The winner is…
Cervélo Áspero Rival AXS XPLR
Frame updates and excellent wheels produce plenty of off-road speed
All of the bikes this month do what they set out to achieve brilliantly. We wanted to find the best mid-range speedy gravel bike, however, and one model hit the mark across our test parameters more consistently than the others.
The Riverside GCR is fast on tarmac and on lighter gravel too. It’s without question great value to boot, boasting a carbon frame and fork plus SRAM’s Force AXS XPLR groupset and Reynolds ATR carbon gravel wheels. However, it can become undone when the going gets really rough and technical, thanks to a very stiff front end, meaning it’s for mixed duties on better-condition surfaces.
The Argon 18 is designed to be a racer and a rugged explorer too. It certainly excels in one of those camps thanks to its compliant ride and comfortable ride position, not to mention its myriad of fittings for bottles and bags. The package, with brilliant Hunt wheels and SRAM’s excellent Force AXS XPLR, is worthy of praise too. I’m just not convinced its more endurance-biased position would appeal to hardcore racers, though it appeals to me.
“This new-generation model retains the speed but adds a layer of compliant comfort”
That just leaves the Cervélo Áspero. The first generation of this bike was stripped down and speedy, but it was road race-bike rigid with it. This new-generation model retains the speed but adds a layer of compliant comfort, thanks to new frame composition, lower seatstays and more; and the subtle changes to the frame design (including lower standover height) make it more agile to boot. It may not have the glittering Force AXS gearing (instead it has the next tier down Rival AXS XPLR group), but that’s offset by the superb carbon finishing kit and the pro-tour proven aero wheel package. The Áspero hits the high mark in this speedy gravel bikes test for being fast everywhere, and that brings huge amounts of fun with it.
Specifications & measurements
Geometry is probably the most important factor when buying a bike, but even bikes that are nominally the same size can vary considerably. Reputable bike retailers – high street and online – should ensure the bike fits you and your needs.
