How does the 2018 Specialized CruX Sport perform in cyclocross races. What are the key features that make it stand out from other bikes in its category. Why is the CruX Sport considered a versatile option for both beginners and experienced riders.
The Evolution of Specialized CruX: From Aluminum to Carbon
The Specialized CruX line has come a long way since its inception, evolving from aluminum frames to high-end carbon models. The 2018 CruX Sport represents a significant milestone in this journey, offering riders a perfect blend of performance and affordability.
Specialized has always been at the forefront of cyclocross bike innovation, and the CruX Sport is no exception. With its race-ready geometry and carefully selected components, this bike is designed to excel in the demanding world of cyclocross racing while remaining accessible to a wide range of riders.
Key Features of the 2018 Specialized CruX Sport
- FACT 11r carbon frame
- S-Works FACT 11r carbon fork
- Shimano 105 groupset
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Thru-axles for improved stiffness
- Rider-First Engineered™ technology
These features combine to create a bike that’s not only lightweight and responsive but also durable enough to withstand the rigors of cyclocross racing and off-road adventures.
Gearing and Performance: How Does the CruX Sport Stack Up?
One of the most critical aspects of any cyclocross bike is its gearing. The 2018 Specialized CruX Sport comes equipped with a 2×11 drivetrain, offering 22 speeds to tackle a variety of terrains and racing conditions.
Is the CruX Sport’s gearing suitable for both climbing and sprinting? According to comparisons with similar bikes, the CruX Sport is geared similarly for climbing hills. However, it has a distinct advantage when it comes to downhill riding and sprinting, with the potential to reach speeds of up to 58 km/h compared to the average 56 km/h of its competitors.
This gearing configuration makes the CruX Sport a versatile choice for riders who want a bike that can handle both the technical demands of cyclocross courses and the varied terrain of gravel rides or road cycling.
Drivetrain Components
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105, short cage, 11-speed
- Front Derailleur: Shimano 105 Ez, clamp-on
- Crankset: Praxis Alba 2D, BB30, 46/36T
- Shifters: Shimano RS505 disc
- Cassette: Shimano 105, 11-speed, 11-28t
- Chain: KMC X11, 11-speed w/ Missing Link™
This combination of components ensures smooth and reliable shifting, even in the most challenging racing conditions.
Frame Technology: The Heart of the CruX Sport’s Performance
At the core of the 2018 Specialized CruX Sport is its advanced frame technology. The FACT 11r carbon frame is not just lightweight; it’s also engineered to provide optimal stiffness and compliance where needed most.
How does Specialized’s Rider-First Engineered™ technology benefit cyclists? This innovative approach ensures that every frame size delivers consistent performance and ride quality. By tailoring the layup and construction of each frame size, Specialized has created a bike that performs optimally for riders of all sizes.
Frame and Fork Specifications
- Frame: FACT 11r carbon
- Fork: S-Works FACT 11r carbon
- Bottom Bracket: BB30, press-fit
- Thru-axles: 12x142mm rear, 12x100mm front
- Disc brake mount: Flat mount
These specifications contribute to the bike’s overall stiffness, responsiveness, and ability to handle the diverse challenges of cyclocross racing.
Braking System: Stopping Power When It Matters Most
In cyclocross racing, the ability to brake quickly and efficiently can make the difference between winning and losing. The 2018 Specialized CruX Sport comes equipped with Shimano RS505 hydraulic disc brakes, providing superior stopping power in all conditions.
Why are hydraulic disc brakes advantageous for cyclocross? Hydraulic systems offer better modulation and more consistent performance than mechanical disc brakes, especially in wet and muddy conditions. This allows riders to brake later and with more confidence, potentially shaving crucial seconds off their lap times.
The flat mount disc brake design also contributes to the bike’s clean aesthetics and improved aerodynamics, further enhancing its race-ready credentials.
Wheel and Tire Setup: Balancing Speed and Traction
The 2018 Specialized CruX Sport comes fitted with Axis Sport Disc wheels and Tracer Sport tires. This combination strikes a balance between low rolling resistance for speed and ample grip for cornering and climbing in various conditions.
