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3T Exploro Race GRX 2X or Cervelo Aspero GRX RX810

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Cyclocross and Gravelbiking (Recreational) This has to be the most physically intense sport ever invented. It's high speed bicycle racing on a short off road course or riding the off pavement rides on gravel like : "Unbound Gravel". We also have a dedicated Racing forum for the Cyclocross Hard Core Racers.

3T Exploro Race GRX 2X or Cervelo Aspero GRX RX810

Old 01-15-21, 07:27 AM
  #1  
bretton007
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3T Exploro Race GRX 2X or Cervelo Aspero GRX RX810

Looking at two options for a new bike. I have it down to two choices

I will use it 50/ 50 road and gravel no racing strictly recreational. My main goal is to find a comfortable bike as I do not like to hunch over.

Any thoughts between the two
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Old 01-15-21, 07:56 AM
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Dont like to hunch over?...In general, I would say neither really fit that goal. But its all perspective- what you feel is hunched over, another cyclist feels is comfortable cruising.
Between the two bikes, the 3t consistently has the same or higher stack height and less reach for each frame size. The Cervelo is therefore going to be 1-1.5cm more reach. That will stretch you out more(hunched over?) which you said you want to stay away from.

...of course 'hunched over' can mean you dont want to feel cramped in the drops because not enough room leads to you having to hunch over to fit. If thats what you mean, then you want a bike with longer reach to stretch out which avoids the hunching issue. In that case, the Cervelo will give you a better fit.

Same term, two different ways to use it.

They are pretty darn similar across the sizes- extremely similar bb drop, wheelbase, and seat tube angle. One thing to note- the Cervelo has an adjustible rake fork which will change the steering feel depending on setting. That could be important to you.
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Old 01-15-21, 08:13 AM
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I don’t think either of those bikes were designed with comfort as a priority, so are you asking about geometry differences and how you’ll fit on the bikes? If so, we need more info about you for that.

if you’ve already determined you won’t be hunched over and want help deciding between the two, a bit more info would be helpful, there, too, as the bikes aren’t radically different in purpose, so it’s the details which would recommend one over the other.

For example, are you an all-weather rider who appreciates protection? Exploro has fender mounts but Aspero does not. Could be a factor, but might not. Similarly, if future-proof is an appealing idea, that Aspero uses a conventional seatpost while Exploro uses a proprietary shape and internal binder may be worth considering.

Barring more info for a more insightful assessment, just buy the cheaper one, because they’re both sweet.
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Old 01-15-21, 08:47 AM
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Since you already have an (older?) Aspero, you should be in a good position to know if the fit suits you. https://www.bikeforums.net/cyclocros...700-x-37c.html
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Old 01-15-21, 08:53 AM
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Originally Posted by shelbyfv
Since you already have an (older?) Aspero, you should be in a good position to know if the fit suits you.
I was jumping the gun.. I haven't pull the trigger yet

Last edited by cb400bill; 01-16-21 at 04:05 AM.
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Old 01-15-21, 09:36 AM
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This is a confusing thread. You state "no racing strictly recreational. My main goal is to find a comfortable bike as I do not like to hunch over" but you are shopping two $4500 race-oriented aero gravel bikes?
These are both awesome bikes, but neither seems like a good option if those statements are your priorities. The point of these bikes is to be light, fast and aero.

The CyclingTips review of the Cervelo Aspero states: "In fact, the stack and reach aren’t all that far off a Specialized Tarmac... In other words, if you’re specifically looking for a new gravel bike with casual upright positioning, you should probably look elsewhere; this is not the gravel bike you’re looking for."
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Old 01-15-21, 05:20 PM
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Old 01-15-21, 08:14 PM
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Neither of these rate very high on the comfort scale for a gravel bike. They are on the racier side, are stiffer and have lower stack that would make you "hunch over" more. A Salsa Warbird, Giant Revolt, Jamis Renegade or even an Open UP would have a more compliant ride with more stack height (except the Open is on the low stack height side). The more comfortable all-day gravel bikes that are most popular have a longer weelbase, taller stack and slacker steerer angle.

Some folks do prefer stiffer, shorter and low stack gravel bikes but those folks are more interested in racing and are willing to have a less comfortable bike for some racing advantage. Those riders are a much smaller group of gravel riders, and they buy bikes like Allied, Cervelo and 3T...
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Old 01-15-21, 08:17 PM
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Neither of these rate very high on the comfort scale for a gravel bike. They are on the racier side, are stiffer and have lower stack that would make you "hunch over" more. A Salsa Warbird, Giant Revolt, Jamis Renegade or even an Open UP would have a more compliant ride with more stack height (except the Open is on the low stack height side). The more comfortable all-day gravel bikes that are most popular have a longer weelbase, taller stack and slacker steerer angle.

Some folks do prefer stiffer, shorter and low stack gravel bikes but those folks are more interested in racing and are willing to have a less comfortable bike for some racing advantage. Those riders are a much smaller group of gravel riders, and they buy bikes like Allied, Cervelo and 3T...
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Old 02-08-21, 07:48 PM
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I have to agree with others and say both of those bikes are aimed at the racier side of gravel and almost every review of either has said that they both have a rather harsh ride offroad. If you want a bit more relaxed, lightweight frame, and comfortable ride, look at something like the Warbird or for a bit more money the Open UP, UPPER, or OPEN WIDE.
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Old 02-08-21, 08:01 PM
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To echo the other comments here, I would say you've likely picked the two worst options for your stated preferences. Both great bikes, but these are two of the raciest, least "comfortable" gravel bikes on the market. Take a look at the Salsa Warroad or Kona Libre. Those are more what you seem to be looking for.
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