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2018 Specialized

CruX Elite X1

A carbon frame cyclocross bike with upper mid-range components and sram rival hydraulic disc brakes.
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Manufacturer Price

$3,200
FrameCarbon
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 11
GroupsetRival
BrakesSRAM Rival Hydraulic Disc
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
CruX Elite 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 Elite X1

35 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews

Summary

The Specialized CruX is a versatile cyclocross bike praised for its race-ready geometry and handling, with models ranging from budget-friendly to high-end carbon builds. It excels in sharp steering and stability across varied terrain, though some versions may lack in weight or component spec compared to rivals. The bike's ability to double as a commuter or race machine is frequently highlighted, alongside its comfortable ride quality and efficient power transfer.

Pros
  • Race-ready geometry

  • Sharp, crisp steering

  • Versatile for cyclocross and commuting

  • Comfortable ride quality

  • Efficient power transfer

Cons
  • Some models are heavier

  • Component spec may not match rivals

  • Tubeless setup issues on certain wheelsets

Key Quotes
Race-ready for less than 2K.
Bicycling
Specialized has listened to its pro riders and absolutely nailed what a cyclocross race bike should be.
Bikerumor logoBikerumor
Fantastic handling and performance and stunning paint job, but let down by weight and spec
road.cc logoroad.cc

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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 Elite 1x review

Oct 2017 · Joseph Delves

Light, fast, rowdy, the Crux is a proper race bike that’s still supremely rideable day to day

Highs
  • Fantastically easy riding modern cross bike

Lows
  • Perhaps a little pricey

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

Read Review

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

Read Review

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

FACT 11r carbon, Rider-First Engineered™, 1-3/8"" lower bearing, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat mount disc, OSBB

BB StandardBB30, 68mm, Press Fit

Fork

S-Works FACT 11r carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle

Bottom Bracket

SRAM BB30, 68mm, no spacer

Stem

Specialized, 3D forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise

Handlebar

Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp

Saddle

Body Geometry Phenom Comp, Adaptive Edge design, Hollow Cr-Mo rails, 143mm

Seatpost

Alloy, 2-bolt clamp

TypeRigid

Pedals

Nylon, 105x78x28mm, loose balls w/ reflectors

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM Rival 1, mid cage

Crank

SRAM Rival 1, Alloy, 40T

Shifters

SRAM Rival 1, 11-speed

Cassette

SRAM PG-1130, 11-32t

Chain

SRAM PC-1130, w/ PowerLink

Brakes

Front: SRAM Rival 1, hydraulic disc, Rear: SRAM Rival 1, hydraulic disc

TypeSRAM Rival Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Front: Roval SLX 24 Disc, sealed cartridge hubs, DT Swiss Competition spokes, 24h, Rear: Roval SLX 24 Disc, sealed cartridge hubs, DT Swiss Competition spokes, 24h

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

Not listed for 2,406 days