Cervelo Aspero 5 Frameset
The Aspero 5 is best-in-class for high-speed allroad riding thanks to a race-optimized geometry and a carbon layup that balances lateral stiffness with vertical compliance, while its generous tyre clearance accommodates large-volume 700c or 650b tyres for rough surfaces. Compared with the other frames here it accepts a more performance-oriented build, trading a higher price for superior aerodynamic tuning and acceleration—making it the top pick when speed on mixed terrain is the priority.
Race-bred stiffness
Huge tire clearance
Race-bred stiffness
Huge tire clearance
Review Summary
"Riders praise the Aspero 5 frameset for its fast, responsive handling and strong all-road performance with generous tire clearance, making it excellent for mixed-surface riding. Some users note it feels firm on very rough terrain and expect a premium price for the name."
Aero-savvy grin
Carbon race-focused frame with aerodynamic tube shaping and lightweight layup.
Aero-savvy grin
Carbon race-focused frame with aerodynamic tube shaping and lightweight layup.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Aspero 5 is best-in-class for high-speed allroad riding thanks to a race-optimized geometry and a carbon layup that balances lateral stiffness with vertical compliance, while its generous tyre clearance accommodates large-volume 700c or 650b tyres for rough surfaces. Compared with the other frames here it accepts a more performance-oriented build, trading a higher price for superior aerodynamic tuning and acceleration—making it the top pick when speed on mixed terrain is the priority.
Race-bred stiffness
Huge tire clearance
Aero-savvy grin
Carbon race-focused frame with aerodynamic tube shaping and lightweight layup.
Designed to accept wide gravel tires up to 45mm for fast mixed-surface riding.
Race-bred stiffness
Huge tire clearance
Aero-savvy grin
Carbon race-focused frame with aerodynamic tube shaping and lightweight layup.
Designed to accept wide gravel tires up to 45mm for fast mixed-surface riding.
$4000-5500 CAD
Norco Search XR Carbon Frameset
The Norco Search XR Carbon is a market leader for mixed-surface stability and rugged allroad confidence, featuring a clearance-first chassis designed to accept very large tyres and mountain-bike-grade durability. Against the list it represents a pragmatic, value-driven option that prioritizes durability and terrain capability over pure aero speed, giving riders better real-world resilience on rough tracks and remote routes.
Comfort for miles
Burly tire room
Comfort for miles
Burly tire room
Review Summary
"Owners report the Norco Search XR carbon frameset is stiff, confidence-inspiring at speed, and well-suited to aggressive gravel racing while accommodating wide tires. A few reviewers mention it can feel firm on long rough rides, but most value its race-focused geometry and build quality."
Adventure-ready wink
Carbon frameset tuned for quick handling and comfort over rough gravel.
Adventure-ready wink
Carbon frameset tuned for quick handling and comfort over rough gravel.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Norco Search XR Carbon is a market leader for mixed-surface stability and rugged allroad confidence, featuring a clearance-first chassis designed to accept very large tyres and mountain-bike-grade durability. Against the list it represents a pragmatic, value-driven option that prioritizes durability and terrain capability over pure aero speed, giving riders better real-world resilience on rough tracks and remote routes.
Comfort for miles
Burly tire room
Adventure-ready wink
Carbon frameset tuned for quick handling and comfort over rough gravel.
Clearance for wide tires up to 45mm and 650b wheel compatibility for extra volume.
Comfort for miles
Burly tire room
Adventure-ready wink
Carbon frameset tuned for quick handling and comfort over rough gravel.
Clearance for wide tires up to 45mm and 650b wheel compatibility for extra volume.
$2500-3500 CAD
Devinci Hatchet Carbon Frameset
The Devinci Hatchet Carbon blends comfortable compliance and aggressive tyre clearance for long miles on variable surfaces, with a carbon layup tuned to damp chatter without dulling pedaling efficiency. Positioned between focused race frames and expedition rigs on this list, it delivers a strong price-to-performance ratio and notable Canadian craftsmanship for riders who want balanced on- and off-road performance.
Featherlight chassis
Wide-tire boss
Featherlight chassis
Wide-tire boss
Review Summary
"The Devinci Hatchet carbon frameset is frequently praised for being lightweight, quick, and efficient for gravel racing with good tire clearance, though some users find the ride a bit harsh on very rough surfaces. Overall it’s seen as a performance-oriented choice that trades some comfort for speed."
Race-day smirk
Ultra-light carbon construction with race-oriented geometry and a stiff bottom bracket.
