I have a super light road bike (14 lbs) that I use for road racing as well as a Specalized Crux…(18lbs) for gravel racing (Cross too)
I’m probably asking too much but I’d love to have just one bike for both disciplines.
Is there such an “animal”?
Cheers
Factor ostro gravel? Pretty aero, fits 45s and could probably work quite well on road or gravel.
Might need to swap cassette or chainring depending on course but should be doable.
That new Aspero 5 is basically an S5 with more tire clearance and gearing that would work on road as well.
I’d wait til the next Crux comes out and see what they do with it. Rumors are that it will be pretty close to what you are looking for but we will see.
That’s what the Crux is for. If weight is an issue, buy the S-Works.
What don’t you like about the crux for road riding/racing? It’s regarded as one of the best for a dual purpose gravel/road bike. If weight is a high priority criteria (I assume it is based on those bike weights), it’s going to be hard to beat the crux as a lightweight option that can do gravel. In my opinion, the biggest drawback to most gravel bikes (for both road and gravel racing) is the aero penalty. Some gravel frames are more aero than others, but it’s an area that doesn’t seem to get much focus. Some people don’t like the slacker and less twitchy feeling geometry of gravel bikes on the road, but I’ve personally never considered that a limiter in road riding/racing. And the crux geometry is more aggressive than most gravel bikes these days.
Love my Crux but like any weight weenie I want more, more of less that is. Less weight. I swapped out every piece of alloy with Enve carbon but I want lighter. My old CX bike was a Trek Boone 7 with canti brakes (Break early and often as they say) that bike was 16.5lbs and I remembered just how fast and nimble that was when I raced the Barry-Roubaix. That Boone however died due to an ovalized BB cup
Dangerholm has been able to get the Scott gravel bike down to 16 lbs of weight is your big concern.
With enough $$ I think you could get your crux down a bit more.
Unless you’re incredibly lean on top of it, 2lbs probably isn’t moving the needle a ton on the performance aspect.
I guess every bit helps, but the aerodynamics of the crux are likely 10x bigger than the weight penalty if comparing it to an aero road bike. In my experience (and doing the math), a couple pounds of weight is immaterial on most courses. Of course, I’ve been racing gravel on a 22+lb bike for the last 5+ years, so my viewpoint is somewhat skewed by how I like to race and what courses I choose (and I’m a bigger rider pushing 170lbs). And it sounds like we’re probably in agreement that the crux isn’t ideal for road racing anyway, just for different reasons (weight vs. aero).
Objectively speaking idk how you can get any lighter tho using a gravel frame. Its the lightest on the market and lighter than a lot of road frames. Also Enve carbon isn’t very light…better of choosing weight weenie components. I think you have the best frame for the job….my 2 cents..
Yes, such a versatile animal exists in the form of high end gravel race bikes like the Specialized S Works Crux around 16 lbs which blurs the line between road and gravel with its light weight aggressive geometry and up to 47mm tire clearance for swapping slicks or knobbies. Your current Crux could even work with road tweaks but upgrading to the S Works version might get you closer to that one bike dream without much compromise
Apart from the Cervelo Aspero, the 3T Racemax also fits the bill: it is aero, has a comparatively aggressive geometry and fits wide tires.
The only thing you will have to accept is a higher weight. If you ride offroad, you want a beefier, sturdier frame and fork. Moreover, you need more material to accommodate wider tires.
However, in almost all circumstances, weight isn’t a big factor in races, even hillier races, aero is much more important.
If you want to give that idea a try, why don’t you run your Crux with a pair of wheels with road tires for a while and see how you like it?
I’m going against the grain here, but I would take into account at what level you are racing or want to be combatitive. A dedicated bike for each discipline is an advantage. On the road, a road frame will most likely be more aerodynamic, and you’re leaving watts on the table if you use a gravel frame. For gravel, a more aerodynamic frame might limit tyre sizes. I also think you might want different components, for example different gears, but also maybe wider bars on the gravel bike, plus different wheels. Unless you absolutely have no space to store two bikes, I think having the right tool for the job is an advantage
I believe the last response about having the right bike(s) for the job is best. The jack of all trades bike will simply leave me unsatisfied as it really won’t be suitable or appropriate for the task. I do feel that a 3rd bike (Outlier) might be overlooked. An “Olde School” cross bike like a Stevens with canti brakes with just enough tire clearance for a 35-38mm tire. I met a cross rider with a 2013 Stevens that was just over 14lbs. I know many will question canti brakes but I can tell you that for the most part perfectly fine. I did the 3 Peaks with canti’s and did just fine.
Cheers
This is the issue in a nutshell, well-phrased 
But it can cut both ways. For example, I have lots of nasty cobble sections, and I have to turn around with my aero road bike to prevent being stranded. Ask me how I know: I got an unfixable flat once (even a tire repair kit wasn’t good enough).
For my next bike I’d probably take something that can handle the abuse and slap on wider road tires. That way I won’t have to turn around.
Trek Checkmate may be an option to consider. Spec says can fit up to 45mm but I can confirm it can fit 50s f/r.
I did this and it was fantastic! Sure not a super aero road bike but it 100% was great on both!
Argon 18 Dark Matter.
Quality
Judging by my mate who isnt much slower in our group on SWorks Crux than he is on his SWorks Tarmac, the Crux could be the beast you are after.
All together now…