Ridley E-ASTR Apex XPLR AXS 1x12 / Raw Sugar Glossy M

Shining White and Quietly Strong: The E-ASTR for Relaxed Gravel Adventures

In the world of the Raw Sugar Glossy colour, Ridley's electric gravel flagship arrives white, shiny and almost unrecognisable as an e-bike at first glance. Exactly this restraint makes the E-ASTR so special – a race-geometry machine that only shows its hand when it counts.

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The E-ASTR is the motorised version of the much-praised ASTR RS: it adopts the HM-grade carbon, the tyre clearance of up to 52 millimetres and the sporty, control-oriented geometry. New on board is an unobtrusive helper around the bottom bracket: the TQ HPR40 motor weighs just 1.2 kilograms, delivers up to 200 watts of peak power and 40 Nm of torque and runs almost silently thanks to HPR transmission technology. The assistance engages only when it is genuinely needed, feels completely natural and fades gently above 25 km/h – you feel the boost, never the dead weight. The 290 Wh battery disappears elegantly into the downtube; for longer stages you place the optional 160 Wh range extender on the second mount inside the front triangle. Instead of a top-tube display, bright diodes in the bar plug report the selected assist mode. Propulsion comes from SRAM Apex XPLR AXS with a 42-tooth chainring on the Praxis Type-5 crank and an 11–44 cassette – twelve gears, wireless and radio-controlled. The DT Swiss G1800 Spline wheels are tubeless-ready and carry Vittoria Terreno T50 tyres in 700x50c. A Deda Superzero handlebar with a 16-degree flare, Super Box stem, Forza Aero seatpost with six millimetres of offset and the Selle San Marco Shortfit saddle round off the spec. No lighting is fitted; instead the mounts inside the triangle hold a bottle and the extra battery, so light bikepacking plans remain feasible. The Raw Sugar Glossy finish looks radiantly bright; this example is available in size L.

The Model Name Explained: E-ASTR, Apex, XPLR, AXS and 1x12

The prefix E marks the electrically assisted line; ASTR is the actual name of the gravel series, pronounced "ASTor" and echoing "Aster", the Latin word for star. Apex names the entry tier of the electronic components, XPLR stands for the gravel branch of the group ("Explore") and AXS for its wireless shifting protocol. 1x12 outlines the single-drive setup: one chainring, twelve sprockets. Raw Sugar Glossy, finally, describes the white, glossy, sugary-looking paint finish of the frame.

Differences Within the Series: Where the E-ASTR Sits

While the classic ASTR and the race-bred ASTR RS ride entirely without auxiliary drive and the RS works with especially light Ultra-HM carbon, the E-ASTR carries the TQ mid motor with its integrated battery in the downtube. Geometry and tyre clearance remain unchanged, as does the characteristic frame construction – only adapted to accommodate the drive unit. Compared with the other electric models of the brand such as the E-Grifn or the E-Kanzo Adventure, the E-ASTR presents itself as the sporty gravel e-bike: with race geometry instead of touring comfort and without rack or lighting fittings.

Purpose: Long Gravel Days with Fresh Legs

The E-ASTR addresses everyone who loves long gravel loops but does not want to run out of steam en route: the TQ drive pushes on steep ramps and into strong headwinds, yet withdraws completely above the assistance limit and leaves the decision to the rider. The feeling of a pure gravel bike is thus preserved while range and comfort rise noticeably thanks to the 290 Wh battery and the optional extender. If you instead need everyday usability, light and a rack, you are better served by the E-Grifn or the E-Kanzo Adventure. The E-ASTR in Raw Sugar Glossy is therefore the choice for sporty gravel tours after which you still plan the next round, despite tired legs.