3 Best Cervelo Gravel Bikes Reviews

Gravel biking has rapidly become the go-to choice for cyclists looking to break free from the confines of paved roads and embrace the thrill of off-road adventures. As you navigate the world of gravel bikes, one name stands out for its blend of innovation, performance, and reliability: Cervelo.

Known for their cutting-edge technology and precision engineering, Cervelo gravel bikes offer an unmatched riding experience across diverse terrains. In this article, we dive deep into the best Cervelo gravel bikes, each meticulously reviewed to help you find the perfect companion for your next epic journey.

Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to the gravel scene, prepare to discover bikes that will elevate your adventures and redefine your limits.

Top Cervelo Gravel Bikes Reviews

1. Cervelo ÁSPERO-5

The Cervelo ÁSPERO-5 is a high-performance gravel bike designed for riders who crave speed, versatility, and adventure. With its cutting-edge design and advanced features, the ÁSPERO-5 stands out as a top choice for gravel enthusiasts. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the Cervelo ÁSPERO-5 a standout gravel bike.

Design and Frame

At the heart of the Cervelo ÁSPERO-5 is its lightweight carbon frame, crafted from Cervelo’s premium carbon fiber. This frame is designed to deliver maximum power transfer while maintaining exceptional durability and comfort. The ÁSPERO-5’s geometry is optimized for aggressive riding, featuring a longer reach and lower stack height, which positions the rider in a more aerodynamic stance. This design enhances stability and control, making it ideal for tackling both fast-paced gravel races and technical off-road trails.

The bike also features a carbon fork that complements the frame’s stiffness and responsiveness, ensuring precise handling and a smooth ride over rough terrain. The integrated cockpit and hidden cable routing contribute to the bike’s sleek and aerodynamic profile, reducing drag and improving overall performance.

Drivetrain and Components

The Cervelo ÁSPERO-5 is equipped with the SRAM Force eTap AXS 12-speed electronic drivetrain. This wireless system provides flawless and intuitive shifting, allowing riders to effortlessly change gears even under load. The 1x12 setup simplifies the drivetrain, reducing the risk of mechanical issues and making it easier to maintain. Additionally, the SRAM Force hydraulic disc brakes offer powerful and consistent stopping power, ensuring safety and control in all conditions.

Wheels and Tires

The ÁSPERO-5 comes with Reserve 32mm carbon wheels, which are both lightweight and robust. These wheels are designed to withstand the rigors of gravel riding, providing excellent durability and performance. The bike is fitted with Maxxis Rambler 700x40c tires, which offer superb traction and stability on loose surfaces while maintaining low rolling resistance for efficient road performance. The tubeless-ready setup allows for lower tire pressures, enhancing grip and reducing the risk of flats.

Comfort and Versatility

One of the key features of the Cervelo ÁSPERO-5 is its versatility. The bike is designed with multiple mounting points for racks and accessories, making it suitable for bikepacking and long-distance tours. The adjustable trail mixer allows riders to fine-tune the bike’s handling characteristics, providing a customizable ride experience. Whether you prefer a nimble and agile feel or a more stable and planted ride, the ÁSPERO-5 can adapt to your needs.

The bike’s frame and fork are engineered to absorb vibrations and road chatter, enhancing comfort on long rides. The aerodynamic design and lightweight construction ensure that the ÁSPERO-5 is fast and efficient on both gravel and pavement, making it a versatile choice for a variety of riding styles.

Ride Quality

The Cervelo ÁSPERO-5 delivers an exceptional ride quality that balances speed, comfort, and control. The carbon frame and fork work together to provide a responsive and smooth ride, while the advanced drivetrain and braking system ensure reliable performance. Whether you’re navigating technical trails, climbing steep hills, or cruising on flat gravel roads, the ÁSPERO-5 offers a confident and exhilarating ride experience.

Pros:

• Lightweight and Durable Frame: The premium carbon frame is both strong and lightweight, offering excellent durability and ride quality.
• Efficient Drivetrain: SRAM Force eTap AXS 12-speed electronic drivetrain provides precise and effortless shifting.
• Powerful Brakes: SRAM Force hydraulic disc brakes deliver consistent and powerful stopping power.
• Versatile: Multiple mounting points and adjustable trail mixer make it ideal for bikepacking and customizable riding experiences.
• Aerodynamic Design: Integrated cockpit and hidden cable routing reduce drag and improve overall performance.
• Tubeless-Ready Wheels: Reserve 32mm carbon wheels are tubeless-ready, offering better traction and puncture resistance.

