Specialized Crux
The Quiver-Killer: An indomitable force on- and off-road
A race-day favorite of gravel pros, the Specialized Crux is an indomitable force on- and off-road. With wide tire clearance, performance gravel geometry, and a lightweight frame, this bike is extremely capable. If you want a bike that can truly do it all, it doesn’t get much better than the Crux.
Cyclocross Legacy
The original Crux was designed for the rigors of cyclocross racing, with road-like geometry tailored to navigating sharp corners and narrow chicanes. In 2022, Specialized redesigned the Crux to better suit the needs of modern gravel racers – the wheelbase got longer and the tire clearance increased. Not nearly as “slacked out” as the more progressive Specialized Diverge, the Crux carefully rides the thin line between gravel and all-road disciplines.
Aethos Inspired
There are many similarities between the Aethos – Specialized's ultralight road frame – and the Crux. You can see really the inspiration in the seatstays, visible front-end cable routing, classic seatpost collar, and threaded bottom bracket. Like the Aethos, the Crux is incredibly light – with a 56cm frame coming it at around 725g (excluding the fork). Though unlike the Aethos, the Crux’s geometry is slacker and the headtube is higher – a better configuration for gravel.
Ample Tire Clearance
Capable of riding over nearly any terrain, the Crux can clear a whopping 700 x 47mm tire. This gives you the choice of nearly any gravel tire – whether you want treads, slicks, or something in between. For even chunkier terrain, you can use a 650b wheelset with up to 2.1” mountain bike tires.
One bike for everything
If you’re looking for one bike that can handle road, gravel, and even a bit of singletrack – the Crux is the ticket. We’ve seen Crux’s equipped with all kinds of gear – from carbon aero bars and slick road tires to MTB dropper posts and suspension forks. This bike is perfect for anyone looking to keep it simple and just have one bike that can be used regardless of the terrain.
Wheelset Tip:
Many riders who use their Crux for everything will purchase a second wheelset (along with an extra cassette and rotors). That way one wheelset can be set up with slick tires for road and the second wheelset can have some larger volume tires for gravel.
Popular Modifications
2x
At the time of this article, all stock Crux builds come with a 1x drivetrain; however, the Crux frame also includes braze-on mounts for a front derailleur. If you’re looking to run a double chainring on the Crux, you might consider starting out with a frameset and building up from there. Unfortunately for Shimano fans, the Crux doesn’t have a port for a front derailleur cable - so wireless SRAM AXS is the only 2x option for the Crux.
Suspension Fork
With a standard tapered steerer tube, the Crux is compatible with a variety of gravel bike suspension forks including those from Fox Suspension, Rockshox, and Cane Creek. A suspension fork is a great way to increase Crux’s capacity on rough terrain.
Dropper Post
A dropper is the easiest way to extend the trail-taming capacity of a Crux. With a 27.2mm seatpost diameter, there are a multitude of dropper post options for the Crux – and even some wireless options. For cable-actuated droppers, the cable can be routed through a port on the top side of the downtube.
Crux Build Options
S-Works
$12,250
12r Carbon
Roval Terra CLX
SRAM Red AXS XPLR
Roval Terra Carbon Handlebars
S-Works SL Alloy Stem
Roval Alpinist Carbon Seatpost
S-Works Power (Carbon Rails/Carbon Shell)
7.28 kg
Pro
$8,200
10r Carbon
Roval Terra CL
SRAM Force AXS XPLR
Roval Terra Carbon Handlebars
Specialized Pro SL Alloy Stem
Roval Terra Carbon Seatpost
Power Pro (Titanium Rails/Carbon Shell)
7.66 kg
Expert
$6,200
10r Carbon
Roval Terra C
SRAM Rival AXS XPLR
Specialized Alloy Handlebars
Specialized Pro SL Alloy Stem
Roval Terra Carbon Seatpost
Power Expert (Titanium Rails/Composite Shell)
8.16 kg
Comp
$4,000
10r Carbon
DT Swiss G540 (Aluminum Rims)
Shimano GRX Mechanical or SRAM Rival Mechanical
Specialized Alloy Handlebars
Specialized 3D-Forged Alloy Stem
Roval Terra Carbon Seatpost
Specialized Power Sport (Steel Rails)
DSW Comp
$2,600
E5 Alloy Frame w/ D’Aluisio Smartweld Technology (DSW), FACT Carbon Fork
DT Swiss G540 (Aluminum Rims)
SRAM APEX Mechanical (12 Speed)
Specialized Adventure Gear Bars
Specialized 3D-Forged Alloy Stem
Specialized Alloy Seatpost
Specialized Power Sport (Steel Rails)
9.37 kg
S-Works Frameset
$5,000
12r Carbon
Alpinist Carbon
1500g (w/ Seatpost)
Specialized Framset
$3,200
10r Carbon
Sold Separately
1430g (No Seatpost)
DSW Frameset
$1,700
E5 Alloy Frame w/ D’Aluisio Smartweld Technology (DSW), FACT Carbon Fork
Sold Separately
1980g (No Seatpost)
Carbon Layups – Specialized vs S-Works
There are two versions of the Crux’s carbon frame – the S-Works version made with a lightweight 12r carbon layup and the Pro/Expert/Comp with heavier grade 10r carbon. The difference between the layups tends to be around 100g (with some variation based on frame size). Both frames are otherwise identical. Some riders actually prefer the heavier 10r version because of its added durability.
For the best value, the Crux DSW offers the same geometry, but with alloy construction.
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