Specialized Crux DSW Comp: race-ready US alloy featherweight vs British gravel

The aluminium Crux shares many of the benefits of the carbon model but at a more wallet-friendly price point

Specialized Crux DSW gravel bike
(Image credit: Future)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

You can sit down and spin on the Crux but it both encourages you to and excels when ridden hard, it’s not difficult to understand its CX roots. A word of warning, this bike will make your legs burn. So whilst this is most definitely a bike designed to be ridden fast, there’s scope to adjust the set up for longer and possibly more leisurely rides. It’s this flexibility that really increases the Crux’s value for money and pushes it above the others to become 'Best for Speed' category winner in our Gravel Bike of the Year 2024 Awards.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Affordability

  • +

    Fun and fast

  • +

    Flexibility and ease of set up and fit

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Tyres not suited to UK conditions

  • -

    Only one build available

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

This year Specialized launched the first alloy version of the Crux at a far more accessible price point than its carbon siblings. Our North American editor has already had a chance to ride and write about it, now it’s time to see how it performs on British gravel and against five other bikes, as tested for CW’s 2024 Gravel Bikes of the Year.

The Crux became the 'Best for Speed' category winner in our Gravel Bike of the Year 2024 Awards, with its rapid ride making it the most suitable for those seeking off-road pace.

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