Ridley, a Belgian company with a well-established reputation in cyclocross, spent several years developing the ASTR with their pro team before launching it in 2025. Considered a benchmark for the future of the segment, it combines aggressive geometry, advanced aero optimizations, and clearance for very wide tires (up to 52mm in 1x and 47mm in 2x). The bike also won the design and innovation award in the gravel bike category last year. Of the 3 bikes in our comparative review, it's the one with the most aggressive seat angle, allowing you to adopt the most aerodynamic position. It also offers the most generous bottom bracket clearance, so it's highly likely to perform very well in the most challenging sections. The ASTR is available in two versions, the first offering more accessible setups, while the RS version will be more suitable for experienced riders with a higher discretionary budget. With a starting price of $5250 for the Shimano GRX 600 12-speed, it is by far the most accessible aero gravel bike of the three. It is also available as a frameset for custom builds, both in its regular and RS versions, if you are a connoisseur or desire a personalized setup. You will also have the choice between 1x or 2x setups according to your preferences and use, and this applies to both Sram and Shimano. A feature we particularly appreciate is the possibility to choose your custom paint and finally have the unique bike you are looking for.

Cervélo has long been considered the most innovative leaders in terms of aerodynamics, and it must be admitted that with the new Aspero 5, they've pulled out all the stops. Cervélo claims a drag reduction of 37 watts compared to the old model, and the new version is said to be 34 watts faster than its closest competitor. It is also the one offered with larger ratios, featuring a 48-tooth chainring up front compared to Orbea's 40 teeth and Ridley's 42 teeth. Furthermore, the new Aspero 5, with its profiled tubes in Royal Mercury color, is pure eye candy, and the setup with Reserve carbon wheels and Vittoria tan-wall tires is absolutely sublime. Of the three thoroughbreds, it is the only one to offer a compartment in the down tube to store tools and useful equipment. Approaching the Ridley, the Cervélo will allow you a very aggressive position for a gravel bike, but will certainly offer you a lot of stability at high speed thanks to its very low bottom bracket. As for tire width, it is the least generous of the comparison with "only" 45mm of clearance. Although considered small by today's standards, 45mm will suffice for many cyclists. Interestingly, the bike's aerodynamics have been optimized by Cervélo engineers for the use of a 40mm tire at the front and a 44mm tire at the rear. One small drawback for some is that the aero version of the Aspero is only available in its premium version with a starting price of $11,650 for a complete bike and $7,500 for a module (frame, fork, seatpost, handlebar, and stem).

Orbéa's Terra gravel bike is a versatile bike whose reputation is well established. The Terra Race is the brand's new iteration designed to tackle the performance aspect of gravel. It's essentially a more radical version of the Terra with a much lighter frame (910g) and more aggressive geometry, all while increasing lateral stiffness and aerodynamics. Another interesting fact is that Orbéa has incorporated a deformable rear triangle that allows the bike to absorb many vibrations and improve traction in all conditions. They also took the opportunity to remove all fender mounts and internal storage to minimize weight and maximize stiffness. Its lowest standover height of the three, as well as its slightly more upright position, definitely make this bike agile in difficult conditions and on uneven terrain. Here, tire clearance is generous, 45mm (40mm in XS), while recommending a minimum of 6mm of clearance on each side at the rear and 5mm at the front. Only one version is offered with OMX carbon, Orbéa's top-of-the-range. Available as a frameset or a complete bike, you also have the option to customize it with the brand's unique MYO program, available at no extra charge. Moreover, all setups, without exception, come with a pair of Oquo 50mm profiled carbon wheels perfectly matched to the frame. The price range starts at $7,000 for Shimano GRX mechanical and goes up to $13,300 for Sram Red Xplr AXS, which we consider a bargain given the quality of the build at this price.