The big brand gravel bike battle! Cannondale vs Specialized! The big kids on the block who have been around forever. Which gravel bike is best? We are going to compare these two iconic gravel bikes side by side and see what the difference is between each.
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Let’s get into comparing these bikes
Introducing the Cannondale Topstone
Just looking at this bike it is clearly the better option if you want something that you can take on adventures. Yes, it is the more expensive bike out of the two. You do get the choice to buy much more affordable models. This model though boasts some interesting features, that are definitely worth considering.
The main feature worth mentioning is the bike’s Kingpin suspension system. Delivering a smooth ride without the added weight and complexity of a shock and links. Whether you need more comfort to go long, or more traction to push beyond. This intuitive suspension design has you covered, offering that little extra comfort for those grueling gravel-grinding adventures.
You also get the SmartSense’s system of intelligent lights (and optional rear-facing radar) which increases your visibility out on the open road and makes it easy to ride smart.
Dropper compatible, and you get all the mounting options you could need for your next bikepacking trip. This bike is a no-brainer if you want your next all-rounder adventure gravel bike.
Introducing the Specialized Diverge
The Specialized Diverge has to be one of the most popular gravel bikes on the market. And same is true with the Cannondale Topstone.
However, the Diverge comes in a plethora of build options. Available in their standard Diverge models, STR (which features their special suspension technology), and the Diverge flat bar. Which is a popular choice for those looking for a commuter/gravel bike!
This comparison gets interesting when we compare two bikes like these which both have progressive gravel suspension technologies. For example, comparing the Trek Checkpoint to the Cannondale Topstone doesn’t seem like a fair comparison as the Checkpoint lacks this suspension (even though they have that subtle vibration-dampening technology that I am not sure you could consider as suspension.)
For that reason that is why I think it is super interesting to specifically compare the Diverge STR model to the Topstone which features Kingpin suspension technology.
Generally speaking, the Specialized Diverge is considered an ultimate do-it-all gravel bike for all your cycling adventure needs but also a fast gravel bike when you need it to be.
Price – Topstone Vs Diverge
When it comes to price the Topstone has a plethora of options ranging from $1,375 to $7,850. While the Diverge ranges from $1,100 to $14,000. But what really is the difference and which one is best for you and your riding goals?
There are so many different models to choose from for each bike. For this article, we have taken their mid-range (best bang for buck option as a main comparison. Instead of comparing all models together.)
Taking a closer look at prices you can get something like the Cannondale Lefty (front suspension option) for the same price as the Diverge STR Expert, which doesn’t have a front shock. Meaning if you want to go further and travel the roughest terrain possible or look for the most subtle ride. Then for the money, the Cannondale might be your best bet.
But when taking a look at these two, mid-range models. There is a slight difference when it comes to price. Taking a look at something like the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 L priced at $3,325. The closest option in price that Specialized offer is the Diverge Sport Carbon at $3,500.
First, let’s dive into these two mid-range models and compare the pair. Then later we can compare the STR Diverge to the Ccannondale Lefty Topstone. The ultimate suspension gravel bike options for both brands.
Topstone Carbon 3 Vs Diverge Sport Carbon
The mid-range bike battle. Both bikes are priced from around $3,300 to $3,500. The Topstone comes at $175 cheaper than the Diverge and you also get slightly better component quality for the price.
As you can see from the graph above the Topstone has much better value for money compared to the Diverge. And the Topstone even has better high and low gears. Which makes the Topstone a no-brainer. You get Shimano GRX 600 on the Topstone compared to the Apex on the Diverge.
Taking a closer look at the specs of these two drivetrains we can conclude that the 2×11 Topstones gearing is much superior to the 1×11 of the Diverge. The Topstone has a climbing gear of 24.67″ and the largest gear of 117.17″. While the Diverge has 26.41″ and 101.17″.
Comparing a 1x setup to a 2x is quite unfair. As you can clearly see by these numbers that the Topstone is much more capable when it comes to climbing especially if you have a loaded bike and bikepacking gear.
When it comes to the weight of the two, the Cannondale Topstone weighs around 23.3 pounds / 10.57 kg, while the Specialized Diverge weighs around 21 lbs and 5 oz (9.67 kg). But from the numbers, above we can see the Diverge has a slightly lighter weight construction at around 1 kg lighter.
This makes a decently large difference when it comes to performance and speed if you want a gravel bike for riding fast.
When it comes to tire clearance, the Topstone fits up to 700c x 45mm or 27.5 x 2.1″, with 6mm of mud-shedding clearance. While the Diverge has room for up to 47mm on 700c wheels or 2.1” on 650b. Which is the same tire clearance for both 650b setups on both bikes. But if you want to run 700c the Diverge has slightly wider clearance.
