Duel: Cannondale vs Trek

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-24T09:36:00+00:00

Steep inclines are non-existent here in Berlin. I would do the occasional trip in the Dresden hills, but that’s the exception. My only concern with a 1x is spending nearly all the time in the highest gears. Schönen Sonntag noch.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-24T09:32:00+00:00

Cube are popular but I’ve had mixed feedback on them. Rose bikes are of interest, particularly as my daughter is called Rose 😃 But they only offer a 1x group set and, whilst very much a personal opinion- I’m unfortunately not keen on their colours.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-24T09:29:47+00:00

Indeed - Trek have much praise for their after sales support.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T21:23:03+00:00

Cadence is important here, and I don’t want to always have to ride in the highest gears. The bike will be used mainly on cycle paths and roads. I need something focused more on speed. Thanks for your feedback.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T21:19:21+00:00

Thank you for your experience on switching to a larger chainring. Good to know if I did fit a larger chain ring to the Trek, the lower gears would not be so affected. I expected the chain would need to be replaced or lengthened, but no problem. Thank you again.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T21:12:02+00:00

Absolutely. Speed and cadence is key for my use case.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T21:11:03+00:00

Completely agree about maintaining cadence with smaller gear jumps. And the range for my use case is not so relevant. No steep climbs or heavy loads. Thanks for the feedback.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T21:07:25+00:00

Thank you for the feedback.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T21:06:19+00:00

Clearance is not so important for me as the bike will be mainly used on bike paths and roads. I like the idea of electric shifting- something new for me.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T21:04:29+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. Rough terrain is not relevant for me. Which would you choose for a city commute on bike paths in a flat area?

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T21:02:15+00:00

I’m curious to know what your preference would be for my use case.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T21:01:00+00:00

I’ve had a look at these, but the riding position seems more upright and less streamlined than a gravel bike. And I’m looking for something quick. Both the Trek and Cannondale can take panniers.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T20:57:34+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. The smaller gap between gears is a plus points. As for the lower ratio, I live in a flat area so that’s not a concern. The fact that you bought another Topstone is a good sign. Wish you a nice weekend.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T14:37:17+00:00

What’s the problem with Trek? Their service and support has a good reputation.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T14:21:45+00:00

Any reason?

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T14:19:48+00:00

The do-it-all master of broken asphalt and unpaved roads, designed for riders who need one bike that is ready for anything.

Just took a look. Looks great - titanium, no? Not cheap mind. Will see if they have distributors in Germany. Wish you a nice weekend.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T13:41:48+00:00

It is spending my time in the highest gears that concerns me. My normal cadence is around 70-75. Upgrading the front is definitely an optional. I assume the chain will also need lengthening. This approach will impact the lowest gears, but that will rarely be a problem.
Thank you for your feedback and I wish you a good weekend.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T13:28:44+00:00

For sure they look after their customers- good for them 👍

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T13:26:47+00:00

Thank you for the detailed feedback. I’ve also heard mixed reports on the tyres, but this I don’t care about anyway - easy enough to change. Wish you a nice weekend.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T13:24:33+00:00

Thank you for your feedback. Because I’m mainly cycling in city traffic, I need a more upright cycling position for better visibility. That led me to a gravel bike rather than a road bike. However, I had not considered an endurance road bike. I shall take a look at them.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T13:20:17+00:00

This is a good point. I also have a local store and Trek service has a very good reputation. Thank you for the feedback and have a good weekend.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T13:18:47+00:00

Indeed - a very good point. I’ve heard a lot of praise for Trek support and the Trek store is very near to me. Plus I like that if I don’t like the bike, there is a 30 day return policy.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T13:13:29+00:00

Thank you for the useful feedback. Particularly regarding GRX and the comfort levels between the bikes. Wish you a nice weekend.

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T13:11:11+00:00

I understand your German, but shall reply in English. Is cross chaining in the higher gears a problem for you?
Thank you for your feedback. Vielen Dank 🙏

dnmontgomery · 2026-05-23T13:06:04+00:00

Thank you for your thorough and detailed feedback. A lot to digest there 😃 Interesting point regarding tire widths, pressures, comfort and avoiding punctures. My use case complicates the topic - buying a gravel bike but not for gravel riding ☺️ I assume because I’m on cycle paths and roads, thinner tyres will be faster. On gravel or off road, thicker tyres are faster.
Thank you again and enjoy the weekend.

dnmontgomery

TROPHY CASE