The Cervélo Áspero-5 applies the aerodynamic philosophy that defined the S5 road bike to the demands of gravel racing. Cervélo claims the Áspero-5 saves 37 watts over its predecessor and 34 watts over the nearest competitor at race speeds. Those figures translate directly to energy conservation over the long, exposed efforts that characterize events like Unbound, Belgian Waffle Ride, and the UCI Gravel World Championships, where UCI World Champion Marianne Vos debuted the frame with a victory.

The carbon frame draws from Cervélo's extensive wind tunnel and computational fluid dynamics work. Deep tube profiles, a pronounced wheel cutout at the seat tube, and refined junction shapes present a cleaner face to the wind than conventional gravel frames. The integrated cockpit contributes nearly 6 watts of the total aerodynamic improvement. The Cervélo HB16 carbon handlebar features a wing-shaped top section with an aerofoil extension in front of the stem clamp that mimics a one-piece design while retaining the adjustability of a two-piece system. A 16-degree flare opens the drops for control on technical terrain.

Despite the emphasis on aerodynamics, the frame weighs approximately 1,025 grams with the fork adding around 420 grams. The complete frameset including handlebar, stem, and seatpost comes in under 2,100 grams. Cervélo achieved this by reworking the carbon layup and optimizing tube shapes to add surface area for aerodynamic benefit without corresponding weight penalties. The frame is actually 66 grams lighter than the previous Áspero-5 despite the deeper tube sections.

The GRX RX825 Di2 1 build pairs the frame with Shimano's electronic gravel groupset in a configuration designed for wide-ranging terrain. The drivetrain combines a Shimano GRX RX820 crankset fitted with a Wolf Tooth Aero 48-tooth chainring and the Shimano XTR M9200 cassette spanning 10-51 teeth. This mullet arrangement delivers a 510-percent gear range, covering everything from steep climbs to high-speed descents and fast road sections. The GRX RX827 SGS rear derailleur handles the massive cassette range with the precision expected from Shimano's electronic shifting.

A 4iiii Precision GEN3+ power meter integrated into the crankset provides single-sided power data for training and racing. Crank arm lengths scale with frame size: 170mm for sizes 48 through 56, and 172.5mm for sizes 58 and 61. The bottom bracket uses a CeramicSpeed SL unit in the T47 BBright standard, combining the serviceability of threaded interfaces with the oversized shell dimensions that improve frame stiffness and bearing longevity.

Reserve wheels in the 40TA GR and 44TA GR models handle front and rear duties respectively. The staggered depth places the shallower 40mm rim up front for responsive handling and the deeper 44mm rim at the rear where aerodynamic benefits are greatest. Both wheels use DT Swiss 350 hubs with centerlock rotor interfaces and tubeless-compatible construction. The wheels arrive wrapped in Vittoria Corsa Pro Control TLR tires in 700x42c, a fast-rolling rubber compound that performs well on hardpack gravel and pavement alike.

Braking comes from Shimano GRX RX820 hydraulic disc calipers with flat-mount attachment. The fork uses a revised caliper mounting system where bolts pass through the fork leg into the caliper itself, eliminating the need for a separate mounting plate and contributing to the frame's weight reduction. Shimano CL800 centerlock rotors in 160mm handle heat dissipation. The frame and fork are designed specifically around 160mm rotors with no option to size down or up.

Tire clearance reaches 45mm, which positions the Áspero-5 firmly in the race-oriented segment of the gravel market. This accommodates the tire widths used in most competitive gravel events while maintaining the tight tolerances that benefit aerodynamic performance. Cervélo optimized the geometry for a 4mm tire width differential, running a 40mm tire front and 44mm rear. This combination sharpens handling by reducing trail while also improving aerodynamics. Riders who prefer matched tire sizes can run 42mm front and rear with stable, confidence-inspiring handling.

The geometry mirrors Cervélo's Soloist road bike, which speaks to the Áspero-5's intentions. A 71.6-degree head tube angle and 422.5mm chainstays produce handling that feels familiar to road riders while remaining composed on loose surfaces. Cervélo lowered the bottom bracket by 4mm compared to the previous model, improving stability without sacrificing pedal clearance in most conditions. The reach and stack figures run long and low for a gravel bike, encouraging an aerodynamic position that pays dividends over hours of riding.

Storage receives serious attention. The downtube incorporates Cervélo's in-frame storage system, borrowed from the P-Series triathlon bike. A door provides access to an interior cavity sized for a tube, tire levers, multi-tool, and CO2 cartridges. Dedicated storage pouches organize contents and prevent rattling. The system keeps repair essentials inside the frame and out of the wind. A Smartpak 400A top tube bag adds accessible storage for nutrition and small items. Front computer and rear accessory mounts provide clean attachment points for GPS units and lights.

The Universal Derailleur Hanger standard ensures compatibility with current and future drivetrain options from SRAM and Shimano. Riders who want to swap to SRAM's Transmission system or future electronic groupsets can do so without proprietary hangers. The T47 threaded bottom bracket similarly prioritizes serviceability, allowing bearing replacement without specialized tools or press-fit complications.

Six frame sizes span riders from approximately 5'2" to 6'5". The size-specific component scaling extends to handlebar width and stem length: sizes 48 and 51 receive 38cm bars, sizes 54 and 56 get 40cm bars, and sizes 58 and 61 run 42cm bars. Stem lengths progress from 70mm on the smallest frame through 80mm, 90mm, and 100mm on the largest, ensuring proportional reach across the range. Cervélo includes Arundel Mandible carbon bottle cages, completing a build that arrives ready to race without immediate upgrades.