2022 Specialized Crux Gravel Bike Review

If you're looking for an all-out gravel race bike, you'd be hard pressed to find something lighter than the 725g Specialized Crux S-Works.

And the Crux Pro we tested here isn't far behind at just 825g, with a complete bike weight of 17lb 10oz for a size 58.

We take a look at how they created the "world's lightest gravel bike" by using the same design and layup tech from their Aethos road bike, then give it a whirl on the rough backroads of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains.

For the full tech overview, check this post:
LINK COMING SOON (Search Crux on Bikerumor)

// SUBSCRIBE //
Want more great cycling tech and reviews? Hit that Subscribe button and ring that notification bell so you don't miss a single video from Bikerumor!

[tccycling]

Thanks for taking one for the team. Awesome bike!

[macdaddy]

I’ve been using my 2016 Crux with 40cc tires for single track & gravel since day one, it handles pretty dam good. Love the new paint job on the 2021 model

[youling]

frame by frame slowmo. This guy knows what I like

[brianbookwalter]

I love my 2017 Specialized Crux Elite X-1. SRAM Rivl 1x and just put an 11-40t on the back for more range. Does it all.

[macdaddy]

Ok sold my 16 Crux and picked up the 21 comp model. It’s not the old crux (pure cross bike) It’s deff a RACE gravel bike that’s very comfortable. Deff would change the rubber if I’m going to be on loose stuff or chunkier stuff all day. At 5’ 8” 1/2 size 54 was perfect for me.

[markleimkuhler]

Thanks for the review and for riding the pro model,
just to see the paint job 😎

So you’re riding a size 58 - which body height do you have? And any problems with the standover?

[adamossowski]

Thanks for the review. What is your hight and how the size 58 felt?

[Circletakesthejake]

wow protected that bike through that whole fall!

[dano]

Front center looked off with that longish stem and the rear wheel hop kinda indicates that. Kinda surprised by that setup.

[benjaminrosart]

Hello, what is the height of the seatpost? and your size?Thank you. ?

[TysRides]

Seriously was considering this bike to replace my diverge as my all road bike. I've got two wheelsets for my diverge that I swap depending on if I'm riding road or gravel. That being said, I run a 2x on my diverge because I like the range and gears it gives me on the road and I think the fact that this bike does not accept 2x makes my decision not to buy one easy.

[robthompson]

If it had fender mounts, I'd be interested (clip on fenders are terrible). It's a CX bike claiming to be a Gravel Race bike (because that's "on trend") and I'm cool with that, but I could only justify spending $5K or more if it truly functioned as 2-3 bikes (CX race bike, gravel rig, winter bike/commuter). I'm pretty sure bike companies feel the opposite way (hence no true "quiver killer" exists)

[joonlee]

Bike looks nice. But I'm not sure I would want the lightest gravel bike as you mentioned that you are 'skipping' on fast descents. I would want some form of suspension to keep my wheels on the ground for better control. Also, what's with the outrageous $8, 000 price tag on the version with Force eTap? There are comparable bikes that sell for much less (like around $5, 000) that are also around 18 lbs. Sorry, but I don't drink the Specialized Cool-Aid. :)

[helvettefaensatan]

Can we get a overview of what is the characteristics from CX to XC gravel, what makes a bike twitchy and when does it become sloggy?

I'm an old roadie who commutes on a CX (fenders and rack). I want a new responsive chuck-about but I feel if I wanted to explore new paths I'd want more help staying on the gravel than a CX would give me.

I have a hardtail, I'm not looking for that.

[bernardo]

This bike with two sets of wheels for gravel and road + aeroad makes the best two bike garage = lightweight + aero + gravel

[joshschrader]

What did you expect running 35's on that terrain? No reason not to have 40+ on wnc gravel- good review however

[johnhunt]

What are the chainring limitations? Can you run a 2x 33/46 or 34/50?

[romanisaboss]

Why thankfully threaded BB? Because Specialized can’t manufacture precise enough for press fit?

[Tilemason]

I was gonna say pathfinder not good on that dry chunky.

[aaron___]

You probably damaged that paper-thin frame. Can you send it off for analysis?