The 2022 Specialized S-Works Crux Is Worth Robbing A Bank For! Long-term review

[@illuminatustm]

Traditional frame designs just do it for me in a way the new school stuff doesn’t ❤️

[@davidarthur]

I totally agree!

[@nicolorebellato3101]

totally agree

[@ianboltron]

Great looking bike but supremely overpriced for the top of the range model. Solid review as always David!

[@CarbonRider1]

Trek and a few other brands have the same price point for gravel bikes with similar specs. You can get it a lot cheaper if you downgrade the components or go with the non-sworks model, which is only 100g lighter and nearly $1,500 USD cheaper for the frameset

[@laurenz323]

The frame weight of the s works model is the usp. But yeah. For price-value​ youre right@@CarbonRider1

[@justinhumphreys5230]

crux or diverge - how the hell am I mean to decide between these two beasts......aaarrgghhhhhhhh help I need someone to decide for me.....

[@jamiefarrell6496]

I’m lucky enough to have a new Crux and it’s definitely filling the multiroles you describe, Dave. It’s my twofer; one wheelset with GP5000s and a cassette for fun on the roads and another wheelset, with some knobbly Rene Herses and a wider range cassette, for non-tarmac fun. It’s not cheap, but it replaced both my Canyon Endurace and my Lauf True Grit and does as good, if not better, jobs than both of them. With a little bit of determined mental maths, I (just about) made the numbers work for me :) LOVE this bike.

[@joonlee920]

How does it do 'better' than the Lauf TG? There's no suspension on the Crux. The Crux is a Gravel Race Bike for hard gravel. The TG is for more rough gravel and should be more comfortable than the Crux.

[@jamiefarrell6496]

@@joonlee920 The Lauf was surprisingly harsh in the rear - I ended up trying a COBL GOBLR seat post and the Endurace split seat post to address it.

[@joonlee920]

@@jamiefarrell6496 I agree which is why I got a Red Shift seat suspension for the Laug TG.

[@MJarthur95]

Great review as always! The bike looks good 👌🏽! It’s just sad that all these bikes coming out (even older models) is order now & receive them December 2022 or even mid 2023. Just absurd

[@jimthebikeguy]

I love it but I can't reconcile that price. And if you go downscale and buy a (still brutally priced) 5 grand version, it comes with a super heavy rival axs groupset thus negating the advantages of the frame. It absolutely is the future of bikes though; 3 in 1 is what we will all be buying soon.

[@17cream]

Great bike, but sorry vastly overpriced….

[@KameelMotionFit]

Great review, you ask for tires preferences. I like the continental terra speed or Vittoria terreno dry

[@davidarthur]

Cool, thanks!

[@donschloth5785]

I just finished the SBT GRVL race in Colorado on my OBED GVR and was left wondering how I would have liked riding the Crux instead. I also own an Aethos and absolutely love it! The OBED doesn’t really inspire or excite me when I’m riding it and that’s not to say it isn’t capable, it just doesn’t seem to have any character. It’s heavy, sturdy and gets the job done but again, I’m just not excited by it. My thought is to replace the OBED and Aethos with a Crux. It’s my hope that I’ll enjoy the Crux as much as the Aethos with the ability to race gravel, road ride and use the Crux as my travel bike. I’ll have to keep researching and hopefully get a chance to ride a Crux.

[@ultimatist]

I'm a Diverge owner, and the Crux is a fantastic bike. Still, I prefer the Diverge for steep, loose Bay Area descents: it has a 2x groupset for extreme gradients, longer wheelbase, slacker geometry, and more flex. Also, when you can fit 35mms on an Aethos, and cyclists are winning local gravel races on road bikes with 32-35mm tires, the Crux isn't as much of a default racer. No doubt we'll see it often on races with more elevation, where weight matters. But on Unbound's long, straight slogging miles? Interested to see the equipment choices this year... David, I think you're right that aero matters more.

[@osint6372]

Which Diverge do you have? Thoughts? Thank you.

