When we set out to design a new 'cross rig, we didn't just want to make another adventure bike with added tire clearance—we wanted to create a purebred racing steed that was fast, confident, lightweight, and rides like no other 'cross bike out there. With multiple Cyclocross World Championships to its name, the CruX has more than proven itself in the lung-searing race discipline of 'cross, but the new S-Works CruX takes this legacy to a whole different level.

Beginning with the frame, we implemented our Rider-First Engineered™ technology that was first introduced on our Tarmacs. Using size-specific tubes and layups, this technology allows the CruX to feature the same ride characteristics across every size in the range. Not only this, but it also allowed us to significantly drop the frame weight, so the CruX now comes in around 900 grams for a 56cm—over 400 grams lighter than the previous frameset. A light and stiff frame, alone, isn't useful in a 'cross race if it isn't compliant, however, which is why the new CruX also combines stiffness and compliance in all the right places. And to assist with the latter, we lowered the seat collar by two centimeters for more exposed seatpost and, therefore, cushion for big hits.

We also know that cyclocross races are often won in the corners and over the barriers, which is why the CruX geometry takes this into account. The top tube has been design for easy shouldering when you're hopping off to clear barriers, as it features a large opening to the front triangle and a flat bottom. For stability in the corners and on off-camber sections, the geometry has a low bottom bracket and a sharp front end. This combination also helps to initiate corners, regardless of the terrain.

With maximum mud shedding ability in mind, we included eight millimeters of clearance on all sides of a 33mm tire, providing plenty of clearance for muddy conditions. Along with clearance, select S-Works models feature hydrophobic, mud-shedding paint that reduces the ability for mud to cling to the frame. It's awesome to have a light bike, after all, but frame weight becomes irrelevant when it's covered in 10 pounds of mud.

This bike is also spec'd with the lightest components possible. Along these lines, it features a full Dura-Ace 9170 hydraulic disc groupset, lightweight, aerodynamic, and mud-shedding Roval CLX 50 clincher disc wheels, and an S-Works carbon seatpost and handlebars.

• Our top-of-the-line S-Works FACT 11r carbon frame features a race-ready 'cross geometry, and comes equipped with thru-axles, 142mm rear spacing, and takes advantage of our highest quality carbon production methods in order to create a bike that's as responsive as it is lightweight.

• The internally routed S-Works FACT carbon disc fork features a thru-axle design that increases steering response and rider input for the tight turns and the all-out efforts 'cross demands.

• The Win Tunnel Engineered Roval CLX 50 carbon disc wheelset offers superior aerodynamics, incredible mud-shedding-ability, and and a svelte 1415-gram weight.