Cervelo

AsperoApex XPLR AXS

GroupsetSRAM Apex AXS D1SRAM Apex XPLR D1, 11-44T…

WheelsReserve 30 GR AL, Reser…WTB Vulpine TCS Light Fast…

Tire clearance45 mm

The second-generation Cervelo Aspero remains a dedicated gravel race bike, built for riders who prioritize speed and efficiency over bikepacking utility. Rather than reinventing the platform with suspension or mountain-bike-inspired geometry, Cervelo refined the original chassis to be slightly more forgiving and aerodynamically cleaner. The updated frame features a slimmer down tube and significantly dropped seatstays to help dissipate vibration, while modernizing key hardware standards like a threaded bottom bracket and a universal derailleur hanger. It is a bike designed for fast, mixed-surface riding, favoring groomed dirt roads and tarmac transitions over technical singletrack. By retaining its aggressive posture and sharp handling, the Aspero appeals to road cyclists transitioning to dirt or gravel racers looking for a highly responsive, stripped-down machine.

Cervelo Aspero

Build

Size

$2,999See deal

01 / Buy

Where to get it.

8 retailers · size 54.

Size

8 retailers · Size 54

Online retailerJenson USABest price

Cervelo Aspero APEX AXS 1 Bike

In stock

$2,999

Online retailerMike's Bikes

Aspero Apex XPLR AXS 1

In stock

$4,550

Online retailerPulse

Cervelo Áspero Apex XPLR AXS 1

In stock

$4,550

Online retailerCambria Bike

Cervelo Aspero 700c - Apex XPLR AXS 1 - Black-Charcoal

In stock

$4,550

Online retailerCambria Bike

Cervelo Aspero 700c - Apex XPLR AXS 1 - Marigold

In stock

$4,550

Online retailerPlanet Cyclery

Cervelo Aspero 700c - Apex XPLR AXS 1 - Black-Charcoal

In stock

$4,550

Online retailerPlanet Cyclery

Cervelo Aspero 700c - Apex XPLR AXS 1 - Marigold

In stock

$4,550

Online retailerRA Cycles

Cervelo Aspero Apex XPLR AXS Bike

In stock

$4,550

02 / Specifications

Spec sheet.

Every component shipped with this build.

01Frameset

1 component

ForkCervélo All-Carbon, Tapered Aspero Fork

02Drivetrain & brakes

8 components

Shift leversSRAM Apex AXS D1

Rear derailleurSRAM Apex XPLR AXS D1

CassetteSRAM Apex XPLR D1, 11-44T, 12-Speed

ChainSRAM Apex D1

CranksetSRAM Apex 1 D1, 40T, DUB Wide

Bottom bracketSRAM DUB Wide, T47 BBright

Front rotorSRAM Centerline Centerlock

Rear rotorSRAM Centerline Centerlock

03Wheels & tires

4 components

Front wheelReserve 30 GR AL, Reserve 4LD, 12x100mm, 24H, centerlock, tubeless compatible

Rear wheelReserve 30 GR AL, Reserve 4LD, 12x142mm, XDR freehub, 24H, centerlock, tubeless compatible

Front tireWTB Vulpine TCS Light Fast Rolling Dual DNA SG 120tpi 700x45c

Rear tireWTB Vulpine TCS Light Fast Rolling Dual DNA SG 120tpi 700x45c

04Cockpit & contact

4 components

StemCervélo ST36 Alloy

HandlebarsCervélo AB09 Carbon, 31.8mm clamp, 16 degree flare

SaddlePrologo Nago R4 PAS Steel

SeatpostCervélo SP19 Carbon 27.2

03 / Geometry

Geometry & fit.

6 sizes published.

The Aspero utilizes a road-centric geometry that places the rider in a low, stretched-out posture optimized for aerodynamic efficiency and power transfer. With a steep head tube angle and a relatively short wheelbase, the bike delivers quick, reactive steering that feels familiar to riders coming from traditional road racing frames. This setup ensures the bike feels agile on pavement and hardpack, though it requires a more attentive pilot when navigating loose, low-speed descents.

