Cervélo Áspero 5 2026: The New Aerodynamic Gravel Bike for High Performance
Cervélo Áspero 5 2026: The New Aerodynamic Gravel Bike for High Performance
Cervélo introduces the new Áspero 5, a significant evolution in the competitive gravel bike segment. This aerodynamically optimized model positions itself as a pure-bred gravel racer, joining the brand's renowned R5, S5, and P5 models. The Áspero 5 has already been race-tested by the 2024 UCI Gravel World Champion, Marianne Vos, and will feature in this year's UCI Gravel World Series.
Configuration and Pricing
The Áspero 5 range at launch is aimed at the premium segment and includes two SRAM XPLR-equipped models and a frame kit. An additional model will be added later.
Áspero 5 Force XPLR:
Price: €8,299
Áspero 5 RED XPLR:
Price: €11,499
Frame Kit (frame, fork, headset, HB16 handlebar, ST31 stem, SP27 seatpost):
Price: €5,499
The SRAM builds utilize a mix of AXS components. The RED AXS model includes SRAM Red AXS shifters, a SRAM Eagle XX SL rear derailleur, a SRAM Red 1x aero crankset with a power meter, and a 48-tooth chainring combined with a 10-52t 12-speed cassette. The Force AXS model features the same gearing but with Force components and an X0 derailleur and cassette. All versions are equipped with Reserve "turbulent aero" wheelsets, featuring a 40mm-deep front rim and a 44mm-deep rear rim.
Aerodynamic Design and Integration
The Áspero 5 was conceived to be the fastest gravel bike on the market. Its aerodynamically optimized design includes full front-end integration without resorting to a one-piece bar and stem. Instead, it uses a combination of the ST31 stem and a new carbon gravel bar, the HB16, inspired by the AB04 bar seen on the 2015 S5.
The new HB16 bar mimics the aerodynamics of a one-piece unit while offering the practicality of a two-piece cockpit. The bar's deep wing-shaped top section includes an aerofoil section in front of the stem clamp, which Cervélo claims results in a 6-watt drag reduction over the previous Áspero and Áspero 5 models.
The fork has been redesigned with a deeper blade shape and a smoother transition into the head tube, eliminating the adjustable twin-tip dropout.
Geometry Optimized for Mixed Tire Sizes
Instead of relying on the fork for geometry adjustments, the new Áspero 5 has been optimized to be ridden with different tire sizes front and rear.
Aggressive Racing Configuration: 40mm front tire and 44mm rear tire.
Consumer (Standard) Configuration: 42mm tires front and rear, with a slightly "slacker" geometry and a couple of millimeters increase in stack and reach.
The rear-end frame shape draws more inspiration from the current Cervélo S5 than the outgoing Áspero 5, featuring truncated aerofoil tube shapes and a deep curve that wraps and shields the rear wheel. This flows into an oversized bottom bracket shell that blends into a deep-section downtube, which incorporates a downtube storage compartment, similar to those found on P-Series triathlon bikes and, more recently, the Caledonia 5.
Wind-Tunnel Proven Aerodynamic Efficiency
The new frame design and cockpit of the Áspero 5 result in a significant improvement in aero efficiency, quantified at 37 watts. Cervélo states that its wind-tunnel tests show the Áspero 5 is 36 watts more efficient than its nearest competitor, Ridley's Kanzo Fast, and 46 watts more efficient than Trek's Checkpoint.
Frame Details and Components
The Áspero 5 maintains the stripped-down ethos of the original Áspero, which launched with the mantra of 'Haul ass not luggage'. This translates to:
No fork mounts.
No mudguard or fender provisions.
Two bottle mounts.
Downtube storage compartment.
Bento box mounts on the top tube.
The bottom bracket utilizes Cervélo's threaded T47 BBright standard, and the rear dropout is SRAM's Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH). The aerodynamic seatpost is the SP27, the same design found on the current Soloist.
The Áspero 5 frame kit includes the seatpost and cockpit as standard. Cervélo claims the frame kit is 66g lighter than the previous generation's 990g frame and 496g fork. The frame itself is slightly heavier (1,023g) due to the integration of the downtube storage compartment. The overall weight savings come from a lighter fork (393g), handlebar, stem, and seatpost.
The frame and fork offer clearance for tires up to 45mm, an increase from the previous generation's 42mm. However, this clearance might be considered conservative given the current trend towards increasingly wider tires (50mm+) and the adoption of mountain bike race tires for events like Unbound.
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