Specialized Crux
Wheel Size: 700c | Tire Clearance: Up to 55mm
The all-new Specialized Crux 5 is the fastest gravel race bike Specialized has ever made, built for riders who want more speed, efficiency, and capability across demanding gravel courses. Inspired by the acceleration and responsiveness of the Tarmac, the new Crux is designed to reduce real-world Time to Finish by combining aerodynamics, low weight, race-tuned geometry, and rider-inclusive testing.
Using Specialized's Equation of Speed approach, the Crux 5 brings together aero tube shaping, a lightweight carbon frame, and clearance for up to 55mm gravel tires. The latest S-Works Crux frame weighs just 789 grams, with complete builds starting at 6.9kg, giving riders a gravel bike that climbs quickly, accelerates instantly, and stays composed over rough terrain.
Compared to the previous generation, the new Specialized Crux is claimed to be 15.2 watts faster at race speed, with nearly 10 minutes of simulated time savings over the Unbound Gravel course. Developed with wind tunnel testing, Moving Leg Mannequin validation, and real-world gravel race telemetry, the Crux 5 is built for riders chasing podiums, personal records, or a faster day on mixed terrain.
Highlights and information
SPECIALIZED CRUX 5: GRAVEL, REFINED TO ITS LIGHTEST FORM
Wheel size: 700c | Tire clearance: up to 55mm | Frame: FACT 10r or 12r Carbon
The all-new Specialized Crux 5 is built around one objective: delivering the fastest real-world Time to Finish of any gravel bike Specialized has ever tested. Inspired by the philosophy behind the Tarmac SL8 and engineered specifically for elite gravel racing, the Crux 5 combines class-leading aerodynamics, an ultralight chassis, progressive race geometry, and massive tire clearance into one uncompromising race machine.
This isn’t just the lightest gravel bike. It isn’t just the most aerodynamic. The Crux 5 is the complete package, translating more of your effort into forward speed across real race conditions, real terrain, and real gravel courses. Whether chasing podiums, personal records, or bragging rights, the Crux 5 has one message for the competition: Eat My Dust.
WHY THE SPECIALIZED CRUX 5 STANDS OUT
Specialized developed the Crux 5 using its “Equation of Speed,” a comprehensive performance model focused on the only metric that truly matters: Time to Finish. By combining rider-inclusive aerodynamics, real-world surface telemetry, rolling resistance data, and weight optimization, the Crux 5 delivers measurable speed advantages over previous generations. Specialized's testing showed the Crux 5 saving up to 9 minutes and 58 seconds over the Unbound Gravel course compared to the previous Crux platform. With 15.2 watts less aerodynamic drag, a 789g frame, complete builds as light as 6.9kg, and clearance for up to 55mm tires, the Crux 5 is purpose-built for modern gravel racing at the highest level.
WHO SHOULD RIDE THE CRUX 5?
The Specialized Crux 5 is designed for riders who prioritize pure gravel race performance. It’s ideal for competitive gravel racers, fast endurance riders, and cyclists seeking a lightweight, responsive bike capable of carrying speed across rough terrain. Blending the explosive acceleration of a road race bike with the stability and tire clearance required for demanding gravel events, the Crux 5 feels equally at home attacking climbs, navigating technical sectors, and sprinting to the finish line after hours of racing.
WHAT CONTENDER BICYCLES LIKES ABOUT THE CRUX 5
- Fastest Real-World Gravel Race Performance: Developed around Specialized’s Time to Finish simulation system for measurable speed gains across real gravel courses.
- Aerodynamic Efficiency: The most aerodynamic gravel race bike Specialized has ever produced, incorporating extensive lessons learned from the Tarmac SL8.
- Exceptionally Lightweight: A 789g S-Works frame and complete builds starting at just 6.9kg deliver explosive climbing and acceleration.
- Massive Tire Clearance: Clearance for up to 55mm tires provides versatility, traction, and confidence across modern gravel terrain.