[@TheGunns]

Thanks David, good review. My crux expert is arriving on Friday. I have already thought I'd look at a shockstop stem after I ride it for a while and that's what appeals to me over the diverge. How long are future shock replacement parts going to be available? The crux uses standard parts and a threaded bb so all positives in my opinion.

[@dakrisht]

Having ridden a couple Rene Herse, the Gravelking SS+ and SK+ and the Conti Terra Speed - I honestly think the Specialized Pathfinder Pro is one of the best graven / tarmac mixed use tires out there. Heavy, sure, but feels like a Cadillac on the road, stable, rolling resistance is up there, supple, no punctures, solid solid tire. The Terra Speed’s wear out way too quickly and are prone to punctures. Same with the Gravelkings. The Herse tires certainly do feel extra supple but they’re pricey.

[@landiepete]

Twelve Thousand Eight Hundred Euro. Don't be silly now.

[@wsbygt]

This CX bike with different tires is almost as light(or even lighter) than my aero road bike. Impressive.

[@laurenz323]

Easy sub 6.8kg with climbing wheels

[@gerlachsieders4578]

As a happy owner of a Secan, I wouldn't mind seeing yours once in a while ;-) Any adventures like on the King Alfreds Way on the horizon? That was such a nice outdoor adventure. All the best David! Gerlach Sven.

[@MrSchuetzendorf]

German engineering makes it even more attractive. I like it! What i don't like is the brand itself: A complete bike costs more thann the sum of its parts. It's a no-go.

[@bobtilton3024]

Thoroughly enjoy your reviews and have watched the Diverge/Crux with great interests. Love my 2018 Diverge with updated 1.5 FS but I have had to replace the unit twice now hence the interest in the Crux.

[@walshman70]

Do you feel the geometry changes are an improvement even if the bike is used only as a cyclocross race bike? p.s. best gravel tire I've ridden: Rene Herse Steilacoom 38mm

[@rickbeckner9906]

Another excellent review. I will be interested to see, assuming you can get your hands on one, how you view the “lower” level Crux, given that the low weight of the S-Works version was a defining characteristic. Although you briefly touch on it, I think it is important to stress that the Crux has a very, very low stack compared to most gravel bikes. Even with wide, low pressure tires, many riders will find this an uncomfortable ride. As you say, this is a niche bike (although a compelling one for someone interested in that niche!)

[@seanrequiredfieldcannotbel1362]

Wouldn't the lower stack lend itself to more exposed seat post, and thus a little more give?

[@RevelCris]

its a very comfy bike if you already ride road race bikes. sooo much compliance throughout the frame

[@ultimatist]

@@seanrequiredfieldcannotbel1362 ?? stack has no relation to your seat post or height.

[@seanrequiredfieldcannotbel1362]

@@ultimatist a lower stack, presumably, has a lower seat tube, which would mean more exposed seat post, thus more seatpost flex. No? I know stack is the vertical measure from center BB to top of head tube; but it's unlikely a short stack will be paired with a long seat tube. Or am I horribly mistaken?

[@ultimatist]

@@seanrequiredfieldcannotbel1362 seat tube is dominated by the angle of the top tube, but I see what you're saying. Maybe... more importantly, a low stack will fold you more like a taco, and more likely pound your genitals thru anterior pelvic tilt. You're also more likely to go OTB on steep descents. But you'll be much more aero.

[@awildcyclistappears]

Specialized is preying on lack of knowledge. Introducing tube shapes from the past and selling them as premium. No matter what you will say David, for me it's a garbage investment.

[@bradsanders6954]

As a weekend warrior, and weekday mornings also...........I picked up a 2022 Canyon Endurace with Di2 and love the thing. Easy to get it below 16 lbs. Great comfy road bike,feels light to me...............and did a gravel climb last weekend and it just took off, every one else on typical weight gravel bikes, me on a light Endurace with my gravel wheels and tires/gearing.............I really like the bike. The seatpost/frame give a great ride.

