Specialized Crux Review
- Price Range: £2,999.00 - £8,249.00
- Discipline: Cyclocross
- Usage: Cyclocross racing
- Aluminium and Carbon models
- Dedicated Cyclocross race bike
- Hydraulic Disc brakes on all models
- No mudguard or rack mounts
- S-Works is only model with Shimano groupset
- No subtle colours
2020 Update
The geometry remains the same for 2020, the Crux now has 3 models in the range, all feature 1x drivetrains with carbon frame and fork.
Updated: 3rd January 2020
Overview
The Specialized CruX is an already well-established Cyclocross race bike with world championship winning pedigree. Revamped For 2019 the whole range includes some amazing vibrant paint jobs; the neon fades are back!. The CruX is a thoroughbred racer. Aggressive angles and componentry complement the bikes race winning intentions. The new range includes one aluminium and three carbon fibre models. All bikes are running 1x11 drivetrains committing it to being an out and out race machine.
The new Crux is lighter than last year, and more race focused than ever before. The new range has no mudguard or rack mounts, it’s all about pure speed and manoeuvrability. With full internal cable routing and a tapered head tube. A redesigned top tube made to be easy to throw on your shoulder. The paint is hydrophobic, which helps shed mud and water.
The Sport model has a lightweight aluminium frame/carbon fork combination with quick release hub spacing. All other models feature a full carbon frame and fork. All the carbon framed versions of this bike use the same high-grade FACT 11r carbon as the S-works model.
Specialized has also applied its Rider-First Engineering technology to the CruX, so each size frame is specifically tuned with the carbon fibre layup and tube profiles refined for different height and weight riders
bespokecycling.com
There’s
all the range you need for a typical cyclocross course;
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This year Specialized commit to 1x drivetrains on every model. Keeping the drivetrain simple and lightweight. The mountain bike community has been using 1x drivetrains for some time. Proving that the narrow/wide chainrings make a dropped chain rare and keep working even when caked in mud. No front derailleur or front shifter has an obvious maintenance advantage.
Hydraulic disc brakes on all models is a huge benefit. The ability to have amazing stopping power when riding up on the hoods is very welcome. 11 speed Sram Apex on the entry level Sport model. Going through Sram Rival, Sram Force and finally a mix of Shimano Dura-ace and XTR Di2 on the top of the range S-works model.
All the bikes have the excellent Tracer tyre from Specialized. Proven on the race circuit to roll fast and grip hard when it’s needed. The sport model features an Axis wheelset, excellent and well respected DT swiss wheelsets on the Elite model. The Expert model features Roval carbon rims, with Roval deep-dish carbon on the S-Works model.
Quick release on the Sport model with all others featuring a stiff bolt through 12mm axle up front and 12x142 on the back.
A box ready race machine eager for the season ahead. The componentry and drivetrain choice compliment the bikes intentions very well. Once accustom to the aggressive angles then this bike will easily handle any longer rides off grid. Fitted with some slick tyres it would be no slow coach on the road. More versatile than you might think the new 2019 Crux is an out and out weapon of a bike.
