This is My Favourite Bike of 2023
Vložit
- čas přidán 20. 05. 2024
- This is my Specialized Crux, I bought it earlier this year and it has become my favoruite bike of the year, and living with a bike like this has been really interesting. With three sets of wheels and tyres it is three bikes in one - road, gravel and cyclocross. And if I had to sell all my bikes and keep one, it would be this, because I know it can do all the riding I want to do.
And no, Specialized did not sponsor this video
Content
00:00 intro
00:48 My big regret
1:14 Have I bought the wrong bike?
2:02 Cyclocross bike
4:20 Gravel bike
6:13 Road bike
8:32 Component checklist
9:13 Gripes and moans
11:38 Have I justified my purchase?
JOIN MY WEEKLY NEWSLETTER eepurl.com/inIvGk
Supported by Saddleback
Castelli clothing bit.ly/justridebikes
Sidi shoes bit.ly/3tjQ8UP
HJC helmet bit.ly/3sRiB2Z
Buy Bikestow Stance stand here bit.ly/3LSZQXZ
Follow me:
Instagram: / davidjarthur
Twitter: / davearthur
Facebook: / justridebikesvideo - Auta a dopravní prostředky
This is true for most gravel bikes. They are the do it all bike. Road, light gravel, light MTB and everything in between. Take mine bike packing sometimes too.
I threw a redshift stem on the Crux and it was amazingly transformative for comfort on gravel.
I bought the 2022 Expert on sale and boy, do I love it. I've been using for the road and off the road on my local trails here in San Diego County...best do it all bike I've ever had. Absolutely love how it rides and how versatile it is. The 1x system hasn't been a problem for me whatsoever...although I could use a little more top end if I ever want to join in any fast group rides.
Great choice! Awesome frame and geometry and definitely with a simple swap of wheels and tires and you have a do it all bike.
Love a good allrounder. This looks like a great option. Also very intrigued to give a 1x setup a try.
Hope its not gonna be your n+1 killer tho 😂😂
Loved my Crux Expert with 32 Conti 5000 so much this summer while bikepacking as well. Such a good feeling on the road.
Road bikepacking? 🤔 I always thought that was a gravel or mtb thing
Riding my Inflite for a while in a similar setup, only downside (sometimes) is the 1x gearing on road/mountains. Love these N+1 killers! Please make more video’s on this topic David! Giant’ TCX was also on my list.
Love the paint - you bought the nicest frame in the Crux lineup
I am so happy getting the last 56cm s.works golden frame in Germany THX for your review my friend.
I ride the most km with my Gravelbike this year also. Steelframe Bulid from reynolds steel and equipped with Campa Ekar and Levante Wheels.
Great vid, perfect bike with 2 wheel sets for any condition
your so right
anyone that's has ridden a lot and does not race competition
great bike the cyclo cross bikes are
I have been on club weekly rides with AUST international riders rock up on a mountain bike to a road club race
much respect to david's reviews he knows his bikes
I am in the Bay Area, love seeing the footage of Mt Tam. I picked up a Crux with the hopes of having a n+1 bike. But after a year and half I swapped it for an Aethos and a Santa Cruz Stigmata v4. The Aethos is my favorite bike of all time. The Crux is still a great bike too.
I'm headed exactly your direction. Swapping the Tarmac for an Aethos Sworks. And looking at the Diverge for gravel. Booyah! 🤘
How you liking that Stigmata? I’ve been thinking of getting that bike to use on days I’m not riding my Roubaix. I was interested in the Crux, but I saw some posts from people who said the fork of the bike felt ‘noodly’ and fragile.
I am really enjoying the Stigmata. Running it 1x with Eagle Transmission. It just feels planted when things get rowdy and inspires confidence.
@@kawabus That's awesome. Did you get the Apex mechanical model and then upgrade to Transmission? I would also run it 1x.
Why did you do that
Same here David... my 3T exploro primo is just amazing and doing both road and offroad stuff. Two wheelsets with 30mm and 40 mm tires - I need nothing more. Gearing is 2x though Sram AXS 46/33 chainrings and 10/33 at the back - good enough for anything I will want to do with this bike.
My first thought is that it looks fun. Probably not the bike for me as I want a serious gravel bike and don't mind a slightly heavier bike.
