When Cervélo first entered the gravel scene, it did what Cervélo does best—chase speed with surgical precision. Now, with the launch of the all-new Áspero-5, they’ve rewritten the playbook again. This is not just another gravel bike. This is a purpose-built, race-ready machine engineered to dominate at the front of the pack and it has the watts to prove it.
The Áspero-5 is a jaw-dropping 37 watts faster than the outgoing model, and 34 watts faster than its closest rival. In a world where marginal gains win races, that’s not just a gap; it’s a statement. Aerodynamics have long been Cervélo’s signature, honed over three decades at the cutting edge of wind tunnel tech, and now they’ve brought that legacy to the dirt.
Built to Win
The Áspero-5 didn’t just debut—it won its first UCI Gravel World Championship under none other than Marianne Vos. That’s a mic drop if ever there was one. The frame's aerodynamic tubing, refined geometry, and carefully integrated components are all working in sync to reduce drag and increase efficiency, mile after mile.
One of the most impressive contributors to the bike’s speed? The aero handlebar and stem, which alone are responsible for nearly 6 watts of savings. Paired with a frame that weighs 66 grams less than the previous generation—despite a larger surface area designed to slice through the wind—you’ve got a machine that doesn’t compromise.
Tire Clearance Meets Aero Intelligence
Gravel terrain demands versatility, and Cervélo delivers. The Áspero-5 clears up to 45mm tires, giving riders the freedom to adapt to brutal, rocky courses without sacrificing speed. But here’s where Cervélo gets smart: the frame is optimized for a 4mm tire width differential—say, a 40mm front and 44mm rear—to boost both aerodynamics and handling.
That geo tweak isn’t just theoretical. It makes the bike feel planted yet nimble, whether you're blasting down a fireroad or grinding up a twisty singletrack climb. It’s this kind of attention to detail that makes the Áspero-5 more than just fast—it’s intuitive, too.
Storage Without Sacrifice
Another standout feature is the integrated downtube storage, first seen on Cervélo’s P-Series triathlon bikes. On the Áspero-5, it’s been reimagined for gravel and it’s the lightest, most aerodynamic internal storage system on the market. That means you can stash a tube, CO₂, tools, and a flat kit inside the frame itself, right where they belong: out of the wind and out of the way.
And let’s not overlook the threaded bottom bracket, a nod to practicality that serious riders will appreciate. Whether you’re racing a 100-mile gravel epic or just sneaking in a fast ride before dinner, serviceability still matters.
Ready on Day One
Everything about the Áspero-5 is designed for elite performance without elite tinkering. This is a bike you can roll out of the shop and race that same weekend—fully equipped to meet the demands of modern gravel competition. It’s not trying to be all things to all riders.
Whether you're chasing podiums or just want the fastest, smartest gravel bike money can buy, the Cervélo Áspero-5 is the new benchmark. All watts. No compromises.
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