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Today’s Deals2012 Specialized
CruX Elite
An aluminum frame gravel bike with mid-range components and tektro rim brakes.
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| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Rigid |
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 9 |
| Groupset | Sora |
| Brakes | Tektro Rim |
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.
Lightweight carbon frame
Aggressive, race-ready geometry
Excellent tire clearance
Internal cabling for emerging technologies
Stable and precise handling
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
The disc brakes certainly allow a bit more confidence riding such ‘roads’, gravelly running paths or even light singletrack compared to my personal Crux.
BikerumorSpecialized call this new carbon Crux a 'Tarmac for dirt'.
BikeRadarIt’s not a cross-breed, it’s a cross thoroughbred.
Cycling WeeklyFeedback?
View all reviews
Oct 2013 · Logan VonBokel
The American cyclocross rider is using a pink bike in October to support breast cancer awareness
Aug 2013 · Warren Rossiter
Impressive chassis and superb brakes, with mid-level components making it one for upgrades
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. ...
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 …
Nov 2010 · Nick Legan
Todd Wells is riding the second prototype of what eventually will be a new carbon fiber Crux
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."
Oct 2010 · James Huang
Aggressive looks, tepid personality
| 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 Standard: BB30, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| 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, 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 Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | Nylon flat test ride, loose ball, w/ reflectors |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Sora |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Sora |
| Crank | FSA Omega compact BB30 ST |
| Shifters | Shimano Sora STI, 9-speed |
| Cassette | Shimano HG-50, 9-speed, 12-27t |
| Chain | KMC X9 nickel plate, reusable Missing Link |
| Brakes | Front: Tektro CR-720 wide canti, Rear: Tektro CR-720, wide canti Type: Tektro Rim |
| Rims | Front: DT Axis 1.0, Rear: DT Axis 1.0 |
|---|---|
| Tires | Front: Specialized Tracer Sport, 60 TPI, wire bead, 700x33c, Rear: Specialized Tracer Sport, 60 TPI, wire bead, 700x33c |
First added July 9
Last updated July 9
Not listed for 2,521 days