Cervelo Aspero APEX XPLR AXS 1 Woodsmoke 56

In 2019, Áspero took the gravel world by storm, heralding a “new era of speed in gravel.” Fun, but flat out. The new Áspero remains true to its original brief, but with some improvements: a threaded BB shell, neater cable routing, and a UDH-compatible derailleur hanger for those who want to use SRAM’s Transmission drivetrains. And it’s more aero, of course. In the case of Áspero, aerodynamic performance is less about pure speed as a result of drag reduction, and more about conservation of energy. After a big day in a headwind, the three watts saved over the previous Aspero might add up to one less energy gel your stomach has to digest—WORTH IT. 

In addition to the drag reduction, we also dropped the seat stays to give a bit more compliance out back, and reduced front-end stiffness slightly to make the last hours of a long race less painful. Between those dropped seat stays, we added in a bit more clearance for mud, too, taking what we learned from R5-CX (and the Unbound mudfest in 2023). It’s a lot of seemingly small improvements, but they add up to a lot. The result is a bike that feels a lot like the original Áspero, but is faster, more comfortable, and more versatile.

• T47 Bottom Bracket: Aspero uses the asymmetrical T47a threaded bottom bracket we pioneered on R5-CX. It’s a simple, rider-serviceable interface that allows us to deliver the benefits of BBRight in a more user-friendly form. 
• Universal Derailleur Hanger: We used SRAM’s Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) standard on the new Aspero. It’s ideal if you want to live your best ‘business in the front, party in the back’ life with one of SRAM’s Transmission drivetrains today, and ensures compatibility for future drivetrain developments.
• Internal Cable Routing: Aspero shares the same bearing dimensions as R5, Soloist, R5-CX, and Caledonia, which means you can use any combination of bearing caps and stems. Want a super-racy, fully-internal look? Grab the ST31 and HB13 from R5.

SPECS:

• Frame: Cervélo Aspero Carbon
• Fork: Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered Aspero Fork
• Headset: FSA IS2 1-1/4 x 1-1/2
• Stem: Cervélo ST36 Alloy, w Cable Management
• Handlebar: Cervélo AB09 Carbon, 31.8mm clamp, 16 degree flare
• Seatpost: Cervélo SP19 Carbon 27.2
• Saddle: Prologo Dimension STN
• Shifters: SRAM Apex AXS, 12 speed
• Brake Calipers: SRAM Apex
• Brake Rotors: SRAM Centerline Centerlock
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM Apex XPLR AXS, 12 speed
• Cassette: SRAM Apex XLPR, 11-44, 12 speed
• Chain: SRAM Apex, 12 speed
• Crankset: SRAM Apex 1, 40T, DUB Wide
• Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB Wide, T47 BBright
• Wheels: Fulcrum Rapid Red 300, 12x100(F)/142(R), 24H, 24mm IW, HG freehub, centerlock, tubeless compatible
• Thru Axles: Cervelo Aero Thru-Axles, 12x100/142
• Tires: WTB Vulpine TCS Light Fast Rolling Dual DNA 60tpi 700x40c
• Accessories: Smartpak 400A Top Tube Storage Bag

How do I determine what bike size I need?

The age-old question, isn’t it? There are many factors that go into bicycle sizing and fit, particularly for high-performance bikes. Without being able to measure you and see you on a bike, precise fit information is difficult to supply. It’s also not unusual for someone to be able to ride two different sizes depending on their goals, flexibility, and fit tolerance.