SPECIALIZED CRUX ELITE X1
£2300 › The CruX gets more Specialized
Specialized’s CruX family covers cyclocrossers from novice to pro, and the 2017 range has four complete bikes. Both carbon-framed bikes share the same frame, but differ in spec, with this Elite model coming in £600 cheaper than the Expert.
The Elite X1 gets SRAM’s Rival 1 drivetrain with hydraulic discs, and a more economical wheelset, but the same cockpit and tyres. The heart of the bike is a FACT 10r carbon frameset, with more feel and impact resistance, and only a little more mass than Specialized’s stiffest carbon.
There are fittings for a third bottle cage beneath the downtube, and a front mech hanger with internal cabling, should you wish to double your chainrings. Racers will appreciate the indentation beneath the ‘lize’ portion of the downtube, designed for effective finger purchase when hoisting the bike on to your shoulder, and the top-tube is flattened for comfortable carrying.
Mass matters if you’re racing, and ours weighed 8.65kg, with the wheels, drivetrain and seatpost adding a little flab. You could shed a few grams by going tubeless, but the rims need converting. Or fit a set of Stan’s Iron Cross wheels and save around 400g.
SRAM’s Rival rivals Force’s functionality, and the 40T ring pairs with the 11-32 cassette for spot-on race or training gearing. SRAM’s hydraulic discs are progressive, predictable and powerful, and the 160mm front, 140mm rear combination is never lacking.
Positionally, we found the CruX perfect. Its short but deep chainstays and beefy bottom bracket area give it snappy acceleration, and the chunky fork, with its 13/ 8in lower bearing, ensures the front end maintains precision while still reacting instinctively to reflex steering inputs. The shallow drop bar is a great help here, keeping the two main riding positions quickly accessible.
The Terra Pro tyres have widely spaced, aggressive tread blocks in a loose chevron pattern, and were a useful 34mm wide on the DT Swiss rims. They’re tenacious grippers on soft and muddy terrain, and travel fairly quickly on tarmac and gravel. Mud clearance is generally very good, though the 83mm wide BB30 shell slightly restricts the chainstay width, creating a possible clogging point.
This CruX is a great value package, offering a top-level frame on a reasonable budget – and still with an excellent drivetrain and brakes. The wheels may need upgrading, but it’s a ton of fun as it comes.