Specialized Crux 5 Comp 2027 - SRAM Rival XPLR
The Specialized Crux 5 Comp brings the lightweight, race-focused Crux platform into a more accessible complete build. Its 897g FACT 10r carbon frame is paired with SRAM Rival AXS XPLR 13-speed shifting, DT Swiss G500 wheels and practical alloy cockpit components. At a claimed 8.89kg in size 56, it is ready for gravel racing, fast mixed-surface riding and long-distance events while providing a strong platform for future upgrades. The Comp gives you the same race-winning Crux 5 platform as every model in the range, making it the ideal choice for riders who want elite gravel performance with a specification focused on durability, value and real-world racing.
Lightweight FACT 10r Carbon Frame
At a claimed 897g, the FACT 10r carbon frame provides an exceptionally light foundation for a bike at this level. Reduced frame weight helps the Crux accelerate quickly, climb efficiently and feel easy to manoeuvre across changing terrain.
Rider-First Engineered construction tunes the carbon lay-up for each frame size, helping preserve consistent handling, stiffness and ride quality throughout the range.
Designed for Real Gravel Speed
The Crux 5 has been developed around performance across complete gravel courses rather than focusing on weight or aerodynamics in isolation. Its design balances low weight, aerodynamic efficiency and confident handling across changing terrain.
This helps the bike remain efficient on exposed roads and high-speed sections while retaining the control needed for loose corners, technical descents and uneven surfaces.
SRAM Rival XPLR 13-Speed
SRAM Rival AXS XPLR provides precise wireless electronic shifting through a gravel-specific 1x13-speed drivetrain. The 10–46T cassette offers closely spaced gearing for maintaining cadence while retaining the range needed for steep gravel climbs.
The full-mount rear derailleur attaches around the rear axle rather than using a conventional derailleur hanger. This creates a robust system designed for demanding off-road use and consistent shifting under load.
DT Swiss G500 Gravel Wheels
DT Swiss G500 rims have a 26mm internal width, providing stable support for the 45c Pathfinder tyres. Sealed-bearing thru-axle hubs add stiffness and help protect the wheel bearings from dirt and moisture.
The wheels and tyres are tubeless ready, allowing riders to lower tyre pressures for improved comfort, traction and puncture protection once converted with suitable valves and sealant.
Practical Race Cockpit
The Specialized Adventure Gear handlebar uses a compact 70mm reach and 12-degree flare. This provides an efficient position on the hoods while creating additional control and wrist clearance when riding in the drops.
A Roval Rapide alloy stem provides a secure four-bolt connection, while the S-Works Tarmac SL8 carbon seatpost helps reduce weight and absorb vibration from rough gravel surfaces.
SRAM Hydraulic Braking
SRAM Rival E1 hydraulic disc brakes provide consistent speed control across changing terrain and weather conditions. Their drop-bar controls offer easy brake access from both the hoods and drops.
Hydraulic operation requires less hand effort than cable-operated brakes, helping reduce fatigue during long or technical descents.
Key Features
- Specialized Crux 5 FACT 10r carbon frame
- Claimed frame weight of 897g
- S-Works FACT carbon fork
- Rider-First Engineered construction
- SRAM Rival AXS XPLR wireless 1x13-speed drivetrain
- SRAM Rival XPLR 10–46T cassette
- SRAM Rival XPLR crankset with 40T chainring
- SRAM Rival E1 hydraulic disc brakes
- DT Swiss G500 tubeless-ready alloy rims
- Sealed-bearing thru-axle hubs
- Specialized Pathfinder 700 x 45c tubeless-ready tyres
- Specialized Adventure Gear alloy handlebar
- Roval Rapide alloy stem
- S-Works Tarmac SL8 carbon seatpost
- Body Geometry Power Comp saddle
- Threaded bottom bracket and UDH dropout
- Claimed complete-bike weight: 8.89kg in size 56
Why Riders Love the Specialized Crux 5 Comp
The Specialized Crux 5 Comp is an excellent choice for riders who want the performance of the latest Crux frame with dependable components and wireless electronic shifting. It is race-ready in standard form while providing clear upgrade opportunities for riders who want to reduce weight over time.
