Specialized Crux 5 pivots to aero gravel with lighter builds and new geometry
Specialized today unveiled the Crux 5, a gravel-focused redesign that shifts away from cyclocross with a longer, slacker geometry, 55mm tyre clearance, and 52t chainring clearance. Builds start around 6.9–7.1 kg with lighter Terra wheels and a one-piece cockpit, and the bike touts about a 15.2-watt aero improvement over the previous Crux. It remains 1x-compatible (with mechanical groupsets), internally routed, and introduces an S-Level lineup alongside S-Works, aiming to be a true gravel racer rather than a cross bike. The company backs its aero claims with wind-tunnel data and its “Equation of Speed,” factoring weight, rolling resistance, and aerodynamics into on-trail performance. Prices range from roughly $4,500 to $14,000, with framesets available in select markets.