Specialized Crux Pro: Why Buy Anything Else?
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- čas přidán 19. 05. 2024
- Is the Specialized Crux Pro the world’s best gravel bike and is Liam Cahill about to sell his road bike in favour of one bike that does it all?
Liam has been riding this gravel racer for over a year, so he has a lot to say about where it’s brilliant and where it might be lacking. But what do you think of this lightweight gravel bike? Let us know in the comments.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:46 A Gravel God
03:03 Hit The Road
04:53 Don’t Call It A ‘Cross Bike!
06:13 Mis(sed) Adventures
07:19 Would I Sell All Of My Bikes For The Crux?
08:27 The Crux Of The Matter
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What do you think is the best gravel bike available today? 👇
Weight and tyrr clerance…and specialized geometry..to all Spez hater: please try it!
Enve Mog. up to 50 mm tire and only 17lbs with pedals.
surly midnight special
Local gravel rides for casuals still have dude riding their old mtb with rim brakes.
3T Exploro Ultra
Love that bike, bought it over a year ago, got into best shape of my life. I use it on road quite a bit, but love the versatility.
100%!
The Crux Pro really surprised me at a gravel event last year. My saddle has been slightly set nose down too. I never felt more comfortable and accelerating more easy on a bike with 30mm plus tyres. A solid, lightweight and very versatile bike. Its frame feels surprisingly strong for its weight.
There‘s just one issue: It is very expensive. Other than that, it‘s simply perfect.
I am looking on Crux from few years. Do you think it can replace hardtail on gravel/fireroads ?
I collect my new crux expert tomorrow in gloss carbon …… can’t wait!!!
I've recently gone the one-bike-do-it-all route, selling an Argon 18 road bike and a Scott Addict gravel while keeping my S-Works crux (2018). It's been given a complete refresh with new paint a Shimano DI2 groupset and an extra carbon wheel set. So far I'm loving it both for road rides and gravel and I love the simplicity of owning just one bike 🙂
Devoted (S-Works) Crux owner here and while I frequently window shop, I’ve never (yet) been seriously tempted to stray. With two wheelsets and an AXS mullet set-up, the Crux meets all my gravel, road & mixed surface needs and more. Maybe if they release a UDH-compatible frameset, then I’ll jump on that, with a Transmission gruppo🙂
I plan to get rid of my aethos and ride my crux more on the road. I‘m hesitant though as I‘m not sure if I‘ll be happy with the mullet set up on the road (big gear jumps & less top end).
What chainring do you use and how does it work for you on road?
What wheelset and tires do you use on road?
Thanks :)
@@mirama1990 44t chainring and 10-52 out back, on Zipp 303 FC’s with Conti GP5000’s. Top end is plenty (for me) and I only very seldom notice the gaps between gears. 👍🏻
@@jamiefarrell6496 Thanks a lot for the answer :)
I concur on so many points. Great video, gents 👏🏻
Thanks for watching!
I think a carbon “gravel” bike set up for road is the ultimate winter bike. My 2019 geo Diverge is only 0.5deg slacker than a Tarmac, but with 105Di2, carbon wheels and 32c tyres, it’s fast, forgiving and stable in crosswinds. Has been a pleasure to boot around the muddy country lanes plus the 20mm front spring takes the sting out of bad surfaces. Works for me. But I’ll still get back on the lightweight Tarmac in Spring!
I’m a mountain biker, bought this bike and fell in love with it. Putting 100-150 kms a week on mine.
damn
I have had a Crux comp and love it, sold my ten year old road bike for this and it’s a blast. Still have a full suspension mountain bike for the big stuff.
I bought the bottom of the line Crux Comp, rode it for a while, then went all Frankenstein on the bike.
Out with the SRAM Rival 1x mech drivetrain and in with a full SRAM Force AXS ETAP. I went with SRAMs extra wide gearing, 46/33 front, 10-36 12sp cassette rear. I kept the stock DT Swiss wheels for gravel work and have a set of Zipp Firecrest 303 carbons wearing Continental 5000 S TR tires for the road.
This bike rocks and is a true do it all bike. I keep up with all my fast roadie friends on pavement and have fun on the gravel.
Bike is so fun to ride, love it.
Your Crux build is excellent. Wide gear ratio (light and solid groupset too) with an awesome wheelset for speedy rides. Happy riding! 😍
The Comp version is perfect. Coming with the same frame and fork like the Pro version. Smart choice!
