Bike type comparison
Specialized DivergevsCannondale Topstone
A side-by-side UK buyer's guide to help you pick the right type of bike for how you actually ride.
Overview
Two of the most popular gravel bikes in the UK, and both add a touch of suspension to smooth rough ground. The Diverge uses Specialized's FutureShock at the bars. The Topstone uses Cannondale's Kingpin flex pivot at the rear. Both take wide tyres and make excellent one-bike-does-everything machines.
At a glance
Quick verdict
speed
Tie
comfort
Tie
versatility
Tie
value
Cannondale Topstone
Two excellent do-it-all gravel bikes. The Diverge feels racier with comfort at the bars; the Topstone is keener value with comfort at the rear.
- Pick the Diverge for faster, road-leaning gravel and FutureShock at the bars.
- Pick the Topstone for rear-end comfort and strong value for the spec.
- Both take wide tyres and bikepacking luggage.
- Either makes a genuine one-bike-for-everything.
Feature by feature
Feature comparison
| Feature | Specialized Diverge | Cannondale Topstone |
|---|---|---|
Comfort tech Front give against rear give | FutureShock at the bars | Kingpin rear flex pivot |
Character Diverge feels racier | Road-leaning and quick | Planted and comfort-led |
Tyre clearance Both take proper gravel rubber | Wide gravel tyres | Wide gravel tyres |
Luggage mounts Both bikepack happily | Plenty for bags and bottles | Plenty for bags and bottles |
Decide
Which is best for you?
Choose Specialized Diverge if...
- Faster, road-leaning gravel
- Mixed-surface speed
- Riders who want front comfort
- Drop-bar versatility
Choose Cannondale Topstone if...
- Comfort over long, rough days
- Keen value for the spec
- Rear-end smoothness
- Bikepacking and adventure
Community
Have your say
Riding Specialized Diverge or Cannondale Topstone, or stuck choosing? Ask the Cyclesite community before you buy.
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Start the conversationQuestions
Frequently asked questions
Is the Diverge or Topstone better for beginners?
Both are forgiving and versatile. The Topstone is often a little keener on price for the spec, while the Diverge feels slightly racier. Either makes an excellent first gravel bike for UK riding.
What is the difference between FutureShock and Kingpin?
FutureShock on the Diverge adds movement at the bars to smooth your hands; Kingpin on the Topstone lets the rear of the frame flex to smooth your saddle. Front comfort against rear comfort, much like the endurance road bikes.
Which has more tyre clearance?
They are close, both clearing wide gravel tyres in the mid-40s of millimetres depending on the model. That is plenty for UK bridleways, towpaths and rough lanes.
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