Specialized Crux Comp - Shimano GRX 2026
The Specialized Crux Comp is a lightweight carbon gravel bike designed for racing, fast mixed-surface riding and long-distance adventures. Its FACT 10r carbon frame and S-Works FACT carbon fork are paired with a Shimano GRX 1x12 drivetrain, DT Swiss G540 wheels and 40c Pathfinder tyres. At a claimed 8.66kg in size 56, it delivers genuine gravel race performance without requiring a top-level build.
Lightweight FACT 10r Carbon Frame
The FACT 10r carbon frame has a claimed weight of approximately 825g, providing an exceptionally light foundation for a bike at this level. Reduced frame weight makes the Crux easier to accelerate, carry through run-ups and drive over repeated climbs.
Rider-First Engineered construction tunes the carbon lay-up for each frame size, helping preserve consistent handling, stiffness and ride quality throughout the range.
Responsive Gravel Handling
The Crux combines a race-influenced riding position with responsive handling and predictable stability. It reacts quickly to rider input but remains composed across loose corners, corrugations and high-speed gravel descents.
A relatively low stack creates an efficient position for faster riding, while the geometry distributes the rider’s weight to provide confident front-wheel control.
S-Works FACT Carbon Fork
The S-Works FACT carbon fork helps reduce overall weight while improving steering accuracy and front-end comfort. Its carbon construction absorbs some of the vibration generated by rough gravel without making the handling feel vague.
A 12 x 100mm thru-axle provides accurate wheel positioning, while the flat-mount brake interface creates a clean and modern setup.
Shimano GRX 1x12 Drivetrain
The Shimano GRX drivetrain pairs a 40-tooth chainring with a 10–45T cassette. This provides useful climbing gears while retaining close enough steps for maintaining cadence during faster riding.
The GRX RX822 rear derailleur helps control chain movement across rough surfaces, while mechanical shifting keeps operation straightforward and removes the need for batteries or charging.
DT Swiss G540 Gravel Wheels
DT Swiss G540 rims have a 24mm internal width, providing stable support for the 40c Pathfinder tyres. Sealed-bearing thru-axle hubs add stiffness and help protect the bearings from dirt and moisture.
The wheels and tyres are tubeless ready, allowing riders to use lower pressures for improved grip and comfort while reducing the likelihood of pinch punctures once converted with suitable valves and sealant.
Generous Tyre Clearance
The Crux frame accepts tyres up to 700 x 47c or 650b x 2.1 inches. This gives riders the freedom to choose faster tyres for racing or greater volume for rougher gravel and adventure riding.
The supplied 700 x 40c Pathfinder tyres provide an effective balance of rolling speed, cushioning and mixed-surface grip.
Key Features
- Specialized Crux FACT 10r carbon frame
- Claimed frame weight of approximately 825g
- S-Works FACT carbon fork
- Rider-First Engineered construction
- Shimano GRX mechanical 1x12-speed drivetrain
- Shimano GRX RX822 rear derailleur
- Shimano XT 10–45T cassette
- Shimano GRX RX820 crankset with 40T chainring
- Shimano GRX RX820 hydraulic disc brakes
- DT Swiss G540 tubeless-ready alloy rims
- Sealed-bearing thru-axle hubs
- Specialized Pathfinder 700 x 40c tubeless-ready tyres
- Clearance for up to 700 x 47c or 650b x 2.1-inch tyres
- Roval Terra carbon seatpost
- Threaded bottom bracket
- SRAM UDH-compatible dropout
- Claimed complete-bike weight: 8.66kg in size 56
Why Riders Love the Specialized Crux Comp
The Specialized Crux Comp suits riders who want a lightweight and responsive gravel bike with the dependability of mechanical Shimano shifting. It is light enough for serious racing, comfortable enough for long-distance riding and versatile enough to explore rougher gravel with a change of tyres.
Low Frame Weight
The FACT 10r frame gives the Crux quick acceleration and lively climbing performance without requiring an S-Works build.
Efficient Power Transfer
Carbon construction provides a direct response under harder efforts, helping convert rider input into forward movement.
Predictable Handling
Race-focused geometry delivers quick steering while retaining the stability required for loose gravel and fast descents.
Mechanical Simplicity
Shimano GRX provides dependable 12-speed shifting without batteries, firmware or electronic components.
Confident Braking
GRX hydraulic disc brakes provide consistent control from the hoods or drops across changing terrain and weather conditions.
Adaptable Tyre Capacity
Clearance for 47c or 650b x 2.1-inch tyres allows the Crux to be adapted for racing, rough gravel or longer adventures.
Strong Upgrade Potential
The lightweight FACT 10r frame and S-Works carbon fork provide a quality foundation for future upgrades such as carbon wheels, a lighter cockpit or a power meter.
Who Is This Bike For?
Perfect For
✔ Gravel racing
✔ Fast mixed-surface riding
✔ Hilly and climbing-focused routes
✔ Long-distance gravel events
✔ Riders who prefer mechanical Shimano shifting
✔ Riders wanting a lightweight carbon gravel bike
✔ Riders looking for a premium frame with future upgrade potential
Our Thoughts on the Specialized Crux Comp
The Specialized Crux Comp is one of the most practical builds in this generation of the Crux range. Its FACT 10r carbon frame and S-Works carbon fork provide the same lightweight, race-focused foundation found on more expensive models, while the component selection prioritises reliability and straightforward servicing.
Shimano GRX is particularly well suited to riders who prefer mechanical operation. The 10–45T cassette offers a useful balance of climbing range and manageable gear steps, while GRX hydraulic brakes provide dependable control across varied conditions.
The DT Swiss G540 wheels are strong and tubeless ready, making them suitable for regular riding even if carbon wheels become a future upgrade. For riders wanting a light and capable carbon gravel bike without electronic shifting, the Crux Comp remains a very well-balanced choice.
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
✔ 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
The Crux uses a race-influenced position with a relatively low stack, so correct frame sizing and cockpit setup are especially important.
Contact Chain Reaction if you would like help comparing sizes or choosing a position suited to racing, long-distance events or general gravel riding.
Size Guide
Rider height is a useful starting point, but body proportions, flexibility, preferred riding position and handling preferences can influence the ideal size. Riders focused on racing may prefer a lower and more compact position, while long-distance riders may prioritise comfort.
Contact Chain Reaction for personalised sizing and bike-fit advice before ordering.
Delivery and Assembly
Every Specialized Crux 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
- 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. Complete-bike and frame weights may vary according to size, colour and production tolerances.