27/11/2023

SPECIALIZED CRUX EXPERT vs CANYON GRAIL CF SLX 8 AXS

This comparison provides a detailed overview of the technical specifications of each bike, highlighting their unique features and capabilities. Both bikes are designed for high-performance gravel riding

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1. Price and General Description

Specialized Crux Expert
Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 AXS
Price: £5,500.00
Price: £5,099.00
Description: Lightweight gravel bike with massive tire clearance and performance gravel geometry. Features SRAM Rival eTap AXS hydraulic disc groupset, Roval Terra C Disc wheels, and Pathfinder Pro tires.
Description: Fast gravel bike built for high-level racing. Comes with a Grail CF SLX frame, wireless SRAM shifting, and Zipp wheels.

2. Weight and Material

Specialized Crux Expert
Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 AXS
Weight: 8.16 kg
Weight: 8.14 kg
Frame Material: FACT 10r Carbon
Frame Material: Carbon (CF)

3. Frame and Fork

Specialized Crux Expert
Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 AXS
Frame: Crux FACT 10r Carbon, 12x142mm thru-axle
Frame: Canyon Grail CF SLX, 12x142 mm axle dimension
Fork: FACT 12R Carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle
Fork: Canyon FK0117 CF Disc

4. Drivetrain

Specialized Crux Expert
Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 AXS
Rear Derailleur: SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS
Rear Derailleur: SRAM Force XPLR AXS, 12-speed
Cassette: SRAM XPLR, XG-1251, 12-speed, 10-44t
Cassette: SRAM Force XPLR XG-1271, 12-speed, 10-44
Crankset: SRAM Rival 1x
Crank: SRAM Force

5. Brakes

Specialized Crux Expert
Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 AXS
Front and Rear Brakes: SRAM Rival eTAP AXS, hydraulic disc
Shift-/Brake Lever: SRAM Force AXS HRD D2
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Brake Rotor: SRAM Paceline, 160 mm

6. Wheels and Tyres

Specialized Crux Expert
Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 AXS
Wheels: Roval Terra C, 25mm inner width carbon rim
Wheels: Zipp 303 Firecrest
Tires: Pathfinder Pro 2BR, Tan Sidewall, 700x38
Tyre: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC, 40mm width

7. Cockpit and Seat

Specialized Crux Expert
Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 AXS
Handlebars: Specialized Adventure Gear
Cockpit: Canyon Cockpit CP0039
Saddle: Body Geometry Power Expert, titanium rails
Saddle: Fizik Terra Argo X3
Seatpost: Roval Terra Carbon Seat Post
Seatpost: Canyon SP0072

8. Conclusion

Specialized Crux Expert vs Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 AXS

In the realm of middle tier gravel bikes, the Specialized Crux Expert and Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 AXS present a compelling but varied choice for enthusiasts. The Crux, with its classic and sleek design, offers greater tyre clearance at 47mm, potentially enhancing its off-road capabilities. However, this comes at a premium, costing £400 more than the Grail, and being equipped with the slightly lower grade Rival groupset.

On the other hand, the Canyon Grail, although accommodating slightly narrower tyres at 42mm, counters with the more advanced Force groupset. Weight differences between the two are marginal, leaning slightly in favor of the Grail. The Grail's longer geometry might offer added stability in rugged conditions, though possibly at the expense of the Crux's more responsive handling in turns.

Priced around £5000.00, both bikes stand as contenders in the middle ground gravel segment, each balancing cost, performance, and design elements to suit different preferences and riding styles.

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