Let’s take a look at the geometry as this can play a big part in the difference between how a bike rides and feels. It is definitely something to consider when buying a bike. Okay, the moment I have been waiting for! So far these bikes have been rather similar in many ways. Here is where if there are any differences we can figure out which bike is better suited for you. All the measurements below are in mm and are for both medium-sized bikes.
Want to learn more about understanding bike geometry? Read this article which goes through all the jargon and what it means for a comfortable ride!
The main geometry specs that can paint the picture of the type of bike we are looking at are; stack/reach ratio, trail, chainstay, and wheelbase.
Firstly the stack/reach ratio for the Topstone is 1.50 vs the Diverge 1.56, which suggests that the Diverge is a more upright bike. Even though the Topstone is more aggressive in comparison it is still a rather upright and comfortable bike for adventures.
The Diverge would be in theory a more comfortable bike to ride on bikepacking trips and for longer amounts of time in the saddle. The Topstone is still however designed for bike adventures in mind. And both are still capable bikes for riding fast.
When it comes to the chainstay, the measurements are 420 mm (Topstone) vs 425 mm (Diverge). Meaning that the Topstone is 5 mm shorter, which is on the short end for gravel bikes making it feel jumpy and quick in the rear. The Diverge is still on the shorter end but is ‘quick’ than ‘jumpy’.
Specifically, if you want to run panniers the Diverge is your best bet, they aren’t the most ideal chainstay length for touring. But this longer chainstay offers a more comfortable clearance from your feet and legs when pedaling.
But that longer chainstay and I am assuming wheelbase also makes the Diverge a more stable and planted bike especially when bikepacking or bicycle touring. The more stable the bike under a load the better.
And this is evident with the Diverge having a 13 mm longer wheelbase.
Now we’ll look at the trail. This tells the story of how each bike will corner and what the handling is like upfront.
Both bikes have trail lengths in the mid to neutral range for gravel bikes. However, the Diverge has a smaller trail at 57.2 while the Topstone has a 63.1 trail. The Diverge should feel rather responsive and predictable. And the Topstone would be more predictable a more stable. Which makes the Topstone more suited for bikepacking and adventure cycling upfront.
But again overall from these numbers, we can assume that both bikes strike an interesting balance for adventure-focused riding. The Diverge’s rear metrics are more suited for comfortable, stable adventure-focused riding. And overall you could conclude that the Diverge is the slightly more preferred option if you are solely looking for a bike for your next adventures.
And because they are both perfect all-rounder gravel bikes. It seems the Diverge has that slight edge when it comes to practicality and cycling adventures.
| Bike | Diverge | Topstone |
| Stack | 610 | 574 |
| Reach | 392 | 383 |
| Stack/Reach Ratio | 1.56 | 1.50 |
| Top Tube Length | – | 532 |
| Seat Tube Length | 500 | 505 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 73.5 | 73.1 |
| Head Tube Length | 133 | 150 |
| Head Tube Angle | 71.75 | 71.2 |
| BB Drop | 80 | 67 |
| Front Center | 630 | 617 |
| Chainstay Length | 425 | 420 |
| Wheelbase | 1042 | 1029 |
| Rake | 55 | 55 |
| Trail | 57.2 | 62 |
| Standover Height | 779 | 785 |
As the Cannondale Topstone doesn’t have traditionally ideal geometry numbers for the most stable adventure bike. It doesn’t mean you still can’t have any fun.
And I might argue that looking at the details of the Cannondale you might have more fun on it compared to the Diverge. Thanks to the shorter chainstay and Kingpin suspension.
I can see this bike being perfect for those fast and quick adventures. As the suspension technology could potentially make up for the more aggressive angle and geometry lengths compared to the more comfortable Checkpoint. This suspension could help in aiding in that extra comfort over the long haul.
So if being the fastest adventurer is in your plans. Maybe riding a long-distance bikepacking event. Or riding some gnarly single track with quick turns and berms. Then the Cannondale would be the better pick out of the two. Especially when considering these two specific bikes.
Diverge STR Expert Vs Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty
The suspension gravel bike battle from Specialized and Cannondale!
Both bikes come with a rather high-end spec rating. The Topstone is powered by a Force XPLR eTap, Force eTap drivetrain while the Diverge has a GX Eagle AXS, RED eTap groupset.
Thanks to the Cannondale Lefty Oliver Carbon you get 30 mm travel up front but no travel in the rear. However, the Kingpin technology provides vibration dampening. And the Diverge has 20 mm in the front and 30 mm in the rear. Thanks to the Future Shock suspension (front and rear).
They say the Diverge STR dampens vibrations by both suspensions without removing the sensation of fast road cycling. So you essentially get the best of both worlds.
But again as I always say. Each bike has its own specialty that they bring to the table and the same rings true with the Topstone and Diverge. But I hope this article cleared up some things for you.
Compare Cannondale Topstone to other bikes
Compare Specialized Diverge to other bikes
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