{"id":65010,"date":"2024-06-07T15:14:20","date_gmt":"2024-06-07T13:14:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/?p=65010&preview=true&preview_id=65010"},"modified":"2024-06-07T17:56:31","modified_gmt":"2024-06-07T15:56:31","slug":"cervelo-aspero-rival-axs-xplr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/2024\/06\/07\/cervelo-aspero-rival-axs-xplr\/","title":{"rendered":"Cerv\u00e9lo \u00c1spero Rival AXS XPLR"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
FAST GRAVEL BIKES<\/h5>\n\n

Cerv\u00e9lo \u00c1spero Rival AXS XPLR<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

\u00a35,200<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/span> | More comfort means more speed according to Cerv\u00e9lo<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Weight <\/strong>8.53kg (56cm) Frame <\/strong>Carbon Fork Carbon Gears SRAM Rival AXS XPLR, 12-speed (10-44t, 40t) Brakes <\/strong>SRAM Rival hydraulic Wheels <\/strong>Reserve 40\/44 carbon Finishing kit <\/strong>Cerv\u00e9lo SP19 Carbon 27.2 seatpost, Prologo Dimension STN saddle, Cerv\u00e9lo ST36 Alloy stem, Cerv\u00e9lo AB09 Carbon bar, WTB Vulpine TCS tyres 40c, Smartpak 400A Top Tube Storage Bag<\/p>\n\n

<\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

<\/p>\n\n

Cerv\u00e9lo\u2019s original \u00c1spero, and high-end \u00c1spero 5 (still available), were designed as races bike for off-road, and the new \u00c1spero has the same goals, with geometry only slightly tweaked from the brand\u2019s R-Series road bike. <\/p>\n\n

Updates often boost stiffness and lower weight, but due to rider feedback on the previous version, the new \u00c0spero has ended up a touch heavier and softer. This is still \u2018a bike to haul ass, not luggage\u2019, though, so you just get triple bottle bosses \u2013 two inside the triangle and one below the down-tube. <\/p>\n\n

The composition of the frame and fork has changed to reduce the stiffness at the head-tube and through the seat-tube and is now a claimed 1,141g for a size 56cm frame, up from 1,100g, paired with a new 452g fork (6g lighter than the old one). The standover height\u2019s also lower, making the bike more agile thanks to a more sloping top-tube and more compact frame that makes it much easier to move around on. Lowered seatstays increase the flexibility in the seat-tube, which now allows you to use a dropper post (there\u2019s internal routing provision for that too). <\/p>\n\n

  • \"\"
    You\u2019ll get a 1x 01 02 Rival 10-44t, 40t groupset <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>
  • \"\"
    The speedy pick-up of the hubs help you negotiate the rough stuff <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>
  • \"\"
    Head- and seat-tube stiffness has been reduced <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>
  • \"\"
    There\u2019s a new internal cable-routing system <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n

    All clear <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

    Tyre clearance is also up from 40mm to 46mm, similar to gravel race bikes such as the Specialized Crux (47mm) or Trek Checkpoint SLR (45mm). Cerv\u00e9lo has kept the adjustable \u2018Trail Mixer\u2019 dropouts from the previous fork (these are f lip-chip-style dropouts that can alter the position of the wheel to help riders keep a similar feel whether running narrower road tyres or wider gravel tyres). The seat-tube now has a more prominent wheel cutout, and the chainstays are 5mm longer at 425mm (though that\u2019s still very short for a gravel bike). <\/p>\n\n

    The drive-side dropout now sports a SRAM UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger), making it future proof and opening up custom builds to SRAM\u2019s T-type mountain bike rear derailleurs. <\/p>\n\n

    Up front, the fork chin cuts into the head tube to help improve aerodynamics. Using the new ST36 internal cable routing system from the Soloist also helps reduce drag and make more room for a bar bag. With the reduced diameter of the down-tube, too, the new \u00c1spero\u2019s frontal area is sleeker. <\/p>\n\n

    \u201cThe frame and fork are remarkably good and the \u00c1spero is a joy to push the (your) limits on\u201d <\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n

    The geometry puts you square over the crankset for maximum pedalling efficiency, with the inline carbon post and short-nosed Prologo saddle. At the front, the 72\u00b0 head angle on my 56cm test bike is only a degree shy of what you\u2019d expect of road racing bikes, and very similar to endurance-bike geometry.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

    This top-tier launch bike has a third-tier groupset, but that\u2019s combined with a quality carbon cockpit, a carbon seatpost, a great saddle and impressive Reserve carbon wheels. <\/p>\n\n

    High-end hoops <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

    The \u00c1spero\u2019s Reserve 40\/44 wheel combo is a WorldTour-proven aero combo, with a 40mm-deep front rim and a 44mm-deep rear, plus a broad 25mm internal rim width. You\u2019ll also get Zipp\u2019s impressive ZR1 hubset here with its rapid engagement. The claimed wheelset weight of less than 1,450g helped my size 56cm test bike weigh a respectable 8.53kg. <\/p>\n\n

