Specialized Crux DSW Comp 2025

The Crux DSW is more than the lightest alloy gravel bike ever made

The Crux DSW is more than the lightest alloy gravel bike ever made. We took everything we learned creating the carbon Crux and used our patented D’Aluisio Smartweld to make it a reality in alloy. We’ve created the most capable, nimble, balanced, and responsive alloy gravel bike ever made for fast, fun, high-performance riding. And yeah, it’s the lightest too. Some may call it a carbon copy, but we call it the Crux DSW.

Lightest Weight
At just 1399 grams, the Crux DSW is the lightest alloy gravel frame in the world. Combine that with our Fact12r Crux carbon fork and a build curated for performance, and a complete Crux DSW tips the scales at 9.37kg—no alloy gravel bike can compete.

Most Capable
More clearance means more capability—that’s why the Crux DSW has the same tire clearance as its carbon sibling—47mm and up to 2.1” on a 650b wheel. Combine this with the tough and light alloy frame, and Crux DSW can take you anywhere you imagine at full gas.

Ultra-Responsive
Responsive at the pedals. Supple in the saddle. 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 the carbon Crux. A longer reach delivers better weight distribution for quick, confident handling, while a lower stack creates a performance first position. At 72mm of bottom-bracket drop, we hit the sweet spot between nimble and stable.

D’Aluisio Smartweld
D’Aluisio Smartweld - or DSW - is a patented engineering process that uses hydroforming to precisely match tube-to-tube joints for better, stronger welds and, ultimately, a lighter frame that can be twice as durable as a traditional alloy frame. Our Smartweld technique helps us create a unique single-piece downtube and bottom bracket for the Crux, shaving weight and amplifying responsiveness.

Lightest Weight
At just 1399 grams, the Crux DSW is the lightest alloy gravel frame in the world. Combine that with our Fact12r Crux carbon fork, and a complete Crux DSW tips the scales at 9.37kg—no alloy gravel bike can compete.

Ultra-Responsive
Responsive at the pedals. Supple in the saddle. We’ve used D’Aluisio Smartweld and performance gravel geometry to fine-tune the properties of alloy to deliver a ride previously impossible without carbon.

Most Capable
More clearance means more capability—that’s why the Crux DSW has the same tire clearance as its carbon sibling: 47mm and up to 2.1” on a 650b wheel. Crux DSW can take you anywhere you imagine at full gas.

D’Aluisio Smartweld
Is our patented engineering process the big brains in the Specialized Science Club came up with when asked to elevate the ride of alloy to previously impossible levels. DSW uses hydroforming to precisely match tube-to-tube joints for better, stronger welds and, ultimately, a lighter frame that can be twice as durable as a traditional alloy frame.

Crux DSW: All You Need to Know
The Crux DSW is more than the lightest alloy gravel bike ever made. We’ve created the most capable, nimble, balanced, and responsive alloy gravel bike ever made for fast, fun, high-performance riding. And yeah, it’s the lightest too. Let the big brains at Specialized University tell you all about it.

Features

• The lightest: 1399g Crux frame (raw). Made of alloy, using our patented D'Aluisio Smartweld technology.
• Capacity: Light for 47c / 650b x 2.1 inch tyres. More space for tyres means more capacity - the Crux will take you wherever you want to go.
• Responsive and agile: with gravel geometry and an aggressive stance inspired by iconic cyclocross races in Crux history.

Tech spec

Frameset

• Frame: Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum Disc frame with D'Aluisio Smartweld Technology, hydroformed aluminum tubing, tapered head tube, threaded BB, UDH dropout
• Seat Binder: Specialized Alloy, 30.8mm

Suspension

• Fork: S-Works FACT Carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc

Brakes

• Front Brake:SRAM APEX, Hydraulic Disc
• Rear Brake: SRAM APEX, Hydraulic Disc

Drivetrain

• Shift Levers: SRAM APEX, 12sp
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM APEX XPLR, Mechanical
• Cassette: SRAM PG 1231, XPLR, 11-44
• Chain: SRAM APEX 12S
• Crankset: SRAM APEX XPLR, 40t
• Chainrings: 40t
• Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB BSA 68 Wide

Wheels & Tires

• Front Tire: Pathfinder Pro 2BR, 700x38
• Front Wheel: DT G540, Centerlock Disc, Tubeless Ready, 25mm internal width
• Rear Tire: Pathfinder Pro 2BR, 700x38
• Rear Wheel: DT G540, Centerlock Disc, Tubeless Ready, 25mm internal width
• Inner Tubes: 48mm Presta Valve, 700X28-38

Cockpit

• Stem: Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise
• Handlebars: Specialized Adventure Gear, 118.9mm drop x 70mm reach x 12º flare
• Tape: Supacaz Super Sticky Kush
• Saddle: Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails
• SeatPost: Alloy, 2-bolt Clamp, 12mm offset, 27.2mm, anti-corrosion hardware

Producer's weight: 9.37 (size 56)

Manufacturer's Notes: Weights based on production painted frames as shown. Actual weights will vary based on colour, frame size and component variation. Specifications are subject to change without notice.