2022 Specialized CruX is now a gravel bike

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/stories/crux

725g frame with 700x47c tire clearance.

As someone who primarily trains to race and races gravel...this bike is super tempting. I had previously wanted an Aspero for that duty, but the Crux seems to have it beat. I just wish they had gone with top tube mounts instead of (or in addition to) the 3rd bottle mounts, but I can just run bags with velcro for the occasional race or long ride when I need a bag. Otherwise, for that intended use, it's pretty hard to see a major downside other than the inability to run 2x mechanical (and price, of course) 

I like the traditional shape.  Looks a lot like an Aethos.  This isn't great for aerodynamics but I spend more time looking at my bike than looking at my time.

I agree it could use more mounts so I probably won't get one, but if you're racing you probably have a small hydration pack.  

It basically is a gravel Aethos. Switching my frame from the Carbonda 696 to the S-Works Crux would save a whopping 1.3lb, but it's also a $5000 frame vs a $400 frame 🙈

Yeah, I found that interesting too.  A racy gravel bike is basically a CX bike (heck, I've been arguing that since gravel was a thing).  most all the good stuff about gravel really applies to CX too.

Looks like they have traded 2x for tire clearance, and I really like my 2x.  I always use small chain ring for solo rides and large for fast group rides.  And, personally I never yearn for anything bigger than 40mm on the rear of a drop bar bike (although I'll happily put a 50mm on the front to give me cush, steering, and flotation).

chas wrote:
Looks like they have traded 2x for tire clearance, and I really like my 2x....

Yup same sentiments here...  For better or worse it seems all the higher end CX bikes have gone to 1x which means buying a frame and doing a custom build. Sad!

NoCoGreg wrote:
Yup same sentiments here...  For better or worse it seems all the higher end CX bikes have gone to 1x which means buying a frame and doing a custom build. Sad!

My gravel bike is a Canyon Inflite CX bike.   Part of the reason I bought it is that it is 2x.  I think they still have some 2x builds out there (depending on where you live), but even that is getting hard to find.  

But if people are really demanding wide rear tires, 2x is going to be off the option list.  

Personally, I like the weight, traction, power transfer, rolling resistance of a 40mm tire in the rear.  That, and a good seat post, and I'm happy on anything gravel (i.e. not rough single track).    I'll throw a 50mm tire on the front if the conditions are rough, but short of single track, 40mm is plenty for me in the rear.  

personally, if I need much over 40mm, I feel I'd be better on a mountain bike.  A drop bar bike should be fast and nimble on hard stuff.

My Stigmata takes 45s but I really would like clearance for 50s, BUT only for heavy mud clearance if I run 45s.  I don't want 50s on my gravel bike necessarily.  I don't take it on single track.  I have far better bikes for that, and most of our single track is too rocky for a fun ride on a gravel bike.  I can see the utility for many though.