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Today’s Deals2026 Specialized
Crux DSW
An aluminum frame gravel bike with upper mid-range components and hydraulic disc brakes.
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Manufacturer Price
€2,699($3,140)| Weight | 20.8 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Suspension | Rigid |
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | Apex XPLR |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.
Compare the full Crux model range
View Comparison5'1" – 5'5"
5'3" – 5'7"
5'5" – 5'9"
5'7" – 6'0"
5'10" – 6'2"
6'0" – 6'4"
🐐 Estimated
None yet.
Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes.
Summary
The Specialized Crux is celebrated for its lightweight frame and versatility across gravel and cyclocross disciplines, offering a responsive and lively ride. While the frame receives high praise, some builds are critiqued for component choices that don't match the frame's quality. The bike's geometry and handling are well-regarded, though comfort can vary with the build.
Lightweight frame, either alloy or carbon, offering excellent comfort and performance
Versatile for both gravel and cyclocross racing
Responsive and lively ride quality
Good tyre clearance and future-proof frameset design
High-quality components on higher-end builds
Component specs on some builds don't match the frame's quality
Comfort can be compromised by stock components like alloy seatposts
Some builds are considered overpriced for the components offered
Stock tyres may not perform well in all conditions
Toe overlap in smaller sizes with larger tyres
The alloy frame is hardly noticeable on the trails, open roads, and gravel-heavy sections.
BikerumorThe Crux DSW brings things back to a simpler, and arguably better time of bike ownership.
Escape CollectiveThe frame is what made this bike a joy to ride.
off.road.ccdoesn’t shy away from any discipline, competing in cyclocross, gravel, mountain, and road.
VeloNewsFeedback?
View all reviews
May 2026 · Jack Evans
The new Specialized Crux has been likened to a gravel Tarmac with good reason. Gone are the previous generation's round
More aero
Nearly as light
Wider tyre clearance
More suitable gravel geometry
Expensive
Lively ride and handling
May 2026 · Jan Fock
First ride review of the new Specialized S-Works Crux 2026: how good is the first aero gravel racer from Specialized?
Playful handling
Direct acceleration on climbs thanks to the low weight and high stiffness
Ergonomic and comfortable cockpit
Loads of clearance for wide tires
Beautifully detailed paint finish
Undersized stock chainring
No affordable frameset option
May 2026
A sensible build slightly hamstrung by too-wide bars and mechanical SRAM, but an enjoyable multi-surface machine nonetheless.
High quality alloy frame
No gimmicks and simple frame features make it a versatile platform
Fantastic geo, on and off road
Hassle free maintenance
Basic wheels
Stock wide bars don’t match the race focused geometry
1x gearing feels restrictive at higher speeds
Jul 2025 · Warren Rossiter
The Crux DSW is an affordable, racy gravel bike that's cyclocross-ready
Very very light
Great drivetrain
Fun challenging ride
More of a cyclocross bike than an out and out gravel bike
Can be a handful on technical terrain
Firm ride
Nov 2024 · Jordan Villella
Specialized Crux DSW Comp is nice, but the build makes us wonder if choosing your components and building from the frameset up is better.
Nov 2024 · Dave Rome
Specialized’s latest aluminium race bike for gravel, all-road, and cyclocross endeavours.
Incredibly simple to work on and maintain
A frame worth upgrading with easy and wide-open part compatibility
Good tyre clearance
Well-balanced geometry for racing purposes
SRAM Apex mechanical does the trick.
A little stack height would broaden its appeal
Cut-outs at bottom bracket let dirt into the frame
Stock components lead to a stiff ride
The one complete bike option doesn’t represent stellar value
Crummy headset
Toe overlap in smaller sizes with bigger tyres.
Aug 2024
Sharing geometry with the popular carbon Cruz, Specialized relaunches an aluminum Crux returns with a "less is more" attitude.
Jun 2024 · Alvin Holbrook
The Crux DSW is an aluminum gravel bike that rivals carbon on weight and performance? What's the catch? Not a whole lot, based on our review.
| Frame | Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum Disc frame with D''''''''''''''''Aluisio Smartweld Technology, hydroformed aluminum tubing, tapered head tube, threaded BB, UDH dropout BB Standard: BSA, 68mm, Threaded Hanger Standard: UDH Colors: Emerald Metallic / Fjord Metallic; Shadow Silver / California Sunshine |
|---|---|
| Fork | S-Works FACT Carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB BSA 68 Wide |
| Stem | Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise |
| Handlebar | Specialized Adventure Gear, 118.9mm drop x 70mm reach x 12º flare |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails |
| Seatpost | Alloy, 2-bolt Clamp, 12mm offset, 27.2mm, anti-corrosion hardware Type: Rigid |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Apex XPLR, mechanical, 12-speed |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM Apex DUB Wide, 40t |
| Shifters | SRAM Apex |
| Cassette | SRAM APEX XPLR, 12sp, 11-44T |
| Chain | SRAM Apex D1 |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc Type: Hydraulic Disc |
| Tires | Pathfinder 700x40, Tubeless Ready |
|---|
First added September 1
Last updated June 4