{"id":47504,"date":"2023-03-28T15:00:01","date_gmt":"2023-03-28T13:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=721119"},"modified":"2023-03-28T15:34:11","modified_gmt":"2023-03-28T13:34:11","slug":"cannondales-lab71-topstone-brings-lighter-and-brighter-carbon-to-gravel-riding","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/cannondales-lab71-topstone-brings-lighter-and-brighter-carbon-to-gravel-riding\/","title":{"rendered":"Cannondale\u2019s Lab71 Topstone brings lighter and brighter carbon to gravel riding"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lab71’s second release saves 160g with special carbon layup <\/p>

By Stan Portus\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 28 March 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Cannondale has released a Lab71 Topstone frameset with a carbon layup that saves 160g and a finish that \u201celevates aesthetics to the level of engineering\u201d.<\/p>\n

Cannondale officially launched its Lab71 sub-brand in February, promising the best of the best of its bikes<\/a> and \u201ccutting-edge materials and processes, combined with stunning finishes\u201d.<\/p>\n

The Topstone frameset is Lab71\u2019s first gravel bike and second release, following the Lab71 SuperSix EVO<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Lab 71 Topstone frameset will cost you \u00a33,000 \/ $4,500 \/ \u20ac4,1999 \/ AU$4,999.<\/p>\n

Lowering the weight<\/h2>\n
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The frameset saves 160g.<\/span><\/figcaption> Cannondale<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Cannondale says the Lab71 Topstone saves 160g compared to the standard Topstone Carbon by using a \u201cspecial carbon layup\u201d.<\/p>\n

It hasn\u2019t provided details on what exactly the special carbon layup is, but the frameset\u2019s spec sheet calls it \u201cSuperlight Series 0 Carbon Construction\u201d.<\/p>\n

Cannondale says the reduction in weight has been achieved while preserving the strength and performance of the gravel bike<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Aesthetics and engineering<\/h2>\n
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The frame is painted in black and \u2018oxblood\u2019 with chrome detailing.<\/span><\/figcaption> Cannondale<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Lab71 Topstone frameset uses \u2018satin black\u2019, \u2018brushed chrome\u2019 and a \u2018marbled oxblood\u2019 colour to help Cannondale achieve its goal of elevating aesthetics to the level of engineering.<\/p>\n

It says the paintwork shows \u201cmeticulous attention to detail\u201d and the only way to make this bike look better is to add dirt.<\/p>

Much in common<\/h2>\n
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The Lab71 Topstone has 30mm of suspension and clearance for 700 x 45mm tyres.<\/span><\/figcaption> Cannondale<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Aside from weight and looks, the premium frameset shares much in common with the standard Topstone Carbon<\/a> bikes.<\/p>\n

The frameset has Cannondale\u2019s Kingpin suspension system. This provides 30mm of travel at the rear wheel to smooth bumps and increase traction without the complexity of a shock or linkage, according to Cannondale.<\/p>\n

There are mounts dotted across the bike for bottle cages and bikepacking bags<\/a>. These are on the inside of the frame\u2019s front triangle, on the underside of the down tube and on the top tube. There are also three mounting points on each side of the fork.<\/p>\n

There is a \u2018StrapRack\u2019 at the bottom of the down tube to mount any accessories and spares, such as an inner tube<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The frameset has clearance for 700 x 45mm gravel tyres<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A dream build?<\/h2>\n
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Cannondale has provided an example of how you might build up the Lab71 Topstone.<\/span><\/figcaption> Cannondale<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Lab71 Topstone may only be available as a frameset, but Cannondale has shared images of how you might build an exclusive bike like this.<\/p>\n

When Cannondale launched the latest Topstone Carbon in April 2022, it said the bike was aimed at riders looking for challenges and was intended for a wide range of riding, from covering long distances to riding singletrack.<\/p>\n

Fittingly, then, the build example provided by Cannondale includes a SRAM RockShox Reverb XPLR dropper post<\/a>, alongside three water bottles and bags.<\/p>\n

Cannondale shows the frameset built with a top-of-the-line SRAM Red groupset, with a 1x drivetrain<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The build is completed by Cannondale\u2019s own-brand HollowGram wheels wrapped in <\/span>WTB Raddler tyres<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n