The Off Bike: Specialized Crux Elite Carbon Evo

I bought a cross bike because I sold off my mountain bike. I needed a bike that could give me the option to do a little bit of off-road riding. I also wanted one that could do perform well in wet weather a.k.a disk brakes. Just before the bike came in, I decided to commute to work. Hence, my off bike became an versatile performer. Wet road riding, commuting and even being propped on the trainer.

Similar to my Dogma F8, it was the Specialized Crux Elite Carbon Evo’s overall design and paint job that convinced me to get it. I liked how the black and red tones came together. It had a matte finish too which was nice though matte finishes make maintenance more difficult. Unlike most Specialized designs, this bike did not scream Specialized all over the bike.

However, the initial specs were not great. I had to upgrade the cable drawn disk brakes to a hydraulic system. Besides that I changed the stem and handlebars to Zipp’s aero offerings. As the bike’s model came from the previous year, there were significant discounts to cover for the upgrades. There is also a significant downside for Crux models from 2016 and before. They use a propriety rear derailer hanger that works only for Specialized’s SCS series wheels. You have to change the hanger to the standard version to use other wheels. I have not bothered because I have no intention of upgrading the wheels. But if I do so then I would have to get this.

Overall, it does its job as an all rounder. I like the fact that I can run tires up to 38mm which is incredibly wide. The bike has a comfortable geometry and handles very well in all conditions. It is rather heavy at around 9kg but a change of wheels should bring that down to 8+ kg, which is fine for a cyclocross bike.

  • Frame: Specialized FACT 10r carbon, disc-specific, 1-3/8″ lower bearing, OSBB, size 52
  • Fork: Specialized FACT carbon
  • Wheels: AXIS 2.0 Disc SCS
  • Tires: Specialized Trigger Pro, 60TPI, folding bead, 700x38c
  • Shifters: Shimano ST-RS685, 11 speed
  • Front derailleur: Shimano 105, braze-on
  • Rear derailleur: Shimano 105
  • Crank: Praxis Works, TURN Zayante, BB30, 50/34
  • Cassette: Shimano 105, 11-28, 11 speed
  • Chain: Shimano 105
  • Saddle: Body Geometry Toupé Sport, steel rails, 143mm
  • Seatpost: Specialized CG-R, FACT carbon, single bolt, 27.2mm
  • Handlebar: Zipp SL-70 Aero
  • Stem: Zipp SL-Sprint 110mm
  • Headset: 1-1/8″ upper, 1-3/8” lower, steel bearings, 20mm alloy cone spacer, w/ 20mm spacers
  • Brakeset: Shimano BR-RS785
  • Pedals: Shimano PD-M780 pedals
  • Lights: Cateye Volt 800, Cateye Rapid X3
  • Devices: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt, Garmin Speed and Cadence Sensor

Enjoy the photos and click here to see the entire album.

 

 

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