Specialized - Crux DSW, Shadow Silver, 2026

The Crux DSW is the lightest gravel bike made from aluminum that we have ever developed. But it is so much more than that. We have poured all the learnings from the development of the Crux Carbon into aluminum using D’Aluisio Smartweld. Thanks to our patented manufacturing technology, we have built the most powerful, nimble, balanced, and agile aluminum gravel bike of all time. It’s perfect for the fastest rides at the highest level or simply for having an incredible amount of fun. Some may call it a copy; for us, it deserves its own name – Crux DSW.

Lightest Weight: A size 56 frame with the lightest paint weighs just 1,399 grams. While other production frames may vary, the Crux DSW is the lightest aluminum gravel bike of all time. Combined with our FACT 12r Crux carbon fork, the performance-tuned and extremely robust Crux DSW has a total weight of 9.37 kg. No other aluminum gravel bike can match that.

Extremely Capable: More tire clearance means more capability – that’s why the Crux DSW has the same tire clearance as its carbon counterpart: 47 mm with 700C wheels and up to 2.1 inches with 650B. This makes the Crux DSW capable of taking riders anywhere – and at full speed.

Incredibly Agile: Responsive on the pedals. Smooth in the saddle. D’Aluisio Smartweld gives us the ability to tune the shapes of aluminum and create a ride quality that previously seemed only possible with carbon. Of course, the Crux DSW features the same performance-oriented gravel geometry as its racing counterpart. The longer reach provides better weight distribution and quick, confident handling, while the lower stack allows for a performance-focused riding position. With a 72 mm bottom bracket height, we’ve hit the sweet spot between nimble and stable.

D’Aluisio Smartweld: Short for DSW, this is a patented construction method based on hydroforming. It precisely aligns tube connections to achieve better, stronger welds, resulting in a lighter frame. Such a frame is, on average, twice as durable as a conventional aluminum frame. With Smartweld, we can create a unique one-piece down tube with a bottom bracket shell, saving weight and improving power transfer.

Lightweight: A size 56 frame with the lightest paint weighs 1,399 grams, even if other production frames may vary. We have poured all the learnings from the development of the Crux Carbon into aluminum using D’Aluisio Smartweld.

Capable: The Crux has a tire clearance of 47 mm with 700C and up to 2.1 inches with 650B wheels. More tire clearance means more possibilities. Just like our Diverge, the Crux can take you anywhere.

Responsive: The Crux is nimble, playful, and direct. Its iconic history in cyclocross has influenced its performance-oriented gravel geometry and race-optimized riding position.

Details:

Details:

- Frame: Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum Disc frame with D'Aluisio Smartweld Technology, hydroformed aluminum tubing, tapered head tube, threaded BB

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

- Drivetrain: 1x12

- Crankset: SRAM APEX XPLR, 40t

- Rear Derailleur: SRAM APEX XPLR, Mechanical

- Cassette: SRAM PG 1231, XPLR, 11-44t

- Chain: SRAM APEX, 12-speed

- Brakes: SRAM APEX, Hydraulic Disc

- Brake/Shifter Levers: SRAM APEX, 12-speed

- Handlebar: Specialized Adventure Gear, 118.9mm drop x 70mm reach x 12º flare

- Stem: Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise

- Seatpost: Alloy, 2-bolt Clamp, 12mm offset, 27.2mm, anti-corrosion hardware

- Saddle: Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails

- Wheels: DT Swiss G540

- Tires: Pathfinder Pro 2BR, 700x38

- Sizes: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61

- Weight: 9.3kg (56)

- Color: Shadow Silver