The new Aspero frame is also said to exceed ISO frame standards for greater tyre clearances
The new Cervelo Aspero(Image credit: Cervelo)
Cervelo has launched a new version of the Aspero gravel bike, with the brand saying the updated model remains true to the early, simpler days of gravel but has received some improvements while acknowledging the growth and change in gravel bikes since the Aspero's original launch back in 2019.
So what's new? Well, the new Aspero frame has received some frame changes which are said to add compliance and reduce weight by 32 grams and drag by three watts. The frame also gains a BBRight T47 Threaded bottom bracket, uses improved cable routing and utilises a UDH-compatible derailleur hanger.
The seatstays on the new frame have also been dropped and the chainstays lengthened by 5mm, which the brand says adds some extra compliance out back. Front-end stiffness has apparently been reduced as well – 'to make the last hours of a long race less painful'. At the front, the Aspero uses the same bearing dimensions as the R5, Soloist, R5-CX and Caledonia which the brand says means interchanging bearings top caps and stems will be easy to do if riders want a racier setup for instance. This move should also help Cervelo stockists and owners out.
Frame clearances have been boosted. Cervelo says an Aspero will clear a 45mm tyre by ISO standards, which require 4mm of clearance between tyre and the frame itself. Cervelo says it has designed the Aspero around 42mm tyres with 3mm of extra clearance on top of the ISO requirements.
Cervelo says all this will result in a bike that feels like the original Apsero but is faster, more comfy and more versatile.
Six build options will be available, plus a frameset. Prices range from $3,200 up to $5,500 and builds include a range of mechanical and electronic Shimano and Sram components and each bike comes with a Smartpak top tube storage bag. Whilst a frameset will set you back $2,500. Full breakdowns and geometry are below.
Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn’t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it’s made of.
He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport's biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Alberto Contador. He's also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing.