Low Frame Weight
The 897g frame gives the Crux quick acceleration and an energetic feel on repeated climbs without requiring a top-level complete build.
Efficient Power Transfer
FACT 10r carbon construction provides a direct response under harder efforts, helping convert rider input into forward movement.
Wireless Electronic Shifting
SRAM Rival XPLR delivers precise gear changes without mechanical shift cables, keeping operation clean and consistent.
Useful Gravel Gearing
The 10–46T cassette provides suitable range for steep climbs while retaining close enough gear steps for faster sections.
Confident Handling
Race-focused geometry combines quick steering with the stability needed for loose gravel, fast descents and changing surfaces.
Tubeless Compatibility
The DT Swiss wheels and Pathfinder tyres are ready for a tubeless conversion, improving comfort, traction and puncture resistance.
Strong Upgrade Potential
The lightweight FACT 10r frame creates a quality foundation for future upgrades such as carbon wheels, a carbon handlebar or a power meter.
Who Is This Bike For?
Perfect For
✔ Gravel racing
✔ Fast mixed-surface events
✔ Hilly and climbing-focused courses
✔ Long-distance gravel riding
✔ Riders wanting wireless SRAM AXS shifting
✔ Riders moving into competitive gravel events
✔ Riders wanting a premium frame with room for future upgrades
Our Thoughts on the Specialized Crux 5 Comp
The Specialized Crux 5 Comp is arguably the most practical entry point into the latest Crux platform. It uses the same 897g FACT 10r frame and S-Works FACT carbon fork as the Expert and S-Level models, preserving the core performance of the bike where it matters most.
SRAM Rival XPLR is an excellent match for this build. Its 13-speed wireless drivetrain provides reliable electronic shifting and suitable gearing for genuine gravel racing. The DT Swiss G500 wheels are durable and tubeless ready, making them appropriate for regular training and racing even if carbon wheels become a future upgrade.
For riders who want a genuinely lightweight gravel race bike without paying for premium wheels and RED-level components from the outset, the Crux 5 Comp provides an excellent balance of performance, value and upgrade potential.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
✔ Official Specialized Dealer
✔ Professionally assembled, safety checked and workshop tuned before collection or dispatch
✔ Brakes professionally pre-bedded before collection or dispatch
✔ SRAM AXS drivetrain checked, updated and configured
✔ Premium handover including initial bike setup, a complete feature walkthrough and practical maintenance advice
✔ Expert bike sizing and setup advice
✔ Lifetime workshop support from experienced mechanics
✔ Nationwide New Zealand delivery
✔ Finance and WorkRide options available
Geometry
Contact Chain Reaction if you would like help comparing frame sizes or selecting the correct setup for your riding position.
Size Guide
- 155–158cm: Size 49
- 163–168cm: Size 52
- 168–175cm: Size 54
- 175–183cm: Size 56
- 183–191cm: Size 58
- 191–198cm: Size 61
Rider height is a useful starting point, but body proportions, flexibility, racing position and preferred handling can influence the ideal frame size. Contact Chain Reaction for personalised sizing and bike-fit advice before ordering.
The supplied manufacturer chart does not include a recommendation for riders between 158cm and 163cm. We recommend personalised sizing advice for riders within this range.
Delivery and Assembly
Every Specialized Crux 5 Comp purchased from Chain Reaction is professionally assembled, tuned and safety checked by our workshop.
Your bike receives:
- Complete professional assembly
- Full workshop safety inspection
- SRAM Rival AXS adjustment, firmware check and electronic setup
- Gear adjustment and drivetrain tuning
- Brakes professionally pre-bedded using our Sinter Smart bedding-in machine
- Cockpit and seatpost installation checked
- Handlebar, saddle and control positions initially adjusted
- Tyre pressures checked and set
- Secure packaging for transport
- Nationwide New Zealand delivery
- Click & Collect where available
For nationwide delivery, the bike is securely packaged following its workshop inspection. Some minor final assembly is required after unpacking. Instructions are included, and the Chain Reaction team is available if assistance is needed.
Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change without notice.