Specialized Crux DSW Comp review: lightweight, great value and a fun ride, but is it really a gravel bike?

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The Specialized Crux DSW takes its cues from its ultra-light carbon Crux stablemate, a bike inspired by the record-breaking light Aethos.

At only 9.75kg for my size-58cm test bike, it's by far the lightest aluminium gravel bike I’ve tested and comes in lighter than many high-performance carbon gravel bikes too.

With SRAM’s Apex 1x12 drivetrain and a host of Specialized components, the Crux DSW offers a lot of bang for your buck and very little extra heft despite its affordable price of £2,300 / $2,600 / €2,700.

• Read more: The best gravel bikes in 2025

Specialized Crux DSW Comp frame

The heart of the heavily butted and hydroformed Crux DSW frame is the process that makes it. DSW, standing for D’Aluisio Smart Weld, is named after legendary Specialized engineer Chris D’Aluisio.

It’s a process where each individual tube of the frame is precision matched to its adjoining parts.

The tube ends have a rolled-over shape that aligns between tubes, creating a natural channel for the weld material to flow into.

Specialized claims this makes for a more efficient joint, with less material and more strength at a much-reduced weight.

The claimed weight of 1,399g (56cm) compares to just shy of 2kg for the Focus Atlas I've also tested, while both share the same 47mm tyre clearances.

The DSW process makes for visually prominent welds, though, on what otherwise looks like a somewhat traditional-looking frame with slender tubes and full-length seatstays.

However, the traditional looks somewhat mask what it is a bang-up-to-date design, with a Universal Derailleur Hanger dropout future-proofing the Crux DSW, while making it a doddle to find a replacement hanger too.

The frame is equipped very much like a stripped-down racer, with ‘only’ three sets of bottle bosses (including two positions for the bottles atop the down tube).

There’s no provision for mudguards, racks or even a top tube bag.

The routing is kept refreshingly simple, with cables and hoses entering at the down tube and the front hose at the fork crown.

That keeps the headset standard-sized, and a threaded bottom bracket will add to the home-mechanic appeal of the frameset.

The roots of the Crux DSW (like its carbon sibling) are solidly within cyclocross – the Crux was Specialized’s long-standing cyclocross bike. It’s been re-categorised as a gravel bike, but on this evidence, its heart still lies in fast short-track off-road racing.

Specialized Crux DSW Comp geometry

The Crux geometry bears much more in common with road race (and cyclocross) bikes than other gravel bikes.

The steep 73.5-degree seat angle and the 72.25-degree head angle of my size-58cm test bike wouldn’t raise eyebrows on a road bike.

The same goes for the tight 1,045mm wheelbase and the head angle, combined with the 50mm fork offset and 38mm tyres, makes for a 58mm trail figure.

That’s only 3mm longer than the WorldTour-raced Tarmac SL8 and just a single millimetre longer than the latest Roubaix SL8 endurance bike.

The stack is also race-bike low at 598mm, and the reach is long at 405mm. That’s lower and longer than the Roubaix, and closer to the Tarmac.

Specialized Crux DSW Comp specification

The SRAM Apex XPLR mechanical drivetrain is the centre of the bike. Its 1x12 range is ideal for gravel riding.

Unlike the electronic AXS versions of SRAM’s 12-speed drivetrains, Apex uses a Shimano HG-compatible cassette, opening up a wide range of wheel options.

The 40-tooth crankset, paired with a wide 11-44t cassette, matches the top end of its 2x GRX rivals, while having a far lighter 40/44t gear at the other end.

The Apex XPLR drivetrain is matched with hydraulic Apex brakes.

The DT Swiss G540 wheelset comes with a claimed weight just shy of 2kg a pair (1,998g).

They have a modern, wide rim bed of 25mm and are tubeless-ready. Here, they are shod with Specialized's own Pathfinder Pro tubeless-compatible tyres in a slender 38mm width.

The build is completed with a selection of Specialized parts, including the Body Geometry Power Sport saddle and a gravel-specific handlebar with a compact drop and 12-degree flare.

The simple stem does the job well, as does a functional alloy seatpost (although I’d have liked to have seen carbon at this price).

Specialized Crux DSW Comp ride impressions

The Crux DSW delivers a seriously lively ride experience. The steep angles, stiff ride quality and lightweight, slender tyres make it road-bike fast on tarmac.

The slick-shifting Apex mechanical groupset is superior to the 2x GRX found on some its rivals, both in speed and smoothness. However, although the Apex braking matches GRX for power, it offers less feel than GRX.

On tarmac, the Crux handles with effortless speed – quick corrections, and snappy turning make for an exciting ride. It’s a similar story on unmetalled roads, light gravel and double-track byways, especially when the trail starts to rise.

These conditions, when dry, suit the Pathfinder tyres very well. They offer low rolling resistance, have enough sidewall compliance and grip well.

That said, they struggle on anything moisture-packed, losing traction in mud in an instant.

On rougher ground, the relative lack of volume can’t squash the noise and vibrations. I’d look to switch up to something larger to make the most of the 47mm clearances and gain a bit more comfort, plus grip.

When it comes to more lumpy, bumpy, rocky and rooty surfaces, things get, shall we say, interesting. It’s an epic amount of fun to ride, in the same way a Bucking Bronco is.

The Crux pings, snaps and flicks from root to rock. The lightness of the bike means it feels as though it spends more time bouncing between lumps than keeping in contact with the ground.

The firm ride results in a bike that delivers a fun-filled experience, but you can’t lose your concentration for a moment. You absolutely need to keep your wits about you.

Specialized Crux DSW Comp bottom line

The Crux DSW is arguably the most value-packed cyclocross race bike Specialized never made.

If your idea of gravel riding is speeding across wide-open princess gravel roads, this is the bike for you.

It’s a stripped-down racer with no concessions to luggage or weather – a pure-racing experience of the highest standard.

Plus, you could always turn your hand to a bit of cyclocross racing come the winter – just remember to switch out those almost slick Pathfinder tyres.

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