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Ridley Electrifies the Gravel Segment with New E-ASTR

Ridley has electrified the gravel segment with its latest E-ASTR, which features TQ’s new compact HPR40 mid-drive motor and Harmonic Pin Ring Transmission (HPR) to provide “light and seamless” power assistance, offering up to 40 Nm of torque and 200 watts of peak power, while the 290Wh battery is neatly housed in the down tube. Yet, for gravelers who are seeking more travel range, there’s a 160Wh range extender that can be added.

“In the fall of 2024, we launched the ASTR RS—a gravel bike that was hailed by multiple specialized reviewers as the new benchmark in gravel performance. With its combination of tire clearance up to 52 mm and a performance-oriented geometry, it immediately impressed. Today, we expand this acclaimed ASTR family with an electric variant: the E-ASTR. As our second e-bike, the E-ASTR offers every rider the chance to enjoy the unique ride characteristics of the ASTR—with a subtle boost, boasts Ridley.

Interestingly, Ridley’s engineers decided to forgo an integrated display on the top tube, preserving a clean and sleek appearance. Instead, a set of discreet LED lights in the bar plug indicates the selected assist level, resulting in both the appearance and ride feel of classic gravel bike.

Elsewhere, the E-ASTR inherits the exact same geometry as the ASTR and ASTR RS. That means, a 71.5° head tube angle for sharp, responsive steering and a 74° seat tube angle for optimal power transfer, along with a bottom bracket drop of 75 mm for excellent high-speed stability, while the short 425 mm chainstays provide a playful and responsive ride feel.

The new gravel grinder also gets internal cable routing through the headset a two mounts inside the front triangle for bottle cages or the optional range extender. Moreover, the bike also has a UDH for drivetrain compatibility, as well as support for a front derailleur.

“With the ASTR RS, we had already anticipated the trend toward wider tires in gravel racing. It positioned us as innovators in the off-road segment—and during the latest edition of UNBOUND, the world’s most famous gravel race, many riders followed suit by switching to wider tires. The generous 52 mm tire clearance (in both frame and fork) is carried over into the E-ASTR and provides a significant advantage, as wider tires easily offset the additional weight of the battery,” says Ridley.

“We embrace e-bikes as a natural part of the evolving cycling landscape and strongly believe in their future—something we already demonstrated with our first step into electric bikes through the E-Grifn. With the E-ASTR, we introduce an electric gravel bike that stays true to the winning qualities of the ASTR RS, including its groundbreaking 52 mm tire clearance: sporty, agile, and natural in its ride feel. Rather than opting for heavy, overpowered systems, the E-ASTR delivers just the right level of support to enhance your ride without sacrificing control or fluidity. This marks a clear step forward into the future of gravel, while honoring the essence of what makes the discipline so special,” adds the Belgian brand.

The new E-ASTR is available in three complete builds with either SRAM or Shimano components, with the entry-level SRAM Apex XPLR AXS equipped model costing 7,199 €, while the mid-range SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 1×13 version fetches 8,199€. For those wanting more, the range tops out at 8,899 € with a Shimano GRX 2 x 12 setup.

E-ASTR Apex

  • DT Swiss G1800 S line gravel wheels with Vittoria Terreno Dry 700 x 47mm tires
  • Deda Superzero alloy bar 
  • Selle Italia Model Y saddle

E-ASTR Rival

  • Same cockpit as the Apex model
  • Forza Cirrus Pro Integrated handlebar and stem
  • Selle Italia Novus Boost Superflow saddle

E-ASTR GRX Di2

  • 40 mm Forza Skiron CG40 wheels
  • Integrated Forza cockpit
  • Novus Boost Suprflow saddle

 

Ridley

 

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