Specialized Crux Expert Review
- Price: $6200
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: Pathfinder Pro 2BR 700×38
- Gear: 1×12 Electronic
What we like about it: The high-performance gravel geometry that can handle extremely rugged terrain.
What we don’t like about it: It’s expensive.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The Specialized Crux Expert is a revolutionary breakthrough and one of the lightest gravel bikes in the world. Its ultra-high-performance gravel geometry makes it a breeze to conquer any gravel road. With this bike, you’ll feel unstoppable.
In the following, we’ll analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Specialized Crux Expert. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it to several other top bike models. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, stay tuned.
Riding Experience
I booked a flight, reserved a hotel on IHG, and arrived at Granby Ranch. Here, I chose the Cougar trail, which is 3080 feet long with a 565-foot elevation drop, and it’s mostly downhill with a significant gradient. The road is quite rough, with many gravel sections, which can be quite challenging for my ride.
Gravel Riding
At the starting point, I hopped onto my Specialized Crux Expert, ready for an adventurous journey on the gravel road. The Specialized Crux Expert is my trusted companion, and its features ignited my desire for this challenging gravel route.
I pushed the pedals, and the Specialized Crux Expert’s frame is robust, and the tires are wide. I felt the bike’s seamless connection with the gravel road, as if it could predict the changes in the road surface at every moment. On the gravel road, I constantly adjusted my posture and balance, feeling the bumps of every gravel stone under the wheels.
As the ride progressed, I encountered a rugged mountain trail. The Specialized Crux Expert’s suspension system provided comfort and stability on the uneven road, but there was a sense of tension in my mind. Every descent and curve was a test of skill and courage. I regulated my breathing, keeping myself calm and balanced. The bike’s maneuverability allowed me to swiftly change my posture, dodging sharp rocks. There was mutual trust between me and the bike as we navigated this rough terrain.
Is that all?
Next, I arrived at a beautiful lakeside. The Specialized Crux Expert’s versatility allowed me to navigate various terrains. I crossed a creek, ventured through dense forests, and felt the heartbeat of nature. I stopped the bike, admired the serene ripples on the lake, and felt a sense of contentment. The Specialized Crux Expert was the bridge that connected me with nature, bringing me closer to its embrace.
During the gravel road journey, I also faced challenges and difficulties. Sometimes, there were steep uphill climbs and chaotic gravel surfaces, but I, along with the Specialized Crux Expert, overcame each obstacle. Every climb was a test of perseverance and determination. I reminded myself to keep going, knowing that victory was just ahead.
As the finish line drew near, my body ached, but my heart was filled with a sense of accomplishment. This gravel bike journey allowed me to experience the resilience and reliability of the Specialized Crux Expert. I stopped the bike, looked back at the entire ride, gazed at the distant mountains and lakes, and felt a deep sense of satisfaction and excitement.
Specifications
The Specialized Crux Expert is an outstanding gravel bike featuring a Crux FACT 10r Carbon frame that is lightweight and highly responsive. Additionally, its FACT 12R Carbon fork enhances rider comfort on gravel roads. The bike’s SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS offers exceptional performance with smooth and precise electronic shifting. Moreover, the SRAM Rival eTAP AXS hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent stopping power, ensuring rider safety.
It’s worth mentioning that for a gravel bike, the importance of tires cannot be overstated. This bike’s Pathfinder Pro 2BR tires offer exceptional rolling performance, durable casing, and a blackbelt to prevent punctures on gravel roads. Its outstanding performance helps riders conquer gravel terrains.
Other Versions
After undergoing numerous tests, we have gained a deeper understanding of this excellent gravel bike. However, many riders have specific performance or component requirements, so we conducted further research on similar bikes.
2023 Specialized S-Works Crux
Both of these bikes share identical geometry and feature carbon frames and forks. However, the Specialized S-Works Crux comes equipped with aluminum wheels, while the Specialized Crux Expert features carbon wheels. Carbon wheels are lightweight, rigid, and offer faster responsiveness, improved aerodynamics, and excellent performance on flat roads. However, they are less durable, prone to breaking when impacted by sharp objects, and cannot be repaired; they must be replaced. Aluminum wheels, on the other hand, are more affordable, can withstand greater impacts, have a longer lifespan, and are recyclable. However, they are heavier and have poorer aerodynamics and rigidity.
