Specialized Crux Pro review - light, responsive and versatile

The performance-driven Crux Pro can work as gravel racer, cyclocross machine and even a capable road bike - but is it overpriced?

A Specilalized Crux gravel bike shot on a grey back ground in a studio
(Image credit: Future)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Specialized Crux provides heaps of enjoyment. It’s a light, fast and responsive. performance orientated gravel bike that still feels at home in a cyclocross race. However, it is expensive and the vibrations through the forks make it slightly uncomfortable for sustained periods of gravel riding. Overall it's an exceptionally lightweight bike, perfect for smooth compacted gravel roads but a little too fragile - and perhaps pricey - for more extreme off-road pursuits.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Extremely lightweight - A 56cm weighs 7.41kg

  • +

    Stiff and nimble on the climbs

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Expensive in comparison to other gravel bikes on the market

  • -

    Narrow forks feel a little fragile and allow vibrations through the bars

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.

The Specialized Crux Pro is a potential game changer when it comes to the debate regarding N+1 bikes. 

Its wide ranging capabilities - and the subsequent freedom they offer you as a cyclist - can almost make you feel mischievous, a little like a child left alone in a sweet shop. 

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