Matt Beers' spectacular S-Works Crux to win the Belgian Waffle Ride in San Diego

The recently crowned winner of the Absa Cape Epic 2024, Matt Beers has just claimed victory in the serious Belgian Waffle Ride in San Diego, California. A high-level test in which the Spanish Alejandro Valverde, who started as a favorite, was left without options due to a flat tire. To win, Beers chose a customized S-Works Crux with the striking colors of the Specialized team.

Matt Beers' S-Works Crux to win the Belgian Waffle Ride in San Diego

Until approximately 2021, gravel was understood by brands and users as a discipline where comfort was prioritized over the bike, but gravel races were becoming more common and the focus was shifting towards the weight and performance of the setups.

The turning point was the announcement of the first UCI Gravel World Championship for 2022, and that was when brands started releasing gravel models geared towards competition. The Specialized Crux, introduced at the end of 2021, was one of the first and came as the lightest gravel model in the world.

Time has proven it right and the Specialized Crux is now one of the most aggressive gravel models available. There is no extra hardware for bikepacking, its frame avoids oversizing to gain lightness, and the geometry is more focused on maximizing power output.

Full Setup

• Frame: S-Works Crux FACT 12r Carbon
• Fork: S-Works FACT Carbon
• Handlebar: Roval Rapide
• Bar Tape: Supacaz
• Mullet drivetrain: SRAM Red AXS DUB Aero crankset with 50t chainring and integrated power meter, rear derailleur, and XPLR Etap AXS cassette 10-50t?
• Pedals: Shimano XTR
• Brakes: SRAM eTap AXS
• Wheels: Roval Terra CLX
• Saddle: Specialized Romin Evo
• Approximate weight: 7.3 kg