Ridley ASTR RS Red XPLR 1x13 / UD Carbon/Crocodile Green XL / UD Carbon/Crocodile Green

Crocodile Green Racing Fever: The ASTR RS Red XPLR with a Power Guarantee

The ASTR RS understands itself as a pure racing tool: extremely light, meticulously honed aerodynamically and, in this build, equipped with the supplier's highest wireless groupset. The name Crocodile Green points to the deep-green finish that adorns the black carbon surfaces – a strong shade reminiscent of the skin of its animal namesake.

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The frame of this flagship is made of ultra-HM carbon and tips the scales at around 890 grams as a bare frame; the tube shapes stem from the aero-to-weight study of the FALCN RS, and the fork carries an integrated diffuser in the crown. The geometry pairs a longer wheelbase, a slacker head angle and a lower bottom bracket so the bike delivers confidence and stability at speed. Tyre clearance reaches up to 52 millimetres – a leading figure in the category. On the drivetrain side, SRAM Red XPLR 1x13 takes command: the complete top-level groupset package comprises the 42-tooth crank with integrated power meter, the AXS derailleur and a 10–46 cassette, together exactly 13 wirelessly actuated gears. On the 50 mm deep DT Swiss GRC 1400 Dicut carbon wheels run 50 mm wide Schwalbe G-One Evo tyres. The build is finished with the Nimbus Pro stem and handlebar, the Forza Aero seatpost with six millimetres of offset and a Selle Italia Novus Boost Superflow saddle on carbon rails. Lights and racks are sought in vain – the package is trimmed for racing and maximum efficiency; if you still want to bikepack, use aero bags on frame and saddle over the provided mounts. With its loud green paintwork this model stands out clearly from plain carbon looks.

What the name tells: ASTR, RS, Red, XPLR, 1x13 and Crocodile Green

ASTR is the name of the entire gravel platform, pronounced "ASTor" and echoing the Latin "Aster" (star); no official long form exists. RS stands for "Racing Sport" and marks the race-oriented elite variant with lightweight equipment. Red denotes the top electronic groupset class of the supplier, XPLR its gravel line nicknamed "Explore". 1x13 names the concept of a single chainring with thirteen sprockets. UD Carbon describes the visible unidirectional fibre weave. Crocodile Green, finally, denotes the strong green paint coat with dark carbon contrast.

How this model stands out from the rest of the ASTR RS family

Within the RS family this model rides out front: while the Force XPLR version relies on the second-tier group and the GRX800 Di2 variant works with Shimano electronics and two chainrings, this build gathers the Red ranks with a built-in watt meter, 50 mm Dicut carbon hoops and the wide 10–46 spread. Against the plain ASTR, the RS additionally brings elite carbon, the aero seatpost and the further refined race geometry. The crocodile-green machine thus forms the most uncompromising offshoot of the line – and at once the most eye-catching presence.

Who the ASTR RS is for – and how it differs from the Kanzo Adventure

This gravel bike is designed for the modern event: rough courses, rising speed and riders who must save energy until the final. Aerodynamics, low system weight, wide tyres and the integrated power meter supply exactly the tools for that. If you instead plan loaded touring trips, the Kanzo Adventure is the better fit, bringing lights, racks and comfort details; the older Kanzo Fast again comes closer to the racing scene but offers less tyre clearance. The ASTR RS in Crocodile Green answers the question of how much race performance fits into a gravel bike: plenty – and quantifiable thanks to the powermeter.