The Áspero-5 comes in three builds: the top-end SRAM RED and equally priced GRX RX825 Di2 and SRAM Force.
Experts relish the efficient Áspero-5’s “incredible” acceleration and ability to hold speed.
On hard-packed gravel, the Áspero-5 cruises at higher speeds than all other gravel bikes tested by one reviewer.
All testers praise the comfortable ride over gravel and broken pavement, highlighting the frame’s impressive impact absorption.
Most reviewers are satisfied with the gearing range, which has a good choice of both high and low gears.
The balanced geometry impresses an expert who enjoys the “sporty yet comfortable” seated position.
One reviewer describes the handling as calm and stable yet agile.
A tester relishes the powerful climbing position.
The frame can take a front derailleur and up to a 52t chainring.
Cervélo specs this bike with size-specific crank lengths and handlebar widths that mostly align with recent trends.
All builds come with power meters and T47A threaded bottom brackets with ceramic bearings.
Cervélo provides two carbon bottle cages and a bento box that mounts to the frame’s top tube mounts.
The Áspero-5 has down tube storage under the bottle cage that includes two bags.
Testers value the inclusion of a frame-integrated chain guide.
Both SRAM builds run T-Type direct-mount derailleurs.

8 reasons not to buy

The Áspero-5’s tire clearance is narrower than the competition at just 45mm.
The agility racers may enjoy on this bike is deemed nervous and unforgiving by reviewers, who lack confidence on technical trails where other tested gravel bikes have thrived.
The Áspero-5’s aero seatpost prevents the use of a dropper.
The slick 42mm Vittoria Corsa Pro Control tires lack bite on all but “bone-dry dirt” and hard-pack.
A reviewer complains that the seatpost clamp on their test bike doesn’t hold the seatpost in place properly.
Some riders may dislike the jumps between gears on the MTB cassettes.
One expert finds the handlebar too “flexy” in sprints.
A tester of the size 58 feels the 42cm hoods and 48cm drops are too wide for a gravel race bike.

Bottom line

Cervélo’s Áspero-5 is a gravel race bike available in two SRAM builds and one Shimano. A frameset is also available. Limited tire clearance (45mm), slick stock tires, and nervous handling on technical trails attest to the Áspero-5 having been designed and equipped for fast terrain. Indeed, experts call it one of the fastest bikes they’ve ridden over hard-packed gravel and dirt. In particular, the “incredible” acceleration and efficiency, ability to hold speed, impact damping, and comfortable riding position impress. Likewise, spec choice is almost without fault. Overall, experts feel the Áspero-5 is among the best all-road bikes on the market.

Expert Reviews

84/100 based on 3 scored reviews (6 reviews in total)

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BikeRadar

Level 5 expert

Cervélo Áspero-5 Review: A Rapid Gravel Racer That I Wouldn’t Take Out in the Mud

Level 5 expert

As an all-round gravel bike, the Áspero-5 has flaws, but as an all-encompassing drop-bar bike, it has many charms. If I could only have one bike in my life, the Áspero-5 wouldn’t be a bad choice.

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Gran Fondo

Level 5 expert

Cervélo Áspero-5 Test: The Fastest Gravel Race Bike Out There?

Level 5 expert

… the pairing with road tires results in overly large gear jumps that feel out of place. On top of that, the limited tire clearance and overly-wide handlebars feel a little outdated… That said, there’s no denying the bike’s potential.

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Rennrad News

Level 5 expert

Cervélo Áspero-5 – First Test: The S5 as a Race Gravel Bike [German]

Level 5 expert

… a fast and surprisingly fun all-rounder that is also a joy to ride on the road and can certainly keep up with road bikes.

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Velo

Level 5 expert

First Ride: Cervélo Áspero-5 Is a Fast Gravel Bike That Might Just Replace Your Road Bike

Level 5 expert

… at first blush, this feels like a fast gravel bike. But as a road bike? This feels like the future.

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Canadian Cycling Magazine

Level 5 expert

The New Cervélo Áspero-5 and Its Intriguing Features

Level 5 expert

The bike handles very, very similarly to previous editions of the Áspero, which I like. It’s reactive, it’s very racy; it’s kind of my favorite style of gravel bike.

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Vojo Magazine

Level 3 expert

New Product Test | Cervélo Áspero-5: An Aero Gravel Bike to Cut Through the Air [French]

Level 3 expert

This Áspero-5 is a niche bike… If you’re looking for a bike that’s as fast as possible, even if it means compromising a little on versatility, it could be of interest to you.

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