Great looking bike 😍 the paint job looks beautiful, I’m really interested about your plans there 😬
I love my diverge but the crux is great
Just bought one of these as my winter bike, bought SKS mudguards which work a treat . Great bike
SKS speedrocker mud guards are fantastic. So easy to pop on and off depending on the weather. I even use them on bikes that do have mount I g points for mudguards because they are so much more convenient
Beautyful bike ❤.
If I just had one bike it would be my crosser. Love it!
Great video. I'm doing roughly the same with my Giant Revolt. Road and gravel with 2 sets of wheels.
Lovely bike. My dream bike too.
Do you have to realign the calipers when switching wheelsets?
I have one bike and 3 sets of wheeels/tyres like you. Including the same RH Barlow Pass for the road (cushy!).
Only pain I have found with N=1 is the slight faff switching wheels and adjusting the calipers each time.
BTW, I was suckered into trying the Ultradynamico Cava Race in 33c for the road. Mostly because I love how they look. They are, like the RH, made by Panaracer. Available from Woods Cyclery in Lyndhurst. Not as comfy as the wider Barlow Pass but still cushy and mega light. Treat yourself!
Great video, David. I have an endurance road bike and a gravel bike but I hardly ride the gravel bike. I’m thinking I would sell both and get a Crux, with gravel and road wheelsets. This only confirms that idea for me!
yup, got a Decathlon road bike and a Giant MTB. I recently I found my dream bike, the 2023 Canyon Roadlite 6. 46T 1X drivetrain (1x12), and a 10-51T cassette. And I hope to get it next month. The Crux is for now out of my price range, but the Roadlite 6 (2023) is, compared to my 48-34T chainring and 11-34T cassette, faster than my road bike (48-11T road bike vs 46-10T Roadlite 6) and it's as easy to climb the very hilly region where I live like I do with my 22-30-40T chainring 11-34T using the middle ring of my MTB (so I basically use 30-34T on my MTB for those very tough sections) 'cos the Roadlite 6 easiest gear is 46-51T. So yeah, an all rounder for me, plus flat bars, which I prefer.
You may have noticed that gravel bikes also have different gearing and pedals. And let's not pretend that swapping disc wheels is a walk in the park (adjusting the brake calipers every time). If you don't ride the gravel bike now, you will ride it even less with the extra faff. If you build up the frame suitably for gravel, it will be compromised for road.
Just stick with what you have which will also save you $1000s
Thanks for always delivering amazing content, David 🙏🏻🙏🏻 question - what tire do you use for all terrain gravel? I’m stuck between my pirelli Gravel M (good for wet danish mud) and wanting something faster on my Crux Pro… should I go for a 45mm Schwalbe G One R???
I’m with you on this David, although I have the previous Diverge (not the weird rear suspension one). I would have run this as my all round bike but it’s a 1X and I wanted 2x for my road work so I picked up a bargain Roubaix this summer. Diverge runs 650b 50mm+ and Roubaix runs 700Cx28mm. The perfect two bike garage..? I think so 😎
Nice. I went for the Cervelo R5cx, which is very similar to the Crux but has all-internal cable routing (which looks nice but admittedly is a pain if you ever need to work on the headset or want to change the stem).
Great vid, great bike. I have an Aethos and a Stigmata 3. I love them both dearly, but sometimes I wonder if I should sell them and go for a Crux with an extra wheel set.
I own a S-Works Crux same groupset different couple of wheels sets I think until you have ridden 1 it’s difficult to explain just how good it is racing my CX at present incredible just turn up 1 bike and get round clearance is amazing with 33mm tyres will use it to race gravel in the summer I already know how well it will go🥳
Gr8 revue; I think the Crux could be my N+1 bike (being 1). I’ve got a Creo Evo & absolutely love ❤️ it. Like U the simplicity & weight best features. For me Gravel over Road bikes. It opens up more rides. Locally in UK I’ve got an easy gravel route nearby & a long seafront promenade, with some matting over pebbles joining to other promenade; perfect gravel bike terrain. 1 question I hope bottom brackef isn’t too high compared to Creo, as that would spoil Crux for me. I try to stay off road where possible & do tarmac/ easy gravel routes, much more fun. 😓🚴🏻♂️😎👍
Thanks David for reaffirming my purchase as well 😄 now I've got to get road and gravel wheelsets. How are you liking the 42T chainring, do you use it for everything? Also that's the first I've seen of 38c road tires, interesting choice, why not more narrow?
its a beauty Dave.
