Cervelo Aspero on test: Comfortable racer or fast adventurer?

All right, I'll look out for that. Here is the revised text with a different sentence structure: Off-road competitions? Until a few years ago, MTB or cyclo-cross bikes dominated this sector. Gravel bikes were considered more as robust bikes for exploratory tours. This changed when Cervelo introduced the Aspero as a fast and sporty model that set itself apart from the competition with a rather aggressive riding position and was particularly suitable for fast rides on gravel tracks. Shortly afterwards came the lighter Aspero-5, which emphasised the racing focus even further. The Canadian manufacturer has now partially transferred this race-orientated philosophy to the Aspero-5. to the second generation of the original Aspero.

Cervelo Aspero: racy riding position - yet comfortable

Thanks to the slimmer tube shapes and the partially integrated cables, the gravel bike has gained speed. Despite the tidy cockpit, position adjustments and maintenance remain uncomplicated: The brake lines run under the carbon handlebars and the aluminium stem directly into the head tube. According to Cervélo, this improves aerodynamics by three watts. The riding position is relatively stretched, which is still comfortable and upright for gravel bikes compared to road bikes. In contrast, race gravel specialists such as the BMC Kaius or the Rose Backroad FF an even more sporty sitting posture.

The carbon frame has been minimally modified to increase comfort: The seat stays now sit slightly lower and the stiffness of the head tube has been reduced slightly, according to Cervélo. On our test bench, however, we found that the frame has an impressive torsional rigidity. The ability to use tyres that are now up to 45 millimetres wide, as opposed to the previous maximum of 40 millimetres, is likely to have a greater impact on suspension comfort. This complies with the minimum distance of four millimetres between frame and tyre required by the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO). However, Cervélo still recommends a maximum tyre width of 42 millimetres when using 700C wheels, which also corresponds to the standard tyres on the wide carbon rims from Reserve. Filled with sealant, these tyres offer outstanding suspension comfort and complement the excellent comfort of the round carbon seatpost.

Flipchip for different steering behaviour

The Cervelo Aspero retains the option of adjusting the steering geometry using the so-called Trail Mixer on the fork. Depending on the terrain and tyre choice, the position of the front wheel axle can be changed. This influences the caster, which, together with the wheelbase, steering angle and fork pre-bend, determines the steering behaviour. Depending on the position of the dropout, the trail varies by up to 9 millimetres.

In the "long version" - our measurements refer to this - the Cervélo rides noticeably smoother without appearing sluggish. This adjustment also allows the Aspero to be retrofitted with 650B wheels and wider tyres, whereby models up to 50 millimetres should fit. However, a quick change while riding is not possible, as the brake adapter also needs to be replaced.

With a total weight of 8490 grams, the Aspero emphasises its character as a fast gravel bike. The Cervelo gravel bike doesn't get any lighter, as the version with electronic Sram Rival XPLR is already the top-of-the-range model. The Áspero-5, which weighs 500 grams less in the high-end version, promises even more racing character.

The new portfolio comprises a total of 6 equipment variants. Only the top version tested benefits from carbon components. All Cervelo Aspero models offer a gear reduction in the lowest gear, which can also be used to tackle steep forest trails. The UDH standard on the derailleur hanger is designed to protect the rear derailleur in the event of a fall and make it easier to adjust the gears. The scope of delivery also includes a small bag for the top tube; a third water bottle or a tool box can be mounted on the down tube.

The new Cervelo Aspero offers the best of all worlds: The suspension is geared towards comfortable adventurers, while the acceleration rivals that of fast race models. - Matthias Fischer, BIKE mechanic

Cervelo Aspero Rival XPLR AXS 1 - facts and figures

• Note: 1,7
• Price: 5799 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel: 8.5 kilos
• Frame sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 (test size bolded)

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 471/575/159 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 596/390 millimetres/1.53
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 647/566 millimetres/1.14
• Wheelbase/caster: 1030/70 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Rival XPLR AXS (1x12; 40, 10-44 t.) | Grade: 2.0
• Brakes: Sram Rival (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.5
• Tyres: WTB Vulpine TCS Light 40 mm (eff.: 42 mm) | Grade: 2.0
• Impellers: Reserve 40/44
• Impeller weights: 1410/1959 grams (v./h.)

Measured values

• Driving stability: 8.72 N/mm | Grade: 1.3
• Rear comfort: 94 N/mm | Grade: 1.3
• Comfort front: 84 N/mm | Grade: 2.3
• Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 62 N/mm | Grade: 1.0

Advantages and disadvantages of the Cervelo Aspero Rival XPLR AXS 1

• Plus: very comfortable, relatively light, ride characteristics can be changed
• Minus: Relatively expensive

How TOUR tests

Here you can find all the information and background to our test procedure.