[@morrisizing]

Some of the versatility in these bikes is lost with the current trend towards 1x. Less of an issue with AXS gearing with the 10t cog but for those of us still running mechanical it can lose some versatility. I recently brought a Vitus Cx bike which has great tyre clearance (45s), a sub 900g frame with in vogue D shaped down tube etc. The downside is the 1x gearing on a bike where the chainring clearance for a 1x setup is limited due to the wide chainstays. A 2x chainring would be out further and miss the chainstay and open the bike up for events like the Roubaix sportive.

[@dcv9460]

Awesome review David! As always 👍🏽 👍🏽 👍🏽

[@mortlow6688]

i like the clean classic frame design . It looks amazing!

[@davidnicholson6680]

There are huge sales for this very appealing bike right now...

[@adammasters8229]

I managed to get an expert crux earlier this year , and it is a great bike ! Quick on the road and great off road even on some more aggressive trails here on the quantocks. I made a few spec changes from standard and got the weight below 8 kgs . The sram etap rival works great haven’t had so much fun on a bike since the late 80’s when I was mtbing on rigid bikes, the difference is this can hold its own on the club ride. Great review hoping to use mine for 3 peaks if I get in , would be interested on your thoughts for this bike and that event Dave ?

[@briantravis1851]

Thank you David for the review. I rode the Diverge Expert in 2020, then a Crux in 2021... I continually debate which one I prefer more for the Cadillac gravel we have here on the South Bruce Peninsula. I haven't decided for this season where to go back to the Diverge or stay with the Crux. When I am going up hill I'm convinced the Crux is the bicycle for me... then I hit the downhill and change my mind :) I think it might end up coming down to whether or not I like the new colour of this seasons Diverge :)

[@davidarthur]

I found myself in the same position testing the Crux. There were times when it was 100% perfect, but then times I wish I had been on the Diverge. Almost want both bikes merged into one somehow

[@patrickc9317]

@@davidarthur would the Giant Revolt Advanced Pro be an example of both bikes merged into one?

[@rayF4rio]

You do great reviews David.

[@mej6519]

id be scared to get the thing dirty.

[@sandrospera3997]

I want to see you review the Ridley Kanzo Fast , I do have one and I love it !

[@aaronedgeart]

Your opinion, stats, and impressions are most definitely aiming me at a Crux with separate gravel + road wheelsets. Thanx David!

[@davidarthur]

Glad it was helpful Aaron!

[@barryford7135]

Nice bike, but as you say, a lot of money!

[@Star14trek]

Hmmm more comfort .... Trek Boone then 😁

[@crack0n]

2022: Specialized alien s-works bike super light!!! just 7.xx kg for 20000€ ! super cheap best bike and all that jazzzzz back in the middle ages: fuck my caad10 is under 6 kg....again 😡

[@OLPHParish]

It would be wonderful for you to do a Crux versus Secan video, since you own them both. I bought a Secan not too long ago, on your recommendation! I like it, but do not find it very lively, and the Force AXS 2x grippe limits tire clearance to 38-40mm... So it would be awesome to hear your perspective on both bikes. Thanks!

[@ticklefritz5406]

Specialized hit the bullseye!

[@KenSmith-bv4si]

Good one David. I was thinking of buying an Atheos frame then I saw the new Crux. So I started thinking , since I already have a set of Zipp 303 firecrest all I would need would be a set of gravel tyres and there ya go, road gravel bike. Then this voice started talking, aka the weight weenie kicked in. As much as I like the wider tyre clearance the S-Works crux is still heavier (besides price) then the Specialized Atheos frame, its cheaper and lighter, win win except for tyre clearance.

[@davidarthur]

Yes I think you really have to make use of the tyre clearance and the off-road capability from time to time to justify it over the Aethos if it's mainly road riding you're doing. If you were 50/50 of road and off-road with two sets of wheels/tyres I think the Crux makes sense. But do people really change their wheels that often?

