Ridley

ASTR Apex XPLR AXS Gravel Bike

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:

"I’ve been impressed by how balanced this Astr build feels on loose gravel and fast fire roads. The Apex AXS drivetrain shifts crisply even under load, and the frame’s lower bottom bracket adds a planted, confident feel when cornering. Paired with wide 45c tires and a flared cockpit, it’s a build that’s ready for race weekends but still comfortable on long exploratory rides."

We turn to the Ridley Astr Apex XPLR AXS 1x12 when the gravel season ramps up and our calendar fills with mixed-terrain races and long adventure rides. Ridley pairs its aerodynamic-to-weight frame shaping with an efficient gravel geometry, giving the Astr a stable feel at high speeds without dulling the lively handling we want when the route twists into rutted forest roads.

With high-modulus carbon construction, the Astr offers the sharp power transfer needed for fast accelerations while still softening chatter from rough surfaces. The Apex XPLR AXS drivetrain brings reliable, wireless shifting, and its wide-range 11–44T cassette keeps us ready for steep climbs and rolling terrain alike. Generous tire clearance up to 52mm in a 1x setup allows us to run everything from supple race casings to rugged tread for backcountry exploring.

Whether we’re building momentum through washboard straights or pushing through a long day of gravel miles, the Astr delivers speed, precision, and comfort in a well-balanced, race-ready platform.

Heads up - We do our best to keep bike specs and images current, but occasional component changes can happen without warning-and sometimes the photos might not show the exact build you'll receive. If you want to double-check the details, our Gearheads are always here to help.