Specialized Crux Elite Cyclocross Bike 2020

When we set out to design a new 'cross rig we didn't just want to make another adventure bike with added tire clearance—we knew we had to create a purebred racing steed that was fast confident lightweight and rides like no other 'cross bike out there. And sure with multiple Cyclocross World Championships to its name the CruX has more than proven itself in 'cross but we're proud to say that this CruX takes the legacy to a whole different level. This CruX Elite comes spec'd with a reliable SRAM Rival 1 hydraulic disc groupset tough DT R470 Disc wheels and 2Bliss Ready 700x33mm Tracer Pro tires that hookup over nasty terrain. Starting with the frame we implemented our Rider-First Engineered™ technology that was first introduced on our Tarmacs. Using size-specific tubes and layups this technology allows the CruX to feature the same ride characteristics across every size in the range. Not only this but it also allowed us to significantly drop the frame weight so the CruX now comes in around a scant 900 grams for a 56cm (*dependent on frame size and color)—over 400 grams lighter than the previous frameset. A light and stiff frame alone isn't useful in a 'cross race if it isn't compliant however which is why the new CruX also combines stiffness and compliance in all the right places. And to assist with the latter we lowered the seat collar by two centimeters for more exposed seatpost and cushion for big hits.   We also know that cyclocross races are often won in the corners and over the barriers which is why the CruX geometry takes this into account. The top tube has been designed for easy shouldering when you're hopping off to clear barriers as it features a large opening to the front triangle and a flat bottom. For stability in the corners and on off-camber sections the geometry has a low bottom bracket and a sharp front-end. This combination also helps to initiate corners regardless of the terrain.   With maximum mud-shedding ability in mind we included eight millimeters of clearance on all sides of a 33mm tire providing plenty of clearance for muddy conditions. After all frame weight becomes irrelevant when it's covered in 10 pounds of mud. SPECS & GEOS   FRAME FACT 11r carbon Rider-First Engineered™ OSBB 1-3/8' lower bearing 12x142mm thru-axle flat-mount disc   FORK S-Works FACT 11r carbon 12x100mm thru-axle   FRONT WHEEL DT R470 Disc sealed cartridge hubs 14g spokes 24h   REAR WHEEL DT R470 Disc sealed cartridge hubs 14g spokes 24h   INNER TUBES Presta valve 48mm   FRONT TYRE Tracer Pro 2Bliss Ready 700x33mm   REAR TYRE Tracer Pro 2Bliss Ready 700x33mm   CRANKSET Praxis Zayante M30 1x direct-mount   CHAINRINGS Praxis Wave Tech 40T   BOTTOM BRACKET Praxis M30   SHIFT LEVERS SRAM Rival 1   REAR DERAILLEUR SRAM Rival 1 long cage   CASSETTE SRAM PG-1130 11-32t   CHAIN KMC X11 EL 11-speed w/ Missing Link™   FRONT BRAKE SRAM Rival 1 flat-mount disc   REAR BRAKE SRAM Rival 1 flat-mount disc   HANDLEBARS Specialized Shallow Drop 6061 70x125mm 31.8mm clamp   TAPE Specialized CX Pro Gel   STEM Specialized 3D-forged alloy 4-bolt 7-degree rise   SADDLE Body Geometry Phenom Comp hollow Cr-Mo rails   SEATPOST S-Works FACT carbon 27.2mm 20mm offset   SEAT BINDER Included w/ frame   PEDALS Nylon 105x78x28mm loose ball w/reflectors