Comparison test: Cannondale Topstone Neo SL vs Topstone Neo Lefty 3

Test: With the Cannondale Topstone Neo models, the well-known US manufacturer has two e-gravel bikes that couldn't be more different in the race. Which concept works better or is it not possible to say exactly?

With the Cannondale Topstone Carbon Neo Lefty combines a high-quality carbon frame, powerful Bosch power and MTB-inspired features for unlimited gravel fun. The Topstone Neo SL on the other hand, with a light aluminum frame, sporty Mahle hub drive and a balanced endurance geometry, it stands for an inexpensive alternative and more sportiness. The price should be the first sticking point. The carbon version is available for 6099 euros and thus costs almost twice as much as the Topstone Neo SL, which is available for 3399 euros.

Cannondale Topstone Neo – First stopover comparison: The drive

Bosch Performance Line CX mid-motor on the Topstone Carbon Neo Lefty versus Mahle X35+ hub drive on the Topstone Neo SL. While the Bosch drive provides plenty of power and torque, the Mahle hub motor acts more in the background and supports our natural riding style.

Cannondale Topstone Neo - Comfort miracle against sporty long-distance drivers

Of course, the Bosch motor is a lot of fun and lets us accelerate and have fun at the push of a button. With this setup in particular, such strong support certainly makes sense, since with the Lefty suspension fork, kingpin element on the rear triangle and 650b wheels including off-road tires, there is a clear focus on fun on the trail and downhill performance. The comfort of the bike is also clearly one of its strengths. Logically, because with 30mm of spring travel on the rear triangle thanks to the kingpin joint and also 30mm of spring travel on the left-hand upside-down suspension fork, you are well equipped. The SL variant, on the other hand, does not have any suspension at all, but also offers attractive comfort, at least on gravel roads. However, when things get technical, the bike does reach its limits and cannot be steered quite as quickly around corners as its big brother made of carbon. So we wouldn't want to tackle trails as much with the Topstone SL.

But this bike convinces with real long-distance suitability and good rolling characteristics. Because while the Topstone Carbon rides very playfully and sometimes a little nervously, the aluminum counterpart doesn't let itself be disturbed so quickly even at higher speeds and lies calmly and securely on the road. In addition, the aluminum frame has many screw-on points for water bottles, luggage racks and other accessories, which should please bikepacking fans on long trips. On these tours, the 200 Wh range extender should help to achieve even more range. With a total of 450 Wh, you probably have a clear advantage over the 500 Wh of the Bosch drive due to the better rolling characteristics and the lower weight in terms of range.

Another massive difference is noticeable when stepping on the scales, because at 17,5 kilos for the model with Lefty and only 13,8 kilos for the aluminum version, there are almost 4 kilos between the bikes. So it's clear that the SL variant can be driven a little more naturally. Here, too, the Mahle drive hub fits like a glove and provides sporty, dynamic e-support, which does not impair the natural riding experience unless you need the necessary power.

Otherwise, the two Cannondale e-gravel bikes have relatively similar equipment. Because with a mechanical Shimano GRX group you rely on gravel-suitable braking and shifting performance and the WTB Resolute tires with a width of 42mm provide a good mixture of comfort and grip on both bikes, even if tires of up to 47mm width should have space on both bikes.

Cannondale Topstone Neo - The equipment in comparison