Additionally, the Specialized S-Works Crux is equipped with a Red AXS power meter. The power meter quantifies pedal cadence data, allowing consumers to understand how much effort is required to propel the bike forward, providing better tracking of rider data and enhancing training efficiency.
Video
What do we like about it?
- High-performance gravel geometry excels on extremely challenging terrains.
- Responsive pedals and a comfortable saddle provide a liberating riding experience.
- The intuitive and quick-shifting SRAM Rival eTap AXS hydraulic disc kit delivers outstanding performance, allowing riders to find the right gear ratio for any road.
- Balanced geometry enhances rider comfort.
What don’t we like about it?
- Expensive.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
Both beginners and experienced riders can enjoy it.
- Can this bike be converted into a road bike?
After switching to appropriate road tires, it can be used as a road bike.
- Is this bike customizable?
It can be customized for drop-bar riders.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are general guidelines, and the best way to find your size is to try it out. Sizes may vary from person to person.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’1″ – 5’5″ | 49cm |
| 5’3″ – 5’7″ | 52cm |
| 5’5″ – 5’9″ | 54cm |
| 5’7″ – 6’0″ | 56cm |
| 5’10” – 6’2″ | 58cm |
| 6’0″ – 6’4″ | 61cm |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Crux FACT 10r Carbon, Rider First Engineered™, Threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount discBB Standard: BSA, 68mm, ThreadedColors: Gloss Carbon / Tarmac Black; Satin Harvest Gold Metallic / Oak Green |
| Fork | FACT 12R Carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB BSA |
| Stem | Specialized Pro SL, alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise |
| Handlebar | Specialized Adventure Gear, 118.9mm drop x 70mm reach x 12º flare |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Power Expert, titanium rails |
| Seatpost | Roval Terra Carbon Seat Post, 20mm Offset |
| Pedals | PEDAL, TEST RIDE PEDALS PROVIDED BY SPECIALIZED |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS |
| Crank | SRAM Rival 1x, 40T |
| Shifters | SRAM Rival eTAP AXS |
| Cassette | SRAM XPLR, XG-1251, 12-speed, 10-44t |
| Chain | SRAM Rival 12-speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Rival eTAP AXS, hydraulic disc |
Wheels
| Rims | Front: Roval Terra C, 25mm inner width carbon rim, 32mm depth, NEW DT 370 hub, 24h, DT Swiss Comp Race spokes, Rear: Roval Terra C, 25mm inner width carbon rim Rear: Roval Terra C, 25mm inner width carbon rim, 32mm depth, NEW DT 370 hub, 24h, DT Swiss Comp Race spokes |
| Tires | Front: Pathfinder Pro 2BR, Tan Sidewall, 700×38, Rear: Pathfinder Pro 2BR, Tan Sidewall, 700×38 |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 1 | Click View | CADEX AR, 700x40c | 2×12 Electronic | Carbon | SRAM Rival eTap |
| Cervelo Aspero Rival XPLR eTap AXS 1 | Click View | Panaracer Gravel King SK 700x38c | 1×12 Electronic | Carbon | SRAM Rival XPLR eTap, Rival eTap |
| Factor LS SRAM Force eTap AXS WIDE | Click View | 700c | 2×12 Electronic | Carbon | SRAM Force eTap |
| Pivot Vault Team Force/X01 Wide Range | Click View | Maxxis Rambler 700c x 40mm | 1×12 Electronic | Carbon | SRAM X01 Eagle AXS, Force eTap |
Specialized Crux Expert vs. Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 1
These two bikes both feature carbon frames, forks, and 700c wheels. However, the Specialized Crux Expert has 38mm-wide wheels, whereas the Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 1 has 40c wheels. Additionally, the Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 1 boasts a tire clearance of 45c, allowing for wider tires to be installed. Wider tires perform better on loose and soft road surfaces, providing better support.