Wheel and Tire Specifications
- Rims: Axis Sport Disc
- Tires: Tracer Sport, 60 TPI, wire bead, 700x33mm
The 700x33mm tire width is the maximum allowed in UCI-sanctioned cyclocross races, providing optimal traction without sacrificing speed. The 60 TPI (threads per inch) construction offers a good balance of durability and suppleness, enhancing the bike’s overall performance.
Can riders easily upgrade the wheels and tires for improved performance? Yes, the CruX Sport’s frame and fork are designed to accommodate a wide range of wheel and tire combinations, allowing riders to customize their setup based on their preferences and racing conditions.
Handlebar and Stem: Optimizing Control and Comfort
The cockpit of a cyclocross bike plays a crucial role in handling and rider comfort. The 2018 Specialized CruX Sport features a well-thought-out combination of handlebars and stem to enhance control and reduce fatigue during long races or training sessions.
Cockpit Components
- Handlebar: Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061 alloy, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp
- Stem: Specialized, 3D forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise
The shallow drop handlebars provide multiple hand positions, allowing riders to maintain control and comfort whether they’re on the hoods, in the drops, or on the tops. The 7-degree rise of the stem can be adjusted to fine-tune the rider’s position for optimal performance and comfort.
How does the handlebar shape affect cyclocross performance? The shallow drop design allows for quicker transitions between hand positions, which is crucial in cyclocross racing where riders frequently shift between climbing, descending, and navigating technical sections.
Saddle and Seatpost: Comfort Meets Performance
While cyclocross races are typically shorter than road races, rider comfort is still a crucial factor in performance. The 2018 Specialized CruX Sport comes equipped with a Phenom Sport saddle and an alloy seatpost, both designed to provide comfort without compromising performance.
Saddle and Seatpost Specifications
- Saddle: Phenom Sport, 143mm width, steel rails
- Seatpost: Alloy, 2-bolt clamp
The Phenom Sport saddle’s 143mm width is designed to provide ample support for most riders, while its shape allows for easy weight shifts during technical maneuvers. The alloy seatpost offers durability and the ability to fine-tune saddle position with its 2-bolt clamp design.
Why is saddle choice important in cyclocross? A comfortable saddle allows riders to maintain an efficient pedaling position throughout the race, reducing fatigue and improving overall performance. The ability to easily move around on the saddle is also crucial for navigating obstacles and maintaining balance in technical sections.
Versatility: Beyond the Cyclocross Course
While the 2018 Specialized CruX Sport is primarily designed for cyclocross racing, its versatility extends far beyond the race course. Many riders find that the CruX Sport is equally capable as a gravel bike or even as a road bike with a simple tire swap.
How can riders maximize the versatility of the CruX Sport? By taking advantage of the bike’s generous tire clearance and adaptable geometry, riders can easily set up the CruX Sport for various riding disciplines:
- Cyclocross racing: Use the stock 33mm tires or opt for mud-specific tread patterns
- Gravel riding: Install wider tires (up to 40mm) for improved comfort and traction on loose surfaces
- Road cycling: Fit 28-32mm road tires for a comfortable and efficient ride on paved surfaces
- Winter training: Mount full-coverage fenders for all-weather riding capabilities
This versatility makes the CruX Sport an excellent choice for riders who want a single bike that can handle a wide range of riding styles and conditions.
Upgradeability: Future-Proofing Your Investment
One of the key advantages of the 2018 Specialized CruX Sport is its potential for upgrades. While the stock build offers excellent performance, many components can be easily upgraded to enhance the bike’s capabilities as riders progress or their needs change.
What are some popular upgrades for the CruX Sport? Riders often consider the following upgrades to boost performance:
- Wheelset: Upgrading to a lighter, more aerodynamic wheelset can significantly improve acceleration and overall speed
- Tires: Experimenting with different tread patterns and compounds can optimize traction for specific course conditions
- Drivetrain: Moving to a higher-end groupset can provide crisper shifting and potentially save weight
- Cockpit components: Upgrading to a carbon handlebar and stem can reduce weight and improve comfort
- Saddle: Finding the perfect saddle can greatly enhance comfort and efficiency during long rides or races
The frame’s high-quality construction and modern standards (such as thru-axles and flat mount disc brakes) ensure that the CruX Sport remains compatible with the latest components, making it a bike that can grow with the rider’s skills and ambitions.
