Specialized says its new Crux DSW is the lightest alloy gravel bike frame available, weighing just under 1.4kg.
When Specialized redesigned the carbon Crux in 2021, the headline feature was a feathery 725g frame weight (size 56cm). With the Crux DSW, the focus is again directed towards the scales, with the frameset and one complete build available at launch.
The move brings Specialized’s gravel race bike down to a £2,300 / $2,600 / €2,700 / AU$4,000 entry point and shows that the biggest brands are still keen to push alloy frame design.
How much does the Specialized Crux DSW weigh?
Specialized claims the Crux DSW frame weighs 1,399g in a size 56cm.
Specialized pairs the frame with the S-Works Crux's carbon fork bringing the frameset weight to 1.98kg.
Specialized says a complete Crux DSW build weighs 9.37kg.
For comparison, Trek claims its £3,000 Checkpoint ALR 5 is 9.86kg in a size 56cm. Merida’s Silex 700 weighs a claimed 10.14kg while Canyon’s Grizl 7 is heavier still at 10.68kg.
What is DSW?
As with several alloy bikes from Specialized, such as the Allez and Diverge, the new Crux carries the D’Aluisio Smartweld (DSW) name.
According to Specialized, this patented method for welding a bike frame is why the Crux “is more than the lightest alloy gravel bike in the world.”
Specialized says DSW helps create a "unique single-piece downtube and bottom bracket for the Crux DSW." This, it claims, saves weight while simultaneously increasing responsiveness.
The DSW method sees Specialized hydroform the tube shapes with what it says are precisely matched joints. This allows the tubes to intersect “without any old-fashioned mitring or fudging.”
Specialized says that focusing the material needs towards the high-stress weld areas leads to “stronger welds and, ultimately, a lighter frame that can be twice as durable as a traditional alloy frame.”
After the 2021 Crux moved away from its cyclocross roots to cater for the burgeoning gravel bike market, fans of the Californian brand were left with one fewer alloy options.
Alloy is often associated with lower prices and many riders, from recreational cyclists to keen racers, favour alloy for its value credentials.
Tried and tested features
While many alloy gravel bikes, such as the Trek Checkpoint and Canyon Grizl, are aimed slightly more towards adventure riding, Specialized has stuck with the Crux’s lightweight race bike ethos.
The DSW design carries several features from the carbon Crux, such as the singular additional cage mount at the base of the down tube.
Tyre clearance remains unchanged with the frameset boasting clearance for 700x47c or 650x2.1in gravel tyres. This matches the Diverge STR, Specialized’s dedicated adventure machine.
As with the carbon Crux, the tube shapes are slightly ovalised, prioritising low weight over any aero optimisation.
A feature found on many of Specialized’s more affordable bikes is a fork from a much more expensive bike. This is the case with the Crux DSW as its Fact 12r carbon fork is the one you’ll find on the £11,300 S-Works Crux.
Geometry
The Specialized Crux DSW also has the same geometry as the carbon Crux.
Specialized made the Crux longer in 2021, taking the bike from a nippy cyclocross racer to a more stable gravel platform.
A 56cm Crux DSW has a 397mm reach and a 578mm stack. Specialized also continues with a 72mm bottom bracket drop (on all but the two smallest sizes) to aid stability.
Pricing and availability
Currently, the Crux DSW is available in one complete build only, alongside a frameset.
The singular build features a Sram Apex mechanical groupset with hydraulic disc brakes. The 1x setup pairs a 40T chainring with an 11-44T Sram XPLR cassette.
Alloy finishing kit is used throughout with the Adventure Gear bar up front providing a 118.9mm drop, 70mm reach and 12 DEG flare at the drops.
The bike has DT Swiss’s gravel-specific G540 wheels with a 25mm tubeless-ready internal profile. This alloy wheelset provides a wide base for 700x38c Specialized Pathfinder Pro 2BR tyres.
The complete bike costs £2,300 / $2,600 / €2,700 / AU$4,000 while the frameset will set you back £1,500 / $1,700 / €1,650 / AU$2,500.
