SuperX(Force 13) vs. Topstone Carbon(Rival 12)

Equipment
1

Hi All,

I am going to be racing the Unbound Gravel 200 in May and need help figuring out which bike to ride. I have been racing Triathlon for the last 10+ years and have completed multiple Ironman 70.3 races and one full Ironman. This will be the first gravel race that I will be competing in. I currently ride a Cervelo P5 and Cervelo R3. I am going to be picking between the SuperX and Topstone Carbon, but I’m just not exactly sure which to go with. I gravitate more towards the SuperX, but I just don’t know if it’s going to leave me thrashed by the end. Would love to hear people’s thoughts and what you would recommend. I am sticking with Cannondale for this purchase, so it’s one of these two bikes.

2

From what I read and heard from others is that Unbound is one of those gravel races where you really want to go as wide as possible with your tires. The Topstone could fit a 2.1 Thunder Burt or Conti Race King.

3

That is a good point, @mhandwerk. Thanks

4

I read an interesting note by a racer where it was pointed out that wide tires may not be the fastest on a particular course but are better when riding close to others where you can’t necessarily see and avoid bad spots. The wider tires provide more margin and are less likely to flat. The Super X specs a max of 48 rear and 51 front.