In case you’ve been eyeing a carbon Crux however balked on the worth, the aluminum Specialised Crux DSW Comp is perhaps the best choice. 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, nevertheless, makes us marvel whether it is higher to decide on your elements and construct from the frameset up.
The Return of the Alloy Crux
In case you’ve raced cyclocross for some time, you keep in mind the times of the superbly coloured (and reasonably priced) 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 really 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
In case you’re accustomed to the Specialised DSW (D’Aluisio Smartweld) lineup, the DSW Crux is exactly what you’d anticipate. Specialised calls it the “lightest alloy body on the earth,” although the jury continues to be out on that declare.
The welds over the Specialised Crux DSW body are stout however clean. The downtube flows instantly 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 top 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 mentioned, the bike is ok to shoulder however not as snug because the earlier model.
The seat stays are skinny, paying homage to the Specialised Chisel hardtail. The fork is identical because the carbon Crux fashions. The underside of the underside bracket shell reveals off some cool cutouts and simple cable routing additions.
A unique piece you gained’t see on the carbon Crux model is a SRAM UDH (although we’re certain the subsequent carbon Crux may have this replace). Although the SRAM Apex 12-speed mechanical doesn’t require a UDH (in contrast to the 13-spd SRAM Crimson 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 possibility: SRAM Apex XPLR 12-speed mechanical. It arrives with a 40T entrance ring and an 11-44T XPLR cassette, giving it a strong 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 cozy because the top-tier model, the Specialised Energy with alloy rails.
Journey Evaluate:
My first Specialised Crux DSW Comp journey was brief and barely surprising. I dialed within the new assessment journey, taking measurements from my trusty Carbon Crux of the identical 12 months. As soon as I used to be glad 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 situation 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 way of.
Take 2 — Precise Using
Now that my Crux was good to go, I selected a brand new route (I’m not superstitious however I’m slightly 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 publish 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 slightly compliance, and shed some weight.
Glorious Journey High quality
The Crux DSW Comp’s journey is responsive and vigorous. I can see this being a highly regarded possibility for cyclocross racers and gravel racers alike. The pedaling is responsive, and the bike’s geometry is identical because the carbon model—much less aggressive than the earlier model however simple to steer.
The Crux DSW can maintain its personal within the woods and on single monitor. It’s barely slower turning than a conventional cyclocross bike, however the brief stem provides it a quicker really feel. Plus, if 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 remainder. Like its carbon counterpart, the body could be very steady 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 strains and loud colours. Although, when you’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 strong after I received sorted. The hoods are good and broad, with a slight tooth on the brake lever. The shifting is crisp and simple to dial in. The XPLR gearing vary is ample and might be an asset for anybody doing prolonged explorations on the Crux DSW.
Last Ideas
Total, I’m a fan of the Specialised Crux DSW Comp. It’s a efficiency alloy bike with an attainable worth for anybody trying to bounce into gravel or cyclocross. The frameset is rock strong and has a superb really feel and responsiveness. The bike is definitely upgradable to shed some additional weight, despite the fact 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 good 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 find it irresistible. Nonetheless, I might most likely 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 could be very affordable for this a lot bike, and the absolutely inventory 21lb (54cm) weight places it on the sharp aspect of alloy life.
