First Ride Review: Cervélo Áspero 2024 – Trailblazer or Trusty Companion?

The Cervélo Áspero was a trailblazer of gravel racing, built for speed and efficiency, and Cervélo have given it an overhaul for 2024, staying true to its racing DNA. However, the gravel scene has evolved in leaps and bounds since. So, how well does the new Áspero fit into today’s gravel landscape, and can the original concept still hold up?

With the first-generation Áspero, Cervélo cemented their place as pioneers of gravel racing: fast, efficient, and built with pure racing DNA. As one of the first models dedicated to the emerging gravel trend, the Canadian brand evidently had keen instincts for the latest developments – just as they had with their aero-focused S5 road bike. Now, the second generation Áspero aims to pick up where the original left off and build on its proven strengths.

However, the gravel scene has evolved. Today’s races demand more from the bikes than ever before, blending advanced aero concepts with smart comfort features. Modern gravel racing bikes are defined by clever design details and all-round versatility. So, can the new Áspero still keep up with the competition? Or will it remain a relic from a bygone era despite delivering a solid performance?

With this new generation, Cervélo set out to deliver a fast, versatile gravel bike capable of performing across varying terrain. They promise to retain and further refine the bike’s original strengths, striking the perfect balance of speed, control, and comfort. Their approach is one of evolution rather than revolution, focusing on fine-tuning the bike’s proven qualities rather than chasing radical innovation.

Can the Áspero position itself somewhere between the extremes – fast and agile, yet without fully sacrificing versatility for pure racing performance? Could this be the sporty all-rounder that shines both on the tarmac and off the beaten track?

We put the latest generation to the test to find out.

The Cervélo Áspero in detail

The new Áspero makes quite a striking first impression. The crisp white paintwork, subtle blue accents and golden decals lend the bike an elegant, premium look. Completing the look are a set of classic tan-wall WTB Vulpine tires, perfectly rounding off the minimalist design. True to Cervélo’s signature style, the Áspero keeps it clean and tidy – no frills.

The Áspero’s compact rear end immediately catches the eye with its seat tube cut-out and lowered bottom bracket, giving it a sleek, aggressive profile. Cervélo have stayed true to their design language when it comes to the tube shapes: no sharp edges, just smooth, rounded transitions. According to the brand, this shape enhances aerodynamics without compromising the minimalist aesthetic.

The dropped seat stays are designed to absorb vibrations more effectively, promising noticeable relief on long rides and rough gravel tracks.Up front, the reduced stiffness of the head tube should help to smooth out bumpy terrain, easing the strain on your wrists. Meanwhile, the semi-integrated cable routing keeps the cockpit tidy while providing easy access for maintenance.Cervélo have also increased the tire clearances to 45 mm – no one wants a repeat of the carnage seen at the 2023 Unbound race.

The Cervélo Áspero Build Specs

Cervélo offer six Áspero builds to choose from, starting off at € 2,799 for the frameset, and ending at € 5,799 for the flagship model, featuring a SRAM Rival XPLR AXS groupset. However, the more exclusive Áspero-5, which boasts SRAM XPLR RED eTap AXS components and a higher-end carbon frame, isn’t included in this update, remaining unchanged for 2024.

Our test bike came equipped with wireless SRAM Rival XPLR AXS shifting, a UDH derailleur hanger, and a threaded T47 bottom bracket. The top tube bag, which is included as standard, blends seamlessly into the bike’s clean design. Beyond that, Cervélo have gone all-in on their racing ethos, omitting any other mounting points for racks or bags. The message is clear: this is a purebred gravel race bike.

The two-piece cockpit design delivers a clean, uncluttered look with the cables hidden neatly beneath the stem. It’s a similar setup to that of the Cervélo Caledonia-5 and Soloist – sporty, practical, and refreshingly easy to maintain.Cervélo’s pragmatic approach continues at the bottom bracket: the threaded T47 standard isn’t just more robust but also far easier to service than your typical press-fit options.However, tipping the scales at 8.6 kg in size 56, the Áspero is no ultralight racing weapon – its mid-tier groupset keeps it from reaching purebred race weight.

The geometry of the Cervélo Áspero

A quick look at the numbers makes one thing clear: the Áspero is built for speed. With a stack-to-reach ratio (STR) of 1.46 in size 56, it puts you in an aggressive, stretched-out riding position – exactly what you’d expect from a fast gravel bike. The long top tube, paired with a relatively tall stack height, positions the rider low and aero without sacrificing comfort – striking a balance that’s built for both all-out sprints and long days in the saddle. You can also adjust the steering geometry using the so-called Trail Mixer – a flip chip in the fork that alters the trail by up to 9 mm, depending on its position, and allows for the use of 650B wheels.