I own one, and it immediately became my go-to bike for everything that wasn't mountainbiking. Given the gnarly roads in the part of the Netherlands where I live, I prefer the Crux over my dedicated road bikes (that can't fit anything wider than ~27mm), even with 38mm tyres. I've ridden it on smooth tarmac, in mud, on all kinds of gravel, took it bikepacking, and even took it across the Carrefour de l'Arbre. It's a great bike and if I could only have one bike, this would be it.
However.. there's one area where the Crux fell short for me: being a _slow_ bike. For (very) long rides at Z2, I just don't completely gel with the Crux. It's fine for 3-4 hours, but anything beyond that... not really. I recently got a Standert Pfadfinder for that purpose and it's brilliant. Being a steel bike, it's obviously significantly heavier than the Crux, but even though my riding position is nearly identical I can spend hours and hours on the Pfadfinder without any fatigue issues. The difference in comfort, especially absorbing road buzz, is quite striking. It's still plenty fast if I want it to be, though.
But the Crux is 100% the faster bike.
This and the Aethos are really beautiful bikes. Love the color scheme on this one, so bold
Have an SW Crux built up on Sram Force 1X XPLR with Zipp 303s and 40mm Schwalbe G1 Zeros. Can do absolutely everything relatively well. Totally agree with this quite balanced review.
Agree 100% - love my golden S-Works Crux
Forgot to mention that it is absolutely gorgeous
you recommend this bike for recreational rider but no recreational rider need a bike at this price
Speak for yourself.
I do, maybe one for my girlfriend too..
True - but a lot of recreational riders are in a 'willy waving' contest, and have to have an overly expensive bike.
It's not about need. It's about want. If you want something nice you can enjoy and can afford. What's the problem?
sure they do.
Beautiful bike! I love gravel bikes and this one exemplifies performance and versatility. That color scheme wouldn't be my choice but still a super bike.
I couldn't agree more! I've got two S-Works versions, 2016 (dreaded SCS) and 2018, they do everything so well. I can run 42mm tires for gnarly gravel races, but I wish I could fit a Rockshox Rudy on one of them. Sadly, that won't work.
I have been using a Crux as a road-bike too (the older model with Shimano Dura-Ace) and with little changes, and slimmer wheels, it does a magnificent job. Would recommend,. 2 wheel sets and 2 bikes for the price of one.
I run Pathfinder Pro's on my Revolt on they roll great on asphalt.
I got a cux comp 30% off with my cycling club discount and upgraded to Elite Drive carbon wheels. total price came at US$4k after tax and with upgrades and weight is about 7.8kg. The bike is great.
A well designed gravel bike really is all you need. UK roads don't exactly resemble velodromes when it comes to the surfaces, so having more resilience on the road while being able to slip off down a singletrack extends what you can do on a ride. Since I started gravel 3-4 years ago I haven't looked at road bikes at all.
Mine Pro is comming :new bike day near the door🎉
What about the Comp spec bike? Can be had for far less than half the price of the pro. Granted no electronic groupset or Carbon wheels but rival 1x is more than capable. Add a set of 2nd hand carbon wheels and you’re away. Love mine. As you say more than capable on road and really shines when you get onto the loose. Great bit of kit
I agree; I think the Comp at it's current price-point is the perfect candidate for upgrades after riding the Rival 1x into the ground. Currently, it's a $5K difference between the Comp and the Pro, and the second hand market can get you up to the Pro spec or better with some savvy shopping.
2024 Comp with the Shimano 12 GRX, then add a China Carbon grav wheelset (Farsports etc) for £800ish... is where the smart money is at.
Best looking bike you can buy today - absolutely stunning paint job 😍
Time ADHX with transparent paint and visible carbon layout is totally next level.
I got myself a scott addict gravel (custom build) and i feel more or less the same + bikepacking capabilities. I do not know the weight yet. Cheers from italy🎉
Just ordered mine the 24 crux comp
Not sure how I feel with the grx drive train
@bikeradar is it the carbon frame you had repaired on the chain stay by Rob?
Convert it to 2x, get a second set of wheels, and BAM, you can in fact road race it in almost all conditions. It may be a bit too long for tight crit racing, but for everything else, Bob's your uncle.
See my post above. I did exactly that with my Crux Comp.
Prefer the Diverge for all around riding. Internal storage, head set shock, mounting brackets. Unless you’re racing.
Either the Crux or Stiggy
I love my crux expert 10/10 ❤
I ride the OPEN WI.DE, slight weight penalty for better competence in technical.