Cons:

• Price: The Cervelo ÁSPERO-5 is quite expensive, which might be a deterrent for some buyers.
• Complexity: The electronic drivetrain requires more maintenance and familiarity with technology.
• Stock Tires: Some riders might prefer upgrading the stock tires for specific terrains or conditions.

In conclusion, the Cervelo ÁSPERO-5 is a top-of-the-line gravel bike that excels in performance, versatility, and design. It is an excellent choice for serious gravel enthusiasts looking for a high-performing bike that can handle a variety of terrains. Despite its higher price point and the need for more maintenance with the electronic drivetrain, the features and ride quality it offers make it a worthy investment for dedicated cyclists.

2. Cervelo R5-CX

The Cervelo R5-CX is a high-performance cyclocross bike designed for competitive riders who demand speed, agility, and durability. With its race-focused geometry and advanced features, the R5-CX stands out as a top choice for cyclocross enthusiasts. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the Cervelo R5-CX a standout cyclocross bike.

Design and Frame

The Cervelo R5-CX features a lightweight carbon frame crafted from Cervelo’s premium carbon fiber. This frame is engineered to deliver maximum stiffness and power transfer while maintaining exceptional durability. The R5-CX’s geometry is optimized for cyclocross racing, featuring a shorter reach and higher stack height, which positions the rider in an aggressive stance for quick handling and agility. This design enhances stability and control, making it ideal for tackling the technical and fast-paced nature of cyclocross courses.

The bike also features a full-carbon fork that complements the frame’s stiffness and responsiveness, ensuring precise handling and a smooth ride over rough terrain. The internal cable routing contributes to the bike’s sleek and aerodynamic profile, reducing drag and keeping cables protected from mud and debris.

Drivetrain and Components

The Cervelo R5-CX is equipped with the Shimano GRX RX810 1x11 drivetrain, which is specifically designed for off-road performance. This groupset provides reliable and precise shifting even in the most demanding conditions. The 1x setup simplifies the drivetrain, reducing the risk of mechanical issues and making it easier to maintain. Additionally, the Shimano GRX RX810 hydraulic disc brakes offer powerful and consistent stopping power, ensuring safety and control in all conditions.

Wheels and Tires

The R5-CX comes with Reserve 32mm carbon wheels, which are both lightweight and robust. These wheels are designed to withstand the rigors of cyclocross racing, providing excellent durability and performance. The bike is fitted with Vittoria Terreno Mix 33mm tires, which offer superb traction and stability on a variety of surfaces while maintaining low rolling resistance for efficient road performance. The tubeless-ready setup allows for lower tire pressures, enhancing grip and reducing the risk of flats.

Comfort and Versatility

One of the key features of the Cervelo R5-CX is its comfort and versatility. The bike is designed to absorb vibrations and road chatter, enhancing rider comfort, especially on rough terrain. The frame and fork geometry allow for ample tire clearance, accommodating wider tires for increased traction and comfort. Additionally, the R5-CX’s lightweight construction and race-focused design ensure that it is fast and efficient on cyclocross courses, making it a versatile choice for a variety of racing conditions.

Ride Quality

The Cervelo R5-CX delivers an exceptional ride quality that balances speed, agility, and control. The carbon frame and fork work together to provide a responsive and smooth ride, while the advanced drivetrain and braking system ensure reliable performance. Whether you’re navigating tight corners, tackling steep climbs, or sprinting to the finish line, the R5-CX offers a confident and exhilarating ride experience.

Pros:

• Lightweight and Durable Frame: The premium carbon frame is both strong and lightweight, offering excellent durability and ride quality.
• Efficient Drivetrain: Shimano GRX RX810 1x11 drivetrain provides reliable and precise shifting.
• Powerful Brakes: Shimano GRX RX810 hydraulic disc brakes deliver consistent and powerful stopping power.
• Versatile: Ample tire clearance and tubeless-ready wheels make it adaptable for various racing conditions.
• Aerodynamic Design: Internal cable routing reduces drag and protects cables from mud and debris.
• Tubeless-Ready Wheels: Reserve 32mm carbon wheels are tubeless-ready, offering better traction and puncture resistance.

Cons:

• Price: The Cervelo R5-CX is quite expensive, which might be a deterrent for some buyers.
• Complexity: The high-end components require more maintenance and familiarity with technology.
• Stock Tires: Some riders might prefer upgrading the stock tires for specific terrains or conditions.

