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Specialized Crux DSW Comp Review: An Excellent Frame with a Single Build

Specialized Crux DSW Review header post
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If you’ve been eyeing a carbon Crux but balked at the price, the aluminum Specialized Crux DSW Comp might be your best option. It has the same geometry as its carbon brethren but is crafted from DSW alloy. This bike has a unique personality all its own and welcomes Specialized back into the world of alloy off-road drop bar frames. The build, however, makes us wonder if it is better to choose your components and build from the frameset up.

Specialized Crux DSW Review back side
(Photo: Jordan Villella)

The Return of the Alloy Crux 

If you’ve raced cyclocross for a while, you remember the days of the beautifully colored (and affordable) Specialized alloy Crux frames. These frames were staples at every cyclocross venue around the US and beyond. The frames and, eventually, complete bikes had a personality to them. Plus, riders could build up a frame and give their personal touch on the Crux canvas. 

Specialized Crux DSW Review Jordan Villella riding
(Photo: Ryan Popple)

I love that Specialized sees a place for high-end alloy bikes in racing. The new Specialized Crux DSW comes at a perfect time when carbon super gravel bikes (even the Specialized ones) are priced out of touch with reality. 

Specialized Crux DSW Review header
(Photo: Jordan Villella)

The Frame: A Mix of Allez Sprint and Chisel 

If you’re familiar with the Specialized DSW (D’Aluisio Smartweld) lineup, the DSW Crux is precisely what you’d expect. Specialized calls it the “lightest alloy frame in the world,” though the jury is still out on that claim. 

Specialized Crux DSW Review BB welds
(Photo: Jordan Villella)

The welds over the Specialized Crux DSW frame are stout but smooth. The downtube flows directly into the bottom bracket without any welds. The headtube is more refined than the Allez Sprint and doesn’t use the same welding method. The top tube is sloping, like the current version of the Crux.

The tubing is less round than the carbon version and slightly pointed on the end where a cyclocross rider would shoulder the bike. Specialized’s target has moved towards the gravel and exploration crowd rather than the pure cyclocross racer. That said, the bike is fine to shoulder but not as comfortable as the previous version. 

Specialized Crux DSW Review Tire clearance stays
(Photo: Jordan Villella)

The seat stays are thin, reminiscent of the Specialized Chisel hardtail. The fork is the same as the carbon Crux models. The underside of the bottom bracket shell shows off some cool cutouts and easy cable routing additions. 

Specialized Crux DSW Review APEX
(Photo: Jordan Villella)

A different piece you won’t see on the carbon Crux version is a SRAM UDH (though we’re sure the next carbon Crux will have this update). Though the SRAM Apex 12-speed mechanical doesn’t require a UDH (unlike the 13-spd SRAM Red XPLR), it’s a nice touch and helps future-proof the frameset a bit.

Specialized Crux DSW Review Crankset
(Photo: Jordan Villella)

One Build – SRAM Apex XPLR 12-speed mechanical

Like it or not, the DSW Crux comes in a single build option: SRAM Apex XPLR 12-speed mechanical. It arrives with a 40T front ring and an 11-44T XPLR cassette, giving it a solid range on gravel and off-road. The build speaks to the utility of the DSW Crux and helps keep it in the sub $3K ballpark. I have opinions on the SRAM Apex XPLR group set, but I’ll save that for my ride impressions. 

Specialized Crux DSW Review riders eye
(Photo: Jordan Villella)

Wheels and Cockpit

The wheels are simple and effective. They are DT Swiss tubeless aluminum rims with a 25mm internal width paired with Specialized-branded hubs. The wheels come wrapped with Specialized’s 38mm Pathfinder Pro tires—one of my favorite gravel tires.

The cockpit stays in the alloy lane, arriving with Specialized Adventure Gear bars with a 70mm reach and a 12° flare. The saddle is another favorite of mine and is just as comfy as the top-tier version, the Specialized Power with alloy rails. 

Specialized Crux DSW Review Jordan Villella CX course
(Photo: Ryan Popple)

Ride Review: 

My first Specialized Crux DSW Comp ride was short and slightly shocking. I dialed in the new review ride, taking measurements from my trusty Carbon Crux of the same year. Once I was satisfied with the fit, I headed for gravel. However, as I crested the final climb out of my neighborhood, my rear brake failed just as I started my descent. More precisely, the SRAM Stealth-a-majig failed. I was lucky to have the front brake, but I was still shaken after the incident.

I’ve had brakes fade and lose pressure during rides, but never like this. SRAM assured me that this was a warranty issue and took the brake in for further inspection. But even after installing a replacement brake, I’m still gun-shy about pulling the lever as hard as possible. The brake failure left a dark shadow over my time on the Crux, but the goodness of the bike still showed through.

Specialized Crux DSW Review Jordan Villella cycle-smart kit
(Photo: Ryan Popple)

Take 2 — Actual Riding

Now that my Crux was good to go, I chose a new route (I’m not superstitious but I am a little stitious…) and hit the gravel. Besides the different lever feel (I ride Shimano on my bike) the ride was very similar to the carbon version. 

Specialized Crux DSW Review tires
(Photo: Jordan Villella)

Since the Crux DSW Comp comes with 38mm tires, the hum of the alloy is pretty muted. The alloy seat post is the bike’s only harsh and heavy (330g) component. I imagine that’s where most will upgrade first to take the edge off, give a little compliance, and shed some weight. 