I think both the Crux and OPEN line are at the top of their game in creating a bike that executes very well in Road, Gravel, and Adventure all in one bike.
They are speedy, but what’s more spendy….one bike or 3 bikes +maintenance and replacements just to have a marginally better experience with a dedicated rig?
Your call though.
The seat tube lenght is more than 4cm different depend on bike size, for tall riders (my case😂) crux fits better, did you try the UP?( is very pleasent to ride to)
@@davidolot I am on an OPEN WI.DE now.
Not a lot options to test OPEN bikes.
If I were in the market for a gravel bike the Crux would be my first choice because I also have an Aethos.
I think the Diverge is a far better all rounder. The Crux its a weekend fair weather racer. You can't add mud guards, bike pack (properly) or use it to go to work everyday. It a recreational racer. I love it. I've ridden it. It's fast and the ride position is aggressive. But it is not as comfortable as the Diverge. The Diverge is also a lot cheaper and more flexible for multiple setups.
I still enjoy my cheap CAADX 105. It goes anywhere too.
My plan is to replace my Aethos with a Crux Pro and change to AXS 2x derailleurs setup with 2 sets of wheels on 10-36 force cassettes
Nice bike but to tough to pass on Canyon offerings that are about $1k less at least for comparable builds.
This bike is at the same price point as the canyon red axs model
@@bernardo9202 My Canyon Grail with SRAM Force axis etap and carbon wheels was $5k. This bike ,on sale, is $6999.99.
So if your question is Why buy anything else?...there is your answer.
I like the idea of the LBS
Interesting review - you are using the same header as Dave Arthur when he reviewed the SL8 - „why buy anything else?“- is this coincidence or suggested by Specialized?
I’ve had two Crux bikes over the years and used both for gravel, xc, and road. Great bike and put many miles on them, BUT the new price point is way too high.
Are vitus bikes still being made now chain reaction/wiggle has gone under?
Good question
Factor LS is under the radar, performs the same way.
I can see why the Vitus won bike of the year. I think you really need a 2x bike if you want to replace a road bike. The Vitus has that and you could buy dedicated road and gravel wheelsets with the money you saved
Good luck buying one right now - their only dealer is liquidating
Wiggle/CRC is back under the Frasers Group but it remains to be seen what happens to Vitus. I really hope the brand continues. Liam
Nice bike! What color is it?
It's a 2023 model that Liam has been riding for aaaaages. It isn't a colourway that Specialized offer on their site but it might be available elsewhere
No UDH. Its due for a refresh any day now
Because I work for a living, and there are more affordable gravel bikes for ME. And my 2020 Crux is just fine.
Glad to see seat stays meeting top tube, but certainly not a looker.
What frame size do you recommend for 175cm height?
A 54cm model is likely your best bet. That's what size Liam was riding and he's a couple of cms shorter than you
@@bikeradar how about 173cm?
Why BRadar are you reviewing the 2023 model?
Because the only difference is the paint
It’d be perfect if it had bento box bolts and the frameset could be had 30% cheaper
Specialized will sell you an entry level Diverge for $1K. Cope.
@@petersouthernboy6327 r u ok
The geo on this bike is my main issue with it. The stack and reach being more like a road race bike than what I’m looking for out of a gravel bike.
As he explicitly stated, it's essentially a CX bike. As the owner of an S-Works Crux I completely concur with him.
Next video CZcams is telling me which bike I only need?! 👍😂
I have never seen anyone actuall run 700x47 on their crux. does it actually work in practice?
Yup
100%
Can we just point out how he's riding a multi-thousand dollar bike, with the entry level shimano m520 pedals?
Those pedals are absurdly good for their price, they punch way above their weight. 😂
On the topic: I got a Kona Jake as my one-bike-for-all-things for a couple of years until I got a proper MTB. CX Bikes are absurdly capable. It doesn't have to be a Spesh, look into other brands' CX bikes if you want a reliable workhorse.
7k bike..... I'd rather spend 4.5k on road bike and 2.5 on a gravel/XC bike. This bike is on sale at J's cycles currently for under 4 and a half grand, bargain
Me. No. Money.
What's with that paint job?!
Because I need 2X. Why on earth don’t they offer it with a 2X option?
A Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0 is a better bike all round, and cheaper by about £1,500 in my view
not the best by any means but i absolutely love the colors! please manufacturers, grow some balls and paint the bikes with like this. enough of stealth black one color rides. icwant some color in my life
Wish I could afford one
Specialized will sell you an entry level Diverge for $1K. Cope.
