The New Crux 5: A Gravel Race Bike Designed to Shorten Time to the Finish Line

You can't catch this back. The fastest in Specialized history. It's not because it's the lightest. It's not because it's the most aerodynamic. It's not just because of the best handling on dirt. There is only one reason: the 'time to the finish line' in real-world riding. It reaches the finish line faster than any gravel bike we have ever tested. The Crux 5 is, in a sense, a Tarmac for the dirt. On actual gravel race courses, it converts your effort into speed without waste. Its performance is verified through measurements, simulations, and real-world rider testing that incorporate road surfaces and race conditions. If your goal is to cross the finish line first, it will get you there faster than any other gravel bike.

Speed is time to the finish line. For the Crux 5, we faced one question: can we have unwavering confidence in the answer? That is, can this bike shorten the total race time on the world's fastest and toughest gravel courses? To find the answer, we built a gravel race simulation with unprecedented precision and scale. When conducting simulations, data on aerodynamics, weight, and rider metrics alone are insufficient to describe a gravel race. The Specialized Science Club, our development team, collected road vibration data from telemetry packs obtained by pro racers in actual races. We incorporated these gravel-specific, accurate data points into the speed equation. This level of simulation might be unique in the cycling industry, but it is common in other top-tier sports. F1 and the America's Cup (sailing) utilize simulations to compare and optimize performance. High-precision simulation is one of the factors that has supported dramatic performance improvements in these competitions.

'Simulation turns Unbound from a 'gamble' into a 'strategy.' 200 miles of unpredictable road surfaces, weather, equipment load, and nutrition. Plus, one of the most high-level lineups in the gravel world. In this race, preparation creates confidence. We optimize the bike, and the rider sharpens their physical condition. And simulation ensures the preparation to win.' - Fiona Swartz (Specialized Sports Marketing)

Ultimate Aero Performance. The Crux 5 is the most aerodynamically efficient gravel race bike we have ever tested. Based on insights from the Tarmac SL8 and years of aerodynamic research, every tube shape of the Crux 5 was pursued for the fusion of aerodynamic performance and the lightness required for a gravel bike, for the sake of speed in elite gravel racing. And all this aerodynamic performance is verified by our proprietary moving-leg mannequin. Because speed without a rider has no meaning.

Exceptional Lightness. The S-Works Crux 5 frame weighs 789g. It is unparalleled in the lightweight category for gravel bikes. Complete bikes start at 6.9kg. This is a figure that many road bikes would envy. Furthermore, even in the full aero specification combined with Terra Aero CLX III wheels, the S-Works Crux 5 achieves 7.1kg, which is lighter than the competition. This was made possible by the Flow State Design first adopted in the Aethos. By precisely designing tube shapes to efficiently support loads, we eliminated unnecessary carbon layers by optimizing the shape rather than adding material.

'Aerodynamic performance and structural efficiency. How to achieve the optimal balance between them through tube shape and frame design. That was the biggest challenge for the Crux 5. Adopting a cross-sectional shape that generates significant aerodynamic benefits without compromising stiffness, strength, or manufacturability. That was the key to achieving the lightness, target stiffness, and high aerodynamic performance we aimed for.' - Douglas Russell (Crux Design Engineer)

Unparalleled Ride Quality. Speed is not just about peak numbers. It's about whether you can maintain pace and output on harsh roads or in the latter half of a race. The development team was thorough about ride quality. As a result, the Crux 5 adds aero performance while maintaining the same compliance and stiffness as the widely acclaimed Crux 4.

55mm Tire Clearance. Rolling resistance is an extremely important factor in the speed equation. No matter how lightweight or aerodynamic it is, it's meaningless if you can't use the tires suitable for the course. That's why, when riders asked for the use of up to 55mm (2.2-inch) tires, the development team needed to realize uncompromising clearance.

New Roval Terra Cockpit. Adopted for the S-Works Crux 5 is the new Roval Terra Cockpit. It is designed to pursue speed and suppleness to run through the increasingly harsh modern off-road environment as fast as possible. Adopting the carbon layup technology and materials cultivated in the Alpinist II cockpit, it weighs only 298g. Compared to the Rapide cockpit, it reduces stiffness by 78%, achieving a high-dimensional balance of speed, comfort, and compliance. It is a cockpit that demonstrates unparalleled lightness and high performance in gravel racing. Furthermore, it fits a wide range of bikes beyond gravel bikes, providing overwhelming comfort.

Roval Terra CL III and Terra C III also released simultaneously. About two months after the new Terra gravel wheels were announced. The Terra series expands further, evolving into a lineup for all gravel riders. The newly released Roval Terra CL III and Terra C III wheels inherit the lineage of race-oriented performance, lightness, high compliance, and unparalleled FlatStop puncture protection, while increasing versatility and reliability to meet the needs of a wide range of riders. From top racers to riders enjoying daily rides. Terra wheels are designed for all riders who challenge harsh roads.

Eligible for Roval Upgrade Program. The newly released Roval Terra Cockpit, Terra CL III, and Terra C III are all eligible for the Roval Upgrade Program. When you purchase a new Specialized bike (including framesets), you can purchase Roval wheels, cockpits, and handlebars at 15% off.