Riding Gravel

Spring Clothing Round-Up: Assos – by Grannygear Assos is one of those brands I would see reviewed and discussed on the internet and done so…

Hot on the heels of Cannondale’s recent announcement of the 2020 Topstone Carbon, it’s time to wrap up the review of the 2019 Topstone 105 we’ve been testing since early-May.

I have heard from several industry wags that a 143mm saddle fits 90% of the male riders out there. On the 143mm I was more aware of sit bone pressure as that was the primary area of contact. It was not bad, just different. Interesting in a way, as sometimes you have to try a saddle rather than go by the numbers. Width does not always play out the same between models.

Over the last two months (!!) that the final part of this review lasted, I have ridden the Noble GX5 as a “daily driver”, taken it out on some of the nastiest roads we’ve seen in years, and ridden it on “normal” Mid-West roads. Through it all, I have remained impressed with this carbon fiber bicycle with roots going back to another gravel bike I really like.

The Line model from Giant is actually a development in conjunction with the Giant racing team and aimed at enduro mountain bikers. These types of shoes typically have more foot protection and a nod to walk-ability and with that, traction off the bike. Giant felt as though these might also be traits a gravel road rider might be interested in.

My initial impressions were of a laterally stiff wheel with high spoke tension and so the forward drive under prodding was exceptional. They really scoot. I also felt that they were a firm riding wheel and I think that is accurate, but they are not harsh.

It is true- one could get any old bag and organize their stuff. I mean, one could just “get by”. That said, the Silca Maratona Minimo is attractive, seems durable, holds its shape, and does all that while also organizing your gear very well. So, essentially there are no compromises with the Minimo, unless you need more space.

Reggie appeals to my non-serious side with their fun approach to cycling, not taking things too seriously or with a truck load of pretense. Yet, they seem to deliver the goods, allowing me to have a good riding experience in fine clothing. It’s a nice mash-up.

It’s an exciting time for lovers of new new gravel bikes and gear, as manufacturers start to show their cards for the year to come. We’ve been riding a 2020 Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force eTap AXS model for a few weeks now, and here are our initial impressions.

Long known for innovative, out of the box thinking, Cannondale today announced its next evolution in all road bikes, the Topstone Carbon. Featuring an all-new ultralight Kingpin suspension system, the Topstone Carbon is designed to give riders more comfort, control and all-terrain versatility, without the added weight and complexity of a damper-based suspension system.