Are you looking for a gravel bike that can handle any terrain, deliver smooth and powerful performance, and offer full suspension comfort? Then you might want to check out the Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3. This e-bike is one of the most capable and fun-loving gravel bikes ever made. It comes with a Bosch motor system that gives you a boost of up to 28 mph. This article will review the features, specifications, and benefits of the Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3. We will also show you how it compares to other e-bikes in its class. Read on to find out why this e-bike is worth the investment for those seeking both road and dirt adventures.
Features of the Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3
The Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 is not your ordinary gravel bike. It has some unique and innovative features that set it apart from the competition. Here are some of the main features of this e-bike:
- Frame and fork: The Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 has a BallisTec carbon frame that is lightweight, stiff, and durable. The frame also has a removable downtube battery, a Kingpin suspension system, and a dropper post compatibility. The fork is a Lefty Oliver, a single-sided suspension fork that offers 30mm of travel, a chamber damper, and a high-ride air spring. The fork also has a tapered steerer and a 55mm offset, which improves the handling and stability of the bike.
- Motor and battery: The Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 is powered by a Bosch Performance Line Speed motor, which is one of the most powerful and reliable motors on the market. The motor can deliver up to 250W of power and 85Nm of torque, so you can easily tackle any hill or headwind. The motor also has four modes of assistance: Eco, Tour, Sport, and Turbo, which you can easily control on the left handlebar. The battery is a Bosch Powertube 500Wh, which is integrated into the frame and can be removed for charging. The battery can provide a range of up to 78 miles, depending on the mode, terrain, and rider weight.
- Drivetrain and brakes: The Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 has a Shimano GRX 812/600 11-speed hydraulic disc groupset, which is designed specifically for gravel riding. The drivetrain offers smooth and precise shifting, while the brakes provide powerful and consistent stopping power in all conditions. The bike also has a Shimano GRX 40T crankset and a Shimano SLX 11-42T cassette, which give you a wide range of gears to choose from.
- Wheels and tires: The Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 comes with smaller diameter, higher volume 650b x 42c tires, which offer more off-road ability and on-road comfort. The tires are WTB Resolute, which are tubeless-ready and have a versatile tread pattern that can handle various surfaces. The wheels are WTB ST i23 TCS, which are also tubeless-ready and have a 23mm internal width that supports the tires well.
Benefits of Riding the Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3
The Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 is not just a feature-packed e-bike, but also a benefit-packed e-bike. Here are some of the benefits of riding this e-bike:
- Comfort: The Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 offers a comfortable ride, thanks to its full suspension technology. The Kingpin suspension system on the frame and the Lefty Oliver fork on the front absorb the bumps and vibrations from the road, giving you a smooth and cushy ride. The bike also has a refined geometry and a confident rider position, making you feel stable and composed. The bike also has a Fabric Scoop Shallow Sport saddle, which is ergonomic and supportive.
- Speed: The Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 offers a speedy ride, thanks to its powerful motor system. The Bosch motor gives you a boost of up to 28 mph, which means you can cruise faster and farther than ever before. The motor also has a smooth and natural power delivery, which makes you feel like you are riding a regular bike, only faster. The bike also has a lightweight and stiff frame, which enhances the efficiency and responsiveness of the bike.
- Control: The Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 offers a controlled ride, thanks to its handling and traction features. The Lefty Oliver fork and the 55mm offset improve the steering and cornering of the bike, making it agile and maneuverable. The 650b x 42c tires and the tubeless-ready wheels provide a good grip and a low rolling resistance on various terrains, making it easy to ride on gravel, dirt, or pavement. The hydraulic disc brakes and the 11-speed drivetrain also give you more control over your speed and cadence, making it easy to adjust to different situations.
How Does the Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 Compare to Other E-Bikes in Its Class?
The Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 is a gravel e-bike that can do it all. It can handle any terrain, deliver smooth and powerful performance, and offer full suspension comfort. But how does it compare to other e-bikes in its class? Here is a comparison table that shows some of the key specifications and features of the Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 and three other popular gravel e-bikes: the Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon EVO, the Giant Revolt E+ Pro, and the Trek Allant+ 9.9S.
| Model | Price | Weight | Motor | Battery | Range | Suspension | Drivetrain | Brakes | Wheels | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 | $6,500 | 38.5 lbs | Bosch Performance Line Speed | Bosch Powertube 500Wh | Up to 78 miles | Kingpin + Lefty Oliver | Shimano GRX 812/600 11-speed | Shimano GRX 600 hydraulic disc | WTB ST i23 TCS | WTB Resolute 650b x 42c |
| Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon EVO | $7,000 | 33.5 lbs | Specialized SL 1.1 | Specialized SL1-320 | Up to 80 miles | Future Shock 2.0 | SRAM Rival 1 11-speed | SRAM Rival 1 hydraulic disc | Roval C 38 Disc | Pathfinder Pro 2Bliss Ready 700 x 38c |
| Giant Revolt E+ Pro | $5,000 | 46.3 lbs | Giant SyncDrive Pro | Giant EnergyPak Smart 375 | Up to 75 miles | D-Fuse seatpost | Shimano GRX 810 11-speed | Shimano GRX 800 hydraulic disc | Giant eX-2 Disc | Maxxis Re-Fuse 700x45c |
| Trek Allant+ 9.9S | $6,000 | 48.1 lbs | Bosch Performance Speed | Bosch PowerTube 625 | Up to 100 miles | None | Shimano XT 12-speed | Shimano XT hydraulic disc | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V | Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite 700x32c |
As you can see, the Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 has some advantages and disadvantages over its competitors. It has the most suspension travel, the widest tires, and the most affordable price. However, it also has the heaviest weight, the smallest battery, and the lowest range. The other e-bikes have different strengths and weaknesses, depending on your preferences and needs. For example, the Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon EVO has the lightest weight, the most advanced suspension system, and the most expensive price. The Giant Revolt E+ Pro has the most powerful motor, the largest battery, and the most range. The Trek Allant+ 9.9S has the sleekest design, the fastest motor, and the narrowest tires.
Conclusion
The Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 is a gravel e-bike that can do it all. It can handle any terrain, deliver smooth and powerful performance, and offer full suspension comfort. It is a bike that combines comfort, speed, control, and traction, making it worth the investment for those seeking both road and dirt adventures. If you are interested in this e-bike, you can find more information on the Cannondale website or read some reviews from Cycling Weekly and Ride Review. You can also watch some videos of the bike in action on YouTube and BikeRide. The Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 is a bike that will make you smile and enjoy every ride.
