Aper Dryad gravel bike with Flex rear triangle: A milled sculpture from Greece, from 1,245 euros

Aper has long been a household name amongst fans of CNC-milled and colourfully anodised mountain bike frames. At the Bespoked trade fair in Dresden, the Greek brand unveiled a brand-new gravel bike. The Aper Dryad utilises the same manufacturing method as the brand’s full-suspension aluminium bikes and also incorporates a suspension element in the rear triangle. The price tag is astonishing. At €1,245 for the frameset, the meticulously crafted Aper Dryad gravel bike remains significantly cheaper than many conventional competitors.

Conclusion

I’d never seen a gravel bike like this before: Aper’s new Dryad is surprising even the most die-hard bike enthusiasts. Not only is the CNC manufacturing process in Greece unique, but so too is the ‘Flex’ concept. Given all this, the price for this aluminium gravel bike seems ridiculously good value. So individualists should definitely take a closer look at the Aper Dryad. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

The Aper Dryad in detail

• Intended use: gravel bike
• Frame material / weight: Aluminium / from 1700 g
• Material / Weight (fork): Aluminium / from 740 g
• Price of frame set: from 1,245 euros
• Price of the complete bike: from 2,520 euros
• Special features: made in Greece, frame flex can be customised

Machined from solid blocks

​Behind Aper Bikes are two mechanical engineers, Nikos and Giorgos – both tinkerers with decades of experience in the cycling industry. With the Dryad, Aper takes an unconventional approach to aluminium frame construction: the frame is based on 7075-T6 aluminium profiles that are fully CNC-machined. Under the name RibLogic, stiffening ribs, variable wall thicknesses and deep milled recesses are integrated directly into the components to specifically align the material distribution with the respective load paths. In theory, these ribs can also be individually tailored to the rider’s needs to provide exactly the level of flex or stiffness in the frame that they desire.

The individual frame components are then assembled into a single unit using mechanically interlocking joints, structural adhesive bonds and bolted connections. Aper carries out the design, programming, machining and assembly entirely in-house in Greece. The design focus is explicitly not on achieving the lowest possible frame weight, but rather on structural integrity, durability and high load-bearing capacity for technical off-road riding and bikepacking. Nevertheless, the frame weight of approximately 1,700 grams is nothing to be ashamed of. A full six bottle cage mounts, as well as mounting points for luggage, equip the Aper Dryad for bikepacking tours with challenging supply infrastructure.

Aper applies this design principle particularly consistently to the fork. The monolithic fork is milled from a single block of aluminium. The steerer tube, crown and fork legs thus form a continuous structure without any welded seams or bonded crown joints. Localised reinforcements, variable wall thicknesses and integrated ribs are also designed to control stiffness and deformation, particularly under braking loads, impacts and high off-road stresses. According to Aper, the one-piece fork weighs in at around 740 grams. Good news: despite the complex and localised production within the EU, the Dryad remains affordable.

Flex rear triangle on a gravel bike

At the same time, the Dryad features a rear triangle design specifically optimised for comfort: the seat stays are connected via bushings and can move in a controlled manner under load. This is intended to ensure that the Dryad delivers impressive seating comfort and traction on long-distance rides through rugged countryside. The bushings are also bolted in place and can be replaced as required. Combined with the comparatively high stack height and geometry designed for a smooth ride, this creates a concept geared towards long distances and challenging terrain. The chainstays measure 435 or 440 millimetres, depending on the size, whilst the head angle ranges from 68.5° in XS to 70.5° in XL. The Aper gravel bike is supplied with 45-millimetre-wide tyres.

Models and prices

Aper is offering the new Dryad as a frameset from 1,245 euros. Customers can also choose from three different complete bike configurations, each featuring either SRAM or Shimano components. Prices will be further reduced to mark the launch in December 2026.

• Aper Dryad 2.11 (Shimano GRX 2x11): from 2,520 euros
• Aper Dryad 1.12 (Shimano GRX 1x12): from 3,250 euros
• Aper Dryad 1.12 Di2 (Shimano GRX Di2 1x12): from 4,463 euros
• Aper Dryad 1.13 Rival: from 3,657 euros
• Aper Dryad 1.13 Force: from 3,930 euros
• Aper Dryad 1.13 Red Power: from 5,920 euros

What do you think: do you like the new aluminium Aper Dryad, or do you prefer classic frame designs? Let us know what you think in the comments!