Long story as to how, but I lucked my way into this Crux frame from a family member. I think it’s a 2016-ish Pro? I’ve wanted a gravel bike for a while but can’t afford one at the moment, so this is at least a start!
So… how I can I make this a serviceable gravel rig for as little $$$ as possible? I don’t need the fancy stuff – no electronic shifting or anything – just want to get on and go. But I don’t even know where to begin with determining what groupsets will fit on it and such. TIA!
by Tymaret16
17 Comments
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I should also add – I have a 2017 Synapse with Tiagra that is basically obsolete against my newer, nicer road bike. Can I put that groupset on here? Sorry if that’s a dumb question.
I’m curious to hear what tire size this era of Crux can clear. Would make a nice gravel bike otherwise I would think
It’s a 2013 Specialized Crux Pro. As it’s a cyclocross bike it’s designed for 33mm tires.
Came spec’d with SRAM red but should fit any modern groupset fine though you’ll need canti brakes for it.
Here’s an article with a review that might help guide you a bit: https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/cyclocross-bikes/specialized-crux-pro-carbon-review
Buy a donor bike and strip the components and sell that other frame?
Buy used parts on eBay
Do it all yourself with YouTube help
11 speed 105 gruppo with 50/34 and 34t cassette.
Mechanical disk brakes like TRP Spyre
Used disc wheels with DT 350 hubs – you can swap end caps to make them QR compatible.
If the pic is accurately reflecting reality, the frame looks like it’s meaningfully chipped/cracked at the bottom and I’d be very cautious of using the frame at all if so.
I have the same frame and I love it. Awesome bike
Wide aluminum tubeless wheels(like HED Belgian + and dt hubs) 1x sram drivetrain and trp hydro brakes. Alloy cockpit.
I have nearly the same bike. I just rebuilt with GRX 2×11, hydraulic brakes to XT post mount calipers. Everyone told me you can’t run hydro on this frame, you definitely can! XTR Teflon coated cables.
I had some old Stans Grail rims. I’m running 700 x 42mm Challenge Gravel Grinder tires. Not the lightest build but it’s a lot of fun.
You can find most everything on EBay. But also watch all the big mail order places, they have had some great sales
Keep those old Shimano wheels for road and now you have a dual purpose bike.
I’ll sell you an apex 1×11 crank for like $40
Ok to do this cheaply just get on AliExpress and order a ltwoo 1x group or find a grx400 group it is the outdated 10 speed group. Both are hydro brakes.
You can get an ltwoo 1x 12 group with cranks and rotors shipped for like 450. That is chain cassette everything but wheels stem bars seat and post really.
You can get a complete grx400 2x 10 group for about 530 shipped.
But yeah shop used check shops and eBay marketplace.
Have fun.
Oh you should be able to fit 40c tires no plroblem
I had 2 of these frames and I now have a new Crux. In all honesty this frame is much more compliant, comfortable, and better handling.
It’ll be more than “serviceable”, it’s a great frame to build off of.
Any interest on selling?
Does it have a derailleur hanger? Also, does the right chainstay have damage?
Those wheels don’t belong to the frame, I don’t see the calipers mount… Anyway, any modern group set comes with flat mount disc calipers, so you need an adapter flat mount to post mount. You can stick your Tiagra groupset here and get a pair of post mount TRP Spyre or Hy/Rd, both mechanical cable actuated disc brakes. Or try Sensah/Ltwoo from AliExpress. According to standards, cyclocross bikes are build to run 33c tyres, 35c is still safe an even 38c depending on the brand. If you want to go hydraulic, look for the first Ultegra, I believe 2014ish, which came with post mount calipers. It should be the ST-RS685. I had that groupset on a Specialized Roubaix 2015. Just make sure the crankset is not delaminated if you buy Ultegra/Dura Ace used cranks.
before you spend that money on parts do u know if that frame REALLY fits you ?