Long-Term Value
Does investing in the CruX Sport make sense for long-term use? Absolutely. The combination of a high-quality frame, modern standards, and upgrade potential means that the CruX Sport can serve riders well for many years, adapting to their evolving needs and skill levels.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first serious cyclocross bike or an experienced rider seeking a versatile race machine, the 2018 Specialized CruX Sport offers a compelling package that can be tailored to meet a wide range of cycling goals.
2018 Specialized CruX Sport – Specs, Comparisons, Reviews – 99 Spokes
Top Comparison
View more similar bikes →
InsightsGearing
2 × 11 — 22 speed
CruX Sport
58 km/h
Similar Bikes
56 km/h
The CruX Sport is geared about the same as similar bikes for riding up hills.
Similar bikes won‘t keep up with the CruX Sport while riding downhill or sprinting.
Learn more about bike gearing
ReviewsThe Specialized CruX E5 Sport Is A Low-Cost Cyclocross Bike With High-End Chops
Oct 2019
Don’t write off the aluminum frame: This could be your next race bike.
Aluminum frame
Carbon fork
Race-ready geometry
Read Review
Specialized CruX E5 Sport review
Robin WilmottDec 2018
The E5 Sport promises years of solid off-road performance. Buy if you want a decent first ’cross bike that you can upgrade in the future
Read Review
Specialized CruX Elite
David Arthur @davearthurNov 2018
Fantastic handling and performance and stunning paint job, but let down by weight and spec
Read Review
Review: Specialized CruX Expert X1 cyclocross bike is a purebred race machine
Jan 2018
The 2018 Specialized CruX cyclocross bike launched this summer with an all-new, race-focused frameset and a range of complete bike builds to suit most any budget.
We got our hands on the CruX Expert X1 just in time for the NCCX series and threw it into the mix of test bikes. Actually, this was the …
Read Review
Specialized CruX Sport E5 review
Marc AbbottDec 2017
Specialized’s perennial cyclocross performer has been updated and it’s more versatile than ever
Read Review
Specialized Crux Expert X1
William TracyOct 2017
The Specialized Crux Expert X1 is one of the best cyclocross bikes this season.
Read Review
Specialized CruX Expert X1
Paul NormanNov 2016
The CruX Expert X1 is towards the top end of Specialized’s cyclocross bike line-up. We’ve put it through its paces.
Well-balanced handling
Modern cyclocross spec
Single ring groupset has excellent chain retention
Read Review
Specialized Crux Pro review
May 2015
Before the ride For this review, I enjoyed a full custom build courtesy of Campagnolo. Starting with a 2013 Crux Pro carbon frameset, an 11-speed Chorus groupset with Campy’s CX cantilever brakes and CX Power Torque carbon cranks were added with Bora Ultra 35 carbon tubulars.
The remainder of the parts were supplied
Read Review
GeometryBuild
| Frame | FACT 11r carbon, Rider-First Engineered™, 1-3/8″ lower bearing, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat mount disc, OSBB BB Standard: BB30, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Fork | S-Works FACT 11r carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle |
| Bottom Bracket | BB30, press-fit |
| Stem | Specialized, 3D forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise |
| Handlebar | Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp |
| Saddle | Phenom Sport, 143mm width, steel rails |
| Seatpost | Alloy, 2-bolt clamp |
| Pedals | Nylon, 105x78x28mm, loose balls w/ reflectors |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano 105, short cage, 11-speed |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | Shimano 105 Ez, clamp-on |
| Crank | Praxis Alba 2D, BB30, 46/36T |
| Shifters | Shimano RS505 disc |
| Cassette | Shimano 105, 11-speed, 11-28t |
| Chain | KMC X11, 11-speed w/ Missing Link™ |
| Brakes | Shimano RS505, hydraulic disc |
Wheels
| Rims | Axis Sport Disc |
|---|---|
| Tires | Tracer Sport, 60 TPI, wire bead, 700x33mm |
Rider Notes
2018 Specialized CruX Sport E5 – Specs, Comparisons, Reviews – 99 Spokes
Top Comparison
View more similar bikes →
InsightsGearing
2 × 11 — 22 speed
CruX Sport E5
58 km/h
Similar Bikes
56 km/h
The CruX Sport E5 is geared about the same as similar bikes for riding up hills.
