These Cervelo Aspero-5 Rival AXS bikes have been developed by Excel Sports as frameset-up builds. This is a build combination not offered by Cervelo in 2022, so we wanted to offer the Rival AXS groupset with the top level Aspero-5 frameset and gravel-ready Reynolds carbon wheelset. The frameset, wheelset and components are fully covered by each manufacturers factory warranty.

The Cervelo Aspero set a new standard in handling, speed, and comfort for gravel-race oriented bikes, and it maintains a best-seller status, but the Aspero-5 frameset has been the top choice for pure gravel racers due to it's lighter weight, improved aerodynamics, and purer power transfer from the higher grade carbon fiber in an advanced lay-up process. Built here with a SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS HRD 1x12 build with wide range gearing, along with a carbon wheelset, and with Cervelo kit items, you have a more affordable, truly race-ready complete package capable of tackling a long gravel event, speedy weekday rides on country roads, and epic weekend days when the terrain opens up before you. The Aspero-5 frameset set the standard for gravel race and is always well represented in the group at the front of any major gravel event.

The Aspero-5 Frameset retains the popular, proven Aspero geometry and Trail Mixer fork chip system, as well as an appearance with tube shapes that are largely the same. A closer inspection indicates a fully internal wiring and housing system, and a refined headtube. The Aspero-5 has the C-shaped fork steerer tube design seen on other 5-series bikes, which in combination with the included Carbon AB09 16° Flared Carbon Handlebar and Cervelo ST32 Alloy Stem, work with the steerer and the frame to bring the routing internal from the levers on back. An All-Carbon Tapered Áspero Fork with Adjustable Trail and headtube shape offer refined aerodynamics, enhanced by the internal routing. Cervelo's internal testing measures aero improvement at 32G of reduced drag over the standard Aspero.

Cervelo made some intelligent choices, such as carrying over the 27.2mm round seatpost, which offers the rider more options, including the opportunity to run a dropper post. The Aspero-5 includes the compliant carbon Cervelo SP19 27.2mm seatpost. Again, given this is a race oriented bike, the frame and fork deliver clearance necessary for 650b x 51mm tires, or 700c x 43mm tires with at least 4mm on either side to spare. Cervelo is cognizant that for many of the longest, harshest events were capability and speed must be balanced with bike control, many racers will opt for 650b/27.5" wheels and may also want a dropper post. The overall key to any set-up choice is maintaining the proper geometry for excellent handling.

The engineers were particularly focused on making sure the Aspero models handled properly. Cervelo is using their Trail Mixer system to allow the rider to keep effective fork Trail at 62mm. Larger variations in tire size effect the rearward position of the tire- affecting handling and toe-overlap clearance. By using off center, bolt-in 12mm thru-axle drop outs, the rider can select the +5 forward position or the -5 rear position of the axle. With a 700x42 gravel tire set-up, the +5mm forward is the proper position for best active handling and nimble bike control. If you moved it to the -5mm rearward position, it would slow the handling down, perhaps better for long, flat rides on firmer, smoother, less technical surfaces.

What is amazing about geometry of the Aspero is that isn't road-like, but it feels like a more natural transition from a road bike than most gravel race designs. The handling speed and control are there, and the toptube measurements are longer, with the frame center of gravity pushed back a little, while a shorter length stem is used to control the front end. When you take it out on the road, perhaps to transition to your gravel access, the Aspero-5 won't feel awkward or uncomfortable, yet it will handle gravel and even twisty singletrack with aplomb.

Ready to race? With a Rival 1x AXS 46T x 11-44T chainring and cassette set-up, this Aspero-5 has plenty of range and the ability to deliver real speed on flatter, faster zones where real time gaps can be built. The bike on a Reynolds ATR Disc TL carbon wheelset. It features the internal and external rim widths you desire for diverse tire width usage and has a low-mid 40mm aero profile.