Specialized Crux DSW Review BB routing
Easy to route cables and brake hose. (Photo: Jordan Villella)

Excellent Ride Quality

The Crux DSW Comp’s ride is responsive and lively. I can see this being a very popular option for cyclocross racers and gravel racers alike. The pedaling is responsive, and the bike’s geometry is the same as the carbon version—less aggressive than the previous version but easy to steer. 

Specialized Crux DSW Review Jordan Villella climb cyclocross course
(Photo: Ryan Popple)

The Crux DSW can hold its own in the woods and on single track. It’s slightly slower turning than a traditional cyclocross bike, but the short stem gives it a faster feel. Plus, when you get into the rocky and technical bits, the bike is effortless to pilot.

Specialized Crux DSW Review Tire clearance
Lots of room for larger tires (up to 45mm) on the alloy Crux. (Photo: Jordan Villella)

The alloy frame is hardly noticeable on the trails, open roads, and gravel-heavy sections. The super thin seat stays soak up the bumps, and the larger tires do the rest. Like its carbon counterpart, the frame is very stable on long open roads and descents.

Specialized Crux DSW Review rear brake
(Photo: Jordan Villella)

Our demo ride arrived in the satin oak paint scheme, and it wasn’t my favorite. It looks like a carbon bike, and the satin finish holds onto mud and dirt more than a gloss paint would.

I’m personally a fan of the older alloy Crux paint schemes, with neon blazed lines and loud colors. Though, if you’re into that (but slightly more tame), check out the frame-only options (above, $1,700) for the Crux DSW. 

Specialized Crux DSW Review bars
(Photo: Jordan Villella)

Though the SRAM Apex XPLR group let me down initially, the shifting and braking performance was solid after I got sorted. The hoods are nice and wide, with a slight tooth on the brake lever. The shifting is crisp and easy to dial in. The XPLR gearing range is ample and will be an asset for anyone doing extended explorations on the Crux DSW. 

Specialized Crux DSW Review headtube
(Photo: Jordan Villella)

Final Thoughts 

Overall, I’m a fan of the Specialized Crux DSW Comp. It’s a performance alloy bike with an attainable price for anyone looking to jump into gravel or cyclocross. The frameset is rock solid and has an excellent feel and responsiveness. The bike is easily upgradable to shed some extra weight, even though it’s respectably light. The weakest spot for me is the SRAM Apex spec. It helps keep the price down, but a comparable Shimano spec would go a long way with riders. 

Would I race Crux DSW? I would 100% race this bike. I’ve raced the carbon version of the Crux for years, and I love it. However, I would probably go with the “choose your own adventure” build route.

Specialized Crux DSW Review header post
(Photo: Jordan Villella)

Bottom Line 

The Specialized Crux DSW Comp delivers an excellent ride and should help get more riders on gravel and between the tape. I recommend it to anyone looking to try gravel riding, commuting, or cyclocross. The $2,600 price tag is very reasonable for this much bike, and the fully stock 21lb (54cm) weight puts it on the pointy side of alloy life.

Specialized.com

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19 Comments
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CYCLO CROSS RACER
CYCLO CROSS RACER
24 days ago

The Carbon Crux does have UDH…

ismo
ismo
24 days ago

Yes it does, but the frame is actually the 2025 model, although it has been available since June.

Kim Butler
Kim Butler
24 days ago

Another thoughtful review. Shimano GRX might have been better choice.

seraph
seraph
24 days ago

Don’t forget that UDH isn’t just about fitting Transmision and new Red XPLR, it’s about being able to pop into almost any bike shop and find a replacement derailleur hanger. So putting one on the alloy Crux is hardly “future proofing” it.

nooner
nooner
24 days ago

I wonder if Merida makes these?

ismo
ismo
24 days ago

The DSW frame deserves better components. With Roval Terra carbon cockpit and wheels the total weight is around 8,3 kgs.

Mike
Mike
24 days ago

How tall are you and what’s your inseam for sizing purposes? I rode both and liked the 54 vs the 56 cm.

seraph
seraph
23 days ago

Damn I’m like the complete opposite of you. My personal Crux is a 56 and I run an 80mm stem, 42cm bars, and 35mm of spacers. But I have long legs and a short torso so that tracks.

Der_Kruscher
Der_Kruscher
23 days ago

Maybe just me, but $1,700 for an aluminum frameset feels pretty pricey.

Jason DW
Jason DW
22 days ago

$1800 is a big chunk of money. But a deal compared to the carbon version.

CaptYdnar
CaptYdnar
20 days ago

Is the bar tape shorter on one side because of the brake/majig failure or is that how it came?

vil
vil
15 days ago

Would you recommend this for a daily commuter with some light gravel use on weekends – and 1-2 day bikepacking trips (70-80km a day)? Is it a very aggressive riding position? i’m coming from a Diverge

Jordan Villella
Jordan Villella
13 days ago
Reply to  vil

I would for sure choose it over the Diverge. It’s a sharper bike and more road-leaning than the Diverge. As for the bike packing…I’m not 100% sure, but I can’t see what is not. The only thing it lacks in that department is the frame bosses for accessories. The position isn’t aggressive, but you can make it that way. I would suggest a shorter stem if thats the route you’re choosing. I’m a big fan of this frame geo, and it’s very versatile.

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