Specialized Crux Pro Review
- Price: $8,200
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 700c Carbon
- Gear: 1 × 12 Electronic
What we like about it: One of the lightest gravel bikes in the world, featuring generous tire clearance and outstanding performance with gravel-specific geometry.
What we don’t like about it: Expensive price point, may not be accessible for some riders.
Rating: (4.9/5)
The Specialized Crux Pro comes equipped with precise and fast-shifting SRAM Force 1 eTap AXS components and Pathfinder Pro 2BR, Tan Sidewall, 700×38 tires, ready to tackle challenging terrains.
Below, we’ll analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Specialized Crux Pro. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it with a few top bike models. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Specialized Crux Pro is an ultra-lightweight gravel bike that’s agile, smooth, and responsive. It’s quick to respond when pedaling, making it a high-performance gravel bike.
For this, I packed up the Specialized Crux Pro and headed to the Barry-Roubaix gravel bike racecourse. The roads here were covered with sand and gravel, with rolling climbs and long descents. I promptly booked a nearby hotel on IHG, brought along the bike, and set off.
Climbing
As soon as I started riding the Specialized Crux Pro, I was impressed by its lightweight feel and responsive nature. During climbs, the top-tier carbon fiber frame is lightweight and stiff, giving the bike an overall lightness. I didn’t feel any lag or looseness in the rear part of the bike while climbing, and it felt like an extension of myself. This helped me climb faster with more speed.
On steeper climbing sections, the SRAM Force 1x, 40T crankset paired with the SRAM Force 1x, 40T freewheel provides a 1×12 speed range. This gave me an exceptional shifting experience—shifting to the largest freewheel gear instantly lightened the pedal stroke. This helped conserve energy on steep climbs, where the gradient is greater.
I appreciated the excellent geometry of the Specialized Crux Pro. During climbs, the weight distribution shifts forward, providing stability to the overall riding stance.
In summary, the Specialized Crux Pro’s exceptional frame design paired with powerful components made climbing effortless and speedy.
Descending
On the gravel downhill trails, the carbon fiber frame and fork of the Specialized Crux Pro exhibit controlled flex characteristics. On gravel roads, it absorbs road vibrations, ensuring a comfortable ride.
The 700x38C large-diameter wheelset provides me with impressive traction and stability for downhill riding on gravel. It easily handles minor bumps on the road.
Additionally, the SRAM Force eTAP AXS hydraulic disc brakes on the Specialized Crux Pro offer reliable braking power and a lightweight braking feel, ensuring safety during long descents. Even with continuous braking, they dissipate heat quickly and maintain reliable braking performance. This is a testament to the strength of hydraulic disc brakes—they remain consistently reliable.
In conclusion, the Specialized Crux Pro excels in both climbing and descending on gravel surfaces, making it one of the top gravel bikes for these scenarios.
Specifications
The Specialized Crux Pro features a lightweight carbon fiber frame and fork with controlled flex characteristics, absorbing road vibrations for a more comfortable ride.
It offers 6 frame sizes to choose from, suitable for riders ranging from 5’1″ to 6’4″ in height. In other words, it provides a wide range of height compatibility, making it suitable for the majority of riders.
The internal cable routing design maintains a clean appearance and facilitates easy daily cleaning. Additionally, the silent treatment of the cable housing reduces noise during rides.
Lastly, the Specialized Crux Pro’s SRAM Force XPLR eTap components provide efficient transmission efficiency, rapid and responsive shifting, and reliable hydraulic disc braking even in challenging conditions.
Video
Other Versions
The Specialized Crux Pro features a lightweight carbon fiber frame with excellent geometry and top-tier components, making it capable of handling challenging environments. However, its high price point may not be suitable for beginners or budget-conscious riders.
For this reason, we offer a gravel bike with a similarly lightweight carbon fiber frame under the same brand. It uses slightly lower-tier components, comes at a more affordable price, and caters to a broader audience for all riders to consider.
Specialized Crux Comp
The Specialized Crux Comp adopts the same internally routed lightweight carbon fiber frame, ensuring the bike’s fundamental performance is dependable.
The SRAM Rival 1×11 drivetrain ensures efficient transmission and reliable shifting, suitable for everyday gravel riding on variable terrains.
Similarly, it features SRAM Rival hydraulic disc brake components, providing dependable braking performance even in challenging conditions.
Most importantly, this bike’s price point is more accessible to a wider range of people. Its impressive frame can be upgraded with components for enhanced riding capabilities.
What do we like about it?
- One of the lightest gravel bikes in the world, offering a nimble and fast pedaling experience.
- Precise and swift shifting with SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS components.
- High-performance gravel geometry and road conformity for an immersive riding experience.
- Tire clearance of 700x47c/650b x 2.1″, offering enhanced capability.
- Hydraulic disc brakes with reliable braking performance even in challenging conditions.
- Clean appearance with internal cable routing for convenient daily cleaning.
What don’t we like about it?
- Expensive price point, may not be accessible for some riders.
FAQ
- Can this bike use a 2x drivetrain?
It’s designed for all 1x drivetrain systems (mechanical, Di2, eTap), and it’s also compatible with electronic 2x drivetrain systems.
- Are wider tires better for off-road riding?
Gravel bikes use larger tires than standard road tires, typically ranging from 32-33 millimeters up to a maximum of 40 millimeters, to improve traction, grip, and overall stability.
- How do I choose the right size?
