Extreme aerodynamics officially enters gravelCérvelo officially presents Aspero 5, a bike that from the point of view of the first aesthetic impact is easily matched to the S5 roadster. The new Aspero 5 is being billed as the most aerodynamic gravel bike ever.
The value on the scale goes down overall and at the same time increase performance. The space that allows for the passage of wide tires has been increased. The details that characterize the new Aspero 5 are many and the trademark is that curved seat tube that is part of Cervélo DNA. Let's go into detail.
Cervélo, functional aerodynamics
Finding a bike that brings advanced aerodynamic concepts to the gravel scene doesn't surprise us, especially if we put Cervélo bikes into context. Staying in the gravel scene, top and average speeds have increased exponentially and from a technical point of view the trend is use high profile wheels and wide tires. Here is the first important gamechanger of the new project, namely the possibility of fitting tyres from 45mm cross-section, leaving a large safety margin (6 millimetres) with respect to the pipes, also considering a 52-tooth crown.
The entire The rear section has been developed to optimise the wheel+frame combination. Likewise, the front brake caliper mount (on the fork) has been improved, saving weight, simplifying any adjustments and gaining in aerodynamicsThe evolution process also includes the full carbon seatpost with zero setback and the HB16 handlebar bend.
The numbers: the new HB16 bend is more efficient than 5,7 watts, thanks to a reduced frontal impact, with a 12° flare (corresponds to a differentiated width, 40 centimetres above and 46 at the base of the curve). It also allows the assembly of Cervélo Aerobar aerodynamic prostheses, borrowed from the S5. The handlebar has been designed for either full internal cable routing or semi-integrated sliding. The headset area has been revised, which It does not require rewiring the braking system in the event of changes in shim thickness.
Details to consider
The frame kit of the new Cervélo Aspero 5 has a declared weight on the scale: 2.074 grams (frame and fork, seatpost and stem, down tube compartment cover). It adopts the UDH dropout for the positioning of the rear rocker arm and It is compatible with 1X and double front plate drivetrains. The chain guide is integrated into the frame and is adjustable. The new Aspero 5 has a storage compartment in the downpipe, inserted under the bottle cage. The The bottom bracket shell has threaded seats and is of the T47-A type with an asymmetric design. This choice was made with a view to facilitating any maintenance interventions. Compared to the classic version, the new Aspero 5 has reduced ground clearance by 4 millimeters (central box) and has a 2,5mm longer rear carriage.
As far as the geometries are concerned. They have been taken entirely from the Soloist and allow you to make the most of any tyre mix with differentiated sections. This solution allows for varying the front trail and the two angles of the bike, front and rear, with a view to different uses that also border on bikepacking. There are still 6 sizes available in the catalogue, from 48 to 61.
The setups
There are three those foreseen by the Cervélo catalogue, to which is added the frame setThe first build is based on the Sram Red XPLR 1×13 transmission and Reserve 40/44 wheels, with a list price of 11.499 €The second one is based on the Force transmission and the third one on Shimano GRX Di2 1X, both with 8.299 €The frame kit is offered at 5.299 €.
