Dropped seat stays soften the ride on the Aspero Apex XPLR Gravel Bike over rough, chattery gravel, and a slightly reduced front-end stiffness spares a rider's hands and arms in the final hours of a long day. Extra tire and mud clearance, developed after a muddy racing season, keeps this bike moving through wet conditions instead of grinding to a stop. What Our Gearhead(R) Experts Are Saying:"I've leaned on this drivetrain through washed-out descents and steep, loose pitches without a missed shift. A cable and lever system doesn't need a battery to keep working when a race gets long."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 Gearhead(R) Experts are always here to help.