Quiver

2016 Specialized Crux Elite vs 2018 Salsa Warbird Carbon

The 55 is the Salsa Warbird Carbon size closest to your 54.0 Specialized Crux Elite. We match frame stack and reach. This is a geometry comparison, not a fit recommendation; stem, spacers, handlebars and saddle setup also affect your riding position.

What changes on the Salsa Warbird Carbon

Compared with the Specialized Crux Elite in 54.0, the Salsa Warbird Carbon in 55 places the top of the head tube at about the same height and about as far forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 9 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.

Frame stack
+1 mm
About the same height
Frame reach
−2 mm
About the same reach
Wheelbase
+9 mm
Longer: steadier at speed
Head angle
−1.0°
Slacker: calmer steering
Chainstays
+5 mm
Longer: more planted

The two frames

2016 Specialized Crux Elite (54.0) and 2018 Salsa Warbird Carbon (55), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Crux Elite is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Salsa Warbird Carbon is the colored outline on top.J 1016

Specialized Crux Elite, 54.0Salsa Warbird Carbon, 55Drawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Crux Elite 54.0Salsa Warbird Carbon 55Difference
Reach379376.6−2 mm
Stack566567.3+1 mm
Head tube angle71.570.5−1.0°
Seat tube angle73.573−0.5°
Effective top tube547550+3 mm
Chainstay length425430+5 mm
Wheelbase10161024.7+9 mm
BB drop6970+1 mm
BB height281not listed
Seat tube length530520−10 mm
Fork length400405+5 mm
Head tube length140140±0 mm
Standovernot listed771.6

Differences are the Salsa Warbird Carbon minus the Specialized Crux Elite. Full charts: 2016 Specialized Crux Elite, 2018 Salsa Warbird Carbon.

Where each sits in its class

Specialized Crux EliteSalsa Warbird Carbon

AggressivePositionUpright
CalmSteeringQuick
PlayfulBalancePlanted

Each bike is ranked against the other gravel bikes on Quiver, on frame geometry alone. Not your hand position or ride feel.

What each ships with

The stock build of each bike's first listed trim. Parts that match are dimmed.

PartSpecialized Crux EliteElite X1Salsa Warbird Carbon
ForkSpecialized FACT carbonnot listed
ShifterSRAM Rivalnot listed
DerailleurSRAM Rival 1not listed
CassetteSRAM PG-1130not listed
ChainSRAM PC-1130not listed
CranksetSRAM Rival 1not listed
Bottom bracketSRAM BB30not listed
WheelsetSpecialized AXIS 4.0not listed
TireSpecialized Terra Pronot listed
BrakeSRAM Rivalnot listed
HandlebarSpecialized Compnot listed
StemSpecialized Comp Multinot listed
Bar tapeSpecialized CX Pro Gelnot listed
SeatpostSpecialized Sportnot listed
SaddleSpecialized Phenom Compnot listed

Know what is on every bike.

Add your bike to Quiver. Keep its parts, setup, and service history together, then share your build.

Explore the app
A Transition Relay build sheet: frame, fork, shock and drivetrainThe Relay’s ride photo galleryThe Relay’s ride spectrum and 2D frame geometryThe garage: five bikes and 99 recorded partsA Specialized Tarmac SL8 road build sheet