Cannondale Topstone CAAD 3 CUES 1x Bicycle – Aluminum Gravel Bike

Cannondale Topstone CAAD 3 CUES 1x: Always Ready for Adventure

The Cannondale Topstone CAAD 3 CUES 1x is an aluminum gravel bike designed to offer versatility, reliability, and comfort on paved roads, dirt paths, and mixed terrain. Ideal for those who want to get into the world of gravel or are looking for a practical bike for daily commuting and weekend rides, it combines a premium SmartForm C1 aluminum frame with an all-carbon fork and a 10-speed Shimano CUES drivetrain.

Thanks to the Topstone family geometry, stable handling, and up to 52 mm tire clearance, this bike adapts to a variety of riding needs. The 700x45c WTB Riddler Comp tires ensure a good balance between rolling efficiency and grip, while the numerous mounting points allow you to add useful accessories for commuting, touring, and multi-day adventures.

The Cannondale Topstone CAAD 3 CUES 1x is an affordable way to enter Cannondale's gravel range, with a setup designed to confidently handle both daily commutes and longer rides.

Model Description

The Cannondale Topstone CAAD 3 CUES 1x carries on the DNA of the Topstone CAAD family, sharing its aluminum frame, geometry, handling, mounting points, and tire clearance. The carbon fork helps keep the weight down and improves ride comfort, while the Shimano CUES 1x10 drivetrain offers a simple-to-use single-ring configuration designed to ensure reliable shifting over time.

The 40-tooth Shimano CUES crankset, paired with the Shimano CUES LG300 cassette with 11-48 gearing, allows you to tackle a variety of routes, from flat roads to climbs and dirt sections. The single-ring system simplifies drivetrain management and makes the bike suitable even for those new to gravel.

The 700c GXD 1.0 wheels and 45 mm WTB Riddler Comp tires complete a setup suitable for use on asphalt, gravel, and dirt. The frame also offers numerous bottle cage and accessory mounts, rack and mudguard compatibility, and a kickstand mount, features that expand its daily and touring possibilities.

Robust and versatile, the Topstone CAAD 3 is designed for those looking for an aluminum gravel bike capable of accompanying them on everyday commutes, weekend excursions, and out-of-town adventures.

Who is the Cannondale Topstone CAAD 3 CUES 1x for?

This gravel bike is designed for:

• Weekend gravel rides.
• Commuting and daily travel.
• Exploring white roads and dirt paths.
• Mixed-terrain routes on asphalt, gravel, and dirt.
• Everyday excursions and adventures.
• Road cyclists new to gravel.
• Those looking for a versatile aluminum bike also suitable for long distances.

Main Features

• Premium SmartForm C1 aluminum frame: a high-end structure covered by the Cannondale lifetime warranty.
• All-carbon fork: helps reduce weight and improve comfort and performance.
• Shimano CUES 1x10 drivetrain: a single-ring system designed to offer precise shifting and long-term reliability.
• 40-tooth crankset and 11-48 cassette: gearing designed to tackle routes with varying gradients.
• 700c GXD 1.0 wheels: rims with a 23 mm internal width and 28 holes.
• 700x45c WTB Riddler Comp tires: tubeless-ready tires suitable for mixed terrain.
• Up to 52 mm tire clearance: allows the use of wider tires, within the specified compatibility limits.
• Internal cable routing: StraightShot system with provision for dynamo routing.
• Numerous mounting points: mounts for bottle cages, accessories, racks, and mudguards.
• Kickstand mount: two-bolt 18 mm mount.
• Tubeless valves included: accessory supplied with the bike.

Cannondale Topstone CAAD 3 CUES 1x Technical Specifications

Model Details

• Platform: Topstone CAAD
• Model name: Topstone CAAD 3 CUES 1x
• Model code: C1506HU

Frame Kit

Frame

• Model: Topstone CAAD
• Material: SmartForm C1 Alloy aluminum
• Rear axle: 12x142 mm thru-axle
• Seat tube: 27.2 mm diameter, compatible with a dropper post
• Steerer tube: 1.5", compatible with Acros headset
• Bottom bracket: 68 mm BSA threaded
• Brake mount: Flat Mount, native 160 mm configuration
• Derailleur hanger: UDH
• Cable routing: StraightShot internal routing for cables and dynamo
• Mounts: multiple for gears and bottle cages
• Kickstand mount: two-bolt 18 mm mount
• Compatibility: racks and mudguards
• Geometry: suspension-ready
• Maximum stated tire clearance: up to 52 mm

Fork

• Model: Topstone Carbon
• Material: carbon
• Steerer tube: 1-1/8" to 1.5"
• Offset: 55 mm OutFront
• Brake mount: Flat Mount
• Cable routing: integrated for cables and dynamo
• Front axle: 12x100 mm thru-axle
• Mounts: triple bottle cage and accessory mounts
• Provision: mudguard mounts

