CERVÉLO ÁSPERO-5 FORCE ETAP AXS 1
The Cervélo spero, like the Specialized Crux, is part of a new breed of dirt bikes aimed toward racing and high performance, as opposed to the Canyon Grizl's more do-it-all, go-anywhere mentality. The new spero, as expected from Cervélo, boasts greater aerodynamics and a less weight. It's not quite as light as the excellent Specialized Crux, weighing in at 8.3kg in a size 56cm, but that's still a fair weight for a mid-tier road bike – and therefore extremely impressive for gravel.
They can't say how much those aerodynamic changes have increased the spero's speed on the flat. But one thing is certain: the bike feels truly fast when tapped along open fire-road trails. It has a 72 degree head angle and very short 420mm chainstays, making it exceptionally quick to react to rider input and dart through turns. As a result, it's a touch less stable on tricky descents, but with tyre clearance limited to 42mm in 700c and 49mm in 650b, that's not the terrain this bike was meant for. You'd be better suited with a different bike if you're seeking to ride difficult trails and go on week-long bikepacking adventures. However, if you want to ride fast on adventures that begin and end on the same day, Cervélo's performance gravel bike can be the right choice.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Frame: Cervélo Áspero Carbon
- Fork: Cervélo All-carbon, Tapered Áspero Fork
- Groupset: SRAM Force eTap AXS // 36x10–36t
- Wheels: Reserve 32mm DT370
- Tyres : Panaracer Gravel King SK Sport 700c x 38mm (Max clearance: 700c x 42mm or 650b x 49mm)
- Weight: 8.3kg
REASONS TO BUY
- Gorgeous looks and eye-catching paint job
- High-end spec
- Fast and nimble ride - 420mm chainstays
- Lightweight for gravel bikes at just over 8kg
REASONS TO AVOID
- Stiff for long off road days
- Better suited to wide open gravel than techy singletrack
Website: racycles.com/product/detail/23244
