Cautious update: New Cervélo Áspero should be faster and more comfortable

Racing off-road? On a gravel bike? Until five years ago, this was almost unthinkable in Europe. Nevertheless, with the Áspero, Cervélo presented a high-performance model that stood out from the competition with its sporty riding position and flew comparatively quickly over the gravel track. The lighter Áspero-5 A little later was the consistent further development of the racing concept, which the Canadian bike manufacturer is now adapting to the second generation of the original model.

Cervélo Áspero: The most important facts

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

Thanks to slimmer tube shapes and partially integrated cables, the new bike is said to be a little faster. Despite the tidy appearance of the cockpit, position adjustment and maintenance are relatively uncomplicated, as the brake lines and, depending on the equipment variant, the shift cables are routed into the head tube under the aluminium stem. According to Cervélo, the aerodynamics are improved by three watts, but the "maple leaves" did not provide any total figures or measurement methods. As with its predecessor, the riding position is relatively stretched, even though you can now rely on absolute race specialists such as the BMC Kaius or Rose Backroad FF sits even more aerodynamically.

Recommendation for 42-millimetre tyres

The carbon frame has been minimally modified to increase comfort: The seat stays are slightly lower and "the stiffness in the head tube area has been slightly reduced", according to Cervélo. The greater tyre clearance is likely to have a greater impact on the suspension. Instead of the previous 40 millimetre wide tyres, a maximum of 45 millimetre tyres now fit through the fork and frame. Although the Áspero therefore complies with the minimum distance of four millimetres between the frame and tyre required by the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO), Cervélo recommends a maximum tyre width of 42 millimetres when fitted with 700C wheels.

The option to adjust the steering geometry using the so-called "Trail Mixer" on the fork remains unchanged. Depending on the terrain and tyre choice, the position of the front wheel axle can be changed. Trail and wheelbase, which together with the steering angle and fork pre-bend influence the steering behaviour, vary by five millimetres depending on the position of the dropout. Another side effect is that the Áspero can be retrofitted with 650B wheels and wider tyres, with rollers of 50 millimetres being possible. Other manufacturers also rely on similar concepts for their gravel bikes: On the Giant Revolt the wheelbase can be adjusted by 10 millimetres at the rear end, and Rondo Ratt the caster changes by 16 millimetres.

Cervélo made no mention of the complete bike or frame weights, as was recently the case with the electrified all-road bike Rouvida no details. However, the predominantly robust aluminium components indicate that the Áspero continues to clearly differentiate itself from the other models. Áspero-5 The high-end version weighed in at a light 8.0 kilograms on the TOUR scales. For comparison: the original model with SRAM Apex 1 and simple wheels from Alex Rims weighed exactly 1.5 kilograms more.

Cervélo Áspero: Equipment and prices

The new portfolio comprises six equipment variants in six frame sizes. Only the top model benefits from carbon components for the wheels, seat post in the 27.2 standard size and handlebars. All versions are equipped with twelve-speed drivetrains from Shimano or SRAM. There is a choice of mechanical and electronic groupsets. In the lowest gear, a gear reduction can be realised across the entire fleet, which means that even steep forest trails can be conquered. The UDH standard on the derailleur hanger is designed to protect the rear derailleur in the event of a fall and facilitate adjustment. The 40 millimetre wide Vulpine wheels from WTB are tubeless-compatible. The scope of delivery also includes a small bag for the top tube and a third water bottle or tool box can be mounted on the down tube. The prices range between 5799 and 3599 euros, a frame set is available for 2799 euros.

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

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

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

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

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

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