Cyclocross - 2011 Specialized CruX Leak

2011 Specialized CruX:

S-Works Carbon Module ($2500)
http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/5568/771101l.jpg

CruX Pro Carbon ($3,100)
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/9595/911411l.jpg

CruX Expert Carbon ($2,500)
http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/6489/911431l.jpg

CruX Comp ($1,850)
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/2682/911441l.jpg

CruX Elite ($1,400)
http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/7064/911451l.jpg

CruX Frameset ($660)
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/1417/711471l.jpg

Guess this is replacing the TriCross.

I think I shorted my keyboard out... Looks more like a race machine than the Tricross.

I think I shorted my keyboard out... Looks more like a race machine than the Tricross.

Yeah.

I think I shorted my keyboard out... Looks more like a race machine than the Tricross.

Those big butch forks on the Tricross were always about looking cool in the showroom rather than being tough on the hills; the Crux could be as tough or tougher even if it *looks* more like a road bike. And really it isn't any skinnier than a Riddley or any other of those other Belgian mud machines.

I like the option for the fork mounted cable stop. Makes for easier brake set up.

I'm looking forward to the release of these bikes. Does anyone have a spec sheet. I'm interested in the difference between the CruX Expert Carbon and Crux Pro Carbon

Expert:

Bulletproof Pavé wheelset powers through dirt with its sturdy alloy rims and high-flange hubs
Specialized CX Comp short-drop aluminum handlebars promise better maneuverability and confidence on the cross course
New FACT 7m Az1 carbon easy-shoulder frame with Zertz inserts for a compliant, but super responsive cross-racing experience
The Roval Pavé SL wheelset comes ready to rock, with an E5 alloy mid-profile aero rim, cold-forged alloy 5-spoke high flange hubs, and DT aero spokes.
New SRAM Apex 10-speed shifters employ "double tap" technology for simple, intuitive shifting and reach adjustment for perfect fit
BG Phenom Gel saddle uses gel padding and carbon reinforced shell for comfort and strength, with a rounded tail for easy on and off
S-Works FACT carbon monocoque fork with SpeedZertz is light, stiff, and quick, yet packs enough compliance for rough terrain

Pro:

Specialized Pro ergonomic carbon handlebars for superior fit, stiffness, and strength at minimal weight
FACT carbon Pavé seatpost balances stiffness and efficiency with the vibration-minimizing benefits of Zertz technology
New FACT Az1 easy-shoulder carbon frame with Zertz inserts for a compliant, but super responsive cross-racing experience
Roval Pavé SL wheelset with E5 alloy mid-profile aero rim, high-flange hubs, and DT Competition spokes delivers max speed and durability on any terrain
BG Phenom Gel saddle uses gel padding and carbon reinforced shell for comfort and strength, with a rounded tail for easy on and off
New SRAM Rival shifters with reach adjustment employ "double tap" technology for simple, intuitive shifting in the gnarliest conditions
S-Works FACT carbon monocoque fork with SpeedZertz is light, stiff, and quick, yet packs enough compliance for rough terrain

I'm looking forward to the release of these bikes. Does anyone have a spec sheet. I'm interested in the difference between the CruX Expert Carbon and Crux Pro Carbon

Yeah, that brake hanger should stop brake chatter too.

I like the alloy frameset.

I like the option for the fork mounted cable stop. Makes for easier brake set up.

The 2010 Tricross Comp (I have one) came with this cable stop. Great for cross, but for road riding it prevented me from mounting my fenders.

Yeah, that brake hanger should stop brake chatter too.

I like the alloy frameset.

I do too.

Sram Apex on the Expert....sweet.

Good to know.


The 2010 Tricross Comp (I have one) came with this cable stop. Great for cross, but for road riding it prevented me from mounting my fenders.

I have the S-Works module on order but won't see it till early Aug. Ill post pics once it arrives.

The 2010 Tricross Comp (I have one) came with this cable stop. Great for cross, but for road riding it prevented me from mounting my fenders.

