FSA dust cap didn’t work, worked itself very slightly loose over 50km, 25km of that gravel. LBS noted that the headset bearing seat is probably slightly ovalized, the bearing can move slightly more fore-aft than side-to-side when disassembled.
Specialized came back with a warranty DSW frame offer, but I’m having doubts of whether the new one would have it fixed, as seen with the carbon Crux where it was an issue for 3-4 model years in a row. Maybe the Cane Creek BAA2471 or the FSA dust cap from the start would prevent it. And the warranty frame is a much much more muted color, almost a grayscale version of my current vibrant one.
There’s a second wildcard option - having the top bearing semi-affixed with Loctite. It’s a common procedure that has been done a lot locally, sometimes even preventatively, the bearing can be removed and replaced later.
Is your current frame damaged? If not, just do the Cane Creek BAA2471 - it fixes the issue (I have it on both my Cruxes). I would NOT recommend Loctite but then again I am not a bike mechanic.
I went with the warranty frame they offered - 2025/26 Crux DSW. I’ve warmed to the color, it’s the silver one with yellow accents. Plus, a new frame is a new frame.
The Crux 5 has a massive wait list and first units will only arrive in September. In my part of the world, there is only S-Works frameset on offer and I doubt Specialized wants to replace my €1600 aluminium frameset with an incredibly in-demand €3200 full bike or €5800 frameset Especially as they plan to keep the DSW in the model lineup for CX duty.
Especially as they plan to keep the DSW in the model lineup for CX duty.