2021 Specialized Diverge IN-DEPTH Review. A curious take on gravel geometry

The latest generation of Specialized’s Diverge carbon gravel bikes has undergone a dramatic transformation from the one that came before, and while the new Future Shock 2.0 suspension unit has garnered much of the attention, it’s the revamped frame geometry that truly defines the new bike’s personality. The 2021 Diverge looks sleeker and is arguably more road bike-like in its appearance than before, but in reality, it handles more like a mountain bike - and not everyone is going to like it.
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[@henrygw]

Hey great review and great technical updates as well on the frame geometry, I personally own this bike and totally agree the wheels could do with an upgrade, but that said I think If I did this I wouldn't need any other bike, this bike does it all and soaks up road as well as gravel just as well. Great work Specialized.

[@djglowell]

I’ve had the Diverge Sport Carbon for a week and a half now. Last bike was a road bike. This is the most comfortable and responsive bike I have ever owned.

[@jaysong2890]

Just ordered the Diverge Expert, same bike as in the review. Coming in one week. Can’t wait!

[@nicholasthiery9542]

How do you like it?!

[@norcalchrismeister]

I'm seriously considering getting an Expert. How has it been for you so far?

[@RB-fc8ym]

Thank you for the nice review

[@richardharker2775]

Great review James.

[@PC-gs7pv]

One of the best reviews on this bike online right now.

[@VeloVeloVeloTV]

Thank you! James knows his stuff, go tell your mates :)

[@Metulskie2010]

Totally agree!

[@LifeCycle1978]

9-months later this comment still holds true.

[@PC-gs7pv]

I bought this exact bike / size. Everything said here is spot on. I do notice the wobble at slow meandering speeds but that is easily countered through riding / experience. I like the pathfinder wheels / and rims, but yes it can feel a little sluggish depending on your terrain. Overall though this bike is excellent, and a beast.

[@outnumberedbysheep]

An excellent review.

[@LAShooters1]

Thank you for the great review.

[@jameshuang4205]

You're very welcome, and thanks for watching it!

[@shaun1900]

nice reviews, not 100% pumping the over-hyped gravel bike but just the details and acknowledgements of the pro's and cons', thank you. An epic hard tail with SWOT frame and 2.25 Rekon Race tyres would give this a the diverge a run for its money - it would make a very interesting comparison.

[@jameshuang4205]

Funny you should mention that...

[@danparks8894]

Great review. Small gems of information that would greatly influence a purchase decision.. Thanks for being so thorough!

[@sureshchinnappa2290]

Great review

[@nmanchin]

Such a good review.

[@adamossowski7627]

Same bike here with upgraded wheels bars and saddle. Best bike ever, won for me few ultra races. I upgraded seat clamp as well as original is 42 grams. It wasn’t easy to find, diameter is 30.7

[@morbue7575]

may i ask what would be your #1 recommendation under 3000€ (and if possible that is avalible in europe?)

[@RMtex]

Im looking for a do it all bike as I’m sure lots of gravel bike shoppers are. Fairly fast on the road with a slick wheel set and stable/capable on bumpy off road with bigger tires. Considering this vs the Salsa Warbird. Both seem to be reviewed as pretty stable off road. Would you say the Diverge is a faster road bike than the Warbird? Any other recommendations?

[@rudyelizondo1935]

I own a 2018 diverge with tiara gears, it is perfectly capable of any riding that I do. All the extra stuff they are now putting on is just fluf and unless your a professional rider-it don’t matter. All The majority of us riders don’t really care about all the extra fluff. We have great fun with what we have and there are no regrets for more - just ride man ride!!

[@MrMarietto85]

Hi. I m from Italy any TIPS to suggest for best experience with this bike? Thanks

[@harrylook7810]

if this had been available when I bought a gravel bike in January, I probably would have chosen this. I like the improvements a lot.

[@jameshuang4205]

It has a lot going for it for sure.

[@matthiaskettner6686]

It’s not available now either. Wanted to purchase one, I’d have gotten it in november. No thanks

[@ccmmrrnn]

@@matthiaskettner6686 It depends where in the world you are. That's the way things are going with bikes, and many other products, given the current state of affairs.

[@AREMPEE]

Same here. I ended up getting the 2020 model bc they’re not available yet when I bought mine couple weeks ago.

[@PC-gs7pv]

52 cm red fern one is available outside Indianapolis

[@rockylim735]

Hey guys, if it was your money to spend which would you buy, topstone lefty or diverge?

[@keithc5729]

Question: I want to build a light weight touring bike. I don’t want a 30 pound steal bike. Would a carbon gravel bike with racks work?

