Cervelo Aspero Apex Xplr AXS 1 SC

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, Cervelo 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, they 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.

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 Rotor

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