The engineers were particularly focused on making sure the Aspero handled properly regardless of wheel and tire size. The concept of fork "Trail" is best known in the mountain bike world, but is relevant across all cycling. Cervelo is using what they call their Trail Mixer system to allow the rider to keep effective Trail at 62mm. Larger variations in tire size effect the rearward position of the tire- affecting handling and toe-overlap clearance. By using off center, bolt-in 12mm thru-axle drop outs, the rider can select the +5 forward position or the -5 rear position of the axle. With a 700x42 gravel tire set-up, similar to the stock Aspero model, the +5mm forward is the proper position for best active handling and nimble bike control, which is what faster, race-oriented users want on more technical surfaces. If you moved it to the -5mm rearward position, it would slow the handling down, perhaps better for long, flat rides on firmer, smoother, less technical surfaces. Cervelo has a more complete explanation of the mechanically simple Trail Mixer system on their website.

The use of the modified Squoval.Max tubeset is clear with the Aspero featuring a substantially larger downtube and massive bottom bracket junction over the R-Series. The integrated fork crown and downtube design resembles the Dropped Downtube of the aero bikes but it is functional for strength and visual balance from the tapered headtube through the downtube. The seattube features a squared back, cut-out design, but carries a 27.2mm round seatpost, for more vertical compliance and compatible aftermarket options. The dropped, oversized chainstays, slightly curved, shaped aero seatstays, rear dropouts and Flat Mount disc interface are all stouter for increased strength and torsional stiffness. A modified Future Proof cable guide/internal routing system has options for a cabled or hydraulic dropper seatpost, and a bolt-on downtube protector handles the debris coming off the front wheel.

Overall, this Rival XPLR 1x build is ideal for a road cyclist who wants to treat gravel like they do their road rides. A few hours a day, several days a week, with a long ride or two on the weekend. 700x38 Panaracer Gravel King tires grace the Reserve 32 carbon wheelset and deliver speed and keep you in control on the ground. An Easton cockpit fits out your riding position and the overall package on this build offers incredible value for complete gravel race-type bike.