For 2016, the new Cannondale Topstone Carbon takes over the legacy of the now-defunct slate model from the previous generation with tweaked geometry, upgraded kingpin suspension, increased tire capacity, and more places to bolt on the bike. The platform has been updated.

Whether or not you consider this a full-suspension bike, Cannondale has stuck to the formula of a 30mm lefty fork up front combined with a 30mm kingpin rearstay flex in the rear, coupled with a 2.1-inch tire capacity. The bike is clearly intended for the rough end of the gravel. It is also available without a lefty fork, similar to the previous model that made our list of best gravel bikes. [Front and rear travel amounts are unchanged from the previous model, but the geometry has been tweaked, lowering the standover and bottom bracket height for reliability and dropping the chainstay on the drive side for more tire clearance. For riders who insist on riding drop-bar bikes on MTB trails, the bike can be equipped with tires up to 650b x 2.1" or 700c x 45mm.

In a move that will likely please home mechanics, Cannondale has also opted to ride the trend away from the BB30 pressfit system of previous models and back to a BSA threaded bottom bracket. It also adopted a traditional wheel dish to reduce the hassle of changing wheels.

Cannondale also claims that the unique kingpin suspension has been upgraded. The kingpin is a system that relies on a flattened tube geometry of the chainstay and seat tube and a pivot on the seat tube to provide 30mm of vertical flex. The new version is said to be 100 g lighter and at the same time more durable than the previous model.

At the front, models with the lefty fork version will be fitted with 700c wheels instead of the 650b of the previous generation model.

Those who have been paying attention to Cannondale's other releases will notice that the TopStone uses the same SmartSense Lighting and Garmin Valia Radar combination as the new Synapse. Even if this system is not standard on the model, it can be added in the aftermarket. There is a small cutout in the frame's downtube to accommodate the Smart Sense battery pack. This mounting point can also be repurposed as a strap deck to secure tubes and tools.

Even more interesting is the fact that Shimano's 1x models are equipped with a chain keeper. Even with a clutch, the 1x system is not immune to chain drop, especially on rough surfaces, suggesting that Cannondale envisions riders moving away from pristine fireroads and onto more rugged trails. Additionally, the Topstone is compatible with internally routed dropper posts.

Riders who want to ride on gravel trails can choose from nine build options. The options are based primarily on whether they choose the Lefty fork or the rigid carbon option, and which groupset of tiers they choose, 1x or 2x.

Further complicating matters, there is no Smart Sense option on the Lefty bikes and no Lefty fork on the 650b option.

There are five sizes available, from XS to XL, ranging from £2,800/$3,200 to £8,000/$7,800.