New Specialized Crux - Ultralight and minimalist gravel bike

Crux. For years, this name was associated with the cyclocross platform at Specialized. But that is now a thing of the past. "We know that many gravel riders out there have been waiting for exactly this mix of ultralight and large tyre clearance," say the Americans - but they are leaving a back door open. Thanks to the UCI-compliant frame and narrow tyres (33 millimetres), it is still approved for CX competitions.

The lightest gravel bike on the market

Based on the Aethos lightweight road bike the Crux also impresses with its low weight and minimalist design. There are no mounting options for mudguards or bikepacking bags. The frame of the top version weighs just 725 grams, while the complete bike weighs in at 7.25 kilograms. This makes the Crux S-Works the lightest gravel bike currently available - and incidentally also lighter than many road racers. The heaviest version of the bike, which is available in four configurations, weighs in at 8.5 kilograms.

Specialized is celebrating the lightweight off-road bike as a sensation: "An ultra-light bike with this much tyre clearance would be a breakthrough in terms of gravel performance. With Aethos technology, this dream has become a reality - and the new Crux," says Product Manager Stewart Thompson. In fact, the weight is likely to be a benchmark that is hard to beat. The lightest gravel bike ever tested by TOUR, a OPEN U.P. with all kinds of tuning parts, weighed 7.6 kilograms.

Tyre width up to 47 millimetres

With a maximum tyre width of 47 millimetres - up to 53 millimetres are even possible on 27.5 inch wheels - comfort should not suffer off-road. The Crux comes with 38 millimetre tyres as standard.

Full throttle or nothing

The idea behind the gravel bike from Specialized becomes clear after just a few metres. Both on rooted forest paths and on the road, you can't help but go full throttle. The S-Works version of the bike is incredibly agile and manoeuvrable. During our test ride, we were reminded of rides on classic competition racers.

Prices between 4,000 and 12,200 euros

But so much off-road fun has its price. The Crux S-Works with SRAM Red eTap AXS and carbon components from Roval costs an impressive 12,200 euros - and is therefore only aimed at an elite circle of race-orientated gravel riders. The entry-level Crux Comp version costs €4,000 and is equipped with mechanical SRAM Rival and DT Swiss wheels. As standard, the bike is only available with single drivetrains from SRAM, but according to Specialized it is also compatible with double groupsets. Two framesets are also available for 4,500 and 3,000 euros respectively.

Technical data for the Specialised Crux

- Range of use: Gravel, Cyclocross
- Price: 4,000 (Comp), 6,000 (Expert), 8,000 (Pro), 12,200 euros (S-Works) >> e.g. available here
- Material: Carbon
- Frame weight: 725 grams (S-Works), 825 grams (Base)