Gravel, cyclocross, street: the all-new Specialised Crux DSW is a superb n-1 alloy bike

June 12, 2024

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The all-new Specialised Crux DSW is a motorcycle I have been wanting ahead to using since I heard of its impending launch. I realise that this may increasingly come as a shock given the five-figure bikes that I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing this yr, nevertheless it’s true.

I’ve owned the high-end S-Works model of the Crux for some time now. It is a implausible bike – one which’s carried me throughout weekend adventures, long-endurance occasions and brief however high-intensity jaunts alike. On the street, on gravel, and even on some singletrack, the S-Works Crux rides, as my colleague Hannah Bussey described it, like poetry in movement. But it surely’s additionally effectively out of many individuals’s worth vary. The bottom mannequin carbon Crux comes with a price ticket of 4 grant and my S-Works model? Properly, I am simply glad I used to be capable of rating an business low cost on a frameset.

Now, this new Crux DSW is an ideal carbon copy –errr, aluminium copy– of the newest carbon Crux. One other stunning instance of trickledown expertise, the Crux DSW body is made utilizing Specialised’s patented D’Aluisio Sensible Weld (DSW) however provides the identical performance-oriented geometry, 47mm tyre clearance and Fact12r carbon fork as its carbon siblings —all at a wallet-friendly worth.

How a motorcycle handles is the results of the geometry, materials, wheel dimension, tyre alternative and general design. Specialised used the tried-and-true performance-oriented geometry of the carbon model and utilized it to the DSW. In comparison with different cyclocross bikes, the Crux sports activities a decrease backside bracket, greater stack and longer attain. However in comparison with Specialised’s devoted gravel bike, the Diverge, the stack top is definitely decrease for a extra aggressive using place.

The DSW expertise was named after Chris D’Aluisio, a longtime innovator whose handiwork will be seen in all the pieces from the Cannondale Lefty to the Venge, the Tarmac and Specialised’s Droop the Rider mission. The D’Aluisio Sensible Weld is an engineering course of that makes use of hydroforming to completely match tubes to 1 one other with out counting on mitering or extra materials to fill gaps. Specialised says this expertise not solely creates a stronger weld but in addition delivers a lighter finish product because it requires much less materials. As we have seen in DSW merchandise just like the Allez Dash, the Crux DSW sports activities a novel one-piece backside bracket and downtube, which is claimed to offer stability and effectivity.

Crux DSW body with Reality carbon gravel fork
SRAM Apex XPLR 12-speed mechanical groupset
Gearing: 1x 40t crankset paired with an 11-44 cassette
Ending package: a set of Specialised’s personal alloy stem, handlebars and seatpost
DT Swiss G540 Aluminum Gravel Wheels
Saddle: Physique Geometry Energy Sport, metal rails
700 x 38mm 2Bliss prepared Pathfinder Professional tyres
Colorways: Birch/Clay or Satin Smoke/Oak Inexperienced
Value: $2500 / £2,300

Having ridden its carbon sibling for therefore lengthy, I felt proper at dwelling on the acquainted geometry. It is maybe a tad aggressive in comparison with an endurance gravel bike however because the Crux moonlights as a cyclocross racer, it is fairly well-accommodating for each use instances. Plus, Specialised is aware of to depart loads of steerer tube size for these on the lookout for a extra upright place. With that stated, I am 5’5″ (1.67) and I trip the smallest frameset obtainable, the 49cm. In Specialised’s efforts to make the Crux expertise accessible to extra riders, I might have favored to have seen the addition of a smaller frameset.

I took the DSW on all my typical routes, subjecting it to loads of climbs, tough gravel, easy tarmac and a few rooty singletracks. I rode in a quick group setting in addition to solo. All through all of it, I by no means really felt hampered by the change in body materials, particularly as soon as the pavement turned to gravel. The bike felt noticeably responsive, particularly on punchy, out-of-the-saddle climbs. Certain, the bike is heavier than my very own S-Works model, however aluminium is so good nowadays. The DSW is a lot quick and its functionality conjures up confidence, letting me throw it into tight corners and down chattery descents with out hesitation.

Maybe the bike’s largest limiter is the DT Swiss G540 wheelset paired with SRAM’s heaviest 10-44t cassette. The rear wheel, full with cassette and tyre, weighed in at round 2.3kg. That is at the very least 320 grams greater than the frameset itself. As soon as I swapped the aluminium DT Swiss G540 hoops for a set of Roval Terra CLXs with a SRAM Pressure XPLR cassette, the bike actually got here alive, exhibiting me what it may do with a higher-end construct.

Whereas the 12-speed SRAM Apex XPLR mechanical groupset is succesful, I might have most popular to see a construct that includes the digital Apex XPLR AXS groupset. When requested concerning the option to go mechanical, Specialised stated: “We anticipate many riders to construct Crux DSW framesets utilizing digital drivetrains. For Crux DSW Comp, Apex mechanical XPLR is a superb groupset that brings wonderful drivetrain and braking efficiency to many riders.”

I’ve lengthy been of the opinion {that a} good aluminium body with a top quality construct can rival a carbon body with a lesser construct. Save your pennies on the frameset and spend it on a pleasant wheelset as a substitute. This frameset with some first rate hoops and the SRAM Rival or Apex AXS gruppo could be a killer steed for anybody wanting one bike to deal with street and gravel alike, and perhaps some ‘cross within the fall.

I fell in love with the newest Crux in its S-Works model, however the DSW is equally spectacular inside its class. It lives as much as the expectations set on a model that makes an alloy superbike. The Crux DSW is a remarkably light-weight alloy steed that provides a full of life but steady trip. Its power lies in its true versatility. Few lower-end bikes are this enjoyable to trip throughout assorted terrain. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a gravel bike that will not maintain you again on the street or cyclocross course with out breaking the financial institution, the Crux DSW is for you.

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