The Cervelo Aspero gravel race bike hit the market strong, and though it is a race-driven design, the Aspero quickly became the gravel option of choice for a wide range of cyclists, including road riders looking to extend their horizons. With adept handling, great power transfer and a sleek look, the Aspero has been fun, fast, and forward thinking. Still, Cervelo fans, dealers, and pure racers wondered if there was going to be lighter, faster version, which is expressed in Cervelo's world as a 5 bike, such as in S5, R5, P5, Caledonia-5. These models offer real upgrades in terms of reduced weight, greater lateral stiffness, increased emphasis on aerodynamics, and component grades. For all who have been waiting, here it is, the Aspero-5, perhaps the true gravel race version, with higher grade carbon fiber, a new lay-up schedule and major refinements that drive performance higher.

The Aspero-5 Frameset retains the popular, proven Aspero geometry and Trail Mixer fork chip system, as well as an appearance with tube shapes that are largely the same. A closer inspection indicates a fully internal wiring and housing system, and a refined headtube. The Aspero-5 has the D-shaped fork steerer tube design seen on other 5-series bikes, which in combination with the included Carbon AB09 16° Flared Carbon Handlebar and Cervélo ST32 Alloy Stem, work with the steerer and the frame to bring the routing internal from the levers on back. An All-Carbon Tapered Áspero Fork with Adjustable Trail and headtube shape offer refined aerodynamics, enhanced by the internal routing. Not only is a completed bike visually clean- but faster. Cervelo's internal testing measures aero improvement at 32G of reduced drag over the standard Aspero.

Cervelo made some intelligent choices, such as carrying over the 27.2mm round seatpost, which offers the rider more options, including the opportunity to run a dropper post. The Aspero-5 includes the compliant carbon Cervelo SP19 27.2mm seatpost. Again, given this is a race oriented bike, the frame and fork deliver clearance necessary for 650b x 51mm tires, or 700c x 43mm tires with at least 4mm on either side to spare. Cervelo is cognizant that for many of the longest, harshest events were capability and speed must be balanced with bike control, many racers will opt for 650b/27.5" wheels and may also want a dropper post. Is this all riders? No, but the option is there, without weight penalty and it doesn't pertain just to racers. The Aspero has been one of our best selling bike and frame options since it's release and plenty of road riders who just love to tear up gravel, doubletrack and connecting trails run 650b tires. The key is maintaining the proper geometry for excellent handling.... Read More