SPECIALIZED CruX Elite Disc Apex
It's rather hard to review Specialized’s entry level CX disc race bike in one
word, juas: “stable.” The quality makes it a confident race
machine over a variety of course conditions, and perfect for cyclists
used to riding on the road. I tested the bike both on long “ultra
‘cross” adventures, and traditional East Coast race courses comprised of
chicanes, gravel patches, off camber sections, and, of course, mud.
Through it all, the bike held its line like a monorail down long steep
descents, and had a very steady feel through corners.
Like the rest of the CruX line, the Elite Disc Apex has American-style ‘cross geometry, with a low bottom bracket relative to Euro-style frames, and neutral angles (the head and seat tube angles on the size-52 we tested were 71.5 and 74 degrees, respectively). For 2013, the aluminum CruX uses the same carbon, disc brake-specific fork as the carbon CruX models. That means the front end is very stiff, tapering from 1-1/8” to 1-3/8".
When the terrain gets rough, the CruX stays the course, maneuvering predictably through technical sections. The bike is stiff enough, letting me get up to speed quickly—although I did wish the rear of the bike felt a bit more responsive when I went to sprint hard.
Owing mostly to its aluminum frame, the disc-specific bike is a bit on the heavy side for a pure race machine, but it rides lighter than it is, partially because, with ample tire clearance and no cantilevers to catch debris, it doesn’t pack up with mud in messy races.
Speaking of discs, there are some traditionalists who stand staunchly opposed to the slow encroachment of discs into the realm of ‘cross, but I’m not one of them. The Elite Disc Crux comes equipped with a SRAM Apex drivetrain and Avid BB5 disc brakes (160mm front rotor, 140mm rear—a common setup for disc-equipped ‘cross bikes). None of the parts are top-of-the-line, but they all deliver on performance, working flawlessly in dust, mud, rain, and sloppy tall grass. The cross specific chain rings (46/36) and Shimano Tiagra 10-speed, 12-28t gearing guarantees you can claw your way up any wall, and still have plenty of speed for the straight-aways.
The Axis CXD wheels ride well—especially if you plan to primarily use your CruX on the road—but they are a bit hefty. The included tires, Specialized’s Tracer Sport, work fine and roll fast in dry conditions, but don’t hook up well when conditions are wet—as is common on the East Coast. Options for upgrading your wheels is somewhat limited since only a few manufacturers are making cx wheels with rims laced to disc hubs using 135mm spacing. However, you can use nearly any 29er mountain bike wheelset with a quick-release hub. To put a little more spring in my test bike’s step, I swapped in a pair of Specialized’s Roval Control SL mountain bike wheels. With the bike lightened up, the heavier bike had a lot more snap. Showing that while this bike is ready to race out of the box, it’s also ready to grow with you.
Like the rest of the CruX line, the Elite Disc Apex has American-style ‘cross geometry, with a low bottom bracket relative to Euro-style frames, and neutral angles (the head and seat tube angles on the size-52 we tested were 71.5 and 74 degrees, respectively). For 2013, the aluminum CruX uses the same carbon, disc brake-specific fork as the carbon CruX models. That means the front end is very stiff, tapering from 1-1/8” to 1-3/8".
When the terrain gets rough, the CruX stays the course, maneuvering predictably through technical sections. The bike is stiff enough, letting me get up to speed quickly—although I did wish the rear of the bike felt a bit more responsive when I went to sprint hard.
Owing mostly to its aluminum frame, the disc-specific bike is a bit on the heavy side for a pure race machine, but it rides lighter than it is, partially because, with ample tire clearance and no cantilevers to catch debris, it doesn’t pack up with mud in messy races.
Speaking of discs, there are some traditionalists who stand staunchly opposed to the slow encroachment of discs into the realm of ‘cross, but I’m not one of them. The Elite Disc Crux comes equipped with a SRAM Apex drivetrain and Avid BB5 disc brakes (160mm front rotor, 140mm rear—a common setup for disc-equipped ‘cross bikes). None of the parts are top-of-the-line, but they all deliver on performance, working flawlessly in dust, mud, rain, and sloppy tall grass. The cross specific chain rings (46/36) and Shimano Tiagra 10-speed, 12-28t gearing guarantees you can claw your way up any wall, and still have plenty of speed for the straight-aways.
The Axis CXD wheels ride well—especially if you plan to primarily use your CruX on the road—but they are a bit hefty. The included tires, Specialized’s Tracer Sport, work fine and roll fast in dry conditions, but don’t hook up well when conditions are wet—as is common on the East Coast. Options for upgrading your wheels is somewhat limited since only a few manufacturers are making cx wheels with rims laced to disc hubs using 135mm spacing. However, you can use nearly any 29er mountain bike wheelset with a quick-release hub. To put a little more spring in my test bike’s step, I swapped in a pair of Specialized’s Roval Control SL mountain bike wheels. With the bike lightened up, the heavier bike had a lot more snap. Showing that while this bike is ready to race out of the box, it’s also ready to grow with you.