A great 'all round' bike; can do a bit of everything, with the right wheelset/tyres...If I was younger, and more flexible, this would be my next bike. As it is, the Diverge is better for me.
Great frame nice buy!
Can’t wait to get mine 🎉
you won't be disappointed
Great paint job.
CX bikes = fast/race gravel bikes that does road well. Good way to go getting a CX bike for most uses. Just changing the wheels or tires and your set for the ride/event. Then minding how the geometry is going to ride it in each situation with wheel/tires setup.
Beautiful bike. Love the clean lines, lack of huge logo, and elegant paint scheme. Aethos is my dream bike but this would be my gravel choice
I own both, and they are exceptional bikes.
@@btaggart77 why do you need the Aethos if you can just put road tires and wheels on the crux?
This is timely because I’ve been really looking at replacing my road and gravel bikes with a Crux too.
Nice review. I would put on a slightly larger chainring, probably a 42 or 44 tooth chainring for road riding.
Well I think this solidifies my N+1 debate. I have me a nice Yeti SB130 for all mountain. But really miss having a "road" bike, though my last SW SL6 was just too jarring and fast for leisurely greenway pedals. Started looking at gravel bikes but they are almost too mountainbike-esq. This Crux looks like it blends the lines of road and gravel really well.
Great choice…. one day I hope to have one of these.
such a nice looking bike!!! i really thought top end gearing would be an issue on road. but looking at a chart the 10 tooth very nearly sorts this, pretty much the same as a 50 - 12.... so not toooo bad if you live in the hills, might not be the best for a flat smashfest.
Hi David! Regarding the mudguard issue, would'nt a set of Crud Roadracer MK3 do the trick? They are light, supposed to fit up to 38mm tires, and are easy to put on and off...
David, you kept saying “low weight” but weren’t a bit more specific. These are an expensive bike so I assume it’s pretty good?
But for most people a much cheaper gravel bike should be enough for hooning around. I’ve got a secondhand Whyte Gisburn and it’s so much fun even on the more testing trails
It look just like the Aethos
And a wider width which is a plus
Would love to hear your thoughts on a comparison (comparison video…) between the Crux and the Revolt, which I recall you also thought highly of, Dave. I have the same Crux frameset as you do, and the same love for it as well - running mine with a GX Eagle mullet set up and likewise wishing it were Transmission/UDH compatible. I feel like the Revolt is one of the few bikes that might offer a similar level of versatility and capability as the Crux (if not *quite* as good 🙂). Congrats on your purchase - does it feel like finally adopting a puppy that you’ve been fostering??
Yeah, I want to see him review the Revolt and Crux too in one video. I would've thought he would buy the Revolt over a Crux because of all the love he always gives it. The only reason I ever even thought about purchasing one too.
Speedrockers are your fender-friends if you have no eyelets.
I have those…they are perfect!
Best fender available if your frame can fit it
Yup, fit my giant revolt fine, and am very happy - can’t see how they wouldn’t fit here.
@@-Steve-01 my friend tried to buy it for his bike but the smaller frame clearance didn't allow proper installation
I did badlands on the crux
Smashed it 😅
What you make of the Trek Emonda SLR mate? I always say I won’t buy a bike until it has been reviewed by David of JustRideBikes 👍
Looks like a lovely bike. I’d probably go with the diverge (non weird rear suspension one) for my all rounder. But I guess even ‘all rounder’ means different things to different people depending on your needs/focus.
Yeah, love the SWAT option on the Diverge.
@@djjmann I ride a Stumpjumper and the SWAT Storage is a gamechanger! Love it so much :)
What's your fork steerer length, I can see you have some spacer(s)?
I've been trying to install a Rockshox Rudy on my 2018 Crux without success! I've even been told by Specialized that it's not recommended. David, assuming that the lower headset design is the same on the 2023 as the 2018, how were you able to install a Fox suspension fork on your Crux? Thanks.
Lovely looking bike fair play.
Where is the trail at 5:02? Looks like something near the SF Bay Area and I’d love to try it out!
Hi David, whats the largest 2x chainring that will fit?
LS - same conclusion, perhaps cheaper than the crux (diy 2x), less clearance.
Great write up as usual David.
