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2012 Specialized

CruX Comp Disc

An aluminum frame gravel bike with mid-range components and avid mechanical disc brakes.
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FrameAluminum
SuspensionRigid
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 10
GroupsetTiagra
BrakesAvid Mechanical Disc
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
CruX Comp Disc
Other Gravel bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

33 mph

CruX Comp Disc

36 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews

Summary

The Specialized Crux is a versatile gravel bike praised for its lightweight carbon frame, aggressive geometry, and race-ready design. It offers excellent tire clearance and internal cabling for emerging technologies, though some models suffer from stiff stock wheels and mechanical brakes with poor modulation. The bike's handling is stable and precise, making it a favorite for competitive riders, but comfort can vary depending on the build.

Pros
  • Lightweight carbon frame

  • Aggressive, race-ready geometry

  • Excellent tire clearance

  • Internal cabling for emerging technologies

  • Stable and precise handling

Cons
  • Stiff stock wheels lead to a harsh ride

  • Mechanical brakes lack modulation

  • Comfort varies by build

  • Some models have heavy components

  • Toe overlap issues in early prototypes

Key Quotes
The disc brakes certainly allow a bit more confidence riding such ‘roads’, gravelly running paths or even light singletrack compared to my personal Crux.
Bikerumor logoBikerumor
Specialized call this new carbon Crux a 'Tarmac for dirt'.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
It’s not a cross-breed, it’s a cross thoroughbred.
Cycling Weekly logoCycling Weekly

Feedback?

View all reviews

Velo
Pro Bike Gallery: Meredith Miller’s pink Specialized S-Works Crux

Oct 2013 · Logan VonBokel

The American cyclocross rider is using a pink bike in October to support breast cancer awareness

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CX Magazine
Cyclocross Bike Profile: 2013 Specialized Crux Pro - Cyclocross Magazine - Cyclocross and Gravel News, Races, Bikes, Media

Mar 2013 · Cyclocross Magazine

Advertisement Our late 2012 issue of Cyclocross Magazine, Issue 19, boasted more bike reviews than we’ve ever had before. Among these was the Specialized Crux. ...

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BikeRadar
Specialized Crux Expert Carbon Disc - First ride review

Jul 2012 · Matt Pacocha

Light and nimble, the bike improves upon all of our criticisms of the E5 alloy model

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Bikerumor
Long Term Review: Specialized Crux Comp Disc Apex Cyclocross Bike

May 2012 · Staff

We had the Specialized Crux Comp Disc Apex for six months spread amongst three riders. While I had the bike, I put in 2-5 rides per week ranging from short tabata interval workouts to indoor trainer riding to 5 hour endurance gravel road rides.  As a disclaimer, I work at a Specialized Dealer and built …

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VeloNews
Todd Wells’ prototype Specialized Crux cyclocross bike

Nov 2010 · Nick Legan

Todd Wells is riding the second prototype of what eventually will be a new carbon fiber Crux

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Cycling Weekly
group test: Specialized Crux Elite £999.99

Nov 2010 · Jclarkson

12th November 2010 "Evidently, this is very much the racer of the bunch. If you wanted to use it as a commuting and training bike, with a set of slick tyres it’ll certainly hold its own amongst the roadies, but there are few concessions to long-distance comfort."

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Cycling News
Specialized CruX Pro Carbon | Cyclingnews.com

Oct 2010 · James Huang

Aggressive looks, tepid personality

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Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Specialized E5 aluminum, fully manipulated tubing, smooth weld, semi-compact race design, shaped TT, integrated headset, 1-1/2"" lower bearing, internal cable routing, OSBB

BB StandardBB30, Press Fit

Fork

Specialized FACT carbon, 1-1/2"" lower bearing, disc only

Bottom Bracket

With crankset

Headset

1-1/8"" upper and 1-1/2"" lower Cr-Mo cartridge bearings integrated, w/ headset, 20mm cone spacer, w/ 20mm of spacers

Stem

Specialized EliteSet, 3D forged alloy, 12-degree, 4-position adjustable, 4-bolt, 31.8mm clamp

Handlebar

Specialized CX Comp, alloy, short drop

Saddle

Body Geometry Phenom Comp, hollow Cr-Mo rails

Seatpost

Specialized Sport, alloy, 27.2mm

TypeRigid

Pedals

Nylon flat test ride, loose ball, w/ reflectors

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

New Shimano Tiagra 10-speed

Front Derailleur

New Shimano Tiagra 10-speed

Crank

FSA Omega compact BB30 ST

Shifters

New Shimano Tiagra STI 10-speed

Cassette

New Shimano Tiagra, 10-speed, 12-28t

Chain

New Shimano Tiagra 10-speed

Brakes

Front: Avid BB5 disc, 160mm, Rear: Avid BB5 disc, 140mm

TypeAvid Mechanical Disc

Brake Levers

SRAM Rival

Wheels
Rims

Alex S480, 32h

Spokes

Stainless 14g

Front Hub

Forged alloy Disc hub, 32h

Rear Hub

Forged aluminum Disc hub, double sealed ball bearings, cassette, QR, 32h

Tires

Front: Specialized Tracer Sport, 60 TPI, wire bead, 700x33c, Rear: Specialized Tracer Sport, 60 TPI, wire bead, 700x33c

Rider Notes
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First added July 9

Last updated July 9

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