Just in time. Actually a little ahead of time.
This is our current review project bike. We’ll be using this Specialized Crux Disc as test platform for various components as well as putting the whole enchilada through it’s paces.
We’re starting this process in late May, giving us plenty of hours to get familiar with the bike before the real season begins.
This bike was chosen in particular because of the disc brake feature. Scroll down a few stories for another CX disc bike review.
Out of the box, the bike is pretty nice for it’s $2100 price tag. There are lots of bikes more expensive (and start out lighter). There are lots of bikes that are less expensive and suffer from excessive weight and poor components.
The aluminum frame is all cyclocross business. Essentially the same as under a previous Elite Nationals winner; Carbon fork specific for disc brakes and an overall race geometry.
The Crux line is considered an upgrade over the older Tricross cyclocross bikes. In the 56cm test size we found the major difference to be chainstay length. We were able to set up the cockpit identical to the test riders current race rig, a Tricross Expert.
The Crux came spec’d with SRAM Apex shifters and derailleurs. Certainly good enough to race. The FSA Gossamer Crankset, with 46/36 rings and BB30 is proven. Finished out with Specialized branded bars, stems, seatpost saddle, SBC Axis wheelset, and Avid BB5 brakes.
It’s the ‘finished’ out parts that we begin our project with. Built up stock, without pedals, the bike hit the scale at 21lbs. Too heavy for our taste as racers, but by no means out of bounds for a disc brake equipped bike
By comparison, the tester’s Tricross Expert with Rival (mostly stock parts), eggbeater pedals, and everyday wheels is just over 19lbs, change to race wheels and it’s 18lbs or less.
So before the first ride, some swaps were made. A trip to the Service Course for some parts already on hand.
The bike came with wire bead tires: traded for Challenge folding file treads. Long mountain bike seatpost: traded for Thomson road. Stock stem: traded for Zipp SC aluminum. Shimano entry level cassette: traded for SRAM 1070. Stock saddle: traded for San Marco Regale.
With pedals added, the bike was barely under 20lbs…but under. A good start.
Coming up: Brakes (we’ll talk about the stock and the upgrades). Wheels (tubular of course… and the tubeless). AND the ride.