SPECIALIZED S-WORKS CRUX
The Crux has been firmly rooted in the muddy plains of cyclocross for many years. The range has been refreshed and rebranded for 2022, and top-level gravel racing has been added to the resume. When they tested the Crux in its top spec, it was incredibly quick, with a special affinity for climbs. The bike topped the scales at a breezy 6.9kg in a size 52cm without pedals or bottle cages, which is absolutely ludicrous. The UCI sets a weight limit of 6.8kg for road bikes in its competitions.
Aside from making slopes disappear, the Crux's extraordinary light weight made it extraordinarily agile. Rather than requiring any manhandling, sudden line swaps and hopping over obstructions happened nearly at the speed of thinking. they wouldn't ride this bike bikepacking or on multiday journeys because everything about it is geared towards speed. It's almost like towing a trailer with a Ferrari – and with a frame that weights just 725g in a size 56cm, they'd guess the thin carbon walls wouldn't take kindly to any rubbing and chafing. However, if you can afford the exorbitant price, it's a fantastic alternative for pure race performance and flatteringly high speeds.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Frame: S-Works Crux FACT 12r Carbon
- Fork: S-Works FACT Carbon
- Groupset: SRAM Red eTap AXS // 40x10–44t
- Wheels: Roval Terra CLX
- Tyres: Pathfinder Pro 2Bliss Ready 700c x 38mm (Max clearance: 700x47c or 650b x 2.1in)
- Weight: 6.9kg
REASONS TO BUY
- Exceptionally lightweight fully built
- Race ready - for luggage free gravel or cyclocross
- Power meter as standard
- Stable yet nimble geometry
REASONS TO AVOID
- Need gravel on a grand scale to truly do it justice
- Obviously very expensive
Website: specialized.com/us/en/s-works-crux/p/154297
