#### Pros:

- Matches the geometry and tire clearances of the carbon Crux gravel and cyclocross bikes.

- Available as both a frameset and a complete bike.


#### Cons:

- Price is close to that of entry-level carbon bikes.

- Stock build might need comfort upgrades for long rides.


#### Specifications:

- **Size Reviewed:** 52

- **Weight:** 9.2 kg (20.2 pounds)

- **Price:** $2,600

- **Brand:** Specialized


The formula for building an aluminum gravel bike is straightforward: hit a price point, offer appealing paint schemes, and appeal to entry-level cyclists. The Specialized Crux DSW stands out by positioning itself as a premium alloy gravel bike.


Specialized claims the Crux DSW is the lightest aluminum gravel bike frame ever made, weighing in at 1,399 grams for a 56 cm frame. This is only about a pound heavier than most carbon gravel bikes.


The Crux DSW shares the same geometry and tire clearances as its carbon counterpart, making it an appealing option for those who prefer aluminum over carbon fiber, or for anyone in the market for a gravel bike.



#### Key Features of the Specialized Crux DSW:

1. **Aluminum Version of Carbon Crux:** The Crux DSW is an aluminum version of the carbon Crux.

2. **Lightest Alloy Gravel Frame:** Weighs 1,399 grams for a 56 cm frame.

3. **Tire Clearance:** Fits 700c x 47 mm or 650b x 53 mm tires.

4. **SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH):** Simplifies hanger replacement and enhances compatibility.

5. **Shared Geometry:** Same geometry as the carbon Crux.

6. **Available Options:** Available as both a frameset and a complete bike.


#### Build Details

The latest generation of the Specialized Crux carbon bike has made waves in the gravel biking community, thanks to its light weight and high performance. The Crux DSW, however, uses Specialized's DSW aluminum frame construction. This design, known as D'Aluisio Smartweld, involves hydroforming aluminum tubes to reduce unnecessary material while ensuring durability at weld points.


The Crux DSW also features a hydroformed one-piece downtube and bottom bracket area, an uncommon but weight-saving and performance-enhancing feature for alloy frames. It maintains non-proprietary design choices, like external cable routing and a BSA-threaded bottom bracket, for ease of maintenance and compatibility with various components.


#### Geometry

The Crux DSW’s geometry is identical to the carbon Crux, placing it at the intersection of gravel, road, and cyclocross bikes. With a 72 mm bottom bracket drop, it's slightly higher than typical gravel bikes but standard for cyclocross bikes. The bike's fit is more aggressive than the most upright gravel bikes but offers more handlebar height flexibility than the raciest models.



#### Geometry Specifications:

| Size | Stack | Reach | Wheelbase | Chainstay Length | Head Tube Length | Head Tube Angle | Fork Rake/Offset | Seat Tube Length | Fork Length, Full | Front Center | Seat Tube Angle | BB Drop | Trail | Top Tube Length, Horizontal |


| 49 cm | 530 | 375 | 1008 | 425 | 100 | 70.5° | 50 | 466 | 401 | 594 | 75.5° | 74 | 74 | 512 |

| 52 cm | 547 | 382 | 1014 | 425 | 115 | 71.25° | 50 | 496 | 401 | 600 | 74° | 74 | 69 | 539 |

| 54 cm | 560 | 388 | 1023 | 425 | 130 | 71.5° | 50 | 521 | 401 | 608 | 74° | 72 | 67 | 549 |

| 56 cm | 578 | 397 | 1033 | 425 | 147 | 72° | 50 | 546 | 401 | 618 | 73.5° | 72 | 64 | 568 |

| 58 cm | 598 | 405 | 1045 | 425 | 167 | 72.25° | 50 | 576 | 401 | 630 | 73.5° | 72 | 62 | 582 |

| 61 cm | 621 | 415 | 1059 | 425 | 190 | 72.5° | 50 | 606 | 401 | 644 | 73.5° | 72 | 60 | 599 |


#### Builds, Specs, and Pricing:

| Build | Specs | Price |

|-------|-------|-------|

| Specialized Crux DSW Comp | SRAM Apex XPLR groupset | $2,600/£2,300/€2700/$4,000 AUD |

| Specialized Crux DSW Frameset | N/A | $1,700/£1,500/€1,650/$2,500 AUD |


Specialized offers the Crux DSW as a frameset in three colorways and as a complete build with a SRAM Apex XPLR groupset. The complete bike features a mechanical drivetrain, hydraulic shifting, and Specialized Pathfinder Pro tires, making it a well-rounded option.


#### Riding Impressions

The Specialized Crux DSW impresses with its lightweight build and versatile geometry. It's a solid choice for those who appreciate aluminum frames or are looking for a high-performance gravel bike without the carbon fiber price tag.