S-Works Crux 2025: the most radical and lightweight gravel bike is renewed and debuts the SRAM Red XPLR 13-speed

Launched in 2020, the Specialized S-Works Crux went from being the brand's specific cyclocross model to also being one of the most sporty gravel bikes on the market. Now, Specialized makes it even lighter and updates its frame by incorporating the UDH dropout system and dressing it with the new SRAM Red AXS in its XPLR version, which features Full Mount attachment to make it almost indestructible.

Specialized creates the ultimate competition gravel bike

Just when we thought the Specialized S-Works Crux couldn't be improved as one of the best gravel bikes on the market, Specialized has surprised us by being the first to benefit from the launch of the SRAM Red XPLR rear derailleur, the specific gravel option within SRAM's new top-of-the-line group, which was released to the market a few weeks ago.

The new SRAM Red XPLR rear derailleur uses the Full Mount design that they introduced last year in their mountain bike groups, which represents a significant improvement in ensuring absolutely perfect operation and making the derailleur practically indestructible.

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In order to incorporate it, there is only one condition, that the bike frame has a UDH or Universal Derailleur Hanger, the system also created by SRAM that integrates the thread of the thru-axle and that more and more brands are adopting for their bikes, managing to bring some sanity to an element of the bike that had countless different derailleur hanger models.

Designed to integrate directly into the UDH system, completely dispensing with the hanger, Full Mount derailleurs like the SRAM Red XPLR on this S-Works Crux embrace the frame dropout with a super robust design that guarantees perfect alignment, so it can even do without the usual screws that adjust the stops and distance with the cogs. Of course, it features developments suitable for competitive gravel with a 10-46 cassette combined with a 40-tooth single chainring mounted on cranks equipped with a power meter. A cassette that incorporates another of the great novelties of this new SRAM Red XPLR, it is the first group of the American brand to incorporate the 13 cogs, undoubtedly an advantage for use in gravel by combining a wide range of developments and very contained jumps between gears.

With these changes, Specialized manages to make its S-Works Crux 120 grams lighter than its previous top-of-the-line model, with a frame made of Fact12r carbon that leaves the scale at an incredible 725 grams. A bike that, despite being oriented towards the most racing gravel, does not neglect its capabilities for more challenging terrain by being able to accommodate tires up to 700x47, or 2.1'' if you choose to mount 650b wheels.

Specialized S-Works Crux SRAM Red XPLR

• Price: €13,000
• Weight: 7.28 kg (size 56)
• Frame: Fact12r carbon
• Group: SRAM Red XPLR, 40-tooth crankset with power meter, 10-46 cassette
• Wheels: Roval Terra CLX I
• Tires: Specialized Pathfinder Pro 700x38c
• Handlebar: Roval Terra carbon
• Stem: S-Works SL aluminum
• Seatpost: Roval Alpinist
• Saddle: S-Works Power with Mirror