Frameset
Frame
ASTR HM carbon frame, BB86, TA 12x142
Fork
ASTR fork, TA 12x100, integrated forkcrown diffuser, 50mm rake, D-shape steerer
Astr Shimano GRX600 2x12sp
Ridley introduced the Astr platform for the 2025 model year as a dedicated performance gravel racing chassis. Built around an aero-to-weight philosophy, the frame borrows aerodynamic tube shaping and an integrated diffuser fork crown from Ridley’s Falcn RS road bike, while maintaining a highly competitive weight. The defining characteristic of the Astr is its massive tire clearance for a race-oriented frame, accommodating up to 52mm rubber on 1x drivetrains and 47mm on 2x setups. This allows racers to tackle increasingly rough, fast modern gravel courses without sacrificing aerodynamic efficiency. Ridley splits the platform into two tiers: the flagship Astr RS, which uses a sub-900-gram elite carbon layup and an aero D-shaped seatpost, and the standard Astr, which utilizes a slightly heavier carbon blend and a conventional 27.2mm round seatpost. Both tiers share the same aggressive silhouette and are strictly focused on speed, stripping away utility mounts in favor of pure racing performance.
Price TBD
Build
Size
| Stack | 550mm |
| Reach | 392mm |
| Top tube | 550mm |
| Headtube length | 130mm |
| Standover height | 790mm |
| Seat tube length | 500mm |
Fit and geometry
Ridley designed the Astr’s geometry to keep the bike composed at race speeds. By utilizing a longer wheelbase, a slacker head tube angle, and a lower bottom bracket, the chassis naturally resists twitchiness and tracks predictably over rough surfaces. This stability-focused foundation is paired with an aggressive, aerodynamic rider posture.
The cockpit setup heavily influences the bike's handling and fit. While the flagship RS models are often tested with Ridley's narrow, one-piece carbon aero cockpit that stretches the rider out into a low, compact position, the standard builds rely on a two-piece Deda Super Box stem and Superzero Alloy Gravel handlebar. These Deda bars feature a narrow 420mm width at the hoods to minimize frontal area, flaring out to 500mm in the drops to provide essential leverage and control for descending. The combination of the stretched-out reach, narrow hood stance, and stable frame geometry creates a locomotive-like ride quality. It requires deliberate input to initiate tight turns but rewards the rider with exceptional tracking and aerodynamic efficiency on long, straight sectors.
Full specs
Groupset
Shift levers
Shimano GRX600, 12-speed
Rear derailleur
Shimano GRX 800, 12-speed, medium cage (45T)
Cassette
Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed, 10-45T
Chain
Shimano 12-speed chain (HG+)
Crankset
Shimano GRX600, 172.5mm, 40T
Bottom bracket
BB86 (press-fit)
Front brake
Shimano GRX600 hydraulic disc, flat mount
Rear brake
Shimano GRX600 hydraulic disc, flat mount
Front rotor
Shimano Center Lock rotor (size not specified)
Rear rotor
Shimano Center Lock rotor (size not specified)
Wheelset
Front wheel
Shimano RX180 MS12 TLR DB Black
Rear wheel
Shimano RX180 MS12 TLR DB Black
Front tire
Vittoria Terreno T50, 700x50c, TLR, Black-Black
Rear tire
Vittoria Terreno T50, 700x50c, TLR, Black-Black
Cockpit
Stem
Deda Super Box, 100mm, Polish On Black
Handlebars
Deda Superzero Alloy Gravel, 420mm (c-c at hoods) / 500mm (c-c at drops), 16° flare, 120mm drop, 75mm reach
Saddle
Selle Italia Model X, Black
Seatpost
4ZA Cirrus, 27.2mm, 400mm, zero offset, Black
Builds
The Astr lineup is divided by frame material and seatpost standard, which dictates the overall value and upgrade path. The premium Astr RS frame is restricted to electronic groupsets and utilizes a proprietary D-shaped aero seatpost. In contrast, the standard Astr models use a slightly heavier carbon layup but feature a conventional 27.2mm round seatpost. This seemingly minor detail significantly increases the standard frame's versatility, allowing riders to easily install a suspension seatpost or standard dropper post to mitigate the frame's inherent stiffness.
Ridley offers a wide array of builds on the standard Astr frame, primarily utilizing Shimano GRX and SRAM XPLR drivetrains. The ladder includes both 1x and 2x configurations, though riders should note that running a front derailleur reduces maximum tire clearance from 52mm to 47mm. Standout options include builds equipped with the Classified Powershift rear hub, which provides a 2x gear range without the aerodynamic penalty or clearance limitations of a front derailleur. Across the standard builds, Ridley consistently specs 50mm Vittoria Terreno T50 tires and Shimano RX180 alloy wheels, meaning riders looking to maximize the frame's race potential will likely want to upgrade to a lighter carbon wheelset down the line.
Reviews
Reviewers characterize the Astr RS as an uncompromising speed machine that prioritizes power transfer and straight-line stability over plush compliance. Testing the flagship model, David Arthur noted that the frame's immense stiffness delivers rapid acceleration but results in a "firm, firm ride" (YouTube). Even when running high-volume 47mm tires at low pressures, the chassis can feel "quite jarring at times" over exposed rocks and rougher trails (YouTube). This indicates that the bike relies almost entirely on tire volume for shock absorption rather than engineered frame flex.
When it comes to handling, the Astr RS is built to hold momentum across open terrain. The steering is deliberately heavy, which Arthur described as "rock solid in a straight line" and highly resistant to deflection in narrow ruts (YouTube). The tradeoff for this unwavering high-speed composure is a lack of low-speed agility. Navigating tight corners or technical singletrack from the hoods reveals steering that is "ponderous, perhaps" compared to more nimble gravel frames (YouTube). Ultimately, reviewers agree the Astr RS excels exactly where it was designed to: grinding out fast miles in a peloton or powering across wide-open gravel roads where maintaining a predictable trajectory is paramount.
