Ridley E-ASTR Rival XPLR AXS 1x13 / Crocodile Green / Carbon Matt L

Endurance Meets Drive: The E-ASTR Rival XPLR in Crocodile Green

Crocodile green with matt carbon – a colour scheme that instantly evokes offroad and expeditions. The E-ASTR in this Rival XPLR version combines the sporty ASTR silhouette with a quiet electric drive and a tightly tuned SRAM spec. If you look for long, demanding routes, you are in the right place.

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 frame remains an HM-carbon construction of the ASTR family, designed specifically around the TQ mid motor and offering tyre clearance up to 52 millimetres. The TQ HPR40 drive weighs only 1.2 kilograms, mobilises up to 200 watts of peak power and 40 Nm of torque and stays practically inaudible thanks to its HPR transmission technology; the 290 Wh battery rests in the downtube, an optional 160 Wh range extender finds room on a mount inside the triangle. LEDs in the bar plug report the assist mode; there is no display on the top tube. The decisive difference to the Apex sibling sits in the drivetrain: SRAM Rival XPLR 1x13 combines the single 42-tooth chainring of the Praxis Type-5 crank with a 10–46 cassette, which the wireless derailleur guides across thirteen gears. The DT Swiss G1800 Spline wheels (25 millimetres rim height, 24 millimetres internal width) are tubeless-prepared and roll on Schwalbe G-One Evo R tyres in 50 millimetres width. The 4ZA CIP integrated handlebar 2.0 with its integrated stem keeps all cables neatly hidden; the Forza Aero seatpost (six millimetres of offset) carries the Selle Italia Novus Boost Superflow saddle with manganese rails. No lighting is fitted; the front triangle accepts a bottle and the extra battery, keeping bikepacking-flavoured plans feasible. This example is shown in Crocodile Green, size L, with all sizes from XS through XL offered.

Understanding the Abbreviations: Components of the Model Name from E-ASTR to Carbon Matt

The prefix E points to the electric assistance; ASTR is the series name, pronounced "ASTor" and modelled after the Latin "Aster" (star). Rival names the middle performance tier of the SRAM groups – above the Apex entry level, below the Force and Red race groups. XPLR stands for the gravel line "Explore" and AXS for the wireless control protocol. 1x13 describes the single drivetrain with one chainring and thirteen sprockets. Crocodile Green/Carbon Matt, finally, denotes the green paint with matt, unidirectional carbon surfaces.

How the E-ASTR Rival XPLR Sets Itself Apart from the Other Series Models

The ASTR family consists of the analogue ASTR, the race-proven ASTR RS and the electric E-ASTR. Within the E line, alongside this Rival build, there is the Apex version with twelve gears; the Rival edition offers thirteen gears, the integrated 4ZA CIP cockpit bar, Schwalbe tyres and a Selle Italia saddle. While the E-ASTR Apex serves as an affordable entry into the electric gravel world, this variant addresses riders who want more running smoothness, finer gear steps and higher component quality. Compared with the pure racing animal ASTR RS, the E-ASTR brings along motor and battery – that buys range but demands its weight tribute.

The Ideal Use: Sporty Tours and Ambitious Outings

The purpose of this bike is quickly apparent: long gravel tours that simply ride more relaxed with assistance. The motor pushes on stiff climbs and into headwinds but above 25 km/h leaves the decision to the rider. The E-ASTR Rival XPLR suits weekend excursions, multi-day undertakings or the move from a pure gravel bike to electric support. If you instead need lights, a rack and everyday usability, you are better off choosing the E-Kanzo Adventure; if comfort and decelerated riding appeal, take the E-Grifn. For sporty gravel riders with a range wish, this crocodile-green version is the attractive middle ground.