State Bicycle 4130 All-Road vs Cannondale Topstone 3 CUES 2x

The State 4130 All-Road is the better pick for riders who want steel comfort, very wide tire clearance and a 1x drivetrain with a dropper-ready frame. The Cannondale Topstone 3 CUES 2x is the better pick for riders who want a lighter alloy frame, a full carbon fork and a 2x10 Shimano CUES drivetrain with tighter, more predictable shifting. Owners rate the State highly (4.8 from 344 ratings) and praise its ride and value, but flag weak stock brakes, a soft derailleur clutch and rough welds. The Topstone is the more refined, lower-maintenance platform, but it caps out at 45mm tires and uses mechanical discs.

• Choose the State 4130 All-Road if you want a steel gravel bike with 53c clearance, 650b or 700c wheel options and a dropper-ready frame for rough, loaded riding.
• Choose the Cannondale Topstone 3 CUES 2x if you want a lighter alloy frame, a carbon fork and a wide-range 2x10 Shimano CUES drivetrain for gravel and commuting.