Bicycles: Brompton Electric P Line vs. Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 RLE

Quick Verdict

The Brompton Electric P Line is best suited for urban commuters needing a portable, electrically assisted bike. The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 RLE is ideal for gravel riding enthusiasts seeking comfort and performance on rough terrain.

The Brompton Electric P Line is designed for urban commuting and multi-modal transport, featuring a folding mechanism for portability and an electric motor for assistance.
The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 RLE is a gravel bike designed for rough terrain and long rides, featuring carbon frame with Kingpin suspension and hydraulic disc brakes.
The Brompton Electric P Line is heavier due to the electric components but offers portability through its folding design, while the Cannondale Topstone is lighter and designed for performance on gravel.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Brompton Electric P Line	Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 RLE
Name	Brompton Electric P Line	Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 RLE
Motor Power (Watts)	250W	Not applicable
Battery Capacity (Wh)	300Wh	Not applicable
Assistance Modes	3 levels of pedal assist	Not applicable
Maximum Assisted Speed (mph/kmh)	15.5 mph (25 km/h)	Not applicable
Frame Material	Steel mainframe, titanium rear frame and fork	Carbon (Topstone Carbon frame with Kingpin suspension)
Folding Mechanism	Three-fold mechanism. Folds in under 20 seconds	Not applicable
Gearing System	Superlight 4-speed derailleur. Some models have 12-speed gearing system	SRAM Force eTap AXS, 12-speed (SRAM Force Wide, 43/30 crankset, SRAM XG-1270, 10-36, 12-speed cassette)
Brake Type	Caliper brakes. Some sources mention hydraulic disc brakes	SRAM Force eTap AXS hydraulic disc brakes with 160/160mm CenterLine centerlock rotors
Tire Size	349 x 35C Continental Contact Urban. 16-inch wheels	700x40c or 700x45c (WTB Vulpine TCS Light, 700x40c or WTB Riddler TCS Light, 700 x 45c, tubeless-ready)
Weight (lbs/kg)	From 15.6 kg (approx. 34.4 lbs) with battery. Without battery: around 12.7 kg (27.9 lbs)	Around 19 lbs 7 oz (approx. 8.87 kg) for a large size
Integrated Lights	AVY Integrated lighting. 40 Lux Busch & Muller AVY LED front and rear lamp powered by the main battery	Yes (SmartSense)
Carrying Capacity (lbs/kg)	Maximum luggage capacity 10kg	Multiple gear/bottle mounts on frame and fork
Price	Not available	Not available
Ratings	Not available	Not available

Overall Comparison

Brompton Electric P Line: 250W motor, 300Wh battery, 34.4 lbs (with battery). Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 RLE: 8.87 kg (approx. 19 lbs 7 oz), carbon frame, hydraulic disc brakes.

Pros and Cons

Brompton Electric P Line

Pros:

Portability
Folding capabilities
Suitable for urban commuting
Suitable for multi-modal transport
Lighter than previous Brompton electric models

Cons:

Caliper brakes (preference for hydraulic disc brakes on electric bikes)
Weight impacts ease of carrying

Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 RLE

Pros:

Excels on gravel and rough terrain
Smooth and controlled ride due to Kingpin suspension
Comfortable for long rides
Stable handling
Multiple gear/bottle mounts
Integrated lights and radar (SmartSense)

Cons:

Wet condition braking performance information not found
Specific warranty details not found

User Experiences and Feedback

Brompton Electric P Line

What Users Love

Motor provides a welcome shove on steep hills
Delivers decent power and makes most hills very easy
Compatible with Brompton front luggage system
Roller rack (optional) enhances portability when folded

Common Complaints

May not provide a speed boost like some e-bikes
One review notes a 14-mile commute nearly depleted the battery

Value Perception

Real-world range: 20-45 miles (30-70km)
Folds to 64cm H x 58cm W x 27cm D (25.3" H x 23'' W x 10.6'' D)
7-year frame warranty and 3-year electric system warranty

User Recommendations

The motor provides a welcome shove, requiring reasonable effort on hills.
It delivers decent power and makes most hills very easy.
It may not provide a speed boost like some e-bikes.
Brompton uses caliper brakes and prefers hydraulic disc brakes on electric bikes because you can get up to speed quickly so the added stopping power is welcome.

Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 RLE

What Users Love

Designed for comfortable long rides
Kingpin suspension helps to absorb shocks and vibrations
Frame geometry is designed for a relaxed riding position
Reasonable weight for a gravel bike with included features

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

The Topstone Carbon 1 RLE is designed to excel on gravel and rough terrain, offering a smooth and controlled ride thanks to its Kingpin suspension system.
The Kingpin suspension helps to absorb shocks and vibrations, providing more comfort and traction on uneven surfaces.
The bike's geometry, including a slightly slacker head tube angle, contributes to stability at high speeds and on loose terrain.
The Topstone Carbon 1 RLE is designed for comfortable long rides, with features like the Kingpin suspension, SAVE seatpost, and Fizik Terra Argo X3 saddle contributing to rider comfort.