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Cervelo has offered the Aspero gravel design in many component set-ups, with most befitting the gravel race concept 2x drivetrains and 700c wheels, but it has been great to see 1x options and 650b wheels as well, and this GRX-810 bike is equipped with a 1x drivetrain package that is augmented by Easton carbon and alloy cockpit components, while a 650b Easton EA70AX Wheelset carries you more stably over rougher terrain. The overall set-up is more compliant and confident for aggressive stuff and light trail use. GRX-800 series components have been developed to handle the abuse and harsh conditions of true gravel riding, yet function with the consistent precision and efficiency of the Ultegra-level. With Aspero, Cervelo has designed a frameset with somewhat unique features and properties that deliver a gravel riding experience road cyclists will embrace, but is capable of much more in the 650b set-up.

Inspiration from the Aspero frame construction and features has come from several Cervelo models, yet the design has been engineered from the frame up for the race gravel concept for which it was conceived. Aero inspiration has always a driving force for Cervelo, and the toptube shares the shape and a hidden 2-bolt SmartPak bag mount of the P5 that is compatible with several aero and storage bags available today. The internal reference design points exemplify elements of Cervelo's best engineering to date, and all serve the gravel race concept: fit, speed, balance, handling, and set-up flexibility.

That said, it is the engineering behind the frame geometry, fork design, an adjustable trail set-up, and overall frame stability that define the Aspero. One major goal was to provide the clearance necessary for 650b x 51mm tires, or 700c x 43mm tires with at least 4mm on either side to spare. This was accomplished in a few key ways. Up front the fork legs have a new carbon lay-up and shaping from the large 12mm thru-axle dropout on up, with an integrated crown that isn't as vertically thick as you'd expect, yet still inherently strong and gravel ready with great rounded tire clearance. Cervelo also was able to maintain a balanced front-center measurement by elongating the top tube, maintaining a road-oriented seattube angle, and proper trail via an adjustable front dropout design. The center of gravity (COG) is moved rearwards, as the headtube angles are more gravel/cyclocross than road. The headtube itself was kept essentially at R3 road lengths per size, which along with the impressive fork design and integrated headset means that the forward cockpit position feels more like a road bike- your saddle drop to bar can be more like your road fit. At the rear triangle a 420mm chainstay length was achieved with a dropped chainstay design and a seat-tube cut-out.

The engineers were particularly focused on making sure the Aspero handled properly. The concept of fork "Trail" is best known in the mountain bike world, but is relevant across all cycling. Cervelo is using what they call their Trail Mixer system to allow the rider to keep effective 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. The principles of Trail set-up come down to the outside diameter of a mounted tire and desired handling characteristics to determine your Trail Mixer set-up. Cervelo has a more complete explanation of the mechanically simple Trail Mixer system on their website.

The use of the modified Squoval.Max tubeset is clear with the Aspero featuring a substantially larger downtube and massive bottom bracket junction over the R-Series. The integrated fork crown and downtube design resembles the Dropped Downtube of the aero bikes but it seems more functional for strength and visual balance from the tapered headtube through the downtube. The seattube features a squared back, cut-out design, but carries a 27.2mm round seatpost, which can provide more vertical compliance and offers more options. Everything, from the dropped, oversized chainstays, slightly curved, shaped aero seatstays, rear dropouts and Flat Mount disc interface are all stouter for increased strength and torsional stiffness. A modified Future Proof cable guide and internal routing system has an option for a cabled or hydraulic dropper seatpost, and a bolt-on downtube protector handles the debris coming off the front wheel.

The Aspero GRX-810 Bicycle features a 1x11 GRX drivetrain and GRX hydraulic disc brakes, and in the absence of front derailleur, the left Dual Control lever controls the cable-actuated TranzX YSI01 50mm Dropper Post and the front hydraulic brake. The 650b EA70AX Wheelset TLR CL disc wheelset is graced with the highly regarded Panaracer Gravel King SK Folding 650b x 48mm tires to keep you in control on the ground, while the Easton cockpit and Prologo saddle build out your riding position on this impressive package.