To help riders tune the handling, Cervelo retains the Trail Mixer flip-chip in the fork dropouts. This insert alters the fork offset, allowing riders to adjust the trail figure to maintain consistent steering dynamics when swapping between different tire sizes, or to slightly slow down the handling for added stability on rougher courses. The cockpit features a semi-integrated design, routing hoses under the alloy stem and through the upper headset bearing. This cleans up the front end for handlebar bags and aerodynamics while preserving the ability to easily swap stem lengths to dial in the reach.

Reach × Stack · size 54mm

Where the handlebar sits relative to the bottom bracket — the single most important fit pair.

01Fit geometry5 values

Stack555 mm

Reach388 mm

Top tube553 mm

Headtube length133 mm

Standover height733 mm

02Component geometry4 values

Crank length170 mm

Handlebar width400 mm

Stem length90 mm

Seatpost offset0 mm

03Handling geometry5 values

Headtube angle72°

Seat tube angle73.5°

BB drop76 mm

Trail62 mm

Chainstay length425 mm

Which size should I buy?

Slide your height to see the recommended size. GearWise's fit algorithm works from the published stack, reach, and ETT — the brand's own recommendation may differ.

Your height

5'8"173 cm

5'0"5'5"5'10"6'3"6'7"

Recommended size54Based on stack, reach & ETT for your height · score 91/100.

→Calculated from GearWise's own stack / reach / ETT algorithm — the brand's size chart may recommend a different size, and a proper bike fit beats any calculator.

04 / Other builds

The lineup.

6 builds, ranging $3,550 – $7,050.

The Aspero lineup spans six builds, split between SRAM and Shimano drivetrains, catering to both 1x and 2x preferences. The entry points feature mechanical shifting, starting with Shimano GRX RX610 and SRAM Apex XPLR, paired with alloy Alexrims or Fulcrum Rapid Red 300 wheelsets and standard alloy handlebars. Moving up the ladder introduces electronic shifting via SRAM Apex AXS or Shimano GRX RX820, though these mid-tier options largely retain the alloy rolling stock.

The most significant material upgrades occur at the top of the range with the SRAM Rival XPLR AXS and Shimano GRX RX825 Di2 builds. These premium models swap the alloy hoops for Reserve carbon wheelsets, substantially reducing rotational weight and improving aerodynamic performance. They also upgrade the cockpit to Cervelo’s AB09 carbon handlebar, which features a flared drop and flattened tops to help damp front-end vibration. Across all builds, Cervelo utilizes a threaded T47-A bottom bracket for easier servicing and equips the frame with a SRAM UDH rear dropout, simplifying derailleur hanger replacement and ensuring compatibility with direct-mount transmission systems.

—GRX RX825 Di2

Shimano GRX RX825 Di2

— · Currently viewingApex XPLR AXS

SRAM Apex XPLR AXS

$4,550On this page

05 / Reviews

From the press.

13 reviews from the cycling press.

Critics widely agree that the updated Aspero successfully tempers the harshness of the original frame without losing its aggressive, race-focused character. Reviewers note that the revised carbon layup and dropped seatstays provide tangible relief on long rides, with one tester observing an "improved ride smoothness that won’t punish the rider eight hours into a ride" (Velo) compared to the unforgiving first generation. Driven hard over washboard or embedded rocks, the chassis remains composed and "skips over objects that may otherwise encourage you to look twice" (Cyclist).

However, this road-oriented DNA presents clear tradeoffs. The steep head angle and low front end excel on fast, sweeping dirt roads, but testers point out that on steep, technical singletrack, the "steering doesn't feel quite as nimble as bikes with more progressive geometry" (BikeRadar).

Additionally, while Cervelo increased tire clearance to accommodate modern gravel rubber, the frame's capacity remains conservative compared to adventure-oriented models. For riders in wet or exceptionally rocky regions, this limitation is a sticking point, with one reviewer stating that "42mm tyre clearance isn't big enough" (Road.cc) for a true do-it-all setup. Ultimately, the consensus frames the Aspero as a highly efficient, tarmac-friendly gravel bike that rewards a heavy pedal stroke.