of all that is practical - super expensive groupsets are ridiculous for gravel bikes. One heavy tumble could easily cost a thousand smackers. I must be doing it wrong, because when I gravel, I crash a lot.

    • @pingpongballz5998
      @pingpongballz5998 Před 4 lety +1

      I have a Kona Rove NRB DL with 650bx47. Love it

    • @kaite8371
      @kaite8371 Před 4 lety +2

      I agree. This genre is mostly about the evolution of tires. Those Panaracers or WTBs are amazing.

  • @tomas7403
    @tomas7403 Před 3 lety

    Cannondale never again

  • @Morpheus0000
    @Morpheus0000 Před 4 lety

    Mate, if like me, you ain't a skinny whippet, a larger size T shirt may be in order. 😁

  • @Pienimusta
    @Pienimusta Před 4 lety +8

    "Flexing carbon" sounds like an injury waiting to happen.

    • @timfalkenberg6879
      @timfalkenberg6879 Před 4 lety +5

      I was about to come down and say that. The intentional flex in both of these bikes makes me think that in 2 years we're likely to hear a lot of stories about how quickly these frames broke down.

    • @kubagajda7347
      @kubagajda7347 Před 4 lety +2

      Actually flex designed into carbon rear triangles has been around for 4-5 years now (widely used that is) - as much as I too personally didn't like the idea, it unfortunately seems to work, even on 100mm travel mtb's... Engeneer in me would definitely prefer a pivot with an axle and a bearing anywhere something has to move, but there we go.

    • @kubagajda7347
      @kubagajda7347 Před 4 lety

      @David Vanderbist I have an Iso-Speed on my Procaliber as well, but the use of this i'm talking about is f'ex. in rear linkage on full sus bikes where seatstays change their angle quite a lot, depending on the design obviously, but still without a pivot there.

    • @tepperpepper1047
      @tepperpepper1047 Před 4 lety

      Corvettes have had fiberglass leaf springs for decades and those are pretty durable... Pretty similar concept here

    • @DilbertMuc
      @DilbertMuc Před 4 lety +2

      @@kubagajda7347 but Boeing and Airbus build Planes with Carbon and the Wings are flexing several Meters without a pivot... 😏🙂

  • @OriginalAirsoftGasser
    @OriginalAirsoftGasser Před 4 lety

    This is a market that I don't really see a point in, it's essentially a sub par mountain bike designed for roadies that want to get dirty and pretend they do hardcore stuff, any 29er would be just as comfy and far more useful than any of these bikes.

    • @adrianburns7975
      @adrianburns7975 Před 4 lety

      And what's wrong with that .. sometimes you just want a bike you can jump of curbs and go over harsher terrain than you would on a dedicated road bike. No way I am hopping off curbs on my TCR disc. This is for mixed terrain. Riding where a MTB would be overkill. Wicked for fast commuting.

    • @dlevi67
      @dlevi67 Před 3 lety

      Or for people (like me) that enjoy mixing a lot of road with some off-road. A 29er isn't particularly efficient or comfortable on 80 km of tarmac and 20 of dirt roads.

    • @OriginalAirsoftGasser
      @OriginalAirsoftGasser Před 3 lety

      @@dlevi67 My average ride on a 27,5 Giant Trance is 60-80km and it's fine, I've done 156km on a 29er rigid with a carbon fork mixing some of the hardest climbs with XC over rocks that come from your worst nightmare, trust me, you might as well go for the 29er rigid with 2.4 Maxxis Ardents over a gravel bike because if I had taken a gravel bike I couldn't have done it, my philosophy is that an XC bike gets you out of situations that a gravel bike can't and as such a fully rigid 29er is more versatile, match an XC bike with bar ends and you have an XC touring bike that is far more capable than a gravel bike and gives the same result. Edit: You can also use a rigid XC bike on mtb loops with your friends on full on mtb's and it improves your skill.

    • @dlevi67
      @dlevi67 Před 3 lety

      @@OriginalAirsoftGasser Well, after 20 years of riding a mountain bike in exactly this way (and sometimes enjoying it, and sometimes not), I'm going to try something else...
      Plus, where I live there isn't really that much that requires more off-road capabilities than a gravel bike can provide; I may as well go a bit faster on the road!
      (You are making a shedload of assumptions about how I ride, with whom and when - not everybody is the same)

    • @OriginalAirsoftGasser
      @OriginalAirsoftGasser Před 3 lety

      @@dlevi67 Shitload of assumptions hahaha, You said that a 29er isn't efficient or comfortable on 80km of tarmac and that there isn't much that requires a 29er, I think the real problem in your argument isn't your bike, it's you, on an 80km ride I would be fine on a 29er, triple chainrings on the front, 10 speed 11-32 on the back and a set of Schwalbe CX tyres, do I care about 1 or 2km/h faster, nope, aerodynamic advantages, bar ends and a drop stem with narrower flat bars and when it comes to me wanting a bike to do some more then I just swap out. Done lots of gravel riding here in Spain where I live and I've been out on a 29er Anthem with people on gravel bikes no problem and never really thought about wanting a gravel bike, not going to say you shouldn't get one but with my comment of not seeing the point, well that's because it's a bike that 95% of the cycling world won't need or even consider, what the bike companies want is that everyone has a road, cx, gravel, hardtail, full sus xc, trail, all mountain, enduro and downhill bike in their garage.

  • @serega1302
    @serega1302 Před 4 lety +1

    12 minutes and 44 seconds of MUMLING

    • @DilbertMuc
      @DilbertMuc Před 4 lety

      True... I offen have Problems with understanding what He says. Must be some Special british Dialect.

    • @alexign
      @alexign Před 3 lety

      @@DilbertMuc may be he is an Irish

  • @padkinson
    @padkinson Před 4 lety +2

    Fake

    • @bikeradar
      @bikeradar  Před 4 lety +9

      It's true. The models are actually riding behind green screens at Pinewood Studios.

  • @einundsiebenziger5488
    @einundsiebenziger5488 Před 3 lety

    No matter how well they ride, both bikes are ugly.