Reading time: 4 min · By the KOMUT Bikes team
With its single arm, the Cannondale Lefty is hard to miss. Behind the striking look lies real engineering logic: more stiffness, smoother suspension and practical maintenance. Here is how it works and which bikes use it.
In short
- A single-sidedfork, stiff and precise.
- Needle bearings for smooth suspension.
- Lefty Oliver for gravel, Lefty Ocho for mountain bikes.
- Try it on the Topstone Carbon Lefty.
01
Why a single-sided fork?
A conventional fork uses two legs joined by a brace. The Lefty puts everything into one larger, very stiff arm. Instead of the usual sliding bushings, it runs on needle bearings, which reduce friction.
Precision
Very stiff in torsion: steering stays precise, even on rough ground.
Smoothness
The needle bearings make the suspension responsive from the smallest bumps.
Practical
You can change a tyre without removing the wheel on most set-ups.
02
Lefty Oliver or Lefty Ocho?
| Lefty Oliver | Lefty Ocho | |
|---|---|---|
| Use | Gravel and adventure | Cross-country MTB |
| Travel | Short, for comfort | Longer, for off-road |
| Bikes | Topstone Carbon Lefty | Scalpel MTB |
The Lefty Oliver brings just enough suspension to soak up gravel and cobble vibration without weighing the bike down. Paired with the Topstone Carbon's Kingpin rear suspension, it gives remarkable comfort on long rides.
03
Lefty bikes at KOMUT
The KOMUT tip
Come and feel the difference: a spin over the cobbles on a Topstone Lefty beats any explanation.
Read also
Still unsure which gravel bike? Read our guide to choosing your gravel bike.
Discover Cannondale All gravel bikes
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The Lefty is designed to be very stiff, especially in torsion, which improves steering precision. It has been used on race bikes for many years.
Because the wheel is held on one side only, you can change the tube or tyre without removing the wheel on most set-ups. We show you how at delivery.
Like any suspension, it needs regular servicing. Our workshop knows Cannondale bikes well and advises you on the right interval for your riding.
Try the Lefty in Brussels
The Cannondale Topstone Lefty is available to test in our stores. We set the suspension to your weight.
KOMUT Uccle
Rue Vanderkindere 438, 1180 Uccle
KOMUT Saint-Gilles
Chaussée de Charleroi 190, 1060 Saint-Gilles
KOMUT Stockel
Av. Baron Albert d'Huart 10, 1150 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm · Free test ride, no appointment