[@juanfersan]

@@davidarthur agree, it is a pain to change wheels; i would spend $$$$ on a bike that fits my preferred riding style (a true road or gravel) and $$ on my second preferred

[@Wesrl]

if you compare the Trek Boone, the Crux, and Trek Checkpoint you get a bike that falls in between geometry wise, Boone is the most CX at 391 reach, Crux at 405, and checkpoint 411

[@vmgmarcus]

Looks exactly the same as an SL3 or SL4 with tire clearance. Such a ripoff price!!!😂

[@StanEby1]

Well done. Interesting and entertaining. Even if I won the lottery I would not purchase this bicycle new as a matter of principle. Bikes for the common man, not superior, materialistic corporate types. Why should that drive our culture? Let's get back to volkswagen beetles, Citroën 2CV's, Model A's. Also bikes made with a little national pride. How about reviewing Mokumomo? It will add another dimension to your channel? All the best.

[@LiquidRengar]

Hi there David, I know that it's not very nice of me to ask this but is there any chance you can review some good Chinese wheelsets like Winspace? Because many says its a zipp or enve but without the big bill.

[@davidarthur]

Watch this space…

[@LiquidRengar]

@@davidarthur 😂

[@jonathandubel4829]

Owner of S-works 2022 Crux and S-works Aethos. Sell a kid, house, car or wife. They both are that damn good.

[@LiquidRengar]

@@jonathandubel4829 😶

[@bpisan]

What if i just want basically a road bike that is slightly less aggressive and fine for the occasional or light gravel routes?

[@iansmith5601]

I have recently got a crux expert. Only done a few hundred Km - great on paper but struggling to get on with it. I can’t get comfortable on it for some reason. I find I’m making a lot of bar/cleat/pedal and seat adjustments.

[@7gibbens]

I'll stick to my 2015 Crux @ 9kg which cost me an eye watering 800 British pounds.🤣🤣🤣

[@stevesnailfish]

I started riding off-road on a drop bar bike back in 2014 after being on MTB's for decades and have never looked back as it's so much fun.....the bike is a Boardman CX Comp and I still get out on it as it takes 38c tyres (which measure out at 40c !!!).....Even more capable with a Redshift stem, shorter stem and a gravel handlebar. I also turned it SRAM 1x11 with Rival hydraulic brakes etc last year..... The Crux series always look good though.....I need a larger wallet :) 1x is so good....

[@alolympic]

Gash you see it is fast - that is merely the low weight. Easy to create a self build that performs similarly for a fraction of the price.

[@davidriley2601]

Great review! Thanks, David! Any chance of adding the Kanzo Fast into these reviews of fast gravel? Hard to find in the US for a test ride myself, so I'd love your thoughts.

[@niklaspersson5136]

The pricing on new specialized is insane. Like the looks and have one on order. I think bike shop owners, sponsored riders and the small wealthy click will buy it. Us commons maybe the los spec (not in pricing) or a carbonda will do. Its still just a bike. Will get mine in a couple of weeks, maybe .

[@jvogel431]

Hi Dave, great review of the S-works Crux. Over 12,000 dollars for a CX/Gravel bike is a bit much. For over a year, I tried to get a lower tier Crux (Expert or Comp) to no avail. They simply do not exist in the US. Shops are just not getting bikes from Specialized here. I finally gave up trying and bought a Cannondale SuperSix CX. The Cannondale has a better component spec than the Crux comp and is less money. My question is: Are you seeing the full line of Crux bikes in shops in the UK?

[@Aspireonthego]

Throw some Pirelli Cinturato Gravel tires on there and you’re good to go. Really good stuff.

[@CarbonRider1]

I have the Crux and during CX season I swapped out my Enve gravel bars for the Roval Terra bars, which I believe is what you have on your SWorks Crux. The bars are too stiff and make the front end of the bike feel harsh and even a bit jarring. I went on some of my local single track that I normally ride and the ride was harsh. After CX season I went back to the Enve gravel bars and it was a night and day difference for comfort and feel. (I kept the 33mm CX tires on because my Reneherse 38mm Steilacooms were on backorder).

[@RevelCris]

if people are winning unbound 200 on diverege this doesnt make it all of the sudden obsolete. u can make a diverge race-y as hell and ready to rip at 17 lbs

[@rockylim735]

Apart from the bigger tire clearance... the geometry, round tubes, non drop stays looks very similar to the 1st gen carbon diverge.... did you ever get a chance to ride the 1st gen diverge?