Similar bikes won‘t keep up with the CruX Sport E5 while riding downhill or sprinting.
Learn more about bike gearing
ReviewsThe Specialized CruX E5 Sport Is A Low-Cost Cyclocross Bike With High-End Chops
Oct 2019
Don’t write off the aluminum frame: This could be your next race bike.
Aluminum frame
Carbon fork
Race-ready geometry
Read Review
Specialized CruX E5 Sport review
Robin WilmottDec 2018
The E5 Sport promises years of solid off-road performance. Buy if you want a decent first ’cross bike that you can upgrade in the future
Read Review
Specialized CruX Elite
David Arthur @davearthurNov 2018
Fantastic handling and performance and stunning paint job, but let down by weight and spec
Read Review
Review: Specialized CruX Expert X1 cyclocross bike is a purebred race machine
Jan 2018
The 2018 Specialized CruX cyclocross bike launched this summer with an all-new, race-focused frameset and a range of complete bike builds to suit most any budget.
We got our hands on the CruX Expert X1 just in time for the NCCX series and threw it into the mix of test bikes. Actually, this was the …
Read Review
Specialized CruX Sport E5 review
Marc AbbottDec 2017
Specialized’s perennial cyclocross performer has been updated and it’s more versatile than ever
Read Review
Specialized Crux Expert X1
William TracyOct 2017
The Specialized Crux Expert X1 is one of the best cyclocross bikes this season.
Read Review
Specialized CruX Expert X1
Paul NormanNov 2016
The CruX Expert X1 is towards the top end of Specialized’s cyclocross bike line-up. We’ve put it through its paces.
Well-balanced handling
Modern cyclocross spec
Single ring groupset has excellent chain retention
Read Review
Specialized Crux Pro review
May 2015
Before the ride For this review, I enjoyed a full custom build courtesy of Campagnolo. Starting with a 2013 Crux Pro carbon frameset, an 11-speed Chorus groupset with Campy’s CX cantilever brakes and CX Power Torque carbon cranks were added with Bora Ultra 35 carbon tubulars.
The remainder of the parts were supplied
Read Review
GeometryBuild
| Frame | Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum, fully manipulated tubing, semi-compact race design, shaped top tube, 1-3/8″ lower bearing, internal cable routing, integrated headset, OSBB, post mount disc, 135mm rear spacing BB Standard: BB30, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Fork | Specialized FACT carbon, disc-specific, quick-release |
| Bottom Bracket | BB30, press-fit |
| Stem | Specialized, 3D forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise |
| Handlebar | Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Phenom Comp, Adaptive Edge design, Hollow Cr-Mo rails, 143mm |
| Seatpost | Alloy, 2-bolt clamp |
| Pedals | Nylon, 105x78x28mm, loose balls w/ reflectors |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano 105, short cage, 11-speed |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | Shimano 105 Ez, braze-on |
| Crank | Praxis Alba 2D, BB30, 46/36T |
| Shifters | Shimano RS505 disc |
| Cassette | Shimano 105, 11-speed, 11-28t |
| Chain | KMC X11, 11-speed w/ Missing Link™ |
| Brakes | Shimano RS785 hydraulic disc |
Wheels
| Rims | Axis Sport Disc QR |
|---|---|
| Tires | Tracer Sport, 60 TPI, wire bead, 700x33mm |
Rider Notes
Government of Russia
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More and more Russians go in for sports or physical education
Evgeny Razumny / Vedomosti
The involvement of the Russian population in sports and physical education is growing, and self-training has become the main trend of recent years, follows from a study conducted by the Center for Sports and Physical Culture “Platforma” in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation. The most popular types of activities are walking or running (practiced by 24% of those involved in sports), swimming (16%), fitness (14%), exercise therapy, recreational gymnastics (11%), weightlifting (11%), team games (13%) .