Here we have a sizing chart for you. Of course, it doesn’t always have to be followed, and the best way to find the perfect size is to try it out.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’1″-5’5″ | 49 |
| 5’3″ – 5’7″ | 52 |
| 5’5″ – 5’9″ | 54 |
| 5’7″ – 6’0″ | 56 |
| 5’10” – 6’2″ | 58 |
| 6’0″ – 6’4″ | 61 |
Specialized Crux Pro Specs
Build
| Frame | Crux FACT 10r Carbon, Rider First Engineered™, Threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount discBB Standard: BSA, 68mm, ThreadedColor: Gloss Metallic Deep Lake/ Green Pearl |
| Fork | FACT Carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB BSA 68 |
| Headset | Cane Creek 40 |
| Stem | Specialized Pro SL, alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise |
| Handlebar | Roval Terra, carbon, 103mm drop x 70mm reach x 12º flare |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Power Pro, hollow titanium rails |
| Seatpost | Roval Terra Carbon Seat Post, 20mm Offset |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS |
| Crank | SRAM Force 1x, 40T |
| Shifters | SRAM Force eTap AXS |
| Cassette | SRAM XPLR, XG-1251, 12-speed, 10-44t |
| Chain | SRAM Force 12-speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Force eTAP AXS, hydraulic disc |
Wheels
| Rims | Front: Roval Terra CL, 25mm internal width, 32mm depth, 24h, Tubeless ready, DT for Roval 350 hub, Centerlock disc, DT Swiss Competition Race spokes, Rear : Roval Terra CL, 25mm internal width, 32mm depth, 24h, Tubeless ready, DT for Roval 350 hub, Centerlock disc, DT Swiss Competition Race spokes |
| Tires | Front: Pathfinder Pro 2BR, Tan Sidewall, 700×38, Rear: Pathfinder Pro 2BR, Tan Sidewall, 700×38 |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Wheelset | Frame Material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 RLE | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | 2 × 12 Electronic |
| Trek Checkpoint SLR 7 AXS | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Salsa Warbird C Force eTap AXS Wide | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | SRAM Force | 2 × 12 Electronic |
| Scott Addict Gravel Tuned | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | SRAM RED eTap AXS | 2 × 12 Electronic |
Specialized Crux Pro vs. Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 RLE
Comparing these two bikes, the first one has a lightweight carbon fiber frame that results in a lighter overall weight. However, the frame of the second one features a suspension linkage design, allowing it to absorb more road vibrations and provide a more comfortable riding experience.
Moving on to the drivetrain components, both bikes utilize SRAM Force-level electronic versions. Yet, the first one employs a 1x design, making shifting simpler and allowing riders to focus more on the ride itself. On the other hand, the second bike features a 2x drivetrain design, offering a wider range of speeds and more shifting options.
Therefore, between these two bicycles, I prefer the Specialized Crux Pro. Its lighter weight makes for a more effortless and relaxed riding experience.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Topstone 4 Worth Buying? [2022 Cannondale Topstone 4 Review]
Specialized Crux Pro vs. Trek Checkpoint SLR 7 AXS
Both of them feature high-quality and lightweight carbon fiber frames and forks. Additionally, the paint and visual design of these two gravel bikes are aesthetically pleasing and quite appealing, which I like.
For the drivetrain and braking components, both bikes utilize SRAM Force 1×12 electronic drivetrains and hydraulic disc brakes. The drivetrain efficiency is outstanding, with precise shifting. The hydraulic disc brakes offer powerful braking capabilities and remain reliable even in challenging conditions.
In the end, choosing between these two gravel bikes comes down to personal preference. They are truly quite similar, both being excellent gravel bikes.
Learn More: Is Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 A Good Bike? [Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review]
Specialized Crux Pro vs. Salsa Warbird C Force eTap AXS Wide
These two bikes are distinct gravel bikes with their advantages.
In terms of frame design, the first one is lighter, providing a more effortless riding experience and an advantage in uphill riding. On the other hand, the frame of the second bike offers a greater load-carrying capacity, making it suitable for long-distance rides.
For the drivetrain components, both bikes use the same level of Sram Force electronic components. The 1x design of the first one offers convenience and simplicity. The 2x design of the second one provides a wider range of gearing options and combinations.
So, these two bikes each have their strengths. If you’re looking for an easier and faster ride, then the Specialized Crux Pro is the better choice. If you want to balance long-distance riding journeys, the 2022 Salsa Warbird C Force eTap AXS Wide is more suitable.
Learn More: Is Salsa Warbird C Worth Buying? [Salsa Warbird C Review]
Specialized Crux Pro vs. Scott Addict Gravel Tuned
These two gravel bikes both feature carbon fiber frames, forks, and wheelsets, providing a lightweight and agile riding experience.
However, in terms of drivetrain components, both bikes utilize SRAM electronic versions. Yet, the components on the latter are of a higher grade, offering better transmission efficiency and shifting performance compared to the former.
When it comes to the braking components, while the latter’s components are also of a higher level, both bikes have sufficiently powerful braking capabilities with reliable performance.
To sum up, if your budget allows, the Scott Addict Gravel Tuned does indeed offer a more powerful performance. However, if you’re looking for a gravel bike at a slightly lower price point, the Specialized Crux Pro is the best option within this price range.
Learn More: Is Scott Addict RC 20 Worth Buying? – [Scott Addict RC 20 Review]
Summary
The above is my review of the Specialized Crux Pro. In our opinion, it’s a gravel bike that offers an easy and agile riding experience while delivering reliable performance. That’s why we give it a rating of 4.9.
Of course, if you’re interested in other gravel bikes, we also review a wide variety of bikes at different price points, making it an engaging read. Feel free to explore our other reviews as well.
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