In conclusion, the Cervelo R5-CX is a top-of-the-line cyclocross bike that excels in performance, agility, and durability. It is an excellent choice for competitive cyclocross racers looking for a high-performing bike capable of handling various terrains. Despite its higher price point and the need for more maintenance with the advanced components, the features and ride quality it offers make it a worthy investment for dedicated cyclists.

3. Cervelo ZHT-5

The Cervelo ZHT-5 is a cutting-edge hardtail mountain bike designed for riders who crave speed, agility, and performance on rugged trails. With its advanced features and high-quality components, the ZHT-5 stands out as a top choice for serious mountain biking enthusiasts. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the Cervelo ZHT-5 a remarkable mountain bike.

Design and Frame

The Cervelo ZHT-5 features a lightweight carbon frame crafted from Cervelo’s premium carbon fiber. This frame is engineered to deliver maximum stiffness and power transfer while maintaining exceptional durability. The geometry of the ZHT-5 is optimized for cross-country racing, with a slightly slacker head tube angle and longer reach that provides stability and control on descents while ensuring agile handling on technical climbs.

The bike also features a carbon fork, which enhances the bike's stiffness and responsiveness, ensuring precise handling and a smooth ride over rough terrain. The integrated cable routing contributes to the bike’s sleek and aerodynamic profile, protecting cables from dirt and debris and reducing drag.

Drivetrain and Components

The Cervelo ZHT-5 is equipped with the SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, known for its wide gear range and reliable performance. This groupset allows for smooth and precise shifting, ensuring that riders can efficiently tackle steep climbs and fast descents. The 1x12 setup simplifies the drivetrain, reducing the risk of mechanical issues and making it easier to maintain. Additionally, the SRAM Level TL hydraulic disc brakes offer powerful and consistent stopping power, enhancing safety and control on all types of terrain.

Wheels and Tires

The ZHT-5 comes with DT Swiss XRC 1200 Spline wheels, which are lightweight and durable, designed to withstand the rigors of cross-country riding. These wheels are tubeless-ready, allowing for lower tire pressures that improve traction and reduce the risk of flats. The bike is fitted with Maxxis Aspen 29x2.25 tires, which offer excellent grip and stability on various surfaces while maintaining low rolling resistance for efficient speed.

Comfort and Versatility

One of the standout features of the Cervelo ZHT-5 is its blend of comfort and versatility. The carbon frame and fork are designed to absorb vibrations and road chatter, enhancing rider comfort on long rides. The bike’s geometry and lightweight construction ensure that it is fast and efficient on both climbs and descents, making it versatile for a variety of cross-country terrains. Additionally, the bike’s sleek design and high-end components make it suitable for competitive racing and serious recreational riding.

Ride Quality

The Cervelo ZHT-5 delivers an exceptional ride quality that balances speed, agility, and control. The carbon frame and fork work together to provide a responsive and smooth ride, while the advanced drivetrain and braking system ensure reliable performance. Whether you’re navigating technical trails, climbing steep hills, or racing on flat courses, the ZHT-5 offers a confident and exhilarating ride experience.

Pros:

• Lightweight and Durable Frame: The premium carbon frame is both strong and lightweight, offering excellent durability and ride quality.
• Efficient Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain provides reliable and precise shifting.
• Powerful Brakes: SRAM Level TL hydraulic disc brakes deliver consistent and powerful stopping power.
• Versatile: Suitable for both competitive racing and recreational riding, with a geometry that handles various terrains effectively.
• Aerodynamic Design: Integrated cable routing reduces drag and protects cables from dirt and debris.
• Tubeless-Ready Wheels: DT Swiss XRC 1200 Spline wheels are tubeless-ready, offering better traction and puncture resistance.

Cons:

• Price: The Cervelo ZHT-5 is quite expensive, which might be a deterrent for some buyers.
• Complexity: The high-end components require more maintenance and familiarity with technology.
• Stock Tires: Some riders might prefer upgrading the stock tires for specific terrains or conditions.

In conclusion, the Cervelo ZHT-5 is a top-of-the-line hardtail mountain bike that excels in performance, agility, and durability. It is an excellent choice for serious mountain biking enthusiasts and competitive racers looking for a high-performing bike capable of handling various terrains. Despite its higher price point and the need for more maintenance with the advanced components, the features and ride quality it offers make it a worthy investment for dedicated cyclists.