Since 1971, the Cannondale firm has been producing bicycles. Cannondale is an East Coast firm with headquarters in Connecticut, in contrast to many bike companies that are often situated in the Wisconsin or Minnesota Northwoods or the Western USA. Although Cannondale produces many bike types, it can take time to comprehend everything. Nevertheless, we like the variety they provide.

The Topstone is a massive lineup of bikes — positioned just under the Synapse lineup, which has become a little too pricey to be "entry-level" in our book. That is a good price for a very high-quality bike. Other models can cost double that price or more. We are focused on the entry-level price point for this article, so we are talking about the alloy frame. We recommend the Topstone 1, a great alloy bike that gives you an excellent ride on both fast pavement and hardpack gravel and is even a good commuter bike — an excellent all-around model. If you want to spend more, the Synapse 105 comes with Shimano 105 componentry. The Synapse 105 sometimes fits the entry-level bill, depending on where you find it.

The Topstone has lower and slower gearing, which is advantageous if you intend to ride in areas with many curves, climbs, and twists. The upper limit of your speed range can fall short if you wish to crank quickly down a long straightaway. The big and small chainrings feature 46 and 30 teeth, respectively, as opposed to the standard, a typical combination of 50/34 for many on this list or 53/39 for vintage road cycles.

We like that all Topstone models now come with disc brakes, regardless of whether you buy the high-end or low-end model. They all have a carbon fork, which corners better than alloy and is a little more forgiving overall.

Given the variety of Topstone models, it should also be simple for riders to upgrade or modify certain components while sticking with the Cannondale brand and working with a Cannondale dealer.

Elegant aluminium frameset from Cannondale. This bike is one that you couldn't have purchased for the price four years ago due to the frame and component combo. If you can find one, note that the Synapse is also available with an aluminium frame. Both merit thinking about, in our opinion.

The rear stays with built-in micro-suspension. Gives the frame the ability to absorb some shock.

We adore that Carbondale installs disc brakes on almost every model, regardless of price.

Better cornering is provided with a carbon fork.

The saddle has a cozy fabric scoop radius for riders of all experience levels. Some of our favourite road bike saddles are scoops.

For that not time-trialling, the somewhat more upright frame geometry is preferable. Overall, this well-balanced frame enables you to ride quickly on the road without assuming an uncomfortable drop position, which may be unfamiliar to beginners.

Cannondale appears to work harder than some other manufacturers to design a welcoming and economical first bike for novice bikers. The Topstone lineup is the ideal illustration of that.

You can access brand-specific assistance if you reside close to a significant metro area because REI carries Cannondale.

There are a lot of brands to choose from Cannondale is just one of them.

Read More about the best road bike brands.