Ridley E-ASTR Apex XPLR AXS 1x12 / Crocodile Green / Carbon Matt L

Electric but Silent: The E-ASTR Brings Race Geometry Plus Discreet Aid

The E-ASTR is the electric version of the award-winning ASTR RS: the same sporty geometry, the same riding traits – topped by a compact motor so light and quiet you barely notice it. The Crocodile Green paint with matt carbon accents keeps the family's racing tone.

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The frame is made of HM carbon and specifically designed for the TQ mid motor, including 52 mm tyre clearance and the family's race geometry with short chainstays and a low bottom bracket. The heart is the TQ HPR40 drive: it weighs only 1.2 kilograms, delivers up to 200 watts of peak power and 40 Nm of torque and relies on HPR transmission (Harmonic Pin Ring). The support feels completely natural, engages exactly when needed and fades softly above 25 km/h. The 290 Wh battery (1.42 kilograms) sits elegantly in the downtube; an optional 160 Wh range extender takes the second bottle-cage position for longer rides. Instead of displays, discreet LEDs in the bar plug grace the frame and show the selected assist mode. Shifting is handled by SRAM Apex XPLR AXS 1x12: the Praxis Type-5 crank with 42 teeth changes via the wireless derailleur over an 11–44 cassette – twelve gears, radio-actuated. On the DT Swiss G1800 Spline wheels roll Vittoria Terreno T50 tyres in 700x50c with black walls. The Deda Superzero cockpit with a 16-degree flare, Super Box stem, Forza Aero seatpost with six millimetres of offset and the Selle San Marco Shortfit saddle round out the picture. No lighting is fitted – the mounts for aero bags remain, so bikepacking stays feasible. Available in size L and four other frame sizes.

What E-ASTR, Apex, XPLR, AXS and 1x12 mean

The prefix E marks the electric variant of the platform; ASTR itself is the name of the gravel family, pronounced "ASTor", echoing the Latin "Aster" (star). Apex names the entry class of the electronic groupset, XPLR the gravel line ("Explore") and AXS the radio-based shifting protocol. 1x12 stands for a single chainring with twelve sprockets. Crocodile Green/Carbon Matt, finally, describes the green paint coat with matt carbon areas.

How the E-ASTR differs from the other ASTR models

While the classic ASTR and the ASTR RS run entirely without auxiliary drive, the E offshoot brings the TQ mid motor and battery with it – so the look and feel of a race bike are preserved, only with a quiet push in the background. Frame and fork are specially designed for the motor mount, the battery is sunk into the downtube, and the 52 mm clearance is even retained in the electric model. The price of the extra weight is more than offset here by wider tyres and the gentle assistance.

Purpose: more range, more fun – and the difference from E-Grifn and E-Kanzo

This gravel e-bike addresses riders who want to enjoy long days in the wild without collapsing on the way back: the HPR40 helps on steep ramps but stays fully out of the way above the assistance limit. E-bike skeptics for age- or fitness-related reasons get an almost unchanged race feel. If you instead want more everyday and touring orientation, the E-Grifn offers a first electric offroad attraction, and the E-Kanzo Adventure a more load-friendly model with lights and rack options. The E-ASTR thus remains the sporty, unexcited e-gravel bike in the Ridley family.