Designing a new 'cross rig didn't mean simply creating another adventure bike with extra tyre clearance. Specialized knew they had to create a purebred racing steed that was fast, confident, lightweight, and rides like no other 'cross bike. With multiple Cyclocross World Championships to its name, the CruX has more than proven itself in 'cross, but this CruX takes the legacy to a whole different level.
Rider-First Engineered™ technology was implemented into the frame that was first introduced on the Tarmacs. Using size-specific tubes and layups, this technology allows the CruX to feature the same ride characteristics across every size in the range. It also significantly dropped the frame weight, so the CruX now comes in around a mere 900g for a 56cm (*dependent on frame size and colour) - over 400g lighter than the previous frameset. A light and stiff frame also needs to be compliant in a 'cross race which is why the new CruX also combines stiffness and compliance in all the right places. To assist with the latter, the seat collar was lowered by two centimeters for more exposed seatpost and cushion for big hits.
Cyclocross races are often won in the corners and over the barriers, which is why the CruX geometry takes this into account. The top tube has been designed for easy shouldering when you're hopping off to clear barriers, as it features a large opening to the front triangle and a flat bottom. For stability in the corners and on off-camber sections, the geometry has a low bottom bracket and a sharp front-end. This combination also helps to initiate corners, regardless of the terrain.
With maximum mud-shedding ability in mind, 8mm of clearance was included on all sides of a 33mm tyre, providing plenty of clearance for muddy conditions. After all, frame weight becomes irrelevant when it's covered in layers of mud.