The new Cervelo Aspero gravel bike reduces drag, boosts clearance and gets a threaded bb

Cervelo has launched a new version of the Aspero gravel bike, with the brand saying the updated model remains true to the early, simpler days of gravel but has received some improvements while acknowledging the growth and change in gravel bikes since the Aspero's original launch back in 2019.

So what's new? Well, the new Aspero frame has received some frame changes which are said to add compliance and reduce weight by 32 grams and drag by three watts. The frame also gains a BBRight T47 Threaded bottom bracket, uses improved cable routing and utilises a UDH-compatible derailleur hanger. 

The seatstays on the new frame have also been dropped and the chainstays lengthened by 5mm, which the brand says adds some extra compliance out back. Front-end stiffness has apparently been reduced as well – 'to make the last hours of a long race less painful'. At the front, the Aspero uses the same bearing dimensions as the R5, Soloist, R5-CX and Caledonia which the brand says means interchanging bearings top caps and stems will be easy to do if riders want a racier setup for instance. This move should also help Cervelo stockists and owners out. 

Frame clearances have been boosted. Cervelo says an Aspero will clear a 45mm tyre by ISO standards, which require 4mm of clearance between tyre and the frame itself. Cervelo says it has designed the Aspero around 42mm tyres with 3mm of extra clearance on top of the ISO requirements. 

Cervelo says all this will result in a bike that feels like the original Apsero but is faster, more comfy and more versatile.

Six build options will be available, plus a frameset. Prices range from $3,200 up to $5,500 and builds include a range of mechanical and electronic Shimano and Sram components and each bike comes with a Smartpak top tube storage bag. Whilst a frameset will set you back $2,500. Full breakdowns and geometry are below.