The Cervélo Áspero-5 is a thoroughbred gravel racer that is intended for use in UCI gravel races, among other things. The manufacturer obviously sees the need to help shape the future of gravel bikes. According to Cervélo, aerodynamics is a factor that has not been studied enough in the gravel sector and the components on offer are lagging behind the trends in gravel racing. The aim of the new Áspero generation was to create the fastest gravel bike with a frame weight of less than 1000 grams and a fork weight of less than 400 grams - while maintaining the same stiffness values.
The following points were also defined during development:
- 45 millimetres tyre clearance
- Storage compartment in the down tube
- one T47A bottom bracket to screw in
- UDH
- Completely internally routed cables
- Aerobar-compatible
- 0 mm offset seatpost
- electronic / wireless only
The result, says Cervélo, is 37 watts faster than the "old" Áspero-5 and 34 watts faster than the nearest competitor. The manufacturer provides comparative values from the Ridley Kanzo and the Trek Checkmate. However, it is not clear from the press release which speeds or boundary conditions the values refer to.
But now to the bike.
The revised Cervélo Áspero-5 is aerodynamically faster, and the surface of the frame has been enlarged and optimised. It also has a storage compartment in the down tube, a new handlebar and a seat post without offset. At the same time, the weight has been reduced by 66 grams. A detailed breakdown shows that the frame itself has actually become slightly heavier. Weight was saved on the fork, the handlebars and the seat post.
Cervélo S5 gets a sibling
The diminutive "-chen" doesn't really do the gravel bike justice. Sibling refers to the visual similarities between the Cervelo S5, with which the Team Visma | Lease a Bikeformerly Jumbo | Visma, competes in many races. The shape of the frame triangle borrows from the aero road racer - it has the same top tube angle and the distinctive curve in the seat tube.
Cervélo also wants to buy aerodynamic advantages and safer handling with a comparatively low bottom bracket - the Áspero thus clearly distinguishes itself from the competition cross bike R5-CX, which is also in the programme. This is also a signal to other manufacturers who are trying to unite the two rather contrasting competition categories in one bike, such as Specialised with the Crux or Cannondale with the SuperX.
Handlebars
On the cockpit, Cervélo relies on a handlebar with a 12° flare, which allows fully integrated and semi-integrated cable routing. It is 400 millimetres wide at the hoods and 46 millimetres wide at the drops, while the drop and reach have been reduced. Overall, the handlebars are also designed for better aerodynamics and to be the fastest two-piece cockpit on the market. The shape of the handlebars with a round clamp and an "aero spoiler" in front of it may be familiar to some: About ten years ago, Cervélo had developed a similar model for the then S5, when it still used rim brakes.
The system allows the height of the cockpit to be adjusted without having to re-route the brake lines. The stem can be replaced and does not have to come from the manufacturer; other stems are compatible. However, the bike is not compatible with mechanical gears.
Speaking of aerodynamics. The handlebars are compatible with the aerobars from the S5, but new adapter clamps must be used. Why aerobars? Clearly, for aerodynamics and because they are an integral part of many gravel races. The manufacturer has also realised the goal of a seatpost without offset.
Tyre clearance
The seat tube in combination with extra-wide seat stays is shaped in such a way that it shields wider tyres and wheels. The tyre clearance is 45 millimetres. The trend is towards wider tyres, and widths of over 45 millimetres are no longer a rarity and are also ridden by professionals in races.
Geometry
The geometry of the gravel racer mirrors that of the Cervélo Soloist in terms of the riding position. The bottom bracket is lowered by 80 millimetres and therefore 4 millimetres lower in order to achieve better handling and stability.
Tyre choice and bike geometry
Cervélo has abandoned the adjustable fork caster by means of a rotating dropout on the new Áspero. Instead, the manufacturer has opted for a similar adjustment via the choice of tyres. You can either ride the same tyre width at the front and rear. This setting is ideal for more technical terrain. Or you can choose tyres that are slightly narrower at the front than at the rear, for example 40 and 44 millimetres. This would result in a steeper head tube and seat tube angle and a shorter trail. Air resistance would also be reduced. Use: less technical terrain, more responsive bike.
Even more features of the Cervélo Áspero-5
Details on the fork
The mounting points for brakes on the fork have been revised and the adjustment is now comparable to flat mount brakes at the rear. This saves weight because there are no longer any metal inserts in the fork blade. The bike is designed for 160 millimetre brake discs. A few more grams have been saved thanks to a different type of axle mount.
With or without front derailleur
Single or double? The Cervélo Áspero-5 can do both. Without sacrificing the aerodynamic profile. There is a small cover for the place where the front derailleur would otherwise be mounted. An integrated chain guide is suitable for chainrings between 36 and 52 teeth - the latter even when using the maximum tyre width.
Storage compartment in the down tube
The storage compartment in the down tube maintains a clean look, as essentials can be stowed in the quickly accessible compartment. According to the manufacturer, the lid is lighter than others. Also important: the storage compartment does not affect the bike's stiffness or aerodynamics. In races with a pit stop, such as the Unbound 200, you are more likely to ride on a flat tyre to the next aid station; in races without support, you have to repair defects yourself. That's where the storage compartment is important.
T47-A
The A stands for asymmetrical, it is screwed into the frame and is easier to maintain.
The Cervélo Áspero-5 in detail
- Use: Gravel race, training
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Eagle 12s, SRAM XPLR 13s, Shimano GRX 10-51 1x, Shimano GRX 2x
- Tyre clearance: 45 mm
Prices
- Cervélo Áspero-5 frameset: 5,299 euros
- Cervélo Áspero-5 SRAM Force AXS 1x: 8,299 euros
- Cervélo Áspero-5 SRAM Red AXS 1x: 11,499 euros
- Cervélo Áspero-5 GRX RX825 Di2: 8299 Euro
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
