Specialized says its new Crux DSW is the lightest alloy gravel body on the earth

Specialized has launched a brand new aluminium gravel bike as we speak named the Crux DSW, and with it comes a barrage of lofty claims. According to the model, it’s the lightest alloy gravel bike ever made, with a 56cm body stated to weigh 1399 grams and an entire bike 9.37kg. Specialized additionally says it has created essentially the most succesful, nimble, balanced and responsive alloy gravel bike ever. 

According to Specialized, it’s made doable by its D’Aluisio Smartweld know-how. While ‘Smartweld’ is a time period most of us could have heard relating to Specialized bikes, the DSW course of, additionally seen on the Allez Sprint, makes use of hydroforming (shaping materials with a high-pressure jet of fluid) to exactly match tube-to-tube joints for higher, stronger welds and in the end a lighter and extra sturdy body. Specialized says the frameset tubes intersect precisely how the engineers want them to with none “mitring or fudging.” They then add materials on the ends of the tubes the place they’re welded collectively. 

In the case of the Crux DSW, a single-piece downtube and (threaded) backside bracket are created, and the remainder of the frameset tubes are then welded to this backside bracket / down tube part (footage of which could be seen under). 

The model says it will possibly put the mandatory further materials within the weld zones which endure the very best stress. Giving them the power to attain the specified trip traits and never need to make do with ‘overbuilt’ tubing designed to be robust sufficient to outlive old-school welding strategies. 

Specs, pricing and particulars 

Specialized says the Crux DSW retains the identical efficiency gravel geometry and race-influenced match because the carbon Crux, with its prolonged attain and low stack. The backside bracket drop is 72mm which the model claims hits the sweetspot between nimble and steady. The alloy body is paired with a Fact 12r carbon fork, and just like the carbon Crux, tyre clearance is 47mm, or as much as 2.1in when operating a 650B wheel.

The Crux DSW is offered as a frameset in two color choices. Both Gloss Amber Glow and Satin Metallic Spruce can be priced at £1,500. 

An entire bike construct will even be accessible in two totally different colors – Gloss Birch / Clay and Satin Smoke / Oak Green – for £2,300. The full bike will include 12-speed SRAM Apex gear with 40T x 11-44t gearing, DT G540 wheels and Specialized Pathfinder Pro 38mm tyres. 

International pricing is but to be confirmed.