My Cervelo Aspero Gravel Rig! What's good about this bike?

[@USCyclist]

Just bought 2022 GRX 2x model, satin black. Still in the box, stoked!

[@simplecyclist]

Nice, your going to love it! Get that built up ASAP!

[@michaellapetina4623]

I disagree with it performing well on technical off-road sections. Once you get into the drop bars you can crush the downhills here in SoCal on fast downhill single-tracks with chunky terrain.

[@simplecyclist]

I think I need to fly to SoCal for some bike testing! Sounds fun!

[@timdixo]

Have same setup,you’re points are spot on. Down vote for the the proprietary BB and rides a tad stiff but otherwise its a serious winner. Low front end,low BB height and handling manners are superb. Agree re integrated cockpits. There’s too many industry shills pushing the integrated,”clean front end” palava. Good luck tweaking front end bike fit with major faff and expense. Fine if you have your own prop mechanic I guess!

[@simplecyclist]

I do love good integration when it makes sense. But Ive changed my front end position 3 odd times since new. Would have been a nightmare with the Aspero 5!

[@jbratt]

I have the same bike same color too. The thing that concerns me about the bike (I haven't had to test it) is the lack of mud clearance. Everything else about it I really like.

[@simplecyclist]

Winter is settling in now for me, so will be testing the mud clearance very soon. I’m pretty confident I’m going to be putting on narrower tyres though.

[@leefitler4597]

Wider rims would probably pull that same back tire away from your seat stay a bit more.

[@simplecyclist]

I have wondered. The GR1600s are 24mm internal so are about on par for gravel. Think if issues arise in the winter conditions we will have to downsize the tyre.

[@tariqkamil7853]

And just got mine 2021 in the grx600 today.

[@simplecyclist]

Great choice!

[@tomandsamuel]

Do you ride with a Powermeter?

[@simplecyclist]

On the road bike yes, but haven’t gone with one on the gravel bike. Try and keep the gravel riding easy and chill anyways.

[@pascalo5119]

Thanks for the video. How tall are you and what frame size you choose.? Thanks in advance

[@simplecyclist]

Hey there! I am 178cm tall, and am riding the 54cm frame.

[@akmola1]

​@@simplecyclist Hi! For someone who is 171 cm tall, would you say go with the 54cm or 51cm frame?? I am a good 7 cm shorter than you and am worried how a 54 frame might fit. At the same time, I ride a size M Trek bike and it seems fine. With Canyon bikes, I am in the XS category, but again Canyon XS geometry is duper close to Aspero 54 cm. So, I am lost. Thanks for your opinion!!

[@simplecyclist]

Hi @@akmola1. Thanks for the question. Frame sizing can be really tricky and I understand your confusion. So at 171cm you fall into the 54cm bike size range, where you would technically be too tall for a 51cm according to the Cervélo charts. However you want to compare the frame reach, stack and stand over to your current bike. The Aspero tends to be a little longer in reach to a standard road bike. And if you are running a shorter stem on your road bike (70-90mm), then the extra reach will be a big problem and therefore the 51cm becomes the better option. Sorry its not a straight forward answer, and I do hope you have a good Cervelo dealer near you to discuss this with.

[@akmola1]

@@simplecyclist thanks for the explanation, although I have to say it has made it a bit more complicated :-) the only way to know is to get a hold of the bike and try at least standing over it. This is what I did the other day, I visited my LBS - they had, the bikes in stock, and just by looking at me, they clearly said I should be at 51. I tried holding the handlebars and albeit for a split second, it felt much more comfortable than my medium size TREK. I think I am kind of falling in love with the Aspero here… At the same time, My hybrid. CANYON bike is size S, and very comfortable for me. When I looked at the new canyon Grail online, the recommended size was XS, which number wise seems to be close to 54… In any case, a practical question for you. In your opinion, what’s better, get a new Cervelo Aspero bike altogether- which has pretty good discounts at the moment- or try to convert my existing endurance road bike into a gravel bike? My sass is with all the modifications, the cost would be about 40% of the new bike price. I understand everybody’s different, but what would you do?

[@simplecyclist]

@@akmola1 Sorry to make it more complicated! Some interesting comments about the Canyon. I just checked the geometry, and your right, the XS is very very long! Can't really think why Canyon have done that actually? Sounds like a 51cm Aspero is the better size, and the better bike for you. I certainly would buy a gravel bike, over converting an endurance road bike. Tyre clearance and frame angles that suit the larger tyres will be very noticeable off road. For sure more money, but I think a better option long term and just a more fun bike to ride.

[@bevancammell2233]

First view again!

[@nomad61u2]

How do you think it performs on tarmac? Would you recommend it for a bike that spends 80% off its time on proper road rides with the occasional excursion into dirt?

[@simplecyclist]

Would 100% recommend Aspero for that. The geometry is very well suited to road, but then you have the tyre clearance for the off road stuff. Other option for you to consider is the Specialized Crux. Both would be perfect.

[@goyacar]

Is the frame a 51cm?

[@simplecyclist]

Mine is a 54cm frame.

[@WRXJIM]

Its a great CX bike too ;-)

[@simplecyclist]

I might be trying the CX capability very soon!

[@howlinhauler]

weight with slicks?

[@simplecyclist]

Never had slicks on it actually. Currently its 8.8kg with pedals. Would get down a few hundred grams with slicks though.

[@peterwalters2846]

Weight?

[@simplecyclist]

8.8kg as it is with pedals and cages.

[@ballsdeepinglory3054]

I’m looking for a gravelbike that will both be my winterbike, winter commuter, and an allround gravelbike. I know i’ll have to compromise in some areas… There are also so many contenders in this category. I love the quick and fast feeling of my roadbike, and I’m looking fot the same feeling in a gravelbike. This bike is a strong contender. Other bikes I’m considering are the soecialized crux, the specialized diverge (more of an allrounder), canyon grail gen 2 and the orbea terra. I’m kind of lost, and al not sure which will best suit my needs, or if I’m overlooking some bikes….

[@simplecyclist]

This is a great question, and something I am in the middle of at the moment also. I think all of the mentioned bikes are great contenders for that. Anything inside the gravel ‘race’ bike category will give you fast feel on gravel and will be surprisingly fast on the road as well. My pick for this currently is the Crux. I sold my aspero last year and got the Crux with these things in mind. Advantages are more tyre clearance and easier maintenance (threaded BB). Also it lacks the complex handlebar set up like some brands, so easy to adapt to a more road set up. I’ve got a video about this topic coming soon, so will cover this question in more detail.

[@ballsdeepinglory3054]

@@simplecyclist I look forward to your video then!

[@rayc9793]

Awesome review! When you bought the frameset, did it come with BB? If not which type of the BB needed for Shimano build?

[@simplecyclist]

Thank you! No the frame didn’t come with a BB. I used a wheels manufacturing BB unit. The quality was higher and should mean less creak issues down the line. That one came with bearings to suit the 24mm Shimano spindle. Granted that same unit could be used with other cranks with just a swap of bearing type.