[@andersskeie3760]

Looking forward to a video on the new 3T Exploro Racemax that you tested James. Have read your article a few times, but it’s always nice to watch the bike in the «b-rolls»

[@jirdesteva]

Too bad they are OUT OF STOCK. I guess I'll just have to wait.

[@squishlefunke]

I have to make a choice. Upgrade the gravel bike or the mtb? .... 😬 Maybe the Diverge comes first

[@87togabito]

Road bikes finally catching up to what MTBs have been doing for years. Gosh. I never though the day would come when road bikes would actually be more than ancient relics.

[@rcg9573]

Has nothing to do with catching up to MTB’s. The geometry changes are due solely to the fact many more road riders are now looking for mixed terrain bikes that can handle both road and gravel environments. The move to more gravel riding has driven the change to more MTB type geometry. Road bike geometry is still the best for pure road riding, and MTB geometry to be quite honest sucks for pure road riding,

[@C.Medina]

Yikes! Was leaning to those tires since I heard good things from others. Even saw colin strickland winning with them in DK200. I mean, it's your word and I take it. You are a great reviewer.

[@joshschrader4732]

I’ve had some for a couple of years now in the 38mm width and I must say I’m not a huge fan. I am mostly on pretty steep and loose terrain and the gripping ability on these is poor. Just switched to the Pirelli tire and so far it’s a much better fit for me.

[@C.Medina]

@@joshschrader4732 thanks for the feedback!

[@joshschrader4732]

@@C.Medina better late than never 😉

[@rcg9573]

Which Pirelli tire did you switch too? Size and model?

[@joshschrader4732]

@@rcg9573 Cinturado H 45mm- same ones Dylan Johnson is on - he did a nice review of them in his KZbin channel- I’ve also added the Tubolight foam inserts so that I can run psi in the mid 30’s- I weigh 195 lbs fwiw

[@jeffsancricca7041]

Nice review... would love to see review/comparison of the aluminum $2000 price level gravel bikes.

[@EShottify]

got my e5 comp 2021 love the thing

[@bigflat1238]

Edward Hendershott would it be ok for country roads ,tarmac,not 100% smooth

[@EShottify]

Big Flat absolutely. Without a doubt. Truly all around IMO

[@juanposada9319]

@@EShottify what size did you get?

[@insquares]

Awesome, detailed review. For the many videos on the 2021 Diverge, none have brought up the features and issues you have. Interesting comment on the "uphill wandering" steering. Could this be overcome (and make a faster handling bike) by sizing down and getting a longer stem?

[@jameshuang4205]

Potentially, yes, but again, a test ride would be critical.

[@Hintonbro.]

Test ride? That exists?

[@jp93309]

Thinking longer stem too. Watched this part of the video again to hear if maybe the longer trail figure is part of the problem.

[@joshschrader4732]

@@Hintonbro. Yes, but you’ll have to wait 24 months for the demo fleet to be built 😂

[@abhishekananth]

this is similar to the Merida Silex! Very similar geometry. they make frames for Specialized in Taiwan. Great bike to ride and really stable

[@ranotuitam]

Abhishek Ananth Silex is better?

[@abhishekananth]

Rafał Nowak I’ve not ridden the Specialized diverge 2021 so cannot comment if it’s better than the Silex. The frame geometries are similar though.

[@reeceh78]

you guys couldn't review the aluminum?

[@Marco-zp7nb]

Top review!! Are these wheel 27,5 or 29er. For a dt swiss upgrade which wheelsize do you recommend? Thanks Marco

[@VeloVeloVeloTV]

They come stoked with 700c

[@RMtex]

Did you find it was plenty fast on the road? If you were riding with some buddies who had dedicated road bikes, you think you could reasonably keep up with some smoother narrower tires? Looking for a do it all bike and comparing this to the Warbird. Thanks!

[@TiagoCruz-sl2kq]

RM84 you have to look to the drive train for that - crankset and cassette. Diverge has a lower gear ratio compared to other gravels and certainly to road bikes. Going for the comp model as the reviewer stated helps.

[@87togabito]

Well, it’s all in the gearing and the tyre choice, and if you are on an even playing field with disc brakes. If you have disc brakes, the tyres and gears, you should be more than able to keep up. If they don’t have disc brakes, then you will probably even overtake them.

[@ikervillarino4542]

Good video. But you have to balance the color of all the cameras you use to record. They are balanced quite different in this video.

[@jameshuang4205]

You'll have to talk to our videographer about that one! Probably doesn't help that this includes footage from two different locations and two very different lighting conditions, either.

[@chadm4976]

Me and my 1999 Stump Jumper M4 gonna be at Bad Medicine. I hope.

[@BastienAdrien]

how big is the difference between the future shock 1.5 & 2.0? on the diverge? I dont't really want to pay 800-900 euro more for just the newer shock system....any experiences?