The popularity of sports is determined by infrastructure accessibility, ease of entry into the training process and an attractive image determined by mass culture, the study notes.
It is based on telephone surveys of the population conducted during 2018-2022. (the sample of different waves ranged from 1200 to 3000 respondents), focus groups, interviews with leaders and members of sports communities and sports industry experts.
In 2022, 49% of respondents regularly engaged in some kind of physical education or sport, which is 5% more than in 2019d. In 2021, 31% of those aged 18 and over exercised three times a week or more, 18% once to twice a week, and 14% once a week or less. Among the factors in the spread of mass sports, the study indicates cultural changes, government programs and the development of infrastructure (urban facilities and spaces, clubs, sections, online formats), as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected “all aspects of human daily life.”
29% of those involved in 2022 began to train more often and more intensively, 15% – less often. Among the main reasons for the reduction in activity are lack of time, reduced income, and stress.
Among the motives for increasing activity are the appearance of excess weight, the appearance of free time and stress.
The key trend of recent years has been the popularity of self-training (74% of those involved in sports do it on their own), street (40%) and home (48%) activities. This sets a long-term request for the development of fitness applications, online individual and group formats, for an adapted urban environment for sports, Maria Makusheva, director of development of the research direction of the Platform CSP, told Vedomosti.
The study draws attention to the potential for increasing the share of amateur sports. Half of those who are not involved in sports would like to add activity to their lives. At the same time, certain groups of the population are covered little, involvement decreases with age and self-assessment of health. Key groups for involvement in specially organized physical activity – 35-59-year-olds and people of older age groups, the researchers point out.
In addition, there are difficulties with the participation of the adult population in sports life in rural areas, small and medium-sized cities.
The main reasons why the adult population does not practice sports are related to employment and lack of time (34% of those who do not go in for sports), poor health (24%), too mature, according to the self-assessment of the respondents, age (20%), lack of strength for training after work (18%) and what the respondents describe as “laziness”, “lack of concentration” (16%). “Part of these barriers are related to attitudes, negative experiences, lack of awareness of the available opportunities for training. Part of it is with a shortage of convenient and affordable (financially, logistically) infrastructure for sports,” the study says.
Makusheva notes that the phenomenon of an “advanced amateur” is developing – a person who does not play sports professionally, but who has achieved significant progress and aims to improve sports results, for example, to receive a candidate master of sports badge and participate in competitions, marathons.
“They form a demand for a growing industry of clubs, training courses, organizing competitions. The role of advanced amateurs in promoting sports among the population is due to the fact that they often act as trendsetters, inspiring others,” she says.
The topic of motivation in amateur sports and physical education is highlighted separately. The “survival rate” of beginners in sports is low – people start and stop training many times. 84% of those who do not exercise have previously had regular training (including 53% – only in childhood, 32% – in adulthood).
Going in for sports is not a matter of individual “willpower” or “laziness”, but of “culture and environment”, emphasizes Makusheva. According to her, the number of sports fans in recent years has been growing due to the influence of popular culture, changing role models, the development of the fitness industry and urban development programs. “We should not forget about the development of social networks, which give a multiplier effect from classes – an ordinary amateur discovers the opportunity to be an athlete,” says the expert.
In such a situation, communication campaigns, including those involving star non-professional athletes who have achieved significant results, can have a great influence on motivation.
One of the key factors influencing the development of amateur sports is infrastructure. Researchers draw attention to the lack of clubs and sections within walking distance for busy middle-aged people, family formats of classes, adapted and accessible programs for people of mature age, an urban environment for playing sports – from yard playgrounds to jogging and bike paths, qualified consultations and coaches.
Among those who live in a sport-adapted environment and often see other amateurs, participation in training is higher. “The development of the urban environment contributes to the growth of involvement in sports. At the same time, large facilities (stadiums, sports and recreation centers) have less impact than the development of a network of small clubs within walking distance, equipped playgrounds, park areas, jogging and bicycle paths,” the study notes.
