My New Gravel Bike, the ARI 2.0
Specs for the ARI Shafer 2.0
Frame:
Ari Shafer Gravel Frameset - MonoForm™ CleanCast™ Carbon, 12x142 rear 12x100 front thru axles. UDH derailleur hanger. Max tire clearance 50c. Gravel Bike Standard
Fork:
Ari Racing Design Gravel Disc, 12mm thru-axle, Carbon fiber design with Road-Damping Technology, Full carbon construction, carbon tapered steerer tube, 50c tire clearance, 50mm offset, 1 1/8-1.5 taper, internal routing
Drivetrain:
SRAM Rival/GX Transmission eTap AXS XPLR 1x12 (40T, 10-52T) 170mm cranks
Wheels:
DT Swiss G 1800
Brakes:
SRAM Rival, Hydraulic Disc Brake
Seatpost:
Ari Carbon 27.2
Interested in an ARI bike? Check them out here: ARI Bikes
My reviews are impartial and unsponsored.
My New Ride: The Ari Shafer 2.0
I’ve officially leveled up my gravel game with the arrival of my new Ari Shafer 2.0, and I couldn't be more excited to hit the trails. Dressed in a stunning "Fog Grey" finish, this bike looks as fast as it feels. Moreover, the sleek MonoForm™ CleanCast™ carbon frame isn't just about aesthetics; it’s incredibly lightweight and stiff, which gives me immediate responsiveness whether I'm grinding up a steep fire road or sprinting on the flats. All in all, it’s the perfect blend of modern engineering and rugged capability, designed to handle everything from smooth tarmac to the roughest backcountry routes I can find.
Rival eTap Transmission
The real game-changer, however, is the drivetrain. Specifically, I’m running a 12-speed setup paired with a massive 10-52T cassette, which gives me an incredible 520% gear range. That means I have a gear for literally every situation—whether I'm tackling a vertical wall of a climb or powering down a descent. Furthermore, the shifting is crisp and precise, letting me focus entirely on the ride without worrying about finding the right cadence. Consequently, it feels empowering to know that no matter what the terrain throws at me, I have the mechanical advantage to conquer it.
Freedom to Roam
For me, this bike represents total freedom. With its generous 50c tire clearance and vibration-damping carbon construction, the Shafer 2.0 eats up miles of mixed terrain without beating me up. Additionally, it’s versatile enough for my daily training rides yet robust enough for multi-day bikepacking adventures. As a result, I’m ready to push my limits, explore new paths, and get a little dust on that beautiful Fog Grey paint. Without a doubt, the adventure starts now.
As an over-the-road truck driver, I spend countless hours behind the wheel and away from wide-open trails. Therefore, hopping on my Shafer 2.0 means swapping highways for gravel paths and finding a whole new sense of balance after a long haul. In the end, the freedom I enjoy on the bike is a perfect counterpoint to life on the road—it lets me unwind, reconnect with nature, and pursue adventure on my own terms, wherever my next stop might be.
More Info Coming
I’ll share more photos once I’ve hit the road and truly put this bike through its paces. In addition, along with those images, I’ll be providing a detailed review of its performance, including my thoughts on the Rival transmission and the other individual components. Stay tuned!
