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2017 Specialized

CruX Expert X1

A carbon frame cyclocross bike with high-end components and sram force hydraulic disc brakes.
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FrameCarbon
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 11
GroupsetForce
BrakesSRAM Force Hydraulic Disc
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
CruX Expert X1
Other Cyclocross 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)

31 mph

CruX Expert X1

35 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews

Summary

The Specialized Crux is a stiff, responsive cyclocross bike designed for racing, with excellent power transfer and stable handling across various terrains. It features a comfortable shoulder-friendly design and modern specs like internal cable routing and tubeless-ready wheels, though some builds may feel harsh or heavy. Overall, it offers great value and is well-suited for competitive riding and winter training.

Pros
  • Stiff and responsive frame for excellent power transfer

  • Comfortable and easy to shoulder design

  • Stable and agile handling suitable for various terrains

  • Good value with competitive pricing and dependable components

Cons
  • Ride can be harsh or lack comfort for some riders

  • Fairly heavy, with potential for lighter upgrades

  • Tires may not perform well in deep mud conditions

Key Quotes
Essentially, ready to race out of the box, Specialized has offered savings only where necessary.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
With a frame based on the Tarmac, it’s no surprise that the Crux is an excellent ride.
Cycling Weekly logoCycling Weekly
The curved, flattened top tube is probably the most comfortable to have on your shoulder of all the bikes here.
Cyclist logoCyclist

Feedback?

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Bikerumor
Review: Specialized CruX Expert X1 cyclocross bike is a purebred race machine

Jan 2018 · Tyler Benedict

The 2018 Specialized CruX cyclocross bike launched this summer with an all-new, race-focused frameset and a range of complete bike builds to suit most any budget. We got our hands on the CruX Expert X1 just in time for the NCCX series and threw it into the mix of test bikes. Actually, this was the …

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Cyclist
Specialized CruX Sport E5 review

Dec 2017 · Marc Abbott

Specialized's perennial cyclocross performer has been updated and it's more versatile than ever

Read Review

Velo
Specialized Crux Expert X1

Oct 2017 · Kristen Legan

The Specialized Crux Expert X1 is one of the best cyclocross bikes this season.

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Cycling Weekly
Specialized CruX Expert X1

Nov 2016 · Paul Norman

The CruX Expert X1 is towards the top end of Specialized's cyclocross bike line-up. We've put it through its paces.

Highs
  • Well-balanced handling

  • Modern cyclocross spec

  • Single ring groupset has excellent chain retention

Lows
  • Expensive

  • Limited options to extend the gear range

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Bicycling
Tested: Specialized's Crux Expert X1 Has No Limits

Dec 2015 · Taylor Rojek

A cyclocross racing bike that can handle everything

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road.cc
Specialized Crux Elite X1

Oct 2015 · David Arthur @davearthur

A brilliant cyclo-cross bike that is fast and fun to ride and ideal for racing

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BikeRadar
Specialized CruX Elite X1 review

Oct 2015 · Josh Patterson

A solid and likeable cyclocross option, but Specialized's infuriating decision-making over rear thru-axle size limits its versatility for the moment at least

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Cycling Tips
Specialized Crux Pro review

May 2015

Before the ride For this review, I enjoyed a full custom build courtesy of Campagnolo. Starting with a 2013 Crux Pro carbon frameset, an 11-speed Chorus groupset with Campy’s CX cantilever brakes and CX Power Torque carbon cranks were added with Bora Ultra 35 carbon tubulars. The remainder of the parts were supplied

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Specialized FACT 10r carbon, 142mm thru-axle, 1-3/8"" lower bearing, disc mount, OSBB

BB StandardBB30, 83mm, Press Fit

Fork

CruX carbon disc, thru-axle

Bottom Bracket

SRAM BB30, 83mm

Stem

3D-forged alloy, 7-degree rise

Handlebar

Specialized Shallow Drop, alloy, 125mm drop, 70mm short-reach

Saddle

Phenom Expert, Adaptive Edge design, hollow titanium rails, 143mm

Seatpost

Specialized CG-R, FACT carbon, single bolt, 27.2mm

TypeRigid

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM Force 1, medium cage, 11-speed

Crank

SRAM Force 1, SRAM X-Sync, 40T

Shifters

SRAM Force, 11-speed, hydraulic disc

Cassette

SRAM PG-1170, 11-speed, 11-32t

Chain

SRAM PC-1170, 11-speed

Brakes

Front: SRAM Force Hydraulic disc, Rear: SRAM Force Hydraulic disc

TypeSRAM Force Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Front: DT R460 Disc Pro, thru-axle, Rear: DT R460 Disc Pro, thru-axle

Tires

Front: Terra Pro 2Bliss Ready, 700x33mm, Rear: Terra Pro 2Bliss Ready, 700x33mm

Rider Notes
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First added November 6

Last updated November 6

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