Right on! Did you have a Crux 4 before this one or no?
No, for gravel I’m coming from a Lauf and Checkpoint before that. Current plan is to hang onto the Lauf for chunkier courses and use the Crux for road/training and smoother gravel races.
Funny that I was a big Specialized fan many years ago, then I didn’t like what they had for a long time (wasn’t a fan of the venge, old epics w/ brain, or their gravel bikes). Now I’m back to owning an Epic 8 (which I love) and now the Crux 5.
Nice! How do you rate the Lauf vs Crux so far?
I don’t have any significant time off road on the crux yet, so tough to compare beside the road manners. The crux is obviously a better road bike being more aero and no front suspension. For the very limited off road stretches I’ve done on the crux, it is noticeably rougher and less composed compared to the Lauf with suspension (in addition to the front suspension, the Lauf also has a flexy Ergon seat post, so it’s a smooth ride). I’m pretty much on my MTB full time right now prepping for Leadville, so it will be a while before I get a chance to push the crux off road.
Any real-world feedback on the new Terra bar? Can’t decide b/t the Rapide or the Terra. I like everything about the Terra other than the really shallow drop. I like to be pretty low when in the drops.
I have the same frame. Didn’t put any protection on it. Just going to ride it and enjoy it. It’s a gravel bike. The chips always find their way.
Terra is significantly more comfortable than Rapide. I have rapide on mine because I like the shape and drop a lot more than terra. And I don’t mind extra stiffness.
Terra is so much nicer IMO. I hate the forward sweep of the Rapide. Terra has a slight backsweep which is so much more comfortable. Fits the natural rotation of the body.