Ridley pushes the boundaries of gravel racing with the ASTR RS: lighter, wider, and more responsive.
We present the ASTR RS, a high-end racing gravel bike that combines aerodynamics and lightness, meeting all the needs of modern gravel racing. It strengthens our performance gravel segment and joins the award-winning Kanzo Fast. Piotr Havik of the Classified Ridley Factory Team already placed 4th in Unbound Gravel riding a prototype of this bike.
What stands out immediately: the ASTR RS has a tire clearance of 52 millimeters with a 1x setup and 47 millimeters with a 2x setup. As the race terrain becomes rougher and riders feel the need to be prepared for it, they have already competed on the Kanzo Adventure to fit tires of at least 47 millimeters for extra comfort and grip. That’s why our product developers chose to think literally and figuratively wider with the ASTR RS, going for 52 millimeters (1x setup) and 47 millimeters (2x setup). With this, we confirm our role as a trendsetter in the gravel segment.
What stands out immediately: the ASTR RS has a tire clearance of 52 millimeters with a 1x setup and 47 millimeters with a 2x setup. As the race terrain becomes rougher and riders feel the need to be prepared for it, they have already competed on the Kanzo Adventure to fit tires of at least 47 millimeters for extra comfort and grip. That’s why our product developers chose to think literally and figuratively wider with the ASTR RS, going for 52 millimeters (1x setup) and 47 millimeters (2x setup). With this, we confirm our role as a trendsetter in the gravel segment.
Geometry
A modern performance geometry requires more stability due to the increasingly rough terrain combined with higher speeds. A 71.5-degree head tube angle ensures faster handling. The ASTR RS features a steeper seat tube (74 degrees), which improves climbing performance and power transfer compared to a less steep seat tube.
Our product developers kept the chainstays as short as possible to accommodate tires up to 52 millimeters without sacrificing responsiveness when accelerating. Additionally, the bottom bracket is positioned lower than on bikes that prioritize comfort, providing more stability at high speeds. Lastly, the head tube is lower, allowing you to sit in a more aerodynamic position. In summary, this results in a modern competitive geometry, tailored for the ambitious gravel racer.
We apply the latest innovations in aerodynamics. This can be seen in the fork crown, where the integrated diffuser reduces air resistance. Airflow passes more easily through this fork crown, adding extra energy so the air can flow past the down tube without additional drag. There is also less resistance in the area behind the head tube and the fork.
We took inspiration for these adjustments and the tube shape from the road bike, the Falcn RS. The ASTR RS also features a lightweight frame of 890 grams (in size Medium), which directly impacts your climbing performance and the lively feel of the bike.
Our product developers kept the chainstays as short as possible to accommodate tires up to 52 millimeters without sacrificing responsiveness when accelerating. Additionally, the bottom bracket is positioned lower than on bikes that prioritize comfort, providing more stability at high speeds. Lastly, the head tube is lower, allowing you to sit in a more aerodynamic position. In summary, this results in a modern competitive geometry, tailored for the ambitious gravel racer.
We apply the latest innovations in aerodynamics. This can be seen in the fork crown, where the integrated diffuser reduces air resistance. Airflow passes more easily through this fork crown, adding extra energy so the air can flow past the down tube without additional drag. There is also less resistance in the area behind the head tube and the fork.
We took inspiration for these adjustments and the tube shape from the road bike, the Falcn RS. The ASTR RS also features a lightweight frame of 890 grams (in size Medium), which directly impacts your climbing performance and the lively feel of the bike.
Further specifications
The ASTR RS is compatible with both single and double chainrings. We offer this because there is still market demand for the two-by setup. You can remove the integrated front derailleur mount or replace it with an aero chain guide, developed in collaboration with Wolf Tooth.
The number of mounting points is kept to a minimum. The focus is on performance, so we do not provide dynamo routing for installing lights (which is available on models like the Grifn and Kanzo Adventure). After all, every mounting point means a bolt, and that adds extra weight.
A notable feature is the mounting points for Apidura aero packs. These help make the bike even more aerodynamic. This way, you create extra storage space and can ride faster! This is achieved through strategic positioning within the frame, which promotes airflow. Prototypes of these bags were tested during Unbound 2022, then further optimized and developed into a commercial product.
The number of mounting points is kept to a minimum. The focus is on performance, so we do not provide dynamo routing for installing lights (which is available on models like the Grifn and Kanzo Adventure). After all, every mounting point means a bolt, and that adds extra weight.
A notable feature is the mounting points for Apidura aero packs. These help make the bike even more aerodynamic. This way, you create extra storage space and can ride faster! This is achieved through strategic positioning within the frame, which promotes airflow. Prototypes of these bags were tested during Unbound 2022, then further optimized and developed into a commercial product.
Classified-Ridley
The development of a new bike always happens in consultation with our riders. With the Classified Ridley Factory Team, we have the very first professional gravel team, and of course, our engineers make full use of this expertise. From Unbound to the Traka 360, Classified Ridley participates in every prestigious race and knows the specific needs of the ever-evolving gravel circuit better than anyone. Recently, these races have become rougher, leading to new demands for the bike.
Fourth place in Unbound
After gravel specialist Piotr Havik became familiar with the ASTR RS, he decided to tackle Unbound Gravel on this machine. The Dutchman finished fourth in this legendary race in Kansas, confirming the philosophy behind the ASTR RS. It was the fastest edition ever of the classic, reaffirming that modern gravel races are faster than ever before. After Havik’s performance, there were many rumors about this new race bike, and now we reveal all its secrets.
Nimbus Pro cockpit
On the ASTR RS, we introduce the Nimbus Pro cockpit. This cockpit follows the latest trends toward a narrower setup, aimed at a natural, more aerodynamic position on the shifters. Combined with flared drops, it also provides more stability. On top of that, the top of the handlebar is aerodynamically optimized and has a back sweep toward the rider, resulting in an ergonomic position.
ASTR
Alongside the ASTR RS, we immediately launch the ASTR as the second member of the ASTR family. This bike shares the features of the ASTR RS. The only difference is that we opt for a different carbon composition with a slight difference in weight, a round seatpost and the Cirrus Pro Integrated gravel cockpit. After all, our aim is to offer everyone the chance to own an ASTR: from the ambitious amateur to the most fanatical pro.