Headset

• Model: Acros IS52/40 ICR

Drivetrain

• Rear derailleur: Shimano CUES U6000, Shadow RD+, 10-speed
• Shifters: Shimano CUES U6000, 10-speed
• Chain: Shimano LG500, LinkGlide, 11-speed
• Crankset: Shimano CUES 6030, 40-tooth
• Crank arm length by size:
  • 165 mm: size 47 cm
  • 170 mm: size 51 cm
  • 172.5 mm: sizes 54-56 cm
  • 175 mm: sizes 58-61 cm
• Cassette: Shimano CUES LG300, 11-48 teeth, 10-speed
• Bottom bracket: Shimano BSA 68

Brakes

• Brakes: Shimano CUES RS405 hydraulic disc brakes
• Brake rotors: Shimano CL300 Center Lock, 160/160 mm
• Brake levers: Shimano CUES RS405 hydraulic disc brake levers

Wheels and tires

• Rims: GXD 1.0, 28 holes, 23 mm internal width
• Spokes: stainless steel, 14G gauge
• Wheel size: 700c
• Hubs: Shimano TC500 Center Lock
• Front hub: 12x100 mm
• Rear hub: 12x142 mm
• Freehub body: HG
• Tires: WTB Riddler Comp, 700x45c, tubeless-ready

Components

Handlebar

• Model: Cannondale 3
• Material: variable-wall 6061 aluminum alloy (butted)
• Flare: 16°
• Drop: 120 mm
• Width by size:
  • 400 mm: sizes 47-51 cm
  • 420 mm: sizes 54-58 cm
  • 440 mm: size 61 cm

Stem

• Model: Cannondale 3
• Material: 6061 aluminum
• Diameter: 31.8 mm
• Angle: 7°
• Length by size:
  • 70 mm: sizes 47-51 cm
  • 80 mm: size 54 cm
  • 90 mm: sizes 56-58 cm
  • 100 mm: size 61 cm

Handlebar tape

• Model: Cannondale KnurlCork
• Thickness: 2.7 mm

Saddle

• Model: Selle Royal SRX Open
• Width: 145 mm

Seatpost

• Model: Cannondale 3
• Material: 6061 aluminum alloy
• Dimensions: 27.2 x 350 mm

Included accessories

• Tubeless valves

Please Note

Technical specifications are subject to change without notice based on component availability.
Product images are for illustrative purposes only and may not perfectly reflect the described features.

Why choose the Cannondale Topstone CAAD 3 CUES 1x

The Cannondale Topstone CAAD 3 CUES 1x is an aluminum gravel bike designed for those who want versatility and reliability without compromising on build quality. The SmartForm C1 frame, carbon fork, and Shimano CUES single-ring drivetrain offer a configuration suitable for daily commutes, sport rides, and excursions on mixed terrain.

The GXD 1.0 wheels and 700x45c WTB Riddler Comp tires allow you to alternate between asphalt and dirt, while the rack, mudguard, and accessory mounts make the bike easily adaptable to different needs.

Choose the Cannondale Topstone CAAD 3 CUES 1x if you are looking for a versatile gravel bike with an aluminum frame, carbon fork, and Shimano CUES drivetrain, ideal for starting to explore new routes and practically tackling every day in the saddle.

Do you want to receive your bike ready for use? Don't forget to add the bike assembly service at the time of purchase! Discover all the details here: Francesconi bike assembly

A Complete Guide to Bike Sizes

Foreword: Not all bike sizes are the same

Each type of bike has a specific frame and often uses a different size scale. For example, a road bike with a 54cm frame might be considered a medium size by one brand, but a large by another.

Bicycle adjustment margins

Some types of bikes, like gravel bikes, offer a wide range of adjustments, adapting to different body types. Other models, however, have limitations in this regard. This is an important aspect to consider.

How to use size charts

We've created a simple guide to help you find the right bike size:

1. Check out our size charts for each bike type.
2. Learn more with specific tips to help you make the right choice.

Size Charts: Find Your Perfect Bike

Gravel and road bikes

Sizes are based on the length of the top tube (in cm), which determines the reach of the bike.

For gravel, measurements may vary slightly due to different geometries, but remain similar.

Mountain bike

MTBs are measured in inches, based on the seat tube.

Sizes also vary depending on the type of MTB: full-suspension , hardtail or fat bike .

Children's bikes

The size depends on the size of the wheels, often associated with age:

What to do with half measures?

If you are between two sizes:

• Comfort : Choose the larger size.
• Performance : Go for the smaller size.

Final tips for choosing

1. Consult the manufacturer's instructions : Always check the brand's guidelines.
2. Ask an expert : a specialized workshop can help you choose based on your height, ideal reach and goals.
3. Test the bike : If possible, test the model you intend to purchase.