When you’ve been eyeing a carbon Crux however balked on the worth, the aluminum Specialised Crux DSW Comp is perhaps your only option. It has the identical geometry as its carbon brethren however is crafted from DSW alloy. This bike has a singular persona all its personal and welcomes Specialised again into the world of alloy off-road drop bar frames. The construct, nonetheless, makes us marvel whether it is higher to decide on your elements and construct from the frameset up.
The Return of the Alloy Crux
When you’ve raced cyclocross for some time, you bear in mind the times of the fantastically coloured (and inexpensive) Specialised alloy Crux frames. These frames have been staples at each cyclocross venue across the US and past. The frames and, ultimately, full bikes had a persona to them. Plus, riders might construct up a body and provides their private contact on the Crux canvas.
I like that Specialised sees a spot for high-end alloy bikes in racing. The brand new Specialised Crux DSW comes at an ideal time when carbon tremendous gravel bikes (even the Specialised ones) are priced out of contact with actuality.
The Body: A Mixture of Allez Dash and Chisel
When you’re aware of the Specialised DSW (D’Aluisio Smartweld) lineup, the DSW Crux is exactly what you’d anticipate. Specialised calls it the “lightest alloy body on this planet,” although the jury remains to be out on that declare.
The welds over the Specialised Crux DSW body are stout however easy. The downtube flows straight into the underside bracket with none welds. The headtube is extra refined than the Allez Dash and doesn’t use the identical welding methodology. The highest tube is sloping, like the present model of the Crux.
The tubing is much less spherical than the carbon model and barely pointed on the tip the place a cyclocross rider would shoulder the bike. Specialised’s goal has moved in direction of the gravel and exploration crowd somewhat than the pure cyclocross racer. That stated, the bike is ok to shoulder however not as comfy because the earlier model.
The seat stays are skinny, paying homage to the Specialised Chisel hardtail. The fork is similar because the carbon Crux fashions. The underside of the underside bracket shell exhibits off some cool cutouts and simple cable routing additions.
A distinct piece you received’t see on the carbon Crux model is a SRAM UDH (although we’re certain the following carbon Crux could have this replace). Although the SRAM Apex 12-speed mechanical doesn’t require a UDH (in contrast to the 13-spd SRAM Pink XPLR), it’s a pleasant contact and helps future-proof the frameset a bit.
One Construct – SRAM Apex XPLR 12-speed mechanical
Prefer it or not, the DSW Crux is available in a single construct choice: SRAM Apex XPLR 12-speed mechanical. It arrives with a 40T entrance ring and an 11-44T XPLR cassette, giving it a stable vary on gravel and off-road. The construct speaks to the utility of the DSW Crux and helps preserve it within the sub $3K ballpark. I’ve opinions on the SRAM Apex XPLR group set, however I’ll save that for my journey impressions.
Wheels and Cockpit
The wheels are easy and efficient. They’re DT Swiss tubeless aluminum rims with a 25mm inner width paired with Specialised-branded hubs. The wheels come wrapped with Specialised’s 38mm Pathfinder Professional tires—one in all my favourite gravel tires.
The cockpit stays within the alloy lane, arriving with Specialised Journey Gear bars with a 70mm attain and a 12° flare. The saddle is one other favourite of mine and is simply as comfortable because the top-tier model, the Specialised Energy with alloy rails.
Journey Evaluation:
My first Specialised Crux DSW Comp journey was quick and barely surprising. I dialed within the new evaluation journey, taking measurements from my trusty Carbon Crux of the identical 12 months. As soon as I used to be happy with the match, I headed for gravel. Nonetheless, as I crested the ultimate climb out of my neighborhood, my rear brake failed simply as I began my descent. Extra exactly, the SRAM Stealth-a-majig failed. I used to be fortunate to have the entrance brake, however I used to be nonetheless shaken after the incident.
I’ve had brakes fade and lose strain throughout rides, however by no means like this. SRAM assured me that this was a guaranty challenge and took the brake in for additional inspection. However even after putting in a substitute brake, I’m nonetheless gun-shy about pulling the lever as exhausting as doable. The brake failure left a darkish shadow over my time on the Crux, however the goodness of the bike nonetheless confirmed by means of.
Take 2 — Precise Driving
Now that my Crux was good to go, I selected a brand new route (I’m not superstitious however I’m a little bit stitious…) and hit the gravel. Moreover the totally different lever really feel (I journey Shimano on my bike) the journey was similar to the carbon model.
Because the Crux DSW Comp comes with 38mm tires, the hum of the alloy is fairly muted. The alloy seat put up is the bike’s solely harsh and heavy (330g) part. I think about that’s the place most will improve first to take the sting off, give a little bit compliance, and shed some weight.
Wonderful Journey High quality
The Crux DSW Comp’s journey is responsive and full of life. I can see this being a extremely popular choice for cyclocross racers and gravel racers alike. The pedaling is responsive, and the bike’s geometry is similar because the carbon model—much less aggressive than the earlier model however straightforward to steer.
The Crux DSW can maintain its personal within the woods and on single monitor. It’s barely slower turning than a standard cyclocross bike, however the quick stem offers it a sooner really feel. Plus, whenever you get into the rocky and technical bits, the bike is easy to pilot.
The alloy body is hardly noticeable on the paths, open roads, and gravel-heavy sections. The tremendous skinny seat stays absorb the bumps, and the bigger tires do the remaining. Like its carbon counterpart, the body may be very secure on lengthy open roads and descents.
Our demo journey arrived within the satin oak paint scheme, and it wasn’t my favourite. It seems like a carbon bike, and the satin end holds onto mud and grime greater than a gloss paint would.
I’m personally a fan of the older alloy Crux paint schemes, with neon blazed traces and loud colours. Although, if you happen to’re into that (however barely extra tame), try the frame-only choices (above, $1,700) for the Crux DSW.
Although the SRAM Apex XPLR group let me down initially, the shifting and braking efficiency was stable after I acquired sorted. The hoods are good and extensive, with a slight tooth on the brake lever. The shifting is crisp and simple to dial in. The XPLR gearing vary is ample and shall be an asset for anybody doing prolonged explorations on the Crux DSW.
Remaining Ideas
General, I’m a fan of the Specialised Crux DSW Comp. It’s a efficiency alloy bike with an attainable worth for anybody trying to leap into gravel or cyclocross. The frameset is rock stable and has a superb really feel and responsiveness. The bike is well upgradable to shed some further weight, regardless that it’s respectably gentle. The weakest spot for me is the SRAM Apex spec. It helps preserve the value down, however a comparable Shimano spec would go a great distance with riders.
Would I race Crux DSW? I might 100% race this bike. I’ve raced the carbon model of the Crux for years, and I like it. Nonetheless, I might in all probability go together with the “select your individual journey” construct route.
Backside Line
The Specialised Crux DSW Comp delivers a superb journey and will assist get extra riders on gravel and between the tape. I like to recommend it to anybody trying to strive gravel driving, commuting, or cyclocross. The $2,600 price ticket may be very affordable for this a lot bike, and the absolutely inventory 21lb (54cm) weight places it on the sharp aspect of alloy life.
