The Cervélo Áspero-5 is more than just a gravel bike—it is the pinnacle of Cervélo’s off-road racing philosophy, designed for riders who demand uncompromising speed, precision, and versatility when the pavement ends.

At the heart of the Áspero-5 is a frame that is both lighter and more efficient than its predecessor. By reworking the carbon layup, Cervélo has dropped the frame weight below 1000 grams while pairing it with a newly redesigned fork that weighs just 400 grams. Crucially, the fork manages this weight reduction without sacrificing stiffness or aerodynamics, ensuring razor-sharp handling under sprinting forces and complete confidence when braking on loose gravel. The fork integrates a co-molded threaded insert for the thru-axle system—removing the need for bonded inserts—and is matched with flat-mount brake compatibility up to 160mm, identical to the rear setup. The result is a clean, strong, and lightweight system that emphasizes both performance and ease of maintenance.

Aerodynamics are no longer reserved for road racers. Cervélo has taken everything it learned from developing the S5 and applied it to the Áspero-5’s tube shapes and integration, yielding a frame that is 37 watts faster than the previous Áspero at race speeds. That margin is massive in gravel racing, where long efforts, solo moves, and wind exposure define outcomes. The downtube features revised cross-sections that balance aerodynamic efficiency with tire clearance, while the cockpit has been reimagined to present the cleanest possible face to the wind. Riders can opt for fully internal routing via the ST31 carbon stem, or use the ST36 semi-internal system for greater serviceability—all while retaining Cervélo’s commitment to stiffness and predictable handling.

Storage and utility are equally well-considered. The new in-frame storage (SB005) within the downtube is seamlessly integrated, maintaining the aero profile while providing practical space for ride essentials. Two dedicated roll systems—one for a tube, another for a flat kit—fit neatly inside, while an optional Smartpak 400A top tube bag extends capacity without disrupting lines. Accessory mounts at the front and rear of the frame allow integration of hydration systems, bags, or other race-day necessities, making the Áspero-5 a rare machine that is both uncompromising in its racing intent and versatile enough for endurance adventures.

Drivetrain compatibility has taken a forward-looking leap. The Áspero-5 supports only electronic and wireless drivetrains, eliminating the complexity of mechanical cabling and ensuring smooth, precise shifting in every condition. This choice reflects where the market has moved and what racers demand: cleaner builds, lighter systems, and performance unaffected by dust, grit, or mud. A Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) has also been added, aligning the frame with the future of drivetrain standards while protecting against derailleur damage in rough conditions. At the heart of this build sits a Shimano GRX RX820 crankset, equipped with a Wolf Tooth Aero 48T chainring and paired with a 4iiii Precision GEN3+ power meter for accurate, single-sided data. The crank lengths vary by size to ensure fit and efficiency across the range, while the rear is anchored by Shimano’s XTR M9200 10–51T cassette and GRX RX827 SGS derailleur—giving the bike a massive gear range suited to steep climbs and high-speed chases alike.

Contact points and rider fit receive equal attention. Cervélo outfits the Áspero-5 with its HB16 carbon handlebar and ST31 carbon stem, scaling widths and lengths precisely to each frame size. This ensures that a rider on a size 48 feels the same balance, responsiveness, and control as one on a size 61. From the 38cm bars paired with a 70mm stem on the smallest sizes to the 42cm/100mm combination on the largest, Cervélo delivers consistent fit and handling without compromise. At the saddle, the Prologo Nago R4 PAS Tirox provides ergonomic comfort and race-level support, while the zero-offset SP27 post maintains rider flexibility and tuning without introducing proprietary limitations.

Wheels and tires elevate the build further. Reserve’s 40TA GR front and 44TA GR rear wheels, built around DT Swiss 350 hubs, provide tubeless compatibility, 24h lacing, and centerlock reliability. These rims balance aerodynamics with the wider stance required for modern gravel tires, and paired with Vittoria’s Corsa Pro Control TLR G2.0 in 700x42c, they strike an ideal balance of speed, grip, and durability. The tires feature Vittoria’s renowned supple casing and compound optimized for mixed surfaces, capable of handling both race-day efforts and unpredictable backroads. Braking comes courtesy of Shimano’s CL800 Centerlock rotors in 160mm front and rear, offering consistent stopping power in all conditions.

For efficiency and smoothness, a CeramicSpeed SL T47 bottom bracket anchors the system, designed around Cervélo’s BBright standard and ensuring both stiffness and long-term durability. This pairing with the GRX crankset underscores Cervélo’s emphasis on blending cutting-edge performance with reliability in the real world. Every detail of this build underscores the bike’s race-first focus without neglecting the practicalities of gravel adventure: Arundel Mandible carbon bottle cages secure hydration with unmatched grip, and Cervélo’s front computer/accessory mount (887) provides a clean solution for GPS units without compromising aerodynamics.

What ultimately defines the Áspero-5 is its ability to disappear beneath the rider when it matters most. On race day, the rider’s energy is directed into speed with ruthless efficiency, unimpeded by unnecessary weight, drag, or complication. On long days, the bike adapts, carrying essentials in-frame or with integrated storage solutions. And across sizes, the Áspero-5 maintains its uncompromising geometry and fit, ensuring every rider—whether they choose a size 48 or a 61—experiences the same snappy handling, stable cornering, and aerodynamic benefit that Cervélo promised when designing this new generation. It is a machine built to redefine what gravel racing feels like: the speed of a road racer, the toughness of an explorer, and the clarity of design that only Cervélo delivers.