Test Specialized Crux Pro: The slim lightweight is just as much a thoroughbred cyclocross racing machine as it is an off-road gravel bike with plenty of tire clearance. Extremely powerful, it impresses with perfect driving characteristics - and is also available in cheaper versions than the Crux Pro with SRAM Force and carbon wheelset.
“Gravelbikes killed the Cyclocross Star,” one could sing based on the 1979 hit, but fortunately not everyone will join in this chorus. Not the hundreds of athletes who, like every autumn and winter, compete on the courses of racing series such as the NRW Cross Cup. And not all bike manufacturers either - there are still some that have specialized cyclocross bikes and haven't completely succumbed to gravel fever.
Specialized Crux Pro: Aggressive crosser with plenty of tire clearance
Specialized is one such case. With the Diverge and the softtail Diverge STR, the US provider has a lot to offer in terms of gravel, and the inexpensive aluminum models Diverge E5 are also available. But there is also the Specialized Crux, the brand's traditional cross-country racer. And with its current version, Specialized has landed a double blow: On the one hand, the Crux has become an even more aggressive cross bike, but on the other hand it is perfect as an extremely sporty gravel race bike.
Specialized Crux: Subtly optimized geometry
How is that possible? Specialized has made subtle geometry changes that make the riding position on the Crux even sportier. Depending on the frame height, the head tube is now up to 1 cm shorter, and the reach has grown by up to 1 cm. The seat angle has become slightly steeper on the larger frames; the already rather steep steering angle has not changed.
This is the cross side of the Specialized Crux. The gravel side is expressed in a slightly larger wheelbase - and in noticeably greater tire clearance. 45 or even 47 mm wide tires fit easily through the frame and fork without being tight anywhere; the old Crux stopped at 40 mm. Many modern carbon crossers capitulate much earlier and can therefore only be used for “gravel light”. That's not the crux of the matter: His specialty is off-road use at high speeds, and anyone who sees gravel riding as a racing sport is perfectly equipped with the super-light bike.
Super light and powerful
The Crux Pro weighs less than 7,6 kilos without pedals, although it is of course very well equipped. The Roval wheelset remains tubeless under 3,3 kilos, and the frame is specified by the manufacturer as 825 grams. Its graceful appearance doesn't necessarily indicate extreme stiffness, but in practice the Specialized impresses with rocket-like propulsion. It is extremely handy and agile and can be accelerated easily - no comparison to trail-oriented gravel bikes with a super flat steering angle and upright sitting position.
High-quality attachments
The slim old-school look with BSA bottom bracket housing is matched by external brake lines on the cockpit, but they are very practical. The slightly longer reach of the new Crux is compensated for by a stem that is 10 mm shorter, and if you want to use the bike as a crosser, you might be inclined to add an inch or two here. With external cables, the stem can of course be changed more easily. The elegant carbon handlebars with flattened top links and super-compact handlebar arches are great. If you reach down, you hardly have to stretch any further; However, since the handlebars are about 5 cm wider at the ends than at the top, you can control the Crux with an even safer hand. Despite all its agility, the bike is very safe to ride and directional.
As usual, Specialized relies on in-house add-on parts, which are always a good choice. The 38er Pathfinder Pro, which is a real 25 mm wide on the carbon rims with a 40 mm internal width, has always been one of the favorites of everyone who wants to roll quickly on asphalt, but doesn't want to miss out on traction and cornering grip. Its slat profile is really grippy, and in the Velomotion laboratory test the tire once impressed with minimal rolling resistance and great puncture and cut resistance. The carbon support on the Crux flexes noticeably and is therefore very comfortable. The short saddle with a large recess is also quite comfortable when positioned correctly. Of course, the bike is stingy when it comes to mounting options; There is no more than a third bottle cage to turn the Crux into a gravel bike. But this is not necessary for “gravel racing”.
Specialized Crux – Also available as a frameset
At just 8.000 euros, the Crux Pro is of course extremely expensive, and it's not even the most expensive model in the range. A lot of money for a bike with SRAM Force AXS (the change from the old to the new Force takes place in the series), but of course there is another way. Equipped with Rival AXS, which is hardly worse, the Crux Expert is available for 2.000 euros less; You can get the frame, fork and headset for just 3.150 euros. If you combine them cleverly and buy cheaply, you can create a super light, fast bike with electronic gears and light aluminum wheels for just under 5.000 euros - which will be hard to beat when it comes to riding fun, whether in a cross race or on a gravel tour. Because “Gravel bikes killed the cyclocross star”…