Furthermore, the Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 1 comes with a 2×12 Electronic drivetrain, while the Specialized Crux Expert has a 1×12 electronic drivetrain. Both are electronic shifting systems and are highly precise. However, the 1×12 Electronic derailleur design effectively prevents chain drops. The Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 1 can reach a speed of 37mph, whereas the Specialized Crux Expert has a top speed of only 35mph, making it somewhat slower.
Learn More: Is Giant Revolt Advanced 3 Worth Buying? [2022 Giant Revolt Advanced 3 Review]
Specialized Crux Expert vs. Cervelo Aspero Rival XPLR eTap AXS 1
In terms of the stack/reach ratio, both the Specialized Crux Expert and the Cervelo Aspero Rival XPLR eTap AXS 1 have a value of 1.46. Additionally, they both have a head tube angle of 72 degrees. However, the Cervelo Aspero Rival XPLR eTap AXS 1 has a BB Drop of 76mm, which is larger than the 72mm BB Drop of the Specialized Crux Expert. A larger BB Drop lowers the center of gravity, making the ride more stable. However, it can also lead to pedal strikes, causing issues when cornering or traversing obstacles.
The Specialized Crux Expert has a trail of 64mm, which is slightly larger than the 58.6mm trail of the Cervelo Aspero Rival XPLR eTap AXS 1. A higher trail provides excellent stability at high speeds. However, during low-speed riding and cornering, the front wheel may tend to lean, leading to less balance. On the other hand, a smaller trail offers quicker and more agile steering but may be less stable and prone to slipping.
Learn More: Is Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 Worth Buying? [2022 Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 Review]
Specialized Crux Expert vs. Factor LS SRAM Force eTap AXS WIDE
The Specialized Crux Expert is equipped with 700c carbon wheels. In contrast, the Factor LS SRAM Force eTap AXS WIDE comes with 700c aluminum wheels, and the Specialized Crux Expert has 38mm-wide tires. However, the Factor LS SRAM Force eTap AXS WIDE is optimized to accommodate tires as wide as 40mm. The 40mm tires can adapt to a wider range of road surfaces.
Additionally, carbon wheels, despite their higher cost, are lightweight and possess high tensile strength along the fiber direction. However, they are vulnerable to lateral impacts and may break easily when colliding with sharp objects. On the other hand, aluminum wheels are more affordable, heavier, recyclable, and corrosion-resistant. However, they have lower resistance to metal fatigue and require welding. The strength at weld points is lower, making them more prone to breakage.
The Factor LS SRAM Force eTap AXS WIDE features a 2×12 Electronic drivetrain, while the Specialized Crux Expert has a 1×12 Electronic drivetrain with a single-chainring design that helps prevent chain drops. However, the Factor LS SRAM Force eTap AXS WIDE can achieve a speed of 37mph, making it faster.
Specialized Crux Expert vs. Pivot Vault Team Force/X01 Wide Range
In terms of the stack/reach ratio, the Specialized Crux Expert has a ratio of 1.46, while the Pivot Vault Team Force/X01 Wide Range has a ratio of 1.53. A larger stack/reach ratio allows the rider’s posture to be more upright, opening up the chest and providing better breathing during long climbs, making the ride very comfortable. On the other hand, a smaller stack/reach ratio makes the geometry more aggressive. By sacrificing some comfort for greater efficiency, it can transmit power to the pedals more effectively.
Additionally, the Specialized Crux Expert has a speed of 35mph, while the Pivot Vault Team Force/X01 Wide Range is slightly slower at 33mph. The Maxxis Rambler tires on the Pivot Vault Team Force/X01 Wide Range have a width of 40mm, which is slightly wider than the 38mm Pathfinder Pro 2BR tires on the Specialized Crux Expert. This wider tire can adapt to a wider range of road surfaces and provide better support.
Summary
The above is our review of the Specialized Crux Expert. This is an excellent gravel bike that offers a great experience on gravel roads. Taking all factors into account, we have given it a high rating of 4.8. If you want more information about bikes, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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