The sporty part of the Cannondale family has grown. The newcomer is kind of nothing but skin and bones. Nevevertheless, there is no reason to worry – the child with the desired weight is fully charged and eagerly awaits its first ride.
Topstone Neo SL is the name of the new e-gravel bike for the 2021 season. It expands the existing faction of these versatile e-bikes at Cannondale with the ebikemotion X35+ motor from Mahle. All existing Topstone Neo models rely on a Bosch drive from Performance CX motor, PowerTube battery and Kiox display.
Now, then, two models – Topstone Neo SL 1 and Topstone Neo SL 2 – with a much more slender system that brings less power but can be integrated into the e-bike much more inconspicuously. Broken down to mere figures, this means just 40 Newton metres of torque and a maximum range of around 70 kilometres due to the 250-watt-hour battery.
Pretty natural it should be
Fans of this variant should not be too concerned about this. The “SL” – a common abbreviation for “super light” – probably lights up their eyes most of all. A quick glance at the technical data reveals: we’re talking about 12.9 kilograms for the Topstone Neo SL 1. With the Topstone Neo 4, for example, you get around 17 kilograms. Even though the manufacturers always emphasise that weight plays a subordinate role on an e-bike, it definitely influences the riding experience. Just under 13 kilograms clearly promise an experience that is much closer to the one you would have on a bike without electric assistance. Keyword: natural riding experience ? And that’s what the majority of those who stumble across the Topstone Neo SL are looking for.
However, even they have to reckon with certain differences. The main reason for this is the fact that Cannondale has said goodbye to the mid-drive motor at the same time as opting for this one. The unit from Mahle is a rear hub motor. It is well known that components such as sprockets and chains suffer less from this. However, it also changes the usual balance of the bicycle. The centre of gravity is no longer as low and central as with a mid-drive motor. It usually takes a little time to get used to this.
A touch of professional cycling
A big plus of the bike, in our view, is its frame. It is very similar to the original Topstone Carbon, the first designated gravel bike from Cannondale, which of course came without an electric drive and still does. The US manufacturer has equipped the professional cycling team EF Cycling with this bike. Their riders have competed in extremely challenging races such as the GB Duro.
The Topstone Neo SL lacks the typical Kingpin damping with its 30 millimetres of suspension travel and the frame material is aluminium instead of carbon. However, decisive details such as seat angle, head angle and the horizontal length of the top tube are almost identical. So, you will be in a very similar position on the bike to the pros. However, the wheelbase of the e-bike is significantly longer – a hint that points more in the direction of the road. In fact, the Topstone Neo SL will not be quite as manoeuvrable as the carbon model mentioned above. But you can expect a smooth-running bike that remains controllable even when you race straight down the mountain.
Everything on board, but not everywhere
Besides the geometry, we like the numerous mounts for bottles, small bags and other accessories on the frame. Seat tube, down tube top, down tube bottom and twice on the top tube – that’s quite a bit. This gives you enough options to mount your equipment for extended gravel tours exactly where it is most accessible for you. Many competitors in this segment can take a leaf out of this book.
In view of such outstanding travel suitability, the restriction of tyre clearance to a width of 42 millimetres is surprising. That could have been a bit more. It is easily enough for the notorious gravel road. But you won’t be able to ride on really rough terrain.
The fork even leaves no room for more than the specified 42 millimetres of tyre width.
One chainring or rather two?
It is quite possible that the decision between road and off-road will also be reflected in the choice of model. Cannondale has taken an offensive approach to this issue and has chosen different concepts for the two newcomers. The Topstone Neo SL 1 is more in line with the image that one encounters among those for whom gravel mainly takes place in the forest. In other words, a chainring in combination with an 11-sprocket block.
Those who ride their e-gravel bike much more on paved, small roads and paths tend to use a 2-speed drivetrain more often. In the case of the Topstone Neo SL 2, this means two chainrings with 30 and 46 teeth and a cassette with ten sprockets in the gradation 11 to 34 teeth. With such equipment, the differences between the respective gears are much smaller. In addition, you ease the strain on the outermost and innermost sprockets of the cassette because the chain can very often run almost exactly parallel with the help of the two chainrings. Many find this variant running a little smoother. To take advantage of this, however, you have to shift diligently.
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- Cannondale Topstone Neo SL 1
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- Cannondale Topstone Neo SL 2
Remarkable price differences
After all, a larger selection also involves some pitfalls. Topstone Neo SL 1 and Topstone Neo SL 2 probably make the decision-making process in the possible search for a new e-bike more difficult than easier. This applies to the Cannondale range as well as to the entire portfolio across all manufacturers. If you look at the price, you will see that both Topstone Neo SL models are quite attractive.
The Topstone Neo SL 2 and the Topstone Neo Carbon 4, for example, are roughly comparable. Both bikes have 2-speed drivetrains and no Lefty suspension fork, which Cannondale still offers. There is a gap of 1,900 euros between them in favour of the lighter model. In contrast, the Carbon 4 has the more powerful Bosch drive with its own display and the carbon frame with Kingpin system for greater riding comfort. Fortunately, this is your decision and not mine.
General technical details of the Cannondale Topstone Neo SL
- Frame: SmartForm C2 aluminium
- Fork: Full Carbon, 1-1/8″ to 1.5″ steerer
- Motor: Mahle ebikemotion X35+, 250 W
- Battery: Mahle ebikemotion X35, 250 Wh
- Control unit: Mahle ebikemotion iWoc ONE integrated controller
- Front hub: Formula CRX-512, 12 x 100mm thruaxle
- Rear wheel hub: EbikeMotion X35+
- Tyres: WTB Resolute TCS, 700 x 42c, tubeless ready
- Handlebar: Cannondale 3, butted 6061 alloy, 16 deg flare drop
- Stem: Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7°
- Brakes: Shimano GRX 400 hydraulic disc, 160/160mm RT56 rotors
- Saddle: Fabric Scoop Shallow Sport, steel rails
- Seatpost: Promax SP-2032, carbon, 27.2
- Connectivity: Cannondale Wheel Sensor
- Sizes: SM, MD, LG, XL
- Maximum permitted total weight: 150 kg
Specific features of the Cannondale Topstone Neo SL 1
- Crank: Shimano GRX 600, 40T
- Cassette: Shimano SLX, 11-42, 11-speed
- Rear derailleur: Shimano GRX 812, Shadow RD+
- Colour: Agave
- Weight: 12,9 kg
- Price: 3,399 euros
Specific features of the Cannondale Topstone Neo SL 2
- Crank: Shimano GRX 600, 46/30
- Cassette: Shimano HG500, 11-34, 10-speed
- Front derailleur: Shimano GRX 400, braze-on w/ band clamp adapter
- Rear derailleur: Shimano GRX 400, Shadow RD+
- Colour: Graphite
- Weight: 14,7 kg
- Price: 2.899 Euro
Pictures: Cycling Sports Group, Inc.
