The 2023 Specialized S-Works Crux in review – Our big gravel race bike shootout

At 7.27 kg and € 12,800, Specialized set the bar in terms of price, weight and prestige. However, the S-Works Crux doesn’t look like a race bike, nor does it boast obvious aero optimisations. Does that make it slow? We pitted the S-Works Crux against fully aero-optimised gravel racers and found out why aero and full integration aren’t everything.

This bike was reviewed as part of our 2023 gravel race bike shootout. You’ll find a comprehensive group test and test field overview here: Which is the best gravel race bike of 2023? 9 gravel race bikes in review

Specialized were voted the “Best Brand” in our 2022 reader survey and they’ve long had a wide range of bikes in both the drop bar and mountain bike segments. As you might expect, the full-suspension Diverge STR gravel bike caused quite a stir when it was launched. While the drop bar full-susser is packed with features and functions, the Crux promises that less-is-more, providing the ultimate in aesthetic minimalism. It features classic round tube shapes and, of course, the prestigious “S-Works” lettering on the down tube. There’s no integrated cable routing or one-piece cockpit to be found here. This helps keep the weight down to 7.27 kg, but does it benefit the bike’s performance? Considering the hefty € 12,800 price point, our expectations are high!

The Specialized S-Works Crux: from CX to gravel race bike – A natural evolution?

For years, the Crux was synonymous with cyclocross racing. With the new generation introduced in 2022, however, the bike made the move to more comfort and composure for gravel riding. But can these requirements be combined?
The Crux is clearly based on the Specialized Aethos both visually and technically, which is the Californian brand’s lightest road model. Both bikes rely on a classic, timeless design language with a refreshing amount of minimalism and weight savings. Obvious aerodynamic optimisations and deep tube profiles are heavy, which is why you won’t find any of that on the Crux. The same applies to lowered seat stays and D-shaped seat posts. Despite the visual similarities, the two bikes differ fundamentally, as the Crux has a completely different geometry: a longer wheelbase, lower standover height, slacker head angle, and more stack, which should make the bike more suitable for off-road use. In addition, the frame has been reinforced to cope with the demands of gravel riding, which has increased its weight by an insignificant 26 g, according to Specialized.

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The components of the Specialized S-Works Crux

As you’d expect from S-Works, the Crux is specced with first-class components and boasts a discreet yet very high-quality finish. Only the hoods of the SRAM groupset look a bit rough compared to the Shimano GRX range. As usual, however, the shifting performance of the 1x setup is superb. The round tubing of the 440 mm wide Roval Terra handlebar and shiny S-Works stem suit the bike perfectly, offering plenty of control on the descents. On the flip side, the wide handlebar results in a less aerodynamic position for racers. Specialised opted against futuristic aero design on the seat post, too. Instead, the Crux comes specced with a round 27.2 mm diameter seat post, which allows the use of a dropper post. The 700 x 38C Specialized Pathfinder Pro tires offered a particularly convincing performance. Thanks to their semi-slick central tread, the tires are incredibly fast and efficient on straight and hard surfaces. At the same time, the knobby shoulders offer sufficient grip for fast cornering and on damp terrain.
Along with the restrained look and the discreet spec, there’s nothing that makes the bike stand out from the crowd, at least not visually. You won’t find technical gimmicks such as on the rear end of the Berria Belador Allroad, the handlebar of the Canyon Grail CF SLX 9 eTap, or a storage compartment in the down tube. Specialized remain true to their minimalist approach with the Crux – as Antoine de Saint-Exupéry said so beautifully: “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”

Can the 2023 Specialized S-Works Crux hold its own as a gravel race bike?

After the first metres aboard the Specialized S-Works Crux, you’ll quickly realise that it’s merely the bike’s looks that are understated. The handling is very agile, and the bike feels particularly comfortable in tricky terrain. This is mainly determined by the slack head angle, minimal fork trail, short head tube, and steep seat tube angle. The Crux excels on technical climbs, allowing the low weight of just 7.27 kg and the light wheel and tire combination to come into their own. Here, the bike feels extremely quick and responsive, converting your pedalling input into propulsion with incredible efficiency, and encouraging you to put the hammer down.

Exudes a confidence that was not felt in any other bike.

We didn’t have so much fun pushing ourselves with any other bike. Not even the more speed-oriented test winner, the Ridley Kanzo Fast, was as much fun. The Crux is incredibly inspiring and motivating, managing to increase your willingness to put in effort. The main sources of comfort on the Crux are the tires, seat post, and handlebar. The frame itself is relatively stiff, which speaks for the sprightly handling. However, the bike isn’t the most stable on a straight line and requires an active riding style. In the context of gravel racing bikes, however, its handling is still intuitive enough for beginners to get to grips with. From the perspective of all-round gravel bikes, as we covered in our 2022 gravel bike group test of 19 bikes, it’s a different story!

Specialized S-Works Crux

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°	71.25°	71.5°	72°	72.25°	72.5°
Seat angle	75.5°	74°	74°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5
BB Drop	74 mm	74 mm	72 mm	72 mm	72 mm	71 mm
Chainstay	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	425 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

Who is the Specialized S-Works Crux for?

The bike celebrates understatement and minimalism, puts function before technical gimmicks, and doesn’t just cut a fine figure riding to the ice cream parlour. It delivers lively and responsive road bike handling off the beaten track. That said, it doesn’t provide sufficient composure and comfort for long gravel events. As such, the Specialized S-Works Crux is for those who are simply out to enjoy themselves and whose idea of fun is fast, agile rides. It remains a bike that fares excellently in almost all situations and will bring the rider home with a big grin on their face. The grin, however, has its price: You’ll have to reach deep into your pockets to belong to the exclusive S-Works club.

Tuning tips: thicker bar tape and a compliant seat post for added comfort, and a narrower handlebar for racers

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Our conclusion on the Specialized S-Works Crux

The Crux won’t perform well on US-style gravel races that cover 200 miles along mostly straight roads, but it wasn’t designed to either. It is agile and playful, it loves technical terrain and accelerating, and it conquers summits with a passion like no other bike on test. It lacks the speed and composure on the straights necessary to beat the gravel racing competition, but, being the most fun to ride, the Specialized S-Works Crux is our deserved Best Buy.

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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: Which is the best gravel race bike of 2023? 9 gravel race bikes in review

All bikes in test: Argon 18 Dark Matter | Berria Belador Allroad 8 | BMC Kaius 01 ONE | Canyon Grail CF SLX 9 eTap | Factor OSTRO Gravel | Fara Cycling F/All-Road | Ridley Kanzo Fast | Specialized S-Works Crux | Trek Checkpoint SLR 9 eTap

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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Robin Schmitt, Jan Richter