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2020 Specialized

CruX Elite

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
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
CruX Elite
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

35 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews

Summary

The Specialized Crux is celebrated for its lightweight design, aggressive geometry, and versatility across cyclocross and gravel riding. Reviews highlight its race-ready performance, with particular praise for its handling and climbing efficiency. While some models are noted for their high cost and lack of mounting points, the Crux consistently delivers a responsive and enjoyable ride.

Pros
  • Lightweight FACT 11r carbon frame

  • Race-ready geometry

  • Versatile for cyclocross and gravel riding

  • Excellent handling and climbing efficiency

  • High-quality components and finishing kit

Cons
  • Expensive

  • Lack of mounting points

  • Some models could be lighter

  • Tubeless setup issues with certain wheels

  • Requires more focus to handle off-road

Key Quotes
Specialized has listened to its pro riders and absolutely nailed what a cyclocross race bike should be.
Bikerumor logoBikerumor
The Crux skims over rough terrain like a flat stone skipping across the ocean.
Cyclist logoCyclist
The S-Works Crux is a ruthless distillation of performance gravel.
Velo logoVelo

Feedback?

View all reviews

The Gear Loop
Specialized S-Works Crux review

Nov 2021 · Leon Poultney

Tipping the scales at just 7.25kg, Specialized says its latest Crux is the lightest gravel bike in the world, but can it justify its £10,750/$12,000

Highs
  • The lightest gravel bike out there

  • Phenomenal drivetrain

  • Nimble handling

  • A capable climber

Lows
  • That price

  • Too nice to smash around trails?

  • Lack of mounting points

Read Review

Velo
Big-ride review: Specialized S-Works Crux gravel bike

Oct 2021 · Ben Delaney

This sub-16-pound dirt race rig is exceptional for going up fast, but don't look for bells, whistles, or storage here.

Read Review

Bicycling
The Specialized CruX E5 Sport Is A Low-Cost Cyclocross Bike With High-End Chops

Oct 2019

Don't write off the aluminum frame: This could be your next race bike.

Highs
  • Aluminum frame

  • Carbon fork

  • Race-ready geometry

Lows
  • Some riders may prefer thru-axles

  • Tires are good for cinder paths but lack adequate tread for cyclocross

Read Review

road.cc
Specialized CruX Elite

Nov 2018 · David Arthur @davearthur

Fantastic handling and performance and stunning paint job, but let down by weight and spec

Read Review

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 …

Read Review

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

BikeRadar
2018 Specialized Crux Elite 1X review

Oct 2017 · Thomas McDaniel

With amazing acceleration and brilliant handling the new Crux is the epitome of ’cross racing. Buy if you prioritize acceleration and lightweight for ‘cross racing

Highs
  • Acceleration, balanced handling, superb cable management, cockpit comfort, grippy tires, carry comfort

Lows
  • Brake cable routing is a bit tight, stretch out the front end for an unbeatable race rig

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

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

BB StandardBB30, Press Fit

Fork

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

Bottom Bracket

Praxis M30

Stem

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

Handlebar

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

Saddle

Body Geometry Phenom Comp, hollow Cr-Mo rails, 143mm

Seatpost

S-Works FACT carbon 27.2mm, 20mm offset

TypeRigid

Pedals

Nylon, 105x78x28mm, loose ball w/ reflectors

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM Rival 1, long cage

Crank

Praxis Zayante, BB30, Praxis Wave Tech, 40T

Shifters

SRAM Rival 1 hydraulic disc w/ ICJ

Cassette

SRAM PG-1130, 11-32t

Chain

KMC X11 EL, 11-speed w/ Missing Link™

Brakes

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

TypeSRAM Rival Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Front: DT R470 Disc, sealed cartridge hubs, 14g spokes, 24h, Rear: DT R470 Disc, sealed cartridge hubs, 14g spokes, 24h

Tires

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

Rider Notes
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First added March 27

Last updated September 22

Not listed for 2,080 days