Review: The Specialized Crux DSW Feels Like All the Bike You Need

The process of building gravel bikes made of aluminum is quite easy. Make it in line with an affordable price, then offer two colors that are both conservative and one that will be a hit onto the sales floorand then print the money. In the end, an alloy gravel bicycle is usually the first step in cycling. It’s not only cycling. What’s wrong regarding the Specialized Crux DSW, which Specialized is a top steel gravel bicycle?

Alvin Holbrook
11/06/2024

Specialized declares that its new Crux DSW gravel bike is the lightest aluminum frame for a gravel bike ever produced. It’s an impressive claim, but with 1 399 grams, for a 56cm frame, it means that the majority of carbon gravel bikes are one pounds less (~400 pounds) that this.

The Crux DSW is even better, as even better, the Crux DSW has the same design and tire clearances as that of the Crux gravel and the cyclocross bike. It’s a great alternative not just for people who do not need carbon-fiber, but also for all those who are considering the possibility of a gravel bike.

Below are the build specifications price, details on the build, comparisons with others gravel bikes as well as my experiences riding this Specialized Crux DSW. We’ll save you the specifics: bike enthusiasts who like aluminum will love Specialized’s new gravel bike.

Quick Hits 7 things you need to be aware of about this Specialized Crux DSW

• Crux DSW, an aluminium variant of the carbon Crux.
• A 56cm frame can be described as the “lightest alloy gravel bike ever made,” at 1,399 g.
• Max tire clearance 700c x 47mm (or 650bx53 millimeters.
• Features a SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH).
• Geometry has a connection to carbon Crux.
• Available in frameset and complete bike models.
• For more information: specialized.com

Build details

The introduction of the latest version of the Specialized Crux carbon bike really ignited the those who love gravel bikes. The Crux was more light than nearly every other gravel bike out on the market, with 825 grams in a 56cm frame. The S-Works model could be even less than that, which made the perfect gravel bike that was lighter than top race bikes.

Instead of carbon fiber, rather than carbon fiber, Crux DSW uses Specialized’s familiar DSW aluminum frame. DSW-short for D’Aluisio Smartweld-essentially means the bike uses hydroformed aluminum tubes without old-fashioned mitering. The DSW process cuts weight by cutting away all materials that aren’t needed and ensuring that there is plenty of material is available at welding points.

Crux DSW Crux DSW also uses a hydroformed downtube that is one piece and a the bottom bracket. This is a rare feature in alloy frames since it adds significant complexity and costs to the building process. For the aluminum Crux however, it permits Specialized to lower the weight, and also have greater control over how the bike’s ride quality is affected.

As with the carbon Crux it’s not much special about the. There’s no internal cable routing on the handlebars, but routing brake cables and hoses to shift via the tube down as well as seat stays to accommodate electronic and mechanical shifting. There’s a circular 27.2 millimeter diameter seat post equipped with a standard post clamp. A BSA-threaded lower bracket completes all the other components of the set.

The Crux DSW comes with a SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH), making it easier to replace hangers in conjunction with any 13-speed SRAM direct-mount derailleurs might be.

In the front On the front, the Crux DSW uses the same 12r carbon fork used by the other models in Crux. Crux lineup. There are three mounts for the bottle cage (two on the top of the triangular, and one right in front of the lower bracket) as well as nothing else. It’s the case with Crux in the end, after all.

Geometry

As we mentioned earlier in the previous paragraph, it’s worth noting that the Crux DSW is a part of the other members of Crux family. It’s not a gravel bike. However, it is a cross between an gravel bike as well as a road bike and an Cyclocross bike. The 72mm bottom bracket drop is a bit high on a gravel bicycle, but it’s about average for the bicycle for cyclocross.

In terms of fit in the matter of fit in terms of fit, in terms of fit, the Crux DSW isn’t a particularly upright bike. It’s got more room to keep the bars in place than the racing gravel bikes on the market however, the fit geometry is still at the extreme end of a gravel bike and is definitely on the “performance gravel” part of the spectrum.

Specifications, builds and pricing

Specialized has its Crux DSW in a frameset and a single build. The framesets are available in three colors as well as the complete SRAM Apex XPLR is available in two different options. This bike has mechanical drivetrains as well as hydraulic shifting. Specialized Pathfinder Pro tires. It’s not anything extraordinary however, the bike is in line with the requirements.

Riding the Specialized Crux DSW

Specialized shipped over a 52cm Crux DSW in its lone Apex XPLR model. With the bike tube-less and devoid of pedals, bottle cages, or any other equipment My bike weighed at 9.2 kilograms (20.2 tons). This isn’t exactly light, but it’s similar to the majority of low-end carbon gravel bikes and about 600 grams lighter than the Crux Comp that is made of carbon fiber.

