'Cross is notorious for being hard on equipment. Mud, rain, snow, crashes—they all take their toll. That's why with the CruX Sport, we took our FACT 11r carbon frameset and spec'd it with Shimano's reliable, yet affordable, 105 groupset. This way, when parts do wear out, you won't have to take out a loan to pay for them.

Beginning with the frame, we implemented our Rider-First Engineered™ frame technology into the new frame. Using size-specific tubes and layups, the new CruX features the same ride characteristics across the size range. Not only this, but Rider First-Engineered™ technology also allowed us to significantly drop the frameset weight—coming in at a scant 900 grams for a 56cm—over 400 grams lighter than the previous frameset. A light, stiff frame though isn't useful in a cross race if it isn't compliant, which is why the new CruX meshes stiffness and compliance in all the right places. We also lowered the seat collar by two centimeters, allowing for more exposed seatpost and therefore cushion from big hits.

Cyclocross races are often won in the corners and over the barriers, and the CruX geometry takes this into account. When hopping off to clear the barriers, the easy-to-shoulder top tube, with a large opening to the front triangle and flat bottom, is smooth and comfortable. The CruX geometry also features a low bottom bracket, to help with stability in hard corners and off camber sections, as well as a sharp front end to help initiate corners regardless of the terrain.

With maximum mud shedding ability in mind, the CruX has eight-millimeters of clearance on all sides of a 33mm tire, providing plenty of clearance in even the worst conditions. After all, it's great to have a light weight bike, but if it's covered in 10 pounds of mud, frame weight is irrelevant.

The carbon frame and Shimano 105 groupset is completed with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and Axis Sport Disc wheels to get you on the 'cross course or explore that dirt road you've been meaning to check out.