Cervelo Aspero Force eTap AXS Complete Bike

We think it's safe to say that gravel racing isn't leaving anytime soon. While it used to be a forbidden fruit of sorts, with the Kanza starting just 13 years ago with only 34 participants, the sport has exploded in a way that's difficult to comprehend, and watching the Kanza's growth from 34 to over 3,000 racers in just over 10 years more than proves it. The sport is extreme. It's trying -- mentally and physically. It embraces those who have a fondness for Type-2 fun. And perhaps our favorite part of it is the way in which it throws conventional road cycling rules by the wayside, getting down to the true gritty nature of life on two-wheels. There's another side of gravel, which has people aiming for adventure beyond the beaten path, but that's not the reason Cervelo crafted the new Aspero Force eTap AXS Complete Bike. The Aspero is built for gravel racing, and while it's capable of rolling with the extra-plush 650b option that boasts ultimate comfort, this model is spec'd for the race with SRAM's sleek wireless drivetrain, and lofty 40mm 700c tires to cover more ground, faster, crushing steep climbs and loose, poorly-graded gravel while you grind your way to the podium. The Aspero is crafted with modern geometry that's aim is to combine comfort for the long gravel miles, with progressive fit to help you soar to the front of the pack. Trail is Cervelo's secret weapon in the world of geometry, and it comes into play on the Aspero to provide stability, regardless of the bike's size. It features a bit more trail than you'll find in road bikes, landing at about 62mm regardless of size, being that stability in rough conditions is a must, and each size uses a fork unique to its own geometry to keep trail consistent throughout sizing, meaning that every size of the Aspero provides an identical ride feel, which blows other rides out of the water that maintain the same fork for every size, and don't take the shorter riders so seriously. While some of this is achieved thro...