- Race-Tuned Ride Quality: Progressive gravel geometry balances high-speed stability with responsive handling and efficient power transfer.
FRAME MATERIAL
The Specialized Crux 5 utilizes advanced FACT carbon construction and Specialized’s Flow State Design philosophy, first introduced with the Aethos road platform. This approach removes unnecessary material while maintaining stiffness, durability, and exceptional ride quality. The result is one of the lightest gravel race frames ever produced at just 789 grams for the S-Works frame. Despite the low weight, the Crux 5 maintains impressive capability with aerodynamic shaping, integrated race-focused features, and clearance for modern high-volume gravel tires.
GEOMETRY AND FIT
The Specialized Crux 5 features race-tuned progressive gravel geometry engineered for maximum speed across demanding terrain.
- Efficient Power Transfer: The lightweight chassis and responsive carbon construction reward hard accelerations and sustained climbing efforts.
- Stable High-Speed Handling: Progressive geometry and wide tire compatibility provide confidence across rough descents and loose surfaces.
- Balanced Gravel Race Positioning: The Crux 5 strikes a balance between aggressive road race efficiency and all-day gravel control, creating a platform capable of performing across a wide range of race conditions.
HIGHLIGHTED MODELS AND COMPONENTS
Specialized S-Works Crux 5
- Frame: FACT 12r Carbon (789 grams)
- Drivetrain: SRAM RED XPLR AXS
- Wheels: Roval Terra Aero CLX
Specialized Crux 5 Expert
- Frame: FACT 10r Carbon (897 grams)
- Drivetrain: SRAM Force XPLR AXS
- Wheels: Roval Terra C III
Specialized S-Works Crux 5 Frameset
- Frame: FACT 12r Carbon (789 grams)
NOT EXACTLY WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?
- Specialized Diverge: A more adventure-focused gravel bike emphasizing comfort, storage, and long-distance versatility.
- Specialized Tarmac SL8: A pure road race machine optimized for aerodynamics, climbing efficiency, and pavement speed.
- Cervélo Áspero: A performance-oriented gravel race bike with aggressive handling and race-ready stiffness.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Specialized Crux 5 redefines gravel race performance by focusing on the only metric that matters: Time to Finish. Combining aerodynamic efficiency, ultralight construction, progressive geometry, and real-world race simulation, the Crux 5 delivers measurable speed advantages where it counts most—on course, under pressure, and at race pace. For riders seeking the fastest gravel race bike Specialized has ever built, the Crux 5 stands at the front of the pack.
Featuring one of the lightest production frames in the world-starting at just 595 grams-the Aethos 2 isn't built just to chase numbers; it's built to deliver a riding experience that is sublime, responsive, and deeply connected to the road. Engineered using Specialized's revolutionary Flow State Design, the Aethos 2 optimizes tube shapes and carbon layup to enhance stiffness, reduce weight, and improve durability. The result is a bike that feels almost invisible beneath you, perfectly balanced, incredibly supple, and effortlessly fast. With increased tire clearance up to 35 mm and refined Roval components, it offers greater versatility for everything from high-mountain climbs to all-day endurance rides. Geometry is shaped by data from over 100,000 Body Geometry fits, delivering a more comfortable, confidence-inspiring position for a wider range of riders. A slightly taller stack, longer wheelbase, and refined handling create a bike that climbs efficiently, descends with precision, and remains stable at speed.
Award-winning and endlessly refined, the Aethos 2 is more than just a lightweight road bike-it's a celebration of cycling in its purest form.
Looking for a more Aero-focused road bike? Check out the Specialized Tarmac.
Four decades in the making, the new Specialized Allez is the best road bike in its class, and it's built for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist chasing weekend PRs or just beginning your road journey, the Allez delivers premium performance at an accessible price. Starting with lightweight, butted alloy construction and a full carbon fork, the Allez is the lightest in its class, quick and nimble on the road without sacrificing durability or ride quality. The excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio keeps you fast, while all-weather disc brakes deliver confident stopping power in any condition.
