Specialized has introduced a brand-new alloy bike to its three-model gravel line-up with the arrival of the Crux DSW.
Featuring the brand’s patented D’Aluisio Smartweld (DSW), Specialized has delivered what it is calling “the lightest alloy gravel bike ever made”.
Naturally, the point of inspiration is the carbon Crux, with the launch announcement stating insight gained during its development informed the creation of the alloy Crux DSW – though “Some may call it a carbon copy—we call it the Crux DSW.” may be taking things a hyperbolic marketing speak step too far.
Weight in focus
Making bold claims is an integral part of many bike launches, and this one is no exception. “At just 1399 grams, the Crux DSW is (Specialized claims) the lightest alloy gravel frame in the world. Combine that with a Fact12r Crux carbon fork, and a complete Crux DSW tips the scales at 9.37kg”: A respectable weight for a bike that will need to prove durable and responsive.
Designed with challenges in mind
For riders from the muddy shores of the UK to the peanut butter mud-covered gravel tracks of Emporia, Kansas, more clearance definitely does mean more capability. Here, the Crux DSW features the same tyre clearance as its carbon sibling: 47mm and up to 2.1” on a 650b wheel.
Tyre volume matters when it comes to rocks and punctures. Clearance matters when mud-clogged chainstays stop play.
With the fast-evolving trend for larger volume tyres, visible amongst elite racers at global gravel races, the Crux DSW is well positioned to deliver for experienced off-road riders and racers, as well as those with road bike fitness but less off-road riding experience.
Ride quality engineered in
“Responsive at the pedals. Supple in the saddle.” states the brand, adding “We’ve used D’Aluisio Smartweld to fine-tune the properties of alloy to deliver a ride previously impossible without carbon and combine it with the same performance gravel geometry and race-influenced fit as its sibling.”
What could, and should, be questioned is the “Longer reach delivers better weight distribution for quick, confident handling, while a lower stack creates a performance-first position.” statement.
The vast majority of buyers are not racers looking to get into the ultimate gravel aero tuck whilst they chase Unbound winners down the nearest gravel trail. Defining fast as a geometry is about as dated as claiming that “aero is everything” and then ending production of your brands’ ultimate aero bike.
Does a 72mm of bottom-bracket drop hit the sweet spot between nimble and stable? That’s one for buyers to decide. Maybe it is right for a bike which is long and low. But is this the only way to make a nimble, stable ride? No.
D’Aluisio Smartweld
Clearly this is a big thing for Specialized – half the launch announcement word count is about DSW. Can we condense what the brand says about it? Yes. Will you be interested? Maybe.
“How do you make the lightest alloy gravel bike in the world, give it clearance for 47mm tires, and a supple, responsive ride never before achieved in alloy? It’s pretty simple if you’ve pioneered a new way to weld alloy bikes. The big brains in the Specialized Science Club call it D’Aluisio Smartweld—it’s patented and why the Crux DSW is more than the lightest alloy gravel bike in the world.”
The bottom line is that D’Aluisio Smartweld reportedly enables the brand to create a Crux DSW frame that is not just light, but “also delivers the best ride quality, handling, and responsiveness”.
UK Pricing
Crux Comp DSW: £2300 / Crux DSW Frameset: £1500
