Specialized releases new Crux DSW, a sub-10kg alloy gravel bike

Smartweld technology claims to make this the lightest alloy gravel bike available

16:00, Tuesday 11th June 2024

Specialized has just announced a new alloy version of its Crux gravel bike. The Crux DSW joins the brand's racier gravel range, with the Diverge taking care of the more adventurous end of the spectrum.

The new Crux DSW is claimed to be the lightest alloy gravel bike on the market, with Specialized saying that they “took everything they learned creating the carbon Crux and used patented D’Aluisio Smartweld to make it a reality in alloy".

Specialized has been using Smartweld in its premium alloy bikes for several years now. The technology is said to create a better interface between tubes at the point they are welded together. This creates stronger welder joints whilst also simultaneously reducing the weight of the frame.

By hydroforming the tube profiles to match as closely as they can it is possible to remove loading hotspots. Effectively this process allows the tubes to be designed to have a greater contact surface area with the joining tubes. In the case of the Crux DSW it has allowed the engineers to create the down tube and bottom bracket out of a single tube which both increases strength whilst also saving weight.

At 1,399 grams for a 56cm frame, the Crux DSW is said to be lighter than any other alloy gravel-specific frame available, and it's paired to the DSW frame is a Fact12r Crux carbon fibre fork. A complete Crux DSW, as specced by Specialized, tips the scales at 9.37 kilos. That puts it in the same realm as most carbon fibre gravel bikes.

As far as the capability of the new bike is concerned, it mirrors that of its carbon fibre cousin, with the same 47mm tyre clearance or 2.1-inch if fitted with a 650b wheelset.

The complete build Crux DSW retails for £2,300 and features SRAM’s mechanical 12-speed Apex groupset, 38mm Specialized Pathfinder tyres and DT G540 gravel wheels.

This complete build and a frame-only option (£1,500) will be available for purchase from Specialized directly or via your local Specialized dealer.

What do you make of Specialized’s new alloy gravel bike, do you think it is hot or not? Let us know in the comments section below. For more from the world of cycling tech make sure to check out the tech news section of the GCN website.