I use my Fairlight Secan for all those jobs! Got a bit more weight of course! Currently sporting full mudguards and 32mm GP5000 32mm for commuting duties.
Interesting you are running the Vittoria Terrano wet tyres.
I have been looking at the 38mm version as a general trail tyre and the odd CX race.
Looking like you got on well with them?
I wonder how the wider version would fair?
I'm contemplating a Fairlight Secan. In a Flat-bar configuration. How is the Steel frame feel? Quality bike?
It feels quite lively with a bit of give not too harsh.
Comfortable on the road with 32mm tyres and just enough comfort off road.
They are well built with some great details.
You won't be disappointed!
Thank you. @@maxlloyd3740
Great bike & video. Me want!😊
Glad you found the love of your life
@davidarthur. im a newbie and new to the channel. your reviews are really nice. how is this bike compared to a moots routt crd? should i get the crux or the routt. your advise will be greatly appreciated.
I have a review of the Routt CRD coming soon, my main criticism was the front end was firmer than I would like I think due to the oversize 35mm stem and handlebar
When a YTer says "this is what i bought with my own monaey" makes me ask "how often do this happen?" In my age and world I learned to do this all the time. 😅
I've bought three bikes this year which is way more than normal! Was two last year...
Thx for the video!
But how it stands vs Roubaix sl8 in category n+1 killer? Why you choose crux instead Roubaix?
I chose the Crux because I like to do a lot of gravel riding and you can't fit 45mm tyres with adequate mud clearance onto the Roubaix, that's the main reason really
Thx! Got it!@@davidarthur
Hi Arhur i am after a new summer bike .... I have a winter bije Kenisis CX and surrently my summer road bike is a Trek Boone .... Yes its a long story was after a domane january 2016! but unkown ti me it was inbetween going to front iso speed so no Domanes available from Trek dutch HQ. Anyway looking at Aethos, tarmac SL7 or crux for summer road riding? Ignoring weight which is smoothusr on say 28mm road tires?
Comp vrtsion 😁
the aftermarket derailleur hanger from Wheelworks are stronger and more durable.
thanks have just ordered some!
Maybe you could try the tarmac hanger? Should be the same on the Crux.
I heard similar complaints of a bendy lightweight hanger on the Aethos (haven't had the fortune of experiencing it myself), but installing a Tarmac hanger seemed to fix that problem. Given that the Crux is essentially a gravel Aethos.
Thanks I will try that - I remember in the past that pro team riders would often get specially made mech hangers that were much stiffer to improve shifting, not sure if anything like that is available aftermarket
Looking for Crux-people to chime in on their experience with sizing. I cannot find local so online looks to be my best option. I am 6'1". My current road bike (lynskey) is a 58 with 58 top tube. Standover is 81.28. I was convinced that the 58 Crux would be my size as tt measurements, reach and stack appear similar to my current road bike but then I saw on their size chart that the standover for the Crux is 84.1! This seems really tall!! My plan is to ride it as a gravel and a road bike. Can others share their thoughts on sizing? Would greatly appreciate
Another well thought out and explained video. I considered buying an Allroad Aethos, I mean Crux, while working at a Specialized dealers. In the end I went for a Santa Cruz Stigmata instead. Great geometry for road and gravel especially the technical gravel we have here in the Sea to Sky Corridor in B.C. Wider tire clearance and full fender mounts than the Crux clinches the deal. Very happy with the Stiggy with 32mm gravel King SS and ready for the Paris-Roubaix sportif in April. Not sure I will be though. ;-0
What size bike are you riding in specialized and about how tall r u?
Canyon grail is similar?
The top tube lack of slants is making better looking than Aethos
I agree with you 100% currently trying to sell my Enve Melee as the Crux is what i go to the most. 2 wheelsets, Ultegra Di2 2x Compact groupset serves me well for all my needs.
Hello, I was under the impression that the frame couldn’t run a full road groupset due to tire clearance issues. How are you getting on with this. Cheers
Good vid, which CRUX is this please as there are several on the Specialized site?
Doesn't seem they do this colour way anymore I got it back in April so probably last seasons colour
If you had to choose would you go Crux or Secan?