[@Hintonbro.]

Most reviewers admit they rarely feel the need to lock out the FS - it’s that non-obtrusive

[@bushkey]

What all around tire would you replace the Pathfinders with?

[@another_wai8388]

I am riding the Tracer Pro 700x47. Am looking at Kenda Alluvium and Panaracer GK SK 700x43 as spare tyres for Lake Davis, CA camping and ride around

[@RMtex]

Has anyone tried using 650B wheels with this bike? Wondering if there are lots of pedal strikes given the low BB.

[@jameshuang4205]

I did not, but yes, I'd imagine that would definitely be a concern, especially if you're not maxing out the 650b size.

[@dantearcilla2010]

Hello, Sorry I am a newbie I want to know if its possible to use this as a bikepacking bike..I have a trek ds 2 converted to a touring bike i dont want to use a panier anymore.thanks in advance also bikepacking bikr looks kinda cooler Now a days.

[@bosun1277]

It is a perfect touring bike. There are many racks designed for the front fork. Search Key words like: low rider rack

[@TheHesse1]

I've considered getting a new Diverge when they become available again. I have concerns about the unique features on this bike. How durable are the Future Shock and head set combo? I guess I'd rather have a regular set up and add a Redshift stem. I also have concerns about longevity of the SWAT storage box. Is that think going to hold up over the years? I'd appreciate any feedback from Diverge owners. Thx.

[@Hintonbro.]

Have had a E5 Comp Diverge with FS since 2017. It’s been flawless for me - zero issues. Futureshock is a great feature. A Redshift stem isn’t an exact replacement for the FS. It’s tough to explain here, but I’d say it this way: with the FS the handlebars go up and down parallel to the ground. With the RS stem, they tilt. It feels like there is a hinge at the stem and they tilt forward. You’d need to try it yourself - personally I prefer the up and down motion of the FS vs the tilt forward motion of Redshift. Point is : they are not the same IMO.

[@WordupG]

Redshift only works on the hoods. When you get back into the drops, the hinge loses it’s ability to pivot. In contrast, the FS always works in ever hand position. Having owned both, I prefer the FS over RS.

[@jjhova]

looks like a 54 fize frame. Mind sharing your height/inseam? Thoughts on sizing?

[@adamgatica]

I am a 54 cm according to the Retül bike fit. I am 5’9.5 with a 31 inseam; I bought a Diverge Comp Carbon 54 cm.

[@soeroc]

How does this bike ride on the road compared to the Roubaix? I'm curious as I'm in the market and have been flip flopping between the 2.

[@dominiksiejak7432]

@AG Coarseman Let's assume tarmac. Why would it be slower?

[@HippyFairie]

Hi! I have a question about gearing on the expert. I’ll be riding a 49cm version of this so I wonder is it possible to get a wider ranging cassette for this particular model as I love DI2 on my S-works SL4. I had planned to upgrade the rims to Rovals that are on the pro so thanks for the validation on that and tires. Great Review BTW. Thanks 😊

[@joshschrader4732]

I’ve owned both- I had a 2020 Roubaix with race geo and I have a 2019 Diverge- the goes were different but the future shock gave then a similar ride quality. I would guess that the regular geo Roubaix would be comparable to the 2019 Diverge but not certain about the 2021 Diverge comparison

[@nicoleainsworth6603]

Can I get this bike w/o stickers?

[@1777DK]

It's really difficult to assess your size with this new geometry seeing as a 54 resembles a 56 in reach and top tube. The longer TT and reach makes you want to size down one size, based on those measurements, but they come with a relative short stem, maybe to compensate for the longer reach and TT. If you do size down, will you then lose the value of those tweaks. What to do?

[@daviddang82]

What tires would you choose to replace those then?

[@osint6372]

GravelKings SK

[@bigflat1238]

I am looking for a road bike ,but like the look of these bikes ,mostly country roads ,ruts(not massive amount) etc but tarmac,is this an option

[@pennycarlson1943]

I have a 2018 e5 Comp and really like it for that type of riding. I ride mostly tarmac, but most of my loops also have a sort dirt road. I never get flats, which was a problem with my road bike. The future shock does a great job of smoothing out washboard roads. I also ride it on the railroad bed nearby (all gravel/dirt). My average speed didn't go down compared to my road bike, but I'm not a speed demon. I find it less fatiguing to ride.

[@bigflat1238]

Appreciate response ,really informative ,so it is something I could consider ,I have just started riding over Covid ,and love it ,I am training for marathon ,7years to go lol,under 4 hours when 60 ,and can really see the benefits of x training

[@mauriciocastano9822]

What do you think about the Specialized diverge elite e5 2021?

