What Sets It Apart? [Specialized Crux DSW Comp Review]

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Specialized Crux DSW Comp Review

• Price: $2600
• Frame: Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum Disc frame with D’Aluisio Smartweld Technology, hydroformed aluminum tubing, tapered head tube, threaded BB, UDH dropout
• Rear Tires: Pathfinder Pro 2BR, 700×38

What we like about it: Exceptional Lightweight Build, Versatile Performance, Reliable Braking, Comfortable Ride Quality, Efficient Power Transfer.
What we didn’t like about it: Limited for Aggressive Trails.
Rating: (4.8/5)

Are you a cycling enthusiast seeking speed, lightweight design, and top-tier performance? Look no further than the Specialized Crux DSW Comp. This bike is purpose-built for cyclocross and road adventures, standing out with its ultra-light aluminum frame and high-performance components. In this review, we’ll dive deep into its design, performance, and overall user experience to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your cycling needs. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a beginner exploring the thrill of cycling, this article has you covered.

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Riding Experiences

I tested the Specialized Crux DSW Comp on Flagstaff Road in Boulder, Colorado. Renowned for its steep climbs, wide-ranging descents, and sporadic gravel trails, this famous path provided the ideal combination of difficulty to test what this bike could achieve. I could tell this bike was made to improve the ride experience rather than only performance from the very first pedal stroke.

Climbing: Lightweight and Responsive

The climb started with a sharp slope, and the lightweight aluminum frame of the Crux made it seem nearly easy. Every pedal stroke was fluid and devoid of wasted effort. As the path grew steeper, the Shimano drivetrain let me easily vary my cadence by allowing fast, exact gear changes. The bike’s steadiness reassured me even on stretches with cracks and rough gravel. The Crux seemed to glide up the hill, allowing even the steepest hillside slopes to feel reasonable.

Descending: Exhilarating and Controlled

The Crux really came alive on the descent down Flagstaff’s twisting roads. The bike stayed steady as I accelerated because of its outstanding handling and big tires. Impressive stopping strength from the hydraulic disc brakes let me easily negotiate tight turns. The bike felt secure and planted all around; loose trash on the pavement had little effect. Flying downhill with the wind rushing past, I felt in complete control—a perfect blend of speed and safety.

Tackling Gravel: Versatility in Action

I drove onto a gravel road headed toward Walker Ranch at the base of the slide. Here the Crux proved to be flexible. With the same assurance it had on the road, it negotiated the uneven ground path and scattered rocks. The bike stayed responsive and absorbed the shocks, smoothing the change from asphalt to gravel. The Crux stayed exactly at home even as the terrain grew steeper and more technical.

The Ride’s End

The Specialized Crux DSW Comp had a profound effect as I cruised back into Boulder. From hill climbing to fast downfalls and off-road trail handling, it exceeded my expectations at every step. This bike is a flexible tool ready for any trip, not only designed for cyclocross. The Crux delivers every time if you’re seeking a ride combining lightweight efficiency, control, and adaptability.

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Specialized

Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum Frame
Specialized’s E5 Premium Aluminum—known for its strength and light weight—was used in building the Crux DSW Comp. Perfect for cyclocross, gravel, and road adventures, this frame design offers a responsive and efficient ride. Particularly on lengthy climbs and longer rides, the lightweight frame significantly lessens rider fatigue.

FACT Carbon Fork
Having a FACT (Functional Advanced Composite Technology) carbon fork, this bike improves rigidity for exact handling and steering. The carbon substance also absorbs road vibrations, providing a more pleasant and smooth ride on uneven ground.

Shimano 105 Drivetrain
One particularly remarkable aspect of the Shimano 105 groupset is its dependability and exact shifting feel. Its broad gear range guarantees that you may easily handle fast descents and difficult climbs. Riders would find this drivetrain a sensible option since it is also known for its low maintenance and robustness.

Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Even in muddy or wet circumstances, the hydraulic disc brakes offer constant and strong stopping force. This function helps riders feel confident enough to negotiate tight curves and steep descents without thinking about braking performance.

Broad Wheel Clearance
Designed with lots of tire clearance and allowing tires up to 38mm in width, the Crux DSW Comp adapts easily to smooth asphalt, loose gravel, and even modest off-road conditions, ensuring superior grip and stability.

Internal Cable Routing
Internal cable routing on the bike not only shields cables from dirt and debris but also lends the bike a sleek and neat look. This layout increases long-term performance and lowers maintenance requirements.

Tapered Head Tube
The tapered head tube increases front-end stiffness, enhancing general bike control and steering accuracy. For off-road courses and cyclocross events where responsive handling is essential, this capability is especially helpful.

DT Swiss R470 Wheels
DT Swiss R470 wheels, lightweight yet robust, come included with the Crux DSW Comp. These wheels strike a mix of speed and durability and do very well on a range of surfaces.