Size	48	51	54	56	58	61
Reach	370 mm	379 mm	388 mm	397 mm	406 mm	415 mm
Stack	505 mm	530 mm	555 mm	580 mm	605 mm	630 mm
Head Angle	71°	71.5°	72°	72°	72°	72°
Front Center	577/582 mm	587/592 mm	597/602 mm	614/619 mm	631/637 mm	648/654 mm
BB Drop	78.5 mm	78.5 mm	76 mm	76 mm	73.5 mm	73.5 mm
Head Tube	83 mm	107 mm	133 mm	159 mm	188 mm	214 mm
Horizontal Top Tube	512 mm	532 mm	553 mm	575 mm	591 mm	608 mm
Seat Angle	74.5°	74°	73.5°	73°	73°	73°
Standover height	681 mm	704 mm	733 mm	757 mm	784 mm	808 mm
Fork-Offset	52/57 mm	49/54 mm	46/51 mm	46/51 mm	46/51 mm	46/51 mm
Wheelbase	990/995 mm	999/1004 mm	1010/1015 mm	1028/1033 mm	1046/1051 mm	1063/1068 mm
Chainstay	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm

The 72° head angle is designed to deliver sharp, responsive handling, making the Áspero feel agile through the corners and on technical terrain. Combined with a relatively short wheelbase, it promises plenty of manoeuvrability for quick line changes and rapid steering.
The numbers hint at a bike that clearly knows what it wants: speed, and plenty of it. But does it deliver out on the asphalt and gravel roads?

The Cervélo Áspero in real-world testing

The Áspero doesn’t beat around the bush when you clip in and set off: it just wants to go. The stiffness around the bottom bracket transfers every watt of input to the rear wheel, offering maximum efficiency and a direct response. The Áspero feels quick and nimble on hard-packed surfaces, in which the WTB Vulpine tires play a key role. Their tightly spaced centre knobs keep rolling resistance low, while the shoulder knobs ensure smooth cornering and reliable grip.

The Áspero impresses on tarmac, too. It rolls surprisingly fast, though, naturally, not quite to the same degree that it would on semi-slick tires like the Schwalbe G-One RS. Where it truly shines is on gravel: it holds its line even on loose or damp surfaces, feeling stable and confidence inspiring. Crucially, the Áspero always provides a reassuring sense of control without ever dulling its need for speed.

The handling? Balanced. The Áspero feels neither twitchy nor sluggish. Whether you’re blasting down fast descents or slicing through tight corners, the bike remains predictable and easy to control. The combination of a relatively steep head angle and short chainstays makes it agile enough to shine on technical terrain while still providing plenty of stability for high-speeds. The slightly flared drops add a sense of security, providing ample control even when things get rough.

The riding position is sporty without feeling overly aggressive, offering a well-struck balance between comfort and efficiency. If you prefer a more direct, race-focused setup, fitting a longer stem and removing spacers will lower the front end for an even racier feel.

Despite its racing DNA, the Áspero offers a surprisingly high level of comfort. The dropped seat stays and carbon seatpost noticeably absorb vibrations at the rear end. That said, the handling stays firm and composed without excessive bobbing, keeping power transfer efficient and direct. Meanwhile, the flat tops of the handlebars provide a comfortable platform for your arms, making long hours in the saddle more enjoyable.

Overall, the Áspero makes a distinctly sporty and strikingly versatile impression, feeling just as fast on tarmac as it does on gravel while staying comfortable even on bumpy terrain.

Tuning tip: A Schwalbe G-One R tire up front and a G-One RS model on the rear for less rolling resistance and even more speed.

Who is the Cervélo Áspero for?

The latest generation Cervélo Áspero stays true to its sporty roots, continuing to position itself as a bike designed for racing—though without the groundbreaking innovations or trendsetting features that defined its predecessor. It’s designed for riders seeking a fast, performance-oriented gravel bike that feels equally at home on tarmac and hard-packed gravel. Thanks to its direct power transfer and responsive handling, the Áspero is plenty of fun to ride – without feeling overly race-focused. If you’re chasing speed but still want a bike that doesn’t beat you up on longer rides, the Áspero won’t disappoint. That said, it’s not aimed at riders planning extreme off-road adventures or extended bikepacking trips since it lacks the necessary mounting points and tire clearance. Instead, the Áspero impresses with a clear, purist concept that’s all about the joy of fast, focused gravel riding.

Our Conclusion on the Cervélo Áspero

The second-generation Cervélo Áspero remains a fast, sporty gravel bike that’s focused on performance and versatility, combining efficient power transfer, agile handling, and solid comfort. While it doesn’t chase extremes with radical aero features or maximum tire clearance, it delivers pure riding fun. Rather than a complete overhaul, Cervélo implement well-executed refinements of what already worked. Besides, with the Áspero-5 update still on the horizon, Cervélo may soon fill the gap with a pro-level gravel racing contender.

More information at cervelo.com.

---

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words: Jan Fock Photos: Antonia Feder