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2012 Specialized

CruX E5 OSBB Frameset

An aluminum frame gravel frameset.

FrameAluminum
SuspensionRigid
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c
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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

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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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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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BikeRadar
Specialized CruX E5 Disc frameset review

Dec 2011 · Matt Pacocha

One of the best disc-equipped cyclo-cross bikes available; slightly heavy but very well priced

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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

Fork

Specialized FACT carbon legs, alloy steerer, 1-1/2"" lower bearing

Bottom Bracket

OS integrated, sealed bearings

Headset

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

Seatpost

Specialized Sport, alloy, 27.2mm

TypeRigid

Rider Notes
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First added July 9

Last updated July 9

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