Race-day smirk
Ultra-light carbon construction with race-oriented geometry and a stiff bottom bracket.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Devinci Hatchet Carbon blends comfortable compliance and aggressive tyre clearance for long miles on variable surfaces, with a carbon layup tuned to damp chatter without dulling pedaling efficiency. Positioned between focused race frames and expedition rigs on this list, it delivers a strong price-to-performance ratio and notable Canadian craftsmanship for riders who want balanced on- and off-road performance.
Featherlight chassis
Wide-tire boss
Race-day smirk
Ultra-light carbon construction with race-oriented geometry and a stiff bottom bracket.
Accepts wide gravel tires (commonly up to 45mm or 650bx2.0) for aggressive mixed-surface speed.
Featherlight chassis
Wide-tire boss
Race-day smirk
Ultra-light carbon construction with race-oriented geometry and a stiff bottom bracket.
Accepts wide gravel tires (commonly up to 45mm or 650bx2.0) for aggressive mixed-surface speed.
$3000-4000 CAD
Salsa Warbird Carbon Frameset
The Salsa Warbird Carbon is a versatile, race-capable platform that also accommodates wide tyres, frame bags and rack mounts—making it ideal for riders who switch between competitive gravel and loaded allroad adventures. Unlike the aero-first Cervelo or the burly Norco, Salsa emphasizes practical adaptability and expedition features, offering exceptional value for multi-day setups and bikepacking trips.
Endurance comfort
Bikepack-friendly mounts
Endurance comfort
Bikepack-friendly mounts
Review Summary
"Cyclists appreciate the Salsa Warbird carbon frameset for its comfortable, stable long-ride geometry, versatile mounting options, and large tire clearance ideal for endurance gravel and bikepacking. A minority mention it isn’t the lightest option, but most users value its comfort and versatility."
Touring grin
Comfort-focused carbon frameset engineered for long gravel rides and bikepacking.
Touring grin
Comfort-focused carbon frameset engineered for long gravel rides and bikepacking.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Salsa Warbird Carbon is a versatile, race-capable platform that also accommodates wide tyres, frame bags and rack mounts—making it ideal for riders who switch between competitive gravel and loaded allroad adventures. Unlike the aero-first Cervelo or the burly Norco, Salsa emphasizes practical adaptability and expedition features, offering exceptional value for multi-day setups and bikepacking trips.
Endurance comfort
Bikepack-friendly mounts
Touring grin
Comfort-focused carbon frameset engineered for long gravel rides and bikepacking.
Generous tire clearance (up to 48mm) plus abundant rack, fender and accessory mounts.
Endurance comfort
Bikepack-friendly mounts
Touring grin
Comfort-focused carbon frameset engineered for long gravel rides and bikepacking.
Generous tire clearance (up to 48mm) plus abundant rack, fender and accessory mounts.
$3200-4800 CAD
Trek Checkpoint SL Frameset
The Trek Checkpoint SL strikes a balanced mix of comfort, capability and broad component compatibility, with stable handling and generous tyre clearance geared toward long-distance allroad use and gravel touring. Compared with the boutique options here it stands out for its dealer support, ease of service and strong resale potential—making it the most serviceable, long-term choice for riders building a dependable allroad rig.
IsoSpeed comfort
Massive tire clearance
IsoSpeed comfort
Massive tire clearance
Review Summary
"The Trek Checkpoint SL frameset is frequently described as a very versatile, stable gravel platform with excellent tire clearance and practical mounting points, favored for mixed-terrain and loaded rides. Some riders note it’s a touch heavier and slightly less lively than pure race-focused frames, but generally reliable and well-rounded."
Integrated stash smile
Balanced carbon frameset combining stability, comfort and efficient pedaling
Integrated stash smile
Balanced carbon frameset combining stability, comfort and efficient pedaling
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Trek Checkpoint SL strikes a balanced mix of comfort, capability and broad component compatibility, with stable handling and generous tyre clearance geared toward long-distance allroad use and gravel touring. Compared with the boutique options here it stands out for its dealer support, ease of service and strong resale potential—making it the most serviceable, long-term choice for riders building a dependable allroad rig.
IsoSpeed comfort
Massive tire clearance
Integrated stash smile
Balanced carbon frameset combining stability, comfort and efficient pedaling
Room for wide tires up to 45mm and easy switch to 650b wheels for more volume.
IsoSpeed comfort
Massive tire clearance
Integrated stash smile
Balanced carbon frameset combining stability, comfort and efficient pedaling
Room for wide tires up to 45mm and easy switch to 650b wheels for more volume.
$3200-4500 CAD