I am an owner of this bike and I saw your comment completely randomly while scrolling this thread. I know it looks too good to be true as it checks all the boxes, while also having a fair price - but I can confirm that it really is that good. I took it to my LBS once for a routine check and the mechanic was impressed with the build quality.
the price is so good thanks to the fact that VAT on bikes in Portugal is only 6%. I was lucky enough to purchase a showroom frame for an even lower price, and I got an excellent discount on the sram components too. The rest of the components were transferred from my previous bike.
I’ve done Traka 200 with it and mounted 2.2 race kings, a game changer. The weight is competitive too, 8.5kg in the build below. The geometry is just perfect for hard European gravel, with a long wheelbase, long reach and shorter stem - it gives so much confidence while descending.
The basics are staying the same, but a few upgrades for 2026 -
switched from zipp303’s to 303 XPLR SW’s. I seldom run anything smaller than 50mm and I’m usually running 2.2 MTB tires. I’ve raced several times on them already and they don’t feel noticeably different. I haven’t done any formal aero comparison, so maybe a little improvement there.
Added AXS dropper post - Primary reason for this is to allow the bike to fit in the back of the van better when travelling. It’s a silly reason to spend ~$400, but I wasn’t comfortable adjusting the seat post up and down every time I had the bike in the van. And it’s nice on single track and chunky descents (or even getting more low/aero on road descents). It adds about a pound to the bike, so I’ll probably switch to a solid post for Unbound, but plan to just keep it on for all my other races.
Just upgraded the power meter spider and chainrings to the new threaded design. Saves a little weight and I’m frequently swapping rings and I like the threaded design after having it on my MTB for a couple years. In the process of buying the new spider, I discovered that the force road spider and red xplr spider are identical besides the branding on the battery cap. So, for anyone considering one, buy the Force version and save ~$115. They don’t offer the threaded 1x rings in Force, so you are stuck with the crazy expensive Red rings.
No additional changes planned for 2026 unless something breaks.
Here she is ready for battle at Valley of Tears this coming weekend. I had to pull the aero bars off because they are banned for this race. Weighs ~22lbs with the dropper and ~23.5lbs when I have the aero bars on.
I sold my revolt because the cx bug hit me hard last year, so I bought a pre gravelfied Crux. Did one gravel race in the middle of the cx season last fall and had a blast. It was pretty smooth gravel tbh. Had a 45 rx pro on the front and a 36 or 40 challenge gataway in the rear.
I’m racing on that this season, but am only committed to one gravel race thus far in Colorado and the others I’m considering are pretty smooth dirt roads. No upgrades in the future. I went with the older crux due to budget and the fact I raced a full season of cx vs random gravel races here and there.
Sold my 2022 Crux and picked up the new Factor Aluto. Didn’t feel like waiting for the new Crux, especially with the rumored changes. Really like the Aluto so far. Similar riding characteristics to the Crux which was one of my favorite bikes I’ve owned. Love that it has a standard round seatpost, the Black Inc Aero cockpit is really comfortable. My only complaint is the downtube storage. It’s pretty small and a little bit of a hassle to use. Fine for a flat kit and multi tool, but definitely not something I’m using every ride.
Running Conti Terra Trail/Speed in 45 right now. Have a pair of Hutchison Caracal Race 45 ready to go on for the race season. Also interested in the new Conti Terra Competition.
Wow nice bike! Appreciate the info on your upgrades. Still light for all that you’ve done!
What top tube bag is that? I like it because it looks quite aero and bolt mounted instead of straps.
I would love to follow suit on the AXS dropper post too but my gravel rig is using the D post type. Curious if anyone knows a dropper in this configuration?
Arundel. I’ve had it for over 5 years and zero complaints. Zipper on top that can be opened with 1 hand and I like that it kind of stays together/closed even with the zipper open. Fairly waterproof, but will get some water in if it’s raining really hard for an extended period.
Just upgraded my Crux to an Allied Able. I loved the Crux but it is starting to get dated. My big items were to have Transmission and be able to run bigger tires. I also ran my Crux with a 44 chainring which was great most of the time but long steep climbs in Colorado could get a little spicy. I ended up going with a mullet setup and 46 chainring for the Able. Have only had a couple rides but so far it is amazing! It made me realize how dated the Crux is becoming and long overdue for an update (which I know is coming)
Otso potentially dropping a new gravel bike tomorrow. Might not be the most aero / race focused but they were ahead of the times with clearance (their current fits 2.1 and it’s 5+ years old I believe), so expecting another frame they can clear MTB tires for everyone list. I’m excited to see what it is as it’s on my shortlist along with the Crux revamp coming later this year. Nothing else really seems to be on the horizon as most big names have already released latest models within last year.
