Cannondale has released a Lab71 Topstone frameset with a carbon layup that saves 160g and a finish that “elevates aesthetics to the level of engineering”.
Cannondale officially launched its Lab71 sub-brand in February, promising the best of the best of its bikes and “cutting-edge materials and processes, combined with stunning finishes”.
The Topstone frameset is Lab71’s first gravel bike and second release, following the Lab71 SuperSix EVO.
The Lab 71 Topstone frameset will cost you £3,000 / $4,500 / €4,1999 / AU$4,999.
Lowering the weight
Cannondale says the Lab71 Topstone saves 160g compared to the standard Topstone Carbon by using a “special carbon layup”.
It hasn’t provided details on what exactly the special carbon layup is, but the frameset’s spec sheet calls it “Superlight Series 0 Carbon Construction”.
Cannondale says the reduction in weight has been achieved while preserving the strength and performance of the gravel bike.
Aesthetics and engineering
The Lab71 Topstone frameset uses 'satin black', 'brushed chrome' and a 'marbled oxblood' colour to help Cannondale achieve its goal of elevating aesthetics to the level of engineering.
It says the paintwork shows “meticulous attention to detail” and the only way to make this bike look better is to add dirt.
Much in common
Aside from weight and looks, the premium frameset shares much in common with the standard Topstone Carbon bikes.
The frameset has Cannondale’s Kingpin suspension system. This provides 30mm of travel at the rear wheel to smooth bumps and increase traction without the complexity of a shock or linkage, according to Cannondale.
There are mounts dotted across the bike for bottle cages and bikepacking bags. These are on the inside of the frame’s front triangle, on the underside of the down tube and on the top tube. There are also three mounting points on each side of the fork.
There is a ‘StrapRack’ at the bottom of the down tube to mount any accessories and spares, such as an inner tube.
The frameset has clearance for 700 x 45mm gravel tyres.
A dream build?
The Lab71 Topstone may only be available as a frameset, but Cannondale has shared images of how you might build an exclusive bike like this.
When Cannondale launched the latest Topstone Carbon in April 2022, it said the bike was aimed at riders looking for challenges and was intended for a wide range of riding, from covering long distances to riding singletrack.
Fittingly, then, the build example provided by Cannondale includes a SRAM RockShox Reverb XPLR dropper post, alongside three water bottles and bags.
Cannondale shows the frameset built with a top-of-the-line SRAM Red groupset, with a 1x drivetrain.
The build is completed by Cannondale’s own-brand HollowGram wheels wrapped in WTB Raddler tyres.
