In our continuing quest to introduce you, the readers of Bikemagic to the slightly oddball world of cyclo-cross, here’s a look at Specialized’s latest offering for 2011.

The latest incarnation of Specialized’s cyclo-cross offering is the new CruX. It’s a more race-focused design than the do-everything Tricross that we tested when Specialized first launched its ‘freeroad’ range, with the important changes being a shorter headtube and chainstays and steeper head and seat angles.

There’s a choice of E5 aluminium or S-Works carbon fibre frames, but while the material differs (as will the price), there’s many features that are common to both. Internal cable routing to keep mud from ruining shifting performance, a flattened top tube for more comfortable shouldering, a tapered headtube and one-piece forged brake hanger for better braking.

www.specialized.com