Ridley ASTR GRX600 2x12 / Empress Grey Metallic/Anthracite Metallic XS / Empress Grey Metallic/Anthracite Metallic

Elegant Grey for the All-rounder: The ASTR GRX600 in Metallic Look

The ASTR deliberately keeps the racing substance of its RS siblings affordable, and this build dresses the whole platform in an elegant metallic grey with dark anthracite areas. The mechanical GRX equipment bets on solid basics instead of effects – proven technology, clear handling, fair ratios.

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The frame is an HM carbon chassis with a diffuser in the fork crown, short chainstays, a lowered bottom bracket and tyre clearance of 47 millimetres in twin-ring operation (52 in single-ring). The drivetrain is Shimano GRX600, mechanical in 2x12: the 46/30 crank in 172.5 mm length is joined via the GRX 800 front derailleur and GRX 800 rear derailleur to an 11–36 Shimano 105 cassette – twenty-four gears that work entirely by cable and thus need no electricity or shift programming. The DT Swiss G1800 Classic rims with 25 mm profile carry Vittoria Terreno Dry tyres in 700x47c with a light side flank. Cockpit and stem come from Deda (Superzero alloy bar with a 16-degree flare, Super Box stem), joined by the zero-offset 4ZA Cirrus seatpost and a Selle Italia Model X saddle. Lighting systems and racks are missing; the mounts for aero bags remain, so bikepacking stays easy. The metallic grey with anthracite contours looks especially unobtrusive yet premium in size XS.

Name explanation: ASTR, GRX, 600, 2x12 and the metallic colours

ASTR is the name of the platform, pronounced "ASTor", inspired by the Latin "Aster" (star); no official long form is known. GRX is the gravel family of the component maker, 600 names the mechanical mid class within it. 2x12 stands for two chainrings with twelve sprockets. Empress Grey Metallic/Anthracite Metallic, finally, names the combined two-tone paint: a grey metallic tone recalling regal restraint, paired with deep anthracite metal.

How this model differs from the rest of the ASTR series

As the cheapest drivetrain of the line, this model deliberately rides mechanically: where the Di2 models shift electronically and the XPLR offshoots run single-ring, it relies on the classic twin derailleur with cables. That brings a wide gear range for climbs and simple repairability that regular riders especially appreciate. In comparison with the RS range the aero cockpit is expectedly absent; the base – HM carbon, diffuser fork, race geometry – remains fully intact.

Who the ASTR is for – and where the Kanzo Adventure begins

The bike addresses ambitious gravel enthusiasts who combine race physics with reason: brisk rides, structured training, everyday commutes. The 47 mm tyres bring comfort, the 24-speed spread ensures enough gearing against headwinds, and the mechanical tech avoids any charging worries. For extended journeys with lots of luggage, in contrast, the Kanzo Adventure would be the right choice, bringing lights and rack structures from home. Exactly between everyday elegance and race spirit lies the home of this grey ASTR.