Four decades in the making, the new Specialized Allez is the best road bike in its class, and it's built for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist chasing weekend PRs or just beginning your road journey, the Allez delivers premium performance at an accessible price. Starting with lightweight, butted alloy construction and a full carbon fork, the Allez is the lightest in its class, quick and nimble on the road without sacrificing durability or ride quality. The excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio keeps you fast, while all-weather disc brakes deliver confident stopping power in any condition.
Geometry borrowed from Specialized's legendary endurance lineup ensures long-mile comfort and stable handling, yet the Allez remains sharp and responsive enough to carve winding roads like a true race bike. Versatility is built in from the start. Rack and fender mounts make the Allez equally at home on a fast commute or a loaded weekend ride, while generous tire clearance opens the door to rougher roads and light gravel. A wide gearing range keeps you spinning efficiently, no matter how steep it gets.
Fast, comfortable, and ready for anything, the Specialized Allez is where performance road cycling begins.
If you’re looking for other Specialized road bikes, check out the Specialized Tarmac for a race-focused ride, or the Specialized Aethos if climbing is your priority.
The Specialized Tarmac SL8 sets a new benchmark for road racing performance, combining cutting-edge aerodynamics, ultra-lightweight construction, and unmatched ride quality into one complete race machine. Engineered through decades of innovation and proven at the highest levels of competition, the Tarmac SL8 delivers pure speed where it matters most, on real-world roads and race courses.
Designed with an "Aero in Everything" philosophy, the Tarmac SL8 features advanced aerodynamic shaping, including the revolutionary Speed Sniffer nose cone, making it significantly faster than previous generations-up to 16.6 seconds quicker over 40km. At just 685 grams, the frame is 15% lighter than the SL7 while still meeting UCI limits, blending climbing efficiency with aerodynamic dominance.
The result is a perfectly balanced race bike: 33% improved stiffness-to-weight for explosive power transfer, paired with 6% increased compliance for a smoother, more controlled ride. With race-proven geometry and clearance for up to 32mm tires, the Tarmac SL8 offers elite-level handling and versatility for any course.
Developed alongside world champions like Remco Evenepoel and Demi Vollering, the Tarmac SL8 is built for riders who demand the absolute fastest bike on the road.
Looking for a climbing road bike? Check out the Specialized Aethos.
Wheel size: 29" | Front travel: 120mm | Rear travel: 120mm
Whether you ride scorching cross-country (XC) courses, forest singletrack, or even trails bordering on “enduro land,” there’s a Specialized Epic to handle the task. The new Epic 9 draws on 24 years of experience and insights gained through eight generations of World Cup-winning Epics, delivering a resounding response to the question: “What slows riders down?” The Epic 9 retains the proven 120mm of travel front and rear, while reducing pivot friction by 11%, improving kinematics, and reducing leverage sag to enhance pedaling efficiency. These updates result in more power when you pedal and greater composure at speed—making the Epic 9 the fastest Epic to date. If you’re searching for a fast, light, and efficient cross-country race bike, the Epic 9 is an obvious choice, but you don’t have to be an elite racer to benefit from its improvements. The Specialized Epic 9 is ideal for riders seeking the freeing feel of a bike that climbs with ease and remains comfortable and fun on all-day singletrack rides.
The Specialized Rockhopper delivers more performance and more value without compromise. Built for riders who want a capable, confidence-inspiring trail bike at an accessible price, the Rockhopper is engineered from the ground up to perform for every rider on every ride.
At its core is a lightweight, durable aluminum frame with hydroformed tubing that keeps weight low and strength high. Internal cable routing, increased standover clearance, and dropper post compatibility round out a frame that's as trail-ready as it is versatile.
Every Rockhopper is size-matched with its optimal wheel size, ensuring the best possible fit and handling no matter your height. Combined with size-specific suspension tuning that tailors travel and spring rates to each frame, geometry and performance stay consistent across the entire lineup, a first for the Rockhopper series.
