Specialized says its new Crux DSW is the lightest alloy gravel frame in the world

Specialized has launched a new aluminium gravel bike today named the Crux DSW, and with it comes a barrage of lofty claims. According to the brand, it is the lightest alloy gravel bike ever made, with a 56cm frame said to weigh 1399 grams and a complete bike 9.37kg. Specialized also says it has created the most capable, nimble, balanced and responsive alloy gravel bike ever. 

According to Specialized, it is made possible by its D’Aluisio Smartweld technology. While ‘Smartweld’ is a term most of us will have heard regarding Specialized bikes, the DSW process, also seen on the Allez Sprint, uses hydroforming (shaping material with a high-pressure jet of fluid) to precisely match tube-to-tube joints for better, stronger welds and ultimately a lighter and more durable frame. Specialized says the frameset tubes intersect exactly how the engineers need them to without any “mitring or fudging.” They then add material at the ends of the tubes where they are welded together.