Cervelo Áspero
Gravel bikes come in a number of flavors. The flavor of this one is fast.
While the origin of the modern gravel bike has a relationship to Cyclo-Cross bikes, both have evolved. More stability, more tire clearance, more places to attach accessories has been the direction for gravel. Bikepacking capability and ruggedness for many.
The Aspero has moved the needle the opposite way.
The proof is in the Pros. Previously both Wout van Aert and the Sunweb Team used Aspero models for cyclo-cross. The steering is still quick enough and the bike light enough for CX. Yet this is not a full on cyclo-cross bike. This is a good choice for moving fast on gravel.
The Aspero is offered in multiple builds. We chose the Shimano GRX 610 1X. The most affordable model with a suggested retail of $3200.
Having been aware of Shimano’s new mechanical offering in a world of electronic shifting we were intrigued by the simplicity and dependability. The 2024 GRX also offered a number of redesigned features, 12 speed being the most prominent.
Paired with a 40 tooth single ring, the 10-45 cassette has a more than capable range for most riders.
While the bike build is listed as GRX 610, it is actually a mix of the different levels of GRX. The shifters and cranks are 610, the rear derailleur is 822, and the brake calipers appear to be RX400 (we’re not sure that there is an actual 610 caliper available).
All the parts work flawlessly. Shifting and braking is as expected from Shimano performance gear. The level of parts is equivalent to a 105+ road build.
The wheels, Alexrims Boondocks 7D, are not light, but are certainly fine for most gravel events, are certainly durable, and set up as tubeless fairly easily. We were impressed by the stock WTB Vulpine TCS tire. The tires feel supple, and the 40mm width rolls fine on pavement at 30 psi. We tested them on rail trail and chunky gravel with no issues in dry conditions. The bike has plenty of clearance for 45mm tires.
We’ll be testing the bike this Fall on some local cyclo-cross courses. The change we’ll make will be adding a lighter wheelset. Again, the stock wheels are capable, but dropping the weight from 1900 grams plus to 1400 grams plus will make for easy performance gains.
Stay tuned.