A reliable and crisp drivetrain tackles any terrain with ease, while powerful hydraulic disc brakes deliver confident stopping power when it counts. A strong, lightweight wheelset ties the whole package together.
Whether you're hitting singletrack for the first time or pushing your limits on technical
The Specialized Diverge is a high-performance gravel bike built for riders who demand speed, capability, and total confidence across any terrain. Engineered for both race-day intensity and long-distance adventure, the Diverge 4 blends cutting-edge innovation with rider-first design, making it one of the most versatile and advanced gravel bikes available today.
At its core is the revolutionary Future Shock 3.0 system, delivering up to 20 mm of tunable, hydraulically damped front suspension. This results in a smoother ride, proven to be up to 53% more compliant and 11 watts more efficient, helping riders stay faster and fresher over rough gravel. Paired with the Roval Terra seatpost, the Diverge 4 perfectly balances comfort and responsiveness for all-day performance.
Built to push limits, the Diverge 4 features massive 50mm tire clearance and upgraded SWAT 4.0 internal storage, offering unmatched versatility for racing, bikepacking, and exploration. Its progressive geometry-featuring a slacker head angle, longer reach, and lower bottom bracket-enhances stability, control, and rider confidence in demanding conditions.
Rooted in Specialized's legacy of innovation and adventure, the Diverge 4 is designed to help you ride further, faster, and freer. Whether you're chasing podiums or horizons, this is the ultimate gravel bike for unlocking every road less traveled.
Looking for a faster gravel bike? Check out the Specialized Crux.
Wheel Size: 650b / 27.5" | Drive Unit: Specialized 2.0 / 2.2 | Battery Size: 530Wh or 710Wh
The Specialized Turbo Como is a premium comfort-focused urban electric bike designed to make everyday riding smooth and enjoyable. Built with a low-step aluminum frame, upright geometry, and a suspension fork, this bike is ideal for commuting, errands, or relaxed town cruising. Wide tires and a stable frame help smooth out uneven pavement, while Specialized's motor system and a fully integrated high-capacity battery offer quiet, natural-feeling pedal assistance with ample range for all-day use. The assist responds intuitively to rider input, making acceleration feel smooth and predictable, especially useful in stop-and-go city traffic. Integrated downtube batteries range from 320Wh to 710Wh, depending on the model. As you move up the range, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, you get more punch and more range, while the Super Light (SL) models trade some power and battery size for a noticeably lighter, more natural ride feel. Integrated front and rear lighting enhances visibility at all times, while hydraulic disc brakes and practical features like built-in racks, fenders, and accessory compatibility make the Turbo Como highly adaptable for commuting, grocery runs, or carrying cargo.
With its blend of comfort, power, and everyday usability, the Specialized Turbo Como is designed for riders who want a relaxed yet capable electric bike that fits naturally into daily life.
Wheel Size: 700c | Drive Unit: Specialized SL 1.1 / SL 1.2 (model dependent) | Battery Size: 320Wh internal (+ optional range extender)
The Specialized Turbo Creo is a category-defying electric road and gravel bike designed to enhance-not replace-the feel of traditional cycling. Built around a lightweight carbon or alloy frame with endurance-focused geometry and generous tire clearance, it transitions seamlessly between smooth tarmac and rough gravel. The Turbo Creo's advanced motor tuning delivers a tailwind riding sensation, with intuitive power delivery that feels linear and highly customizable via the onboard control unit and companion app. Integrated technology like the MasterMind TCU display and Specialized app connectivity allows riders to fine-tune assist levels in real time, monitor ride data, and even receive over-the-air updates, ensuring the bike evolves with the rider. The platform also supports rack mounts and adventure accessories, making it suitable for endurance rides, bikepacking, or fast-paced commuting.
This e-road/e-gravel do-it-all machine is lightweight, smooth, capable, and lively, all with the power to flatten mountains, laugh at headwinds, and go farther than you ever thought possible. Featuring big tire clearance, Future Shock front suspension, and progressive geometry, the Creo will have you ripping everything from wide open roads to dicey gravel tracks with ultimate confidence.