As one who has put many road miles on a CX bike with 700x23 tires mounted on it, I get what you are saying. On the other hand, Specialized has designed a CX bike and decided the fork mounted cable stop was the way to go. They did not design a CX-that-can-also-have-fenders-mounted-to-do-double-duty-as-a-road bike.

It also does not appear to have rack mounts on the fork or rear triangle.

2011 Specialized CruX:

CruX Frameset ($660)
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/1417/711471l.jpg

Guess this is replacing the TriCross.

I like it.

As one who has put many road miles on a CX bike with 700x23 tires mounted on it, I get what you are saying. On the other hand, Specialized has designed a CX bike and decided the fork mounted cable stop was the way to go. They did not design a CX-that-can-also-have-fenders-mounted-to-do-double-duty-as-a-road bike.

It also does not appear to have rack mounts on the fork or rear triangle.

I don't think I follow you. They did design their CX bikes to have racks and fenders or else they wouldn't have put the mounts on it. 2010 was the first model that they added the cable stop and I believe this was due to the fork shudder they were having complaints about. Remove that and fenders mount just fine. The Tricross Comp model and below was really designed to be a jack-of-all-trades bike and not a strictly race bike that the Crux appears to be.

It appears that the Tricross will live on, the Crux is aimed at a higher level of cyclocross performance.

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/specialized-2011-road-new-roubaix-sl3-allez-and-crux-26769/

^Good news. More options are better. The Tricross is a popular commuter.

It appears that the Tricross will live on, the Crux is aimed at a higher level of cyclocross performance.

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/specialized-2011-road-new-roubaix-sl3-allez-and-crux-26769/

Good deal! I think that was a good move on their part. The Tricross should be kept as it's billed as a do-it-all bike. Maybe ditch the higher level models since most people going for that level would probably be better suited on the Crux model.

I don't know about that knobster. I'm really like the do it all abilities of the Tricross and would like to see an Expert version in my future, if it's remains available that is.

I had one of the Experts. Sweet. Yeah, I agree. Keep from Expert down.

The 2010 Tricross Comp (I have one) came with this cable stop. Great for cross, but for road riding it prevented me from mounting my fenders.


Good to know.

For what it's worth, it isn't impossible to run fenders with a fork hanger mount like that. I run full length fenders on my commuter/cross bike. If you can visualize it, the cables run outwards over to the sides of the fender. The only issue is the width/height of the cable yoke and how high the fender sits. Alternatively, it's not a big deal to switch from that to a more common steerer hanger up top.

My problem was with the hanger itself. I had nowhere to attach the mount that screws into the fork crown. The hanger completely covered the bottom of the fork.

My problem was with the hanger itself. I had nowhere to attach the mount that screws into the fork crown. The hanger completely covered the bottom of the fork.

ah, for mine I just had the fender mount bracket share the same bolt (that runs through the fork) that the brake hanger uses.

Yeah, I know the type you're talking about. The one that Specialized uses also goes under the fork crown so there is no way to share the same bolt.

So, I removed the brake and put a V-Brake on it instead. Works great. Come cross season, I'll put everything back for racing.

Those big butch forks on the Tricross were always about looking cool in the showroom rather than being tough on the hills; the Crux could be as tough or tougher even if it *looks* more like a road bike. And really it isn't any skinnier than a Riddley or any other of those other Belgian mud machines.

I agree, but what I mean is that the Crux looks like Specialized wanted a dedicated cross racer rather than what the Tricross was marketed as a "freeroad" bike. Put rack and fender mounts on a bike and it's obvious that they meant it to be used for nearly anything. This Crux model is obviously a dedicated cross bike. No rack/fender mounts and the carbon model only has one bottle cage mount. It's about time if you ask me.

Yup, they're keeping the Tricross as an all-rounder. The Crux will have shorter chainstays etc. and be generally more aggressive. They brought on a designer who is an expert in cross frames to create this bike and add a few changes to the tricross.

What a shame that apparently the carbon Crux is nothing but a polished Tricross.........