Cervélo gravel bike - With this you are guaranteed high speeds on and off the road

Cervélo was founded in 1995 by Gérard Vroomen and Phil White and has continuously leveraged cutting-edge technology to produce exceptionally lightweight carbon frames from the start, a hallmark of the brand's identity.

Cervélo's latest model, the Áspero-5, showcases a remarkable gravel bike that sits in the high-end price bracket with options like the Red XPLR eTap AXS 1 and the GRX RX815 Di2. For those seeking quality at a more accessible price point, options such as the Cervélo Aspero GRX RX600, Aspero GRX RX810, Cervélo Aspero GRX RX815 Di2, and Cervélo Aspero Apex 1 can be excellent for beginners eager to experience the thrill of gravel riding. These models provide a solid introduction before investing in high-end options that truly allow you to unleash your potential. The bikes feature carbon frames available in sizes ranging from 48 to 61, and an array of colors, including Purple Sunset. From first glance, the Aspero exudes speed and the Cervélo development team wholeheartedly supports this perception.

The engineers at Cervélo have excelled in fully integrating cables into the frame and employing aerodynamic tubing, proven successful in previous models. Additionally, a narrower seat tube improves tire clearance, allowing riders to mount wider tires that ensure superior grip on fast gravel descents. The Aspero can also tackle trails or cyclocross endeavors. Despite the absence of a suspension fork, the bike's performance over uneven terrain is impressive, thanks in part to the innovative Trail Mixer, giving riders two forks options for enhanced handling and agility. The bike's excellent aerodynamic properties facilitate impressive speeds on both paved roads and gravel paths, making it a thrill to ride.

The Áspero-5 is designed to establish you as the king of the mountain (KOM), tailored for both dedicated athletes and passionate hobbyists. If longer gravel tours entice you, the Aspero remains a tempting choice, although it lacks attachment points for mudguards or luggage racks.

Cervélo is backed by strong professional teams, including the CNCPT and Jumbo Visma. The CNCPT team, established in 2015, embraces a multifaceted racing approach over various terrains, participating in road races, gravel and cyclocross competitions, as well as fixed gear racing. Meanwhile, the Jumbo Visma team, featuring renowned cyclists like Wout Van Aert and Marianne Vos, optimizes their performance with tailored bike choices for each race, ensuring peak results. The input from both teams significantly shapes the remarkable performance characteristics of the Áspero model.

In addition to gravel bikes, Cervélo's offerings encompass road bikes, CX bikes, mountain bikes, as well as time trial and triathlon bikes.

Cervélo Áspero-5 components make gravel biking a lot of fun

Cervélo's Áspero models represent a commitment to powerful performance across diverse terrains, ensuring that every component selection has been meticulously considered. This dedication inspires confidence in riders as they navigate turns and descents seamlessly. High-quality products from Shimano, SRAM, Easton, Prologo, Reserve, and Panaracer, alongside Cervélo's proprietary parts, forge a bike that's ready for any challenge.

Derailleur groups & brakes

Shimano and SRAM are the go-to brands for the groupset, featuring options like the Shimano GRX 810, SRAM Red AXS, SRAM Rival AXS, and SRAM Force AXS for cranksets. Rear derailleur choices include the Shimano GRX 815 Di2, SRAM Red XPLR eTap AXS, and SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS. For budget-conscious riders, Shimano GRX and SRAM Force provide excellent value compared to the premium SRAM Red materials. Earlier models may showcase Shimano Ultegra or SRAM Apex 1.

All newer gravel bike models now feature efficient disc brakes, essential for consistent braking performance, especially in muddy or wet conditions when compared to traditional rim brakes.

Should you opt for a 12-speed road bike front derailleur from Shimano, be aware that this may slightly limit tire clearance, reducing it from 700x42- or 650x49 to 700x38c or 650x45b.

Saddle / seatpost & handlebar / wheels

For the saddle, the Prolog Dimension remains a long-standing favorite, complemented by seatpost options such as the Cervélo SP19 27.2 Carbon and Easton EC70 Carbon, with older models featuring the Easton EA50.

The handlebars and stem on the latest Áspero use Cervélo's in-house products, while previous models utilized Easton EC70AX and Easton EA50 AX handlebars. Current stems include either the Cervélo ST32 Alloy or Easton EA70 Alloy.

The new Áspero is engineered to accommodate 700x42 or 650x49 rim/tire combinations. Cervélo stresses maintaining a 4 mm clearance for optimal riding feel and to prevent debris such as stones, dirt, and mud from interfering with performance.

Wheels are primarily sourced from Reserve, featuring Tubeless Ready designs with Center Lock compatibility, although older models may have DT Swiss wheels. The predominant tires are the Panaracer Gravel King SK.

Additional equipment

Given that the Áspero is designed more for performance than bikepacking, it's advisable to keep your setup minimal, focusing on essentials such as a water bottle cage, bottle, pedals, and appropriate attire to hit the road running. However, feel free to add a bike bag or a backpack for longer excursions.

Do I take the powerful Cervélo gravel bike or rather a road bike?

In picking the right bike, it’s vital to consider your intended use and frame size to ensure the best riding position, whether choosing between a road bike or a gravel bike. If your preference leans towards a road bike primarily for asphalt rides, Cervélo offers exceptional options like the Cervélo R5, Cervélo S5, and Cervélo Caledonie-5, which typically come equipped with premium components, making most models priced well over 10k, aside from the Caledonia-5 Force eTap AXS. For a more budget-friendly selection, consider the Cervélo Soloist and Cervélo Caledonia. Ambitious time trialists and triathletes can find suitable bikes in the Cervélo P5 series and Cervélo P-Series, as well as the customizable PX-Series frameset. The Cervélo R5-CX, recently made available for general purchase, provides top-tier performance for cyclocross enthusiasts, while the Cervélo ZHT-5 cross-country MTB has also seen success in races with the Jumbo Visma Team.

Currently, Cervélo does not offer e-bikes, but feel free to reach out to our Buycycle team with any questions regarding other models.