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Video

Various Versions

An amazing endurance bike that best embodies the idea of “Smoother is Faster is the Specialized Rouboix. Its FACT 10 boasts outstanding responsiveness, lightweight construction, and great rigidity by means of a lightweight carbon fiber frame that creates a perfect balance through aerodynamics. With 20mm of travel, Future Shock 1.5 w/ Smooth Boot guarantees a smooth and comfortable riding experience that lowers fatigue and preserves speed even on demanding terrain.

Advantages

1. Exceptional Lightweight Build: Makes climbing easier and reduces fatigue on longer rides.
2. Versatile Performance: Handles both paved roads and off-road trails with ease, making it suitable for cyclocross and gravel riding.
3. Reliable Braking: The hydraulic disc brakes deliver confidence-inspiring stopping power, even in wet or muddy conditions.
4. Comfortable Ride Quality: Carbon fork and wide tire compatibility improve shock absorption and overall comfort.
5. Efficient Power Transfer: The responsive frame design ensures maximum energy is converted into forward motion.

Disadvantages

1. Aluminum Frame Feel: While lightweight, aluminum can transmit more road vibrations compared to carbon frames.
2. Limited for Aggressive Trails: While versatile, it may not perform as well on highly technical or extremely rugged off-road trails.
3. Price Point: Positioned at a premium price, which may not appeal to budget-conscious riders.
4. Stock Tire Choice: The included tires might not be optimal for all terrains, requiring upgrades for specific conditions.

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FAQ

1. The Specialized Crux DSW Comp is most suited for what kind of terrain?
   Perfect for cyclocross racing, gravel courses, and road biking, the Crux DSW Comp is made for adaptability. Its tubeless-ready design, broad tire clearance (up to 38mm), and lightweight aluminum frame help it easily tackle smooth asphalt, loose gravel, and even modest off-road conditions.
2. On steep climbs and descents, how does the Specialized Crux DSW Comp perform?
   The Crux shines on steep climbs because of its lightweight E5 Premium Aluminum frame and Shimano 105 drivetrain, which delivers effective power transfer and seamless shifting. Its hydraulic disc brakes guarantee consistent stopping power on descents; even at high speeds, the carbon fork and solid design offer great control.
3. Should beginners use the Specialized Crux DSW Comp?
   Indeed, the Crux DSW Comp’s snappy handling, dependable components, and adaptability make it beginner-friendly. While the wide tire clearance provides stability on many terrains, making it a fantastic choice for beginner riders exploring both road and off-road riding, its lightweight design and accurate braking system make control simple.

Table of Comparisons

Bicycles	Frame	Drivetrain	Brakes	Tires	Price
Specialized Crux	Aluminum	Shimano 105	Hydraulic Disc	700×38	$2600
Cannondale SuperX	Carbon	SRAM Force 1	Hydraulic Disc	700×40	$4000
Trek Boone	Carbon	Shimano Ultegra	Hydraulic Disc	700×38	$4000
Giant TCX Advanced	Composite	Shimano GRX	Hydraulic Disc	700×45	$3500

Specialized Crux DSW Comp VS Cannondale SuperX

Lightweight carbon frame and nimble handling of the Cannondale SuperX are well-known features. It has Cannondale’s Outfront Steering Geometry, which keeps responsive steering while improving stability over uneven ground. SRAM’s Force 1 drivetrain powers the SuperX, which offers dependable shifting and a streamlined 1x configuration. Its SAVE Micro-Suspension system smooths out rides over uneven areas by absorbing shocks. But the SuperX’s tire clearance is somewhat smaller than that of the Crux, therefore restricting tire width choices for different surfaces.

Specialized Crux DSW Comp VS Trek Boone

With its IsoSpeed decoupler technology—which lets the seat tube bend independently—the Trek Boone distinguishes itself in terms of comfort without sacrificing pedaling efficiency. Appropriate for elite cyclocross racing, its carbon frame is light-weight yet strong. The Shimano Ultegra drivetrain of the Boone guarantees exact and seamless shifting. Its race-oriented design offers responsive handling and fast acceleration. On longer, tougher gravel adventures, the Boone’s concentration on racing might produce a stiffer ride.

Specialized Crux DSW Comp VS Giant TCX Advanced Pro

With an advanced-grade composite frame, the Giant TCX Advanced Pro presents a lightweight yet strong foundation for effective power transfer. Its Shimano GRX groupset, made especially for gravel and cyclocross riding, offers dependable performance under a range of situations. The D-Fuse seatpost of the TCX improves compliance, therefore lowering rider tiredness over challenging terrain. It also offers substantial tire clearance, allowing for more comfortable and traction-oriented larger tires. One possible disadvantage is that the stock wheelset could not be as high-performance as those of some rivals, so an upgrade might be necessary for best performance.

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Conclusion

Following extensive review, the Specialized Crux DSW Comp shows great value in weight, handling, and durability. This bike is clearly designed for those who wish to challenge themselves in road riding as well as cyclocross. Should you be looking for a high-performance bike to improve your riding experience, the Crux DSW Comp is right on your shortlist. Go for a spin to begin your next journey right now!