Ridley ASTR RS 7E8 Force XPLR / Glossy Silver Metallic/White M

Aero, Light and Fast: The Ridley ASTR RS 7E8 Force XPLR

The Ridley ASTR RS fuses aerodynamic efficiency with a low system weight in a highly capable package that masters varied terrain thanks to its optimised geometry and generous tyre clearance. In this build, Radfieber pits the gravel racer against the road – equipped with the precise SRAM Force XPLR groupset for everyone who wants to set the pace on gravel.

A video from an external video provider is displayed here. YouTube has its own cookies and may collect data on activities. Consent is required to view YouTube videos.

Enable Youtube videos

The heart of the ASTR RS is a frame of Ultra-HM carbon from the Elite Series that tips the scales at only about 890 grams in size M – the level of a pure climbing road bike. Aerodynamically profiled tubes, a diffuser in the fork crown and the D-shaped seatpost create the sleek silhouette derived from the Falcn RS road flagship. Propulsion comes from the electronic, wireless SRAM Force XPLR 1x13 groupset: a single 42-tooth chainring and a wide-ranging cassette (10–44 teeth) deliver 13 gears, so the right ratio is always found uphill and downhill without a front derailleur. This performance-focused design deliberately omits dynamo and light routing, keeping the number of mounting points to a minimum. For fast ultra-distance events such as the Traka 360, however, there are mounts for aerodynamic Apidura packs that add storage without sacrificing drag. Highlights include 52 millimetres of tyre clearance (in 1x mode), the UDH dropout, a removable front-derailleur mount with optional Wolf Tooth chain guide, and the integrated Nimbus Pro cockpit with flared drops. The build is rounded off by Forza Skiron G40 wheels, tubeless-ready 44 mm Vittoria Mezcal tyres and a featherweight Selle Italia SLR saddle.

Where the name comes from: ASTR, RS, 7E8 and Force XPLR decoded

ASTR is the family name of the platform and is pronounced like "ASTor", not "ASTRa". The maker has never published an official long form; the abbreviation echoes the Latin "Aster" – the star – fitting the promises of lightness and speed. The RS suffix officially stands for "Racing Sport" and flags the race version with the ambitious Elite carbon. "7E8" is an internal platform code that appears in the part numbers of the integrated Nimbus Pro cockpit as well as in the frame and fork designations of the current platform generation. Force XPLR names the fitted components: "Force" is the second-highest road and gravel tier of the supplier, "XPLR" its gravel line named "Explore". The gloss metallic silver frame with white accents and size M complete the picture.

How this model stands apart within the ASTR family

Inside the ASTR family the RS holds the top position: the base ASTR uses a more affordable carbon layup, a round seatpost and the Cirrus Pro cockpit, and it also accepts mechanical groupsets. The RS, by contrast, is all about the lighter Elite carbon, an aerodynamic D-shaped seatpost and the Nimbus Pro cockpit, and it is reserved for electronic drivetrains. This 7E8 build differs from its sibling configurations too: instead of a Shimano GRX Di2 2x12 or a SRAM Red XPLR, the SRAM Force XPLR with a 1x13 drivetrain does the shifting, paired with Forza Skiron G40 wheels, 44 mm Vittoria Mezcal tyres and the lightweight Selle Italia SLR saddle. If you prefer electric assistance, the family offers the E-ASTR with its TQ motor – whereas this bike stays a purist muscle-powered machine.

Purpose and use: a racing tool for fast gravel terrain

The ASTR RS was developed for modern gravel racing: for events such as Unbound, Big Sugar or the Traka 360, where high speeds, rough surfaces and long distances come together. A low aero position, a steep seat angle, short chainstays and generous tyre clearance provide stability at speed and agility in technical sections. Unlike the Kanzo Adventure, which with rack mounts, lighting provision and a more relaxed geometry primarily targets bikepacking and day trips, the ASTR RS deliberately avoids mounting options for everyday accessories – every bolt and every gram counts here. Compared with the older Kanzo Fast performance line and the all-road Grifn RS, the ASTR RS is even more single-mindedly aimed at race pace. Thanks to the Apidura aero-pack mounts it remains usable for fast bikepacking trips; for more luggage you would rather choose the Kanzo Adventure.