Meet the new Specialized Crux DSW, the lightest aluminium gravel bike ever made. At least, that is the claim of the US maker of high-end road, mountain and gravel bikes. Everything Specialized learned in making the carbon Crux, combined with the patented D'Aluisio Smartweld has been put to use to make this new Crux. If we take Specialized at face value 'we have created the most capable, agile, balanced and responsive aluminium gravel bike ever made for fast, fun, high-performance riding'. That's quite something. But what makes this a cool bike?
Less than two kilos
One of the things that stands out is the lightweight frame for an alu bike. Now Specialized certainly has a patent on that, but at 1.399 kg in a size 56, this really is a lightweight. Combined with the (standard) fitted SRAM Apex mechanical gravel group and DT G540 wheels it clocks in at 9.37 kilograms. For a gravel bike, this is really very light. Combine a low weight with the Fact12r Crux carbon fork, a construction focused on performance, and you have a top bike. The Crux DSW offers the same options in terms of tyre width as its carbon brother: 47 mm and up to 2.1″ on a 650b wheel. Combine this with the strong and lightweight aluminium frame, and the Crux DSW can take you anywhere you want to go: full throttle!
Responding quickly is key
Responsive on the pedals. Smooth in the saddle. Specialized has used the patented D'Aluisio Smartweld (DSW) to refine the properties of aluminium for ragged handling previously impossible without carbon. A longer reach provides better weight distribution for fast, confident handling, while a lower stack ensures a performance-first position. With a bottom-bracket drop of 72 mm, Specialized says it has 'found the sweet spot between agility and stability'. LFG!
More info and prices for all models can be found at Specialised
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