Art’s Employee: James Bravo
Position: Web Content Specialist
Bike: Specialized E5 Crux (LTD. Zdenek Stybar “Bunny Hopper” Edition)
About The Build: It has long been known in the cycling industry that white frames and white apparel give any cyclist, regardless of skill level, a speed increase of about 15% over any other color. This chromatic anomaly holds true in every case except for one. Pink is faster. Pink is sexier. Pink is pro. For concrete proof of this fact and an even closer look at the cotton candy-colored cross beast pictured above, read on.
Former Cyclocross World Champion Zdenek Stybar on his pink bunny hopper Crux... in a pink hat. PRO.
Anything that a world champion does automatically becomes pro. Cyclocross World Champion, Zdenek Stybar rode a pink bunny hopper Crux to victory at the 2012 Cyclocross World Cup. Art’s Cyclery employee James Bravo rides a pink bunny hopper Crux. James Bravo is pro. My logic is undeniable.
And Mr. Bravo’s logic was spot on as well with this build. The Crux was released in E5 alloy before the carbon version was available so many of the pros opted for its more favorable geometry, lighter weight, and incredible stiffness over many competing carbon frames during the 2011-2012 season. This resulted in a fairly budget-friendly aluminum frame that was ready to race at the highest levels. James dressed his Stybar bunny hopper in a full 10-speed Campagnolo kit (as is his style) and a bombproof Mavic Ksyrium SSC SL wheelset, set up tubeless of course. Other highlights include a stunning and comfortable Fizik Arione VS saddle/Cyrano seatpost combination, powerful Avid Shorty Ultimate brakes, and a set of short and shallow Zipp Service Course handlebars for control under the hairiest of conditions.
Check out the gallery below and the spec list for more details on this awesome build.
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- This Pro build gets a Pro Vibe stem to keep the cockpit stiff and a Garmin Edge 500 to lead the way.
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- The Lezyne chaincatcher keeps this cherry frame cherry and a Campy Record rear derailleur keeps the shifting near flawless.
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- A keen eye will spot a Sriracha themed water bottle.
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- Light and adjustable Avid Shorty Ultimate brakes laugh in the face of disc brakes.
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- Salsa skewers and other red accents work well on this pink frame. Crux, will you be my Valentine?
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- This Crux lives up to its namesake.
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- Cross-specific 46-34 gearing is mounted to a Campagnolo Centaur crank.
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- The Fizik Arione saddle is perched atop a Fizik Cyrano carbon seatpost.
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- Campagnolo Chorus shifters round out a dashing yet budget friendly build.
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- Pink isn’t for everyone but this Crux is sure to leave a few slack jaws in its wake.
Tech Specs:
Frame: Specialized E5 Crux (LTD. Zdenek Stybar “Bunny Hopper” Edition)
Fork: Specialized Carbon 1-1/8″ to 1-3/8″ Taper
Headset: Tange
Wheels:
- Wheelset 1: Mavic Ksyrium SSC SL with Vittoria Cross XG Pro TNT Tire 700×32
- Wheetset 2: Mavic Ksyrium SSC SL with Michelin Cyclo Cross Mud Tires
Brakes: Avid Shorty Ultimate
Crankset: Campagnolo Centaur
Chainrings:
- Big Ring: Campagnolo CX 10s 46T
- Small Ring: Campagnolo Record 34T
Cassette: Campagnolo Chorus 13 – 26
Chain: Campagnolo Record
Bottom Bracket: Specialized OSBB with Adaptors for Campagnolo Cranksets
Shift Levers: Campagolo Chorus 10S
Front Derailleur: Campagnolo Chorus
Rear Derailleur: Campagnolo Record
Seatpost: Fizik Cyrano Carbon
Saddle: Fizik Arione VS K:ium Wing Flex Saddle
Stem: PRO Vibe (110mm)
Handlebars: Zipp Service Course (Short and Shallow) 42cm
Pedals: Look Quartz
Water Bottle Cage: Arundel Stainless Steel Cage
Bar Tape: Fizik Performance 3mm Microtex Bar Tape (Black)
Extras:
- Bar Fly 2.0 Computer Mount for Garmin Edge Black
- Garmin Edge 500
- K-Edge Chain Catcher Braze On (Red)
- Lezyne Smart Chainstay Protector
- Orange Seal Tubeless Sealant
Weight: 18 lbs.