Nice enjoy
I think the issue you have about the new SRAM axle standard should be more to do with SRAM coming out with something that is not retro compatible. SRAM innovates at such a pace that customers always struggle with backwards and forward compatibility. It's ok if you always want the latest stuff but if you want to stick with a frame and a groupset for a while SRAM is a no go for me.
The Ibis Hakka MX. Deviating from the latest offering from big brands and trending Chinese companies, you would be remiss not to review this do it all “quiver killer.” If you like the Crux then I’m curious to hear your thoughts on a bike for all people and abilities, exceptional value, looks, function and worthy of proper review !
Nice looking bike. it is curious why there is no mudguard mount. I seems like every gravel bike should have those.
i've asked a million times this question, short of it, extra steps in manufacturing, no demand for them for majority and i've found that the SPEEDROCKET fenders actrually do a great job if you need them which i do in the Pacific NW of USA.
the Secan must still be there?
Better change a hanger than a frame..
Specialized sells it as the lightest "Gravel" bike in the world, so not at all weird to use it as such.
😊🎉
the Crux is basically gravel version of Aethos.
No disc rubbing changing between 3 wheelsets?
Somehow it's the perfect combination because I didn't have to adjust the callipers at all! Made me very happy
What saddle have you got on this? ❤
Fizik Argo Adapative, love the shape and the comfort of this saddle
I want to know what jeans those are with those man sized pockets. Seriously. Please tell me/us.
How does the ride quality compares to aethos on the road?
I haven't tried the Crux with some 28 or 30mm tyres as the Aethos would come with but I expect it to be similar, there are differences in the geometry that will make an impact on the handling too which is worth comparing with geometry geeks
@@davidarthur thank you for taking the time and replying to my inquiry. Really appreciate that
Is it better than the grail?
Different rather than better - the Grail is probably the bike I would pick for a fast long distance gravel race and has lots of cool features like mudguard mounts and frame storage, but doesn't have the simplicity of the Crux which appealed to me in this instance
I have a 22 Crux and just love the bike, it is so fast taking corners. It is a great gravel race bike or CX bike. I think going with a N1 bike, you are giving up on something on both ends. I run a GRX Di2, and the shifting has been amazing. A lot of falls on the derailleur side, and no issues still shifting. The only issue I have had is with the headset. Had to get it adjusted multiple times. My question @justridebike why the only one bottle cage. Most of my gravel rides are in the 3hr to 5hr range. Yes occasionally shorter rides, but no way I can do a 3hr gravel ride with one bottle. Especially in the summer. If you like CX races, have you done a gravel race?
Did you get a good discount David?😜
Repack famously cooked coaster brakes: How did modern disks get on? when you rode it.
it was a peace of cake :) nah it was spicy in places definitely a trail for a mountain bike not a gravel bike!
Какие пакрышки максимум можно поставить в него?
Really an older mtb with drop bars would be just as versatile, just a little slower on the road but better off road. Drop bars+tire clearance really makes a bike more versatile.
But but but David....those Zipp 303's are hookless. Dont you know your headed for tragedy riding those death traps?
beautiful bice
Better than the dedicated gravel Enve Mog???
Different better... I love the Mog for many reasons but love the simplicity of the Crux and wanted a bike like this now before everything goes integrated and aero
I’m guessing the next crux revision will include integrated cable routing and tweaked geometry…and somehow lower weight. Ugh…was teetering between Crux, Mog, and maybe even grevil. This video is making it difficult.
"This is My Favourite Bike of the year" I have had 3 bikes in my liftime and have never owned more than two at any one time
Stop making me jealous. Lol. Some day.
its a dirt aethos lol
"N+1 killer", you just need to purchase one more bike.
No mud guard attachment and no 2by option. How could it be an N+1 killer? Not to mention the terrible customer service support of the Specialised concept stores.
Yes you can add a front mech but I'm a fan of 1x so it's perfect for me :)
Some people’s needs don’t match yours and that’s okay bro
@@davidarthur Apologies, I was not very clear. Yes, you might add 2by setup but the Specialized wants you buy the 1by groupset that comes with the bike and then buy the 2by groupset separately and pay for a replacement labour as well. I was referring to having a 2by availability as a factory option.
@@RunRecoverRally And some people's view point does not need to match yours but can still speak their mind, that is OK too bro :) :) :)
Well, it’s his favorite not yours. Meaning it’s a N+1 killer for what he rides
Have you had any problems with the headset constantly coming loose