The handling is remarkably like Carbon Crux. It’s a smooth-handling bike from my experience, and requires only a bit more effort to maintain an unidirectional direction as compared to a traditional gravel bike. It’s not at ease on roads with gravel when compared with something like the aluminum Canyon Grizl and I believe is due to its more comprehensive geometric. But this design makes the bike feel agile in a tight singletrack and with the front wheel not able to drift excessively.

Hello Crux DSW, you’re cyclocross roots are visible. It’s not something to be worried about!

If you’re looking for a bicycle made of aluminum that has an aluminum handlebar and seat post I discovered that the Crux DSW to be comfortable… enough. The ride is a bit firm with a little flexibility on your seat. Given the quality of the construction it’s hard that can be complained about. For those who spend a lot of their time on gravel they may need to consider more grippy tires, a form of suspension seat, or a carbon fiber option.

In all honesty I really liked the way this bike rides. I feel there’s a nice balance in how it goes between singletrack and gravel to dirt to road, and everything in between. It’s perfect for someone who has spent the majority of their time on drop bar bikes, and would like to get out on the gravel. This is a feature which is also present in this carbon model of the Crux. Thankfully, it’s that it is able to handle the challenges of a an unfiltered.

It’s a decent, though basic, parts kit to be located here. The SRAM Apex XPLR drivetrain that has mechanical shifting could be the last standout model from the brand on drop bar drivestrains however, it’s not an added feature. SRAM’s DoubleTap shift technology-using a single paddle for controlling upshifts as well as downshifts-will require some time to become accustomed to, but it’s precise and you feel every shift. Braking is easy to control and the lever’s ergonomics are contemporary and comfortable too.

The same praise can be poured on the touchpoints, specifically the bar tape, the handlebar and saddle. Supacaz’s Supacaz Bar Tape is sufficiently grippy, and, while it’s not terribly soft, it has proved to be durable over time. The bars offer a variety of hand positions, and were a perfect match with the mentioned Apex shifters. There are no complaints about Specialized Power saddles. Specialized Power saddle.

The DT Swiss G540 rims as well as the Specialized hub can be serviced but aren’t remarkable. The 38mm Specialized Pathfinder Pro tires set up tubeless, using an air pump for the floor and the wheels didn’t appear to come back their original shape, despite some serious bottom-outs that resulted from the rim striking the floor. They’re on the heavier side, but an easy wheel swap to roughly 1,400 g Hunt 40 CGR wheelset helped save 600 grams (1.3 tons).

In truth, the Crux DSW has a lot to gain from the lighter wheels, no matter if they’re made of aluminum or non-aluminum. It’s not about being an overweight snob however, the difference is apparent in how simpler it is to maintain faster speeds after changing. If I had this bike it would be the wheels that would be my first choice to like to replace.

The Crux DSW vs the competition

The Crux DSW can be used as a gravel bike as well as a cyclocross bicycle, which gives it a fascinating position on the market. When it comes to aluminum cyclocross bikes, you can find the Squid Squidcross… as well it’s not a lot more. As cool as the bike is however, the Squidcross is more of a DIY-oriented model.

There are a few gravel bikes made of aluminum to such bikes as the Crux DSW to battle which include those from the Canyon Grail AL, Cannondale Topstone, Giant Revolt, Specialized Diverge AL, and State 6061 All-Road in addition to other. This Crux DSW is a decidedly superior frame to those bikes, yet it feels more comfortable and responsive that the other models that have similar build kits. It is a price you pay for the privilege of owning “the lightest gravel bike ever made,” however.

The most interesting challenge comes from the low-end carbon-based gravel bikes. With a price of $2600 US for a full Crux DSW Comp is knocking at the door of that discounted, earlier models year version in carbon fiber of of the mentioned bikes. This makes the Crux DSW more difficult to sell, and I think most people will choose to go towards carbon fiber.

It’s worth noting that, in comparison to carbon fiber bikes The Crux DSW’s aluminium structure is much less energy-intensive than carbon fiber. Aluminum is also among the most recyclable substances in the world. It’s not the same with carbon fibre. This doesn’t mean that one is superior to the other however it’s important to consider when shopping for a bicycle.

Conclusion

I’m not certain that the aluminum Specailzied Crux DSW will be a major selling item. The price is very similar to the entry-level carbon fiber bikes in the end and there’s a resemblance for carbon fiber which aluminum cannot normally rival. Aluminum is, and likely to remain lower than, if not until gravel riders start choosing the Crux DSW over an S-Works.

However, there’s the sense of character that’s distinctive with this motorcycle. It’s easy to feel the bike moving along dirt roads, ready to make you move more quickly. In addition, I was doing more pushing my bike than other bikes, and not only because I was comfortable with its control, but also because I was confident that I could afford to buy a new bike if I had to.

With the Specialized Crux DSW, there will be many satisfied users. It made me as content like any other gravel bike I’ve ever ridden in recent times and costs a lot lower than the bikes I’ve had the pleasure of riding. While you may want to go to ride a carbon version of a bike it’s not a huge loss in the Crux making the switch to aluminum.