Looking for something without a battery? Check out some of the other Specialized road bikes.
Wheel Size: 29"/ MX | Front Travel: 160-180mm | Rear Travel: 150-170mm | Drive Unit: Specialized 2.1 / 2.2 Full Power System | Battery Size: 320-840Wh
Built around a progressive trail geometry and available in both aluminum and carbon frames, the Levo blends the handling of a modern trail bike with the added capability of a powerful motor system. With long-travel suspension (typically 150-160mm) and aggressive geometry, it's designed to handle everything from technical climbs to fast, demanding descents. Powered by a full-power motor, the Turbo Levo delivers smooth, natural assistance that can amplify rider input by up to 4x, making steep climbs and long rides dramatically more accessible.
The motor is paired with a high-capacity 500Wh to 700Wh battery, providing impressive range for extended trail sessions. The system is controlled through the Turbo Connect Unit (TCU) and Mission Control app, allowing riders to fine-tune power delivery, monitor performance, and manage battery usage with precision.
The Levo's drivetrain and suspension setups vary across the range, from robust alloy builds to high-end carbon models with premium components. Carefully tuned suspension kinematics balance small-bump sensitivity with big-hit capability, while the low center of gravity and refined geometry contribute to confident handling and stability at speed, keeping the bike agile in tight, technical terrain.
Whether you opt for the full power, "4x You" Levo or the lightweight "2x You" Levo SL, you'll get 150mm of trail-taming suspension and the assist and range you need to feel like you, only faster.
Wheel size: 29” | Front travel: 140mm | Rear travel: 130mm | Drive Unit: Specialized 3.1 | Battery Size: 840Wh
The Specialized Turbo Levo R is a full-power electric mountain bike built for speed, precision, and trail efficiency. Designed around a dedicated 29” chassis with 140mm of front travel and 130mm of rear travel, it delivers the power and range riders expect from a modern emtb while maintaining a lighter, more agile ride feel. This is a rally-inspired platform that emphasizes acceleration, cornering control, and momentum on dynamic singletrack.
Powered by the Specialized 3.1 motor system, the Levo R produces up to 850 watts of peak power and 111Nm of torque in S-Works trim, with 840Wh of integrated battery capacity and compatibility with 600Wh or 280Wh range extender options. The result is a versatile electric mountain bike that balances high-output performance with refined handling—ideal for riders who want full power without committing to a long-travel gravity platform.
Wheel Size: 650b / 27.5" | Drive Unit: Specialized 2.0 / 2.2 Full Power System | Battery Size: 530Wh-710Wh (integrated, model dependent)
The Specialized Turbo Vado is a high-performance urban e-bike designed to deliver speed, comfort, and everyday practicality in a refined package. Built around a lightweight aluminum frame with an upright yet efficient riding position, the Vado strikes a balance between commuting efficiency and all-day comfort. Wide tires, a suspension fork, and a suspension seatpost work together to smooth out rough city streets, while stable geometry ensures confident handling in traffic and at higher speeds. Powered by Specialized's full-power motor system and paired with a high-capacity integrated battery, the Vado amplifies rider input naturally, delivering up to 4x assistance for effortless acceleration and hill climbing.
Integrated technology is a standout feature, with the MasterMind display and Specialized app enabling real-time tuning, ride tracking, and range optimization. Built-in anti-theft functionality allows riders to disable the motor and activate an alarm system for added security. Practical commuting features, including integrated lights, full fenders, and a sturdy rear rack with high load capacity, make the Vado ready for everything from daily commutes to cargo hauling.
With its blend of power, comfort, and advanced technology, the Specialized Turbo Vado is designed for riders who want a fast, capable, and dependable e-bike that can replace car trips and elevate everyday transportation.
At Contender Bicycles, our best tools for selling bikes are the people who ride them. Everyone at Contender Bicycles has extensive experience riding bikes across many brands. If you have any questions or want to discuss build options, we are here to help.