Ridley E-ASTR Apex XPLR AXS 1x12 / UD Carbon / Dove Grey S

Dark Grey, Quiet Drive: The E-ASTR Propels Long Gravel Rides

UD carbon with dove-grey accents: The colour world of this E-ASTR already tells from outside what it is about – appearing calm, being unobtrusively strong. Precisely this blend of restrained looks and genuine thrust makes the electric gravel bike so appealing.

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Beneath the unidirectional carbon finish works an HM-carbon frame that the engineers tailored around the TQ mid motor; tyres up to 52 millimetres wide are allowed. The TQ HPR40 unit weighs only 1.2 kilograms, supplies up to 200 watts of peak power and 40 Nm of torque and runs almost silently thanks to its HPR transmission. The aid follows the pedal stroke instantly, feels completely natural and fades gently above 25 km/h – the rider senses a tailwind, never the drive. The 290 Wh battery rests low-weight in the downtube; to widen the radius you place the optional 160 Wh range extender on a mount inside the front triangle. Discreet diodes in the bar plug show the assist mode; a display on the top tube is nowhere to be found. Shifting runs via SRAM Apex XPLR AXS: the 42-tooth chainring of the Praxis Type-5 crank turns an 11–44 cassette through the wireless derailleur – twelve gears, radio-controlled. The DT Swiss G1800 Spline wheels are tubeless-prepared and roll on Vittoria Terreno T50 tyres in 700x50c. A Deda Superzero bar (16-degree flare), Super Box stem, Forza Aero seatpost with six millimetres of offset and the Selle San Marco Shortfit saddle round out the component choice. No lighting is fitted; instead bottle and extender can be mounted in the triangle, and the riding position stays pleasant even on extended stages. Available in size L, directly on preorder.

Naming ABC: What E-ASTR, Apex, XPLR, AXS, 1x12 and UD Carbon/Dove Grey Announce

The E stands for the electrically assisted version; ASTR is the name of the series, pronounced "ASTor" and derived from the Latin "Aster" for star. Apex marks the entry tier of the electronic shifting components, XPLR their gravel line "Explore" and AXS the wireless control. 1x12 describes the single drivetrain with one chainring and twelve sprockets. UD Carbon/Dove Grey, finally, names the unidirectional carbon finish accented in dove grey.

Standing Apart in the Line: Where the E-ASTR Fits Beside ASTR and ASTR RS

The ASTR platform appears in three base variants: the analogue ASTR, the race-oriented ASTR RS and this electric E version. The E-ASTR takes on the geometry and tyre clearance of the series but adds motor and battery, for which frame and fork were specifically altered. Unlike the extremely light ASTR RS with Ultra-HM carbon, the E-ASTR visibly carries more equipment weight yet gains range and comfort in return. Within the brand's electric range it remains the sporty gravel representative – facing the touring-oriented E-Kanzo Adventure and the more comfortable E-Grifn.

Meant For: Enduring Rides with Noticeable Relief

The E-ASTR is intended for everyone who wants to clock long gravel loops regularly even when their legs ask for breaks: the motor takes the edge off climbs and headwinds and leaves the initiative to the rider above 25 km/h. It therefore fits rides that start in the morning and only end in the evening – without returning home with exhausted joints. Anyone instead wishing for everyday use, lights or a rack is better served by the E-Grifn or the more load-friendly E-Kanzo Adventure. For sporty gravel enthusiasts with a range wish, this bike is the appropriate answer.