[@VeloVeloVeloTV]

We're trying to get one in to test, but getting hold of one is a tough job at the moment - Dave

[@MozOnBikes]

Minor error on the seat clamp, that was the Roubaix. Last gen Diverge had a collar seat clamp like the 2021.

[@jameshuang4205]

Doh! Too many bikes, not enough brain. Thanks for pointing that out. Too late to fix it in the video, but I've corrected it in the written article.

[@PC-gs7pv]

That frame vertical seat clamp is garbage. I tested it on a Sirrus 6.0 and it totally was weak / allowed for movement left and right... I ended up getting this exact bike in video. Love it.

[@frazergoodwin4945]

Same with the smooth boot - my 2020 Diverge Sport has the smooth boot rather than the accordan style so this was another change / upgrade that Specialized had done already....

[@jameshuang4205]

@@frazergoodwin4945 I quit. You're all hired.

[@bikebudha01]

What are thoughts about putting a flat bar (w/bar ends) on this bike????

[@sski1971]

How does this compare to the Sirrus X 5.0?

[@EShottify]

What tires do you recommend over the pathfinders?

[@okladood-adam2564]

Edward Hendershott I changed to 700x35 Schwalbe G Pro all weather. Love it !!

[@EShottify]

@@okladood-adam2564 Thanks! Are all weather not as knobby as the all arounds? And do you think all weather would suffice on any gravel too?

[@ME-hm7zm]

Slowly reinventing the mountain bike.

[@christocr]

I have both a gravel bike and XC mountain bike. I ride both, but spend way more time on the gravel bike. It's just more fun to ride. The only time I reach for the XC mountain bike is if I know the riding is going to be really technical or have super steep climbs. But still, it's surprising how "hairy" and steep the trail can get and the gravel bike handles it just fine. Plus, if there is any paved road on the ride, the gravel bike absolutely kills the XC mountain bike. It's like driving a new Corvette vs a 1973 Ford LTD.

[@bikebudha01]

I was able to squeeze a 46 tooth front chainring on my 29er mtb hardtail. It was no where near big enough to allow me to keep up with people on gravel/road bikes on flat pavement/gravel roads. Otherwise, it would have been the best gravel bike on the market.

[@tamasvarga67]

M E I thought the same... until I bought my gravel bike.

[@scotth3354]

@@bikebudha01 how was a 46t ring not big enough, when it was as big or bigger than the rings on the majority of 1x gravel bikes you couldn’t keep up with?

[@bikebudha01]

@@scotth3354 I wasnt' able to keep up with those with 2x chainrings, many had 50+ up front big ring..

[@stevenagy7152]

And FINALLY Specialized got rid of that goofy and too heavy "suspension" S shape seat post that they used to stock on their bikes.

[@jameshuang4205]

It didn't work all that well, either.

[@marcusthornton2844]

I have it on my Roubaix. I much prefer the Canyon/Ergon style comfort seatpost I have on another bike. The Specialized one tends to nod up and down rather than keeping the saddle level.

[@TheBotella94]

Expert vs comp? Thinking too much about it...

[@osint6372]

Neither...BUY the sport and spend the rest to upgrade the wheels/tires and seat post..

[@madmike9270]

Might be time to upgrade my 2016 Diverge...🤔

[@CesAviAre]

It really look like the carbon Topstone from cannondale

[@jameshuang4205]

Aside from both bikes being make of carbon fiber, it'd be hard to find two bikes from the same genre that are *more* different.

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

Look! A carbon fibre touring frame.

[@rcg9573]

Look, someone who has no clue what a touring frame is. 😆

[@bikebudha01]

1x on road/gravel is stupid. You give up low end, you give up high end - and most significant - you give up 'in between' gears. So on those long rides, or long hills, you'll never have just the right gear. Always grinding or always spinning....

[@rcg9573]

Buy the bike, and change it to 2X. The frame accommodates sma front derailleur.

[@MrFornicater]

The geo is just too compact...fitting a frame bag would be a nightmare.

[@rcg9573]

That’s exactly why I laughed when some goofball above tried to claim it was a CF touring frame. 😆

[@vic0mark]

This dude’s knowledge is dizzying.

[@osint6372]

The WHEELS and the tires have to go....too heavy....

[@bossg2817]

Mtb with drop bars

[@rcg9573]

Yeah sure it is. Tell me how many MTB’s out there have a stack of 61 centimeters and a reach of only 39.2 centimeters goofball. LOL

[@thomasspotzl4240]

All this talk like "...it takes this and that form MTB..." makes me cringe. They are still just adapted raodbikes...unless you are talking about the Evil Chamois Hagar.

[@rcg9573]

That’s kinda the point. These bikes appeal to riders looking for a bike that can be run on both the road and on gravel. They are obviously not looking for or wanting a full mountain bike. 😆