Specialized Crux 5 Expert - SRAM Force XPLR vs Canyon Grail CFR AXS

Both are gravel bikes at a similar price. Here is what actually separates them.

The short answer

For a typical all-round rider the Specialized Crux 5 Expert - SRAM Force XPLR comes out ahead (69% against 66%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.

Specialized

Crux 5 Expert - SRAM Force XPLR

69% for a typical rider

£5,999 at Brand website

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Canyon

Grail CFR AXS

66% for a typical rider

£6,999 at Brand website

✓ Checked

What actually separates them

Price: The Specialized Crux 5 Expert - SRAM Force XPLR is £1,000 cheaper — £5,999 against £6,999.
Weight: The Canyon Grail CFR AXS is 0.7kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
Tyre clearance: The Specialized Crux 5 Expert - SRAM Force XPLR takes 55mm tyres against 42mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.

Side by side

Spec	Crux 5 Expert - SRAM Force XPLR	Grail CFR AXS
Price	£5,999	£6,999
Weight	8.2 kg	7.5 kg
Frame	carbon	carbon
Groupset	SRAM Force AXS XPLR 1x13 electronic	SRAM Red XPLR AXS 1x13
Stack / reach	1.45	1.44
Tyre clearance	55 mm	42 mm
Lowest gear	23 in	23 in
Mudguard mounts	No	No
Comfort	65	63
Speed	53	62
Climbing	78	87
Value	0	0

Neither might be the right answer

This page assumes an average rider. Tell us how you actually ride and we will rank these two against everything else at the price.

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