Ridley E-ASTR Rival XPLR AXS 1x13 / UD Carbon / Dove Grey L

Fresh from Stock: The E-ASTR Rival XPLR in Dark Grey

This variant of the electric gravel bike has a rare trump card: it is already in the external warehouse, so no preorder is needed and it can be on its way within a few working days. The dark UD carbon with dove-grey nuances fits that perfectly – unassuming outside, highly technical inside.

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Technically identical to the other Rival versions, this model relies on an HM-carbon frame designed specifically around the TQ mid motor and accepting tyres up to 52 millimetres wide. The TQ HPR40 unit remains one of the lightest in its class at 1.2 kilograms, unfolds up to 200 watts of peak power and 40 Nm of torque and no longer assists above 25 km/h, so the support fades out smoothly; the 290 Wh battery rests in the downtube, a 160 Wh range extender can be retrofitted on a mounting plate inside the front triangle. LEDs in the bar plug report the mode; no display exists. As a group, SRAM Rival XPLR works with the single 42-tooth chainring of the Praxis Type-5 crank and a 10–46 cassette – thirteen gears, radio-controlled via the wireless derailleur. The DT Swiss G1800 Spline wheels (25 millimetres high, 24 internal) run on Schwalbe G-One Evo R tyres in 50 millimetres, tubeless-prepared. The 4ZA CIP integrated cockpit bar 2.0 ensures a tidy front; the Forza Aero seatpost (six millimetres of offset) supports the Selle Italia Novus Boost Superflow saddle with manganese rails. Lighting is not part of the delivery; the mounts for bottle and extra battery in the triangle, however, make light bikepacking ideas conceivable. Available in UD Carbon/Dove Grey, size L, with further sizes up to XL.

Name Puzzle Solved: The Model Designation from E-ASTR to Dove Grey

The E at the start stands for the electric drive; ASTR is the name of the entire gravel family, phonetically pronounced "ASTor" and etymologically related to the Latin "Aster" (star). Rival marks the middle equipment tier of the SRAM groups, XPLR their gravel branch "Explore" and AXS the radio transmission of the shifting. 1x13 names the single chainring with thirteen sprockets. UD Carbon/Dove Grey, finally, describes the unidirectional carbon look with dove-grey hue.

How the Rival Model Differs from Its E-Series Siblings

Within the E-ASTR range there are two equipment lines: the Apex sibling remains the cheaper entry point with twelve gears, while this Rival configuration raises the drivetrain to thirteen steps and brings the integrated 4ZA CIP cockpit, Schwalbe tyres and a Selle Italia saddle. Compared with the analogue models ASTR and ASTR RS, the E-ASTR delivers the TQ motor together with the battery; in contrast to the roughly 890 gram light ASTR RS with Ultra-HM carbon, the extra drive weight is noticeable here. The special plus of this particular colour and equipment combination is availability: no waiting for a preorder, but shipping from the warehouse.

Meant For: Endurance Gravel Days with a Quiet Extra Push

This gravel bike answers the question of who wants to master long, varied dirt routes without being exhausted the next day. The TQ HPR40 drive supports where the muscles start to fade – on climbs or into the wind – and steps back discreetly beyond the assistance limit. That makes it suitable for weekend trips, long one-day stages and the daily up and down in the terrain. If you instead need lighting, a rack or everyday equipment, you are better served with the E-Grifn or the load-strong E-Kanzo Adventure than with this sportily oriented electric gravel bike.