The 2019 CruX gets our Rider First Engineered treatment and as such it's built with frame size-specific tubes and layups. What that means for the rider is that whether you ride a 62cm or a 50cm frame, this bike is going to perform in exactly the same way. A nice little bonus of all this optimisation is the reduction in weight, so a size M frame now tips the scales at a featherweight 900g. Our frame designers were sure to build in some much-needed compliance in key areas too, ready for the rough and tumble of competitive cross.A more exposed seat post and cushion, plus a dropped seat collar (2cm lower than last year) enhances the CruX' ability to manage and master big hits.

Because CX races are won as much in the turns and over barriers as anywhere else on the course, we tweaked the geometry to make this tighter in the corners and easier to shoulder when it's time to dismount. We achieved the improved stability while turning with a low bottom bracket and razor-sharp front end. The top tube, meanwhile, has a large opening to the front triangle and a flat underside for simple, comfortable pick-up and run.

The clearance around a 33m tyre is a generous 8mm, for maximum ability to shed mud mid-race. 2019 S-Works CruX models also benefit from our super-futuristic, hydrophobic paint which actively repels moisture and prevents mud from sticking to the frame. There's no use having a lightweight frame if it's caked in a couple of kilos of mud!

Keeping that weight-saving motif in mind, our S-Works model is specced with Shimano Dura-Ace & XTR one-by drivetrain, plus a pair of Roval CLX 50 disc wheels for the ultimate in lightweight, fast-rolling performance.