[@vov3689]

For 12 grand you would expect the fork brake line to be more internal instead of being sloppy

[@Andyange]

Hi David what would make a faster better gravel bike between the crux and a giant tcx?

[@FMSAir]

great review! what’s more road bike a supersix evo se or crux pro? (in terms of geometry, not wheels or gears)

[@BobbyVempati]

I've been on 2019 Crux for both CX and Gravel Races, it indeed is a versatile bike except for super long self supported rides (with out quick access to water)....It is very lively which might not be your cup of tea on a long stretches and that's another downfall in Gravel events. Currently I have mullet setup and that works for the most part.....Good review

[@Michael-cj9uo]

There's something about the diameter of the top tube that just ruins the look for me. Just a bit too fat.

[@whatwouldjacobdo]

Panaracer Gravelking SKs on my alloy Topstone 1. Great tires!

[@davesmeaton4137]

David, what HJC are you wearing in the video, do you rate their helmets?

[@tunic]

why no comparison with the salsa warbird which is pretty similar and you used recently?

[@zachs6191]

what is similar to this bike geometry wise? hopefully there will be some cheaper replicas on the market soon with a similar ethos

[@Andy_ATB]

The type of bike that fits the N-1; even more so if you fit a front derailleur for a 2x on the road.

[@rubo1964]

For that money I rather buy a dirt motorcycle.Seriously OVERPRICED

[@OM-sb2bd]

For the money you spend on your motorcycle I’d rather buy a bicycle. Such a sentiment doesn’t mean that either is overpriced.

[@jimc5696]

Hi David - any comment on fit - with the new geometry does the 56 fit you like most 56's or a little longer, etc. Curious your height? Im finding I falll between 54/56 - so trying to decide

[@davidarthur]

The fit is perfect for my 181cm height due to the shorter stems they spec

[@DennisNowland]

You are getting the best of the best, for this week at least.

[@poziom79]

For this price I prefer two separate bikes....

[@manuelrabelo6780]

it's an SL5 on steroids and overpriced

[@denethorpalantir2815]

Pretty bike. Is the steerer compression plug long enough for the clamping region of the stem? Just went through this with my CX bike.

[@KameelMotionFit]

?

[@user-nu5fx6en9h]

insane bike , specialized is always on the other level

[@ml1186]

what a shame it comes with disc brakes

[@seanrequiredfieldcannotbel1362]

I love this channel, and David, you usually love everything you review. I have to say one of your worst bikes of 2021 turned out to be the bike I love the most. I bought a 3T Exploro RaceMax (after buying a Fairlight Strael 3.0, and then test riding the 3T and being absolutely blown away by how fast and responsive it is). I think it's everything you say of this Crux, honestly. Though, it may not be super light, but they did get all the details right (except the OEM Fulcrum wheels). I want to ride my 3T way more than my Strael. And yet, I feel the Crux may be far more fun than the Diverge...from a sheer joy to ride point-of-view. I think we all get the versatility of a Diverge, of a Strael, of a more subdued and tame bike. There's nothing like a short chain-stay bike with some tire clearance when it comes to smiles per hour. Though I do think the Diverge may have a lower BB than the Crux (the 3T's BB is comparable to the Diverge, which also makes it such a joy to go for a spin on). The true shame is the price tag. A top end bike just 5 years ago didn't cost more than a new Honda Civic. What happened?

[@pauljozefak7540]

Same here. Bought the RaceMax. Love it. If I didn’t have the 3T I’d seriously be looking into the new Crux. Had a 2016 Diverge way back which I loved and still ride as a winter bike….pre-FS.

[@mrcstb7479]

This bike looks like it has never been in a wind tunnel.. I’m guessing it’s 2-3k$ ?

[@Nahhnope]

Lol

[@itstrbo]

nah a 1x isn't the way to go...

[@razcohen5590]

Can you fit a dropper?