    On tarmac, thanks to the racy ride position and handling plus 40-tooth chainring and 10-44t cassette, I never found it wanting at road speeds, and the 40c WTB Vulpine tyres, with their close, checkerboard style tread, weren\u2019t sluggish. Off-road, however, the \u00c1spero really shines: the frame and fork are remarkably good. You get the taut feeling of the Soloist when putting down the power, yet the combination of the quality tyres, superb contact points and a frame and fork that absorb more chatter than they transmit, adds up to a bike that\u2019s very capable on unmetalled roads. Hit a water bar, root, or bump and it loves to get airborne, but it handles impacts and landing much better than previous versions. This makes the \u00c1spero a joy to push your limits on.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

    While it\u2019s obviously not designed for super-technical terrain, the super-fast pick-up of the hubset helps with slow-speed manoeuvres and injections of power to get up steep, slippery ramps. <\/p>\n\n

    If you only have space for one bike in your life, this could be a great option. <\/p>\n\n

    <\/div>
    \n

    The Good <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Good road-bike ride position; wheel spec<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Bad <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not one for more extreme technical trails<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

    <\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    \n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    Verdict <\/strong>The \u00c1spero is the roadies\u2019 gravel choice and very capable in a wide range of conditions<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

    <\/p>\n\n

    \n\n

    Also consider…<\/h3>\n\n
    \n
    \n
    A lot less<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Cerv\u00e9lo \u00c1spero Apex XPLR<\/strong><\/em> 1 \u00a33,100<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em>
    Bag the same premium \u00c1spero frame but with SRAM\u2019s new more affordable 1 x 12 mechanical groupset and some Alex Boondocks wheels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    A little less<\/strong><\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Cerv\u00e9lo \u00c1spero GRX RX820<\/strong><\/em> \u00a34,400<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em>
    It\u2019s the same frame once again, but if you\u2019re a Shimano fan, this 2 x 12 mechanical build with Fulcrum Rapid Red wheels may be just what you\u2019re after.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n

    Photography<\/strong> Russell Burton<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    More comfort means more speed according to Cerv\u00e9lo<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":64471,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ub_ctt_via":"","purple_page_number":"","purple_custom_meta_purple_page_number":"30","purple_seq_number":"","purple_custom_meta_purple_seq_number":"","purple_source_article":"","purple_custom_meta_purple_source_article":"","purple_source_issue":"","purple_custom_meta_purple_source_issue":"Summer-2024","purple_external_id":"","purple_custom_meta_purple_external_id":"Summer-2024-18d1107d-bab9-4c52-a81d-8a8400b0ffd2","purple_issue_code":"","purple_custom_meta_purple_issue_code":"|0000116816||","purple_android_product":"","purple_custom_meta_purple_android_product":"com.im.cyclingplus.420","purple_ios_product":"","purple_custom_meta_purple_ios_product":"com.im.cyclingplus.420","purple_web_product":"","purple_custom_meta_purple_web_product":"","purple_publication_id":"","purple_migrated":"","kt_blocks_editor_width":"","apple_news_api_created_at":"2024-06-07T13:21:07Z","apple_news_article-theme":"","apple_news_api_id":"9e41874c-cc6d-4577-90f8-9404f38a13a0","apple_news_api_modified_at":"2024-06-07T15:56:37Z","apple_news_api_revision":"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAg==","apple_news_api_share_url":"https:\/\/apple.news\/AnkGHTMxtRXeQ-JQE84oToA","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_is_hidden":false,"apple_news_is_paid":false,"apple_news_is_preview":false,"apple_news_is_sponsored":false,"apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_article_theme":"","apple_news_sections":"\"\""},"categories":[140],"tags":[],"apple_news_notices":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/05\/e3977f72-b3ac-4e70-839b-fd4fc83d6f22.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"5","apple_news_title":""},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/05\/e3977f72-b3ac-4e70-839b-fd4fc83d6f22.jpg",2048,1523,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/05\/e3977f72-b3ac-4e70-839b-fd4fc83d6f22-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/05\/e3977f72-b3ac-4e70-839b-fd4fc83d6f22-300x223.jpg",300,223,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/05\/e3977f72-b3ac-4e70-839b-fd4fc83d6f22-768x571.jpg",768,571,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/05\/e3977f72-b3ac-4e70-839b-fd4fc83d6f22-1024x762.jpg",800,595,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/05\/e3977f72-b3ac-4e70-839b-fd4fc83d6f22-1536x1142.jpg",1536,1142,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/05\/e3977f72-b3ac-4e70-839b-fd4fc83d6f22.jpg",2048,1523,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"More comfort means more speed according to Cerv\u00e9lo","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65010"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=65010"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65010\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":65070,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65010\/revisions\/65070"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/64471"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=65010"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=65010"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=65010"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}