Specialized Crux DSW Comp Apex XPLR | Gravel Bike

The Crux DSW Comp is what happens when Specialized's engineers ask "what if alloy could ride like carbon?" — and then go build it. At just 1,399 grams for the frame, the Crux DSW is the world's lightest alloy gravel frame. Pair that with a FACT 12r carbon fork and a curated performance build, and the complete bike tips the scales at 9.37 kg — territory typically reserved for carbon bikes costing twice as much. With 47mm tire clearance, race-influenced gravel geometry, and the same DNA as the carbon Crux that's won countless cyclocross and gravel races, the DSW Comp is the carbon-copy answer for riders who want every gram of performance without the carbon-copy price tag.

D'ALUISIO SMARTWELD TECHNOLOGY: Specialized's patented hydroforming process precisely matches tube-to-tube joints for stronger welds, lighter weight, and a frame up to twice as durable as traditional alloy. The unique single-piece downtube and bottom bracket assembly shaves weight where it matters most and amplifies stiffness and responsiveness at the heart of the frame.

WORLD'S LIGHTEST ALLOY GRAVEL FRAME: 1,399g for the frame alone (size 56, raw). Full bike weight of 9.37 kg means you can climb, sprint, and shoulder it through technical sections without feeling the alloy penalty.

MASSIVE TIRE CLEARANCE: Up to 47mm with 700c wheels, or 2.1" with 650b — the same clearance as the carbon Crux and on par with the Diverge. Run skinny tires for fast all-road, drop in 650b knobbies for proper backcountry exploration, or land anywhere in between.

PERFORMANCE GRAVEL GEOMETRY: A longer reach delivers better weight distribution for quick, confident handling, while a lower stack puts you in a performance-first position. 72mm of bottom-bracket drop hits the sweet spot between nimble and stable — perfect for the wide variety of speeds and surfaces gravel throws at you.

RACE-READY SRAM APEX XPLR 1x12: Reliable mechanical SRAM Apex XPLR 1x12 drivetrain with an 11-44T cassette and 40T chainring offers a wide, gravel-friendly gear range with crisp, repeatable shifting. SRAM Apex hydraulic disc brakes deliver consistent power in any conditions.

• 1,399g E5 Premium Aluminum frame — the lightest alloy gravel frame in the world
• D'Aluisio Smartweld construction (DSW) — stronger welds, lighter weight, up to 2× the durability of traditional alloy
• S-Works FACT carbon fork, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc
• 47mm 700c tire clearance / 2.1" 650b clearance
• SRAM Apex XPLR 1x12 mechanical drivetrain with 11-44T cassette
• SRAM Apex hydraulic disc brakes
• DT Swiss G540 tubeless-ready wheels with Specialized hubs
• Pathfinder Pro 700x40 tubeless-ready tires
• Specialized Adventure Gear gravel handlebar with 12° flare
• Body Geometry Power Sport saddle
• UDH dropout — compatible with SRAM Eagle Transmission
• Threaded BB for easy maintenance
• Complete bike weight: 9.37 kg (size 56)

SPECIFICATIONS
FRAME – Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum Disc with D'Aluisio Smartweld Technology, hydroformed aluminum tubing, tapered head tube, threaded BB, UDH dropout, 12x142mm rear thru-axle, flat-mount disc
FORK – S-Works FACT Carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc
FRONT WHEEL – DT Swiss G540 rim, 24mm internal width, tubeless ready, 24h, Specialized full sealed-bearing thru-axle hub, Centerlock disc, DT Swiss Champion 14G stainless spokes, brass nipples
REAR WHEEL – DT Swiss G540 rim, 24mm internal width, tubeless ready, 24h, Specialized full sealed-bearing thru-axle hub, Centerlock disc, DT Swiss Champion 14G stainless spokes, brass nipples
FRONT TIRE – Specialized Pathfinder Pro, 2Bliss Ready, 700x40
REAR TIRE – Specialized Pathfinder Pro, 2Bliss Ready, 700x40
CRANKSET – SRAM Apex XPLR DUB Wide, 40T
CHAINRING – 40T
REAR DERAILLEUR – SRAM Apex XPLR, mechanical, 12-speed
SHIFT LEVERS – SRAM Apex, 1x12
CASSETTE – SRAM PG-1231 XPLR, 11-44T, 12-speed
CHAIN – SRAM Apex D1, 12-speed, with quick link
BOTTOM BRACKET – SRAM DUB BSA 68 Wide, threaded
FRONT BRAKE – SRAM Apex hydraulic disc, flat-mount
REAR BRAKE – SRAM Apex hydraulic disc, flat-mount
BRAKE LEVERS – SRAM Apex
HANDLEBAR – Specialized Adventure Gear, 118.9mm drop x 70mm reach, 12° flare
STEM – Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7° rise, 31.8mm clamp
HEADSET – 1-1/8" tapered
BAR TAPE – Supacaz Super Sticky Kush
SEAT POST – Alloy, 2-bolt clamp, 12mm offset, 27.2mm, anti-corrosion hardware
SEAT BINDER – Specialized Alloy, 30.8mm
SADDLE – Specialized Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails
PEDALS – Not included
WEIGHT – 9.44 kg / 20 lb 13 oz (size 56)