[@jarrodspeed532]

Tcx

[@lacyleech7798]

Boring design

[@finarollerz]

That would be great, but I don’t have $12K !

[@davidarthur]

Lucky the range starts at $4,200 then ;)

[@finarollerz]

For S works

[@carlosalexandredasilva9469]

Bela bike

[@samuraioodon]

47mm on 700c wheels?!

[@davidarthur]

Yup

[@crimson177]

That thing is stunning, classic yet modern, wonderful lines

[@stephanoschristou4602]

I wonder when they are going to issue a recall on this one

[@pe3117]

Don't cry is you can't buy one

[@stephanoschristou4602]

@@pe3117 first you need basic english grammar lessons and then we can discuss my financial status

[@pe3117]

@@stephanoschristou4602 and you can't even close compare to my financial status 🤣

[@jameshoward9700]

Nice, simple (wow, round tubes) design. Fairly light, ok kit. But wait, WTAF, £11k+????? The frame sells alone for £4k (a complete rip, btw), so where does the £7k for groupset and wheels come from? All day long this bike is overpriced above £7k (assuming the standard bike industry 100% price gouge from what it should cost). Bike prices are getting completely obscene and Specialized are at the forefront of this. I can only imagine what sort of flexing mug would buy this. And Specialized will sell it to you direct! MARGIN!!! KERCHIINNGGG!!! The cheaper models are a rip-off too.

[@bend3214]

Dave, great content, I am biased against Specialized as I see them as an over priced Merida, and the gravel thing is also funny to me as it seems like the gravel scenes is just roadies that discovered dirt, but don't want to jump. I still love our reviews and productions - Thumbs up. I would be more interested on a review of this same bike but with cable shifting and aluminium wheels. I nearly think a test between the $$$$ and $ versions should be included as the experience can sometime be like being an entire different bike. Basically not all CRuX;s are created equal. And this Brit obsession with mud guards?? I found when I as over there, SKS clipons worked well, no need to have attachment spots on the bike and ruin the asthenic. S-Works is a race bike, and mudguards have no place on that type of bike. Just my two cents!

[@mvp_kryptonite]

The bike is hideous

[@abedfo88]

Hey dave, got to say the sram rival etap version at 5k is quite compelling as I feel this bike could legit be 3 in 1. I wonder what it would be like with some 55mm deep aero wheels in road configuration. Big fan of wtb riddler for UK gravel/byways I had lots of puncture with resolutes!

[@awesomesloppyjoe]

outdoorbros has a few vids. It is the ultimate 3 in 1 bike. Depends what you wanna excel in.

[@stevesnailfish]

I did find Resolutes a tad soft for me, and they punctured a lot over the time I used them....Needed to plug them with bacon strips out on the trail a few times.....I've moved onto Gravelking SK's for the last 3 months and have had no problems at all....riding in the UK as well.....

[@abedfo88]

@@stevesnailfish the GK SKs have enough tread for muddy conditions?

[@stevesnailfish]

@@abedfo88 Erm...No...It's the only surface I've ridden on them that they have no traction. If the mud is firm with a bit of give they do bite quite well....When it's sloppy, however, they're awful... If it's sloppy it's either an MTB or my CX bike with 38c (measure at 40c) Vittoria Terreno Wet tyres....They do grip very well in mud but slower in dry conditions than the SK's (although I'm not a fast rider by any means).

[@Lee_mar_rock]

What's the problem

[@davidarthur]

The price, I can't afford it and the lack of versatility compared to other options

[@Lee_mar_rock]

@@davidarthur true; its not that bad considering its " specialized " for its purpose and its the highest spec I guess that spec price is ok ; if you think about this and a diverge together that probably would cover all gravel

[@teamredog2961]

​@@davidarthur I just got the Expert this week and fully agree with your review. I will be selling my Diverge Comp 2021 as it is just too close to my Canyon Exceed. I was looking for a road bike replacement that climbs well but can also handle some light gravel. Extremely surprised by how well the Rival AXS works. I might replace the cranks with Force as it seems to be the heaviest part of the whole group set.

[@osint6372]

No thank you...I will buy a car