Specialized are just so ridiculously priced, they're out of competition. But hey, most MAMILS have loads of cash and not much use
why is nobody copying the geometry and tire clearance? like at a reasonable price.
Specialized will sell you an entry level Diverge for $1K. Cope.
It's so overpriced overseas but it's quite cool.
Specialized will sell you an entry level Diverge for $1K. Cope.
No reason not to get an aero do it all bike.
GREAT TOPIC AND BIKE
but 12.000 aust dollars is a rip off
stem / bars / saddle and seat / post - cheap parts
then a standard SRAM GROUPSET
DT 350 HUBS and carbon mass produced hoops
FRAME
Specialized will sell you an entry level Diverge for $1K. Cope.
emm its not Steel, thats why!
Waiting for an intergrated cable verion. If not then I've heard there's a new Supersix Evo CX that's out.
Hopefully Specialized will never make one.
I love these advertisements.
Plus, what's the deal with his saddle angle?
Better support for his hips I guess
It's only a set mudguards eyelets away from being the perfect bike.
Haha, the hacks are on the way. Hardtail with 55mm easy clearance and a 2x 38/22 is the end to the wining spending 5k too much on a fancy 1x 8kg.
Specialized will sell you an entry level Diverge for $1K. Cope.
*Time entered the chat :D
This is lighter.
That's extremely light
One of those half arsed bikes designed by 'Disney' and priced by 'Apple'.
Specialized will sell you an entry level Diverge for $1K. Cope.
It's a nice enough bike, but grotesquely overpriced. Lightweight carbon off road, beyond a 'cross course? Hmmm, 3 years of solid use at best. So many nicer options for the money - Reilly Reflex?
😂😂
Why, it's carbon fibre...
Steel is what people need. Roadies are ruining gravel.
Because Specialized carbon cracks, and has a poor warranty record?
i think s-works crux more better
Prefer road riding thanks.... Think I'll pass!
Surprised by the price :-) Only God can afford it, Gravel God.
Specialized will sell you an entry level Diverge for $1K. Cope.
You always pay too much at Specialized. Nice bike, though
paint job is fantastic but the external cable makes it look like a "cheapo bike"
Cycling is getting a dentists sport.
Specialized will sell you an entry level Diverge for $1K. Cope.
Thats true, maybe it is smarter to use a helmet that protects the teeth?
@@erlendsteren9466 well played 👍
Why buy anything else? Maybe because you don't feel like supporting a company with a lengthy history of being a trash company. Maybe because you believe in worker's rights -- something the Big S seems to not care about. Maybe because you don't want to support a company that acts like a bully. There are many many reasons.
To answer your question, "Why buy anything else?" because its not a Lauf of course! 57mm clearance and 30mm of zero maint. sus!
Yeaaaaa that Seigla is tasty. Liam
Not more special than any other gravel bike...
It just looks too boring for me, old man tube shapes and first and foremost I need to love the look of my bike.
Nice bike yes, but needs a make-over to make it more progressive. Longer TT with shorter stem, slacker HTA, UDH hanger to make it compatible with SRAM Transmission (Shimano shifting performance is shit in comparison), etc.
Go buy a Stigmata, then.
wrong, that would kill the intent/possibilities of this bike and would be boring as fk.
That should be for the next Diverge. The Crux is still technically they're CX bike, even though they made it gravel-capable and advertise it as such. Also, it's supposed to be more racy for that reason as well.
@@bebopman5 there are a zillion gravel bike possibilities out there. I’ve been racing a Revolt for two years now.
@@petersouthernboy6327 That's a good advice!
€6,400.00 LOL. It's a bicycle for sake! To be onest this is hilarious. This is modern capitalism at its finest. The fun, the pleasure of biking doesn't come from bike's prize. It's amazing how incredibly bikes are overpriced this day's. It's sad that there are people who tray to convince everyone that they need such a bike.
LOL why buy anything else ? Cause for the money u can get another bike and life long supply of parts.
THIRD
Why? Because I don't want a Specialized.
bike is 5-6K,that's why I'd buy anything else. This advertorial horseshit is out of control.
VITUS SUCK!
Get a mountain bike. Gravel is becoming like fixed gear MTB - a sport for masochists. ALL gravel is "for faster riding and smooth trails." Otherwise, get a mountain bike!
If you buy this bike you can't run the upcoming UDH Red XPLR gravel group - dated standards
Nope Specialized 🤑🤑🤑🤑🖕
That paint job looks old already, and not in a cool retro way either.
nah, never a specialized