Specialized S-Works Crux gravel bike in review

The Specialized S-Works Crux is designed to be the ultimate gravel race machine, combining cyclocross and gravel, minimal weight and maximum tire clearance. To find out whether it can master this balancing act, it had to prove itself against 18 of this season’s best gravel bikes.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best gravel bike 2022 – 19 models on test

Many associate the name of the Specialized S-Works Crux with the biggest cyclocross events, Belgian fries, Trappist beer and crazy fans, as that’s what the bike was originally all about. But that’s set to change as the Crux, originally designed specifically for cyclocross duties, now also serves as a super-light gravel racer. The lightweight technology of the S-Works Aethos (review here) and the cyclocross genes of the previous Crux were combined to create the lightest gravel bike on test, weighing in at just 7.15 kg in size 56. The bike borrows a few of its design elements from the Aethos.

As such, the Crux isn’t as big on integration as many of its competitors, leaving the cables exposed around the cockpit and not integrating the seat post clamp either. Regarding the components, Specialized have reached for the top shelf, speccing the wireless SRAM red eTap AXS groupset, including Quarq DZero power measurement. The 1×12 drivetrain consists of a 40 t chainring and a 10–44 t cassette, offering sufficient range for most speeds. Steep climbs pose little problem thanks to the bike’s low weight. However, the dual-sided power metre will record large output spikes while doing so, but that kind of riding suits the Crux’s sporty orientation. The S-Works Crux also plays in the Champions League in terms of price, setting you back by € 12,800.

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Lightweight technology and sophisticated frame design at its finest! The S-Works Crux goes like a rocket when you sprint.

The cockpit consists of a classic handlebar and stem combo, offering the rider maximum versatility in adjusting the riding position to suit their personal preferences and fine-tuning the fit. The 420 mm wide Roval Terra handlebar has a 12° flare with pleasantly long and compact drops, convincing all our testers with its great ergonomics and excellent vibration damping.

Size	49	52	54	56	58	61
Seat tube	466 mm	496 mm	521 mm	546 mm	576 mm	606 mm
Top tube	512 mm	539 mm	549 mm	568 mm	582 mm	599 mm
Head tube	100 mm	115 mm	130 mm	147 mm	167 mm	190 mm
Head angle	70.5°	71.3°	71.5°	72.0°	72.3°	72.5°
Seat angle	75.5°	74.0°	74.0°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°
Chainstays	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm
BB Drop	74 mm	74 mm	72 mm	72 mm	72 mm	72 mm
Wheelbase	1,008 mm	1,014 mm	1,023 mm	1,033 mm	1,045 mm	1,059 mm
Reach	375 mm	382 mm	388 mm	397 mm	405 mm	415 mm
Stack	530 mm	547 mm	560 mm	578 mm	598 mm	621 mm

The Specialized S-Works Crux also has a lot in common with the Aethos in terms of acceleration, getting up to speed extremely fast. The Crux goes like a rocket when you sprint. Regardless of the situation, whether you’re on flat terrain or a mountain pass, it consistently propels you forward with every pedal stroke. Once the Crux has been brought up to speed, it can easily stay there, too, scoring high on efficiency.

The 700 x 38C Specialized Pathfinder Pro tires (review here) also play a role here, harmonising perfectly with the Roval Terra CLX carbon wheelset with an internal rim width of 25 mm. Due to the smooth centre tread, rolling resistance is kept to a minimum, though this comes at the cost of grip when accelerating and braking on loose surfaces. The small shoulder knobs bite into the ground on dry to damp, compact surfaces, asphalt and hardpack, generating plenty of cornering traction. However, the braking performance suffers in wet conditions due to the smooth tread in the middle. The SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD brakes are paired with 160 mm rotors front and rear, allowing you to reliably scrub off speed if necessary.

Tuning tip: higher volume tires for more comfort and slightly less direct handling

Specialized have kept the handling of the S-Works Crux direct and precise. The rider should know exactly what they’re doing since the Crux demands to be guided with a firm hand. The steering remains very direct no matter how fast you’re going, though the front end feels relatively soft due to its compliance, which can be difficult for inexperienced riders to get to grips with when pushing the limit. Agility takes precedence over composure aboard the S-Works Crux, but that’s to be expected from such a high-performance bike. If you’ve got the skills, it rides well on moderate singletrack, though it isn’t made for that kind of terrain and you’ll quickly find yourself underbiked. You’ll notice this regarding comfort too. It’s too stiff for riding over roots or along rough gravel roads. That said, it has many sources of comfort, offering a good level of vibration damping for all-road use or fast hardpack. It provides sufficient feedback from the ground yet never feels harsh on bigger impacts. The riding position is compact and feels nicely integrated with the bike. It’s aggressive enough while striking a good balance between aerodynamics and everyday suitability. The Crux isn’t out to be a bikepacker or trail shredder, inviting you to go on high-speed jaunts on compact surfaces and along winding routes instead.

Our conclusion on the Specialized S-Works Crux

The Specialized S-Works Crux has a need for speed as it’s unparalleled in terms of acceleration. It feels most comfortable on compact gravel roads and requires a skilled rider when things get rough. If you want to ride trails, you’ll quickly find yourself in underbiking terrain, but a high-performance gravel racing machine like this doesn’t belong there anyway. The Crux falls short on cargo mounting points and it would need more forgiving handling for a place on the podium.

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You can find out more about at specialized.com

The testfield

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best gravel bike 2022 – 19 models on test

All bikes on review: 3T Exploro Ultra (Click for review) | BMC URS LT ONE (Click for review) | Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE (Click for review) | Canyon Grizl CF SLX 8 eTap Suspension (Click for review) | Cervélo Áspero GRX Di2 (Click for review) | CUBE Nuroad C:62 SLT (Click for review) | Curve Kevin of Steel III (Click for review) | Falkenjagd Aristos R (Click for review) | Felt Breed 20 (Click for review) | FOCUS ATLAS 6.8 (Click for review) | GIANT Revolt Advanced 0 (Click for review) | OPEN WI.DE. (Click for review) | Ridley Kanzo Fast (Click for review) | ROSE BACKROAD EKAR LTD (Click for review) | SCOTT Addict Gravel Tuned (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Crux | Stelbel Nina XCr (Click for review) | Storck GRIX.2 Platinum (Click for review) | Wilier Rave SLR (Click for review)

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Words: Mike Hunger Photos: Benjamin Topf, Peter Walker