Race gravel bike: Cervélo Áspero now even faster - and even more comfortable

Five years ago, Cervélo introduced the Áspero, an efficient gravel bike that could also be used for off-road racing. A dynamic riding position set the bike apart from others and it could be used to pick up race pace on gravel tracks. The subsequent development, the Áspero-5, was a direct continuation of the racing concept with less weight. Now the Canadian manufacturer has channelled some of the racing genes into the second generation of the original gravel model.

Facts and figures about the Cervélo Áspero

• Partially integrated cable routing
• Flipchip on the fork
• UDH derailleur hanger
• Top tube bag included
• Stack/reach/STR: 580/397 millimetres/1.46
• Maximum tyre clearance: 45 millimetres
• Frame sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
• Weight of complete wheel: not specified
• Prices: 3599 to 5799 euros

The new Cervélo Áspero is said to have become even faster thanks to slimmer tube shapes and partially integrated cables. The cockpit has a tidier look as a result, but position adjustment and maintenance are still relatively uncomplicated. The brake lines and shift cables are routed under the aluminium stem into the head tube, which contributes to easy handling. Cervélo claims that aerodynamics have improved by three watts, but no exact figures or measurement methods were given. The riding position is similarly stretched as on the previous model, although you can rely on absolute race specialists such as the BMC Kaius or Rose Backroad FFsits even more aerodynamically.

More comfort on rough slopes

To increase comfort, Cervélo has slightly adapted the carbon frame: The position of the seat stays has been moved slightly downwards and the stiffness in the area of the head tube has been reduced a little. However, a more important factor for improved suspension is the increased tyre clearance. Whereas previously tyres up to a width of "only" 40 millimetres could be fitted, tyres up to 45 mm wide can now be mounted in both the fork and the frame. Even though the Áspero maintains the minimum distance of 4 mm between the tyres and frame specified by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), Cervélo recommends using a maximum width of 42 millimetres when using 700C wheels.

The option of modifying the steering characteristics using the so-called "Trail Mixer" - a flip chip on the fork - is still available on the new edition of the Cervélo Áspero. This allows the position of the front wheel axle to be easily adjusted. The change in trail and consequently the wheelbase is 5 millimetres depending on the setting of the chip. This has an influence on the steering behaviour, as the steering angle and fork pre-bend change. An additional advantage is the possibility of upgrading the Áspero with 650B wheels and wider tyres; tyres up to 50 millimetres wide should fit. Other manufacturers also offer similar customisation options for their gravel bikes. Giant Revolt the wheelbase can be adjusted by 10 millimetres at the rear, while the wheelbase of the Rondo Ratt the caster can be varied by 16 millimetres.

Cervélo does not provide any precise details on the weights of the complete bikes or frames. However, the use of mainly robust aluminium components shows that the Áspero clearly stands out from the Áspero-5, which in its high-end version weighed just 8.0 kilograms on the TOUR magazine scales. By comparison, the original model with Sram Apex 1 equipment and simple Alex Rims wheels weighed a whole 1.5 kilograms more.

The Cervélo Áspero models

The new Cervélo Áspero series consists of 6 equipment options that are available in 6 frame sizes. Only the top-of-the-range model is equipped with carbon components such as wheels, a 27.2 mm standard seatpost and handlebars. All models have twelve-speed drivetrains from Shimano or Sram, with both mechanical and electronic shifting groups available. Thanks to the reduction in the lowest gear, even steep forest trails can be mastered with ease. The UDH standard on the derailleur hanger serves to protect the rear derailleur in the event of a fall and simplifies its adjustment. The 40 mm wide Vulpine tyres from WTB are suitable for tubeless use. The scope of delivery also includes a small bag for the top tube; a third water bottle or a tool box can be attached to the down tube. The gravel bikes range in price from €5799 to €3599, while a frameset is available for €2799.

Cervélo Áspero Rival XPLR AXS 1

• Drive/gear shift: Sram Rival XPLR AXS (1x12; 40, 10-44 t.)
• Impellers: Reserve 40/44 (Carbon)
• Tyres: WTB Vulpine (40 mm)
• Handlebars: Cervélo AB09 (Carbon)
• Stem: Cervélo ST36 (aluminium)
• Seat post: Cervélo SP19 (Carbon)
• Price: 5799 Euro

Cervélo Áspero GRX RX820

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 820 (2x12; 48/31, 11-36 t.)
• Impellers: Fulcrum Rapid Red 300 (aluminium)
• Tyres: WTB Vulpine (40 mm)
• Handlebars: Cervélo AB09 (Carbon)
• Stem: Cervélo ST36 (aluminium)
• Seat post: Cervélo SP19 (Carbon)
• Price: 4899 Euro

Cervélo Áspero Apex XPLR AXS 1

• Drive/gear shift: Sram Apex XPLR AXS (1x12; 40, 11-44 t.)
• Impellers: Fulcrum Rapid Red 300 (aluminium)
• Tyres: WTB Vulpine (40 mm)
• Handlebars: Cervélo AB09 (Carbon)
• Stem: Cervélo ST36 (aluminium)
• Seat post: Cervélo SP19 (Carbon)
• Price: 4899 Euro

Cervélo Áspero GRX RX610

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 820/610 (2x12; 46/30, 11-36 t.)
• Impellers: Alex Rims Boondocks 7D (aluminium)
• Tyres: WTB Vulpine (40 mm)
• Handlebars: Zipp Service Course 70 (aluminium)
• Stem: Cervélo ST36 (aluminium)
• Seat post: Cervélo Alloy (aluminium)
• Price: 3699 Euro

Cervélo Áspero GRX RX610 1

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 610 (1x12; 40, 10-45 t.)
• Impellers: Alex Rims Boondocks 7D (aluminium)
• Tyres: WTB Vulpine (40 mm)
• Handlebars: Zipp Service Course 70 (aluminium)
• Stem: Cervélo ST36 (aluminium)
• Seat post: Cervélo Alloy (aluminium)
• Price: 3699 Euro

Cervélo Áspero Apex XPLR 1

• Drive/gear shift: Sram Apex XPLR (1x12; 40, 11-44 t.)
• Impellers: Alex Rims Boondocks 7D (aluminium)
• Tyres: WTB Vulpine (40 mm)
• Handlebars: Zipp Service Course 70 (aluminium)
• Stem: Cervélo ST36 (aluminium)
• Seat post: Cervélo Alloy (aluminium)
• Price: 3599 Euro