Specialized Crux 5 Expert - SRAM Force XPLR vs Canyon Grail CFR w/ RIFT

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 58%). 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 w/ RIFT

58% for a typical rider

£6,499 at Brand website

✓ Checked

What actually separates them

Price: The Specialized Crux 5 Expert - SRAM Force XPLR is £500 cheaper — £5,999 against £6,499.
Weight: The Specialized Crux 5 Expert - SRAM Force XPLR is 1.0kg 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 w/ RIFT
Price	£5,999	£6,499
Weight	8.2 kg	9.2 kg
Frame	carbon	carbon
Groupset	SRAM Force AXS XPLR 1x13 electronic	Shimano GRX Di2 RX825 2x12
Stack / reach	1.45	1.44
Tyre clearance	55 mm	42 mm
Lowest gear	23 in	25 in
Mudguard mounts	No	No
Comfort	65	63
Speed	53	43
Climbing	78	63
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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