2021 Specialized Diverge is "The most capable gravel bike ever made?” Everything you need to know

[@brannmitchell4602]

Specialized made the first gravel bike, the Rockcombo, back in '89. Basically a MTB bike with drop bars, but sold as a 'cross bike. We would ride all over Santa Cruz, CA on ours, just pounding the heck out of the trails, for thousands and thousands of miles! After turning it into a commuter bike many years ago, I finally upgraded to a Diverge last year. Holy burritos, man, the Diverge is the ultimate gravel ride, plush, smooth, marshmellowy, and looks good for that Instagram.

[@davidarthur]

Great memory! Specialized actually included that bike in their presentation but I didn’t want to make the video too long. Thanks for sharing your experience of riding one, sounds like you had a lot of fun on it

[@MrGgraham76]

Awesome looking and versatile bike, more capable of carrying loads / panniers than standard dually / hard tail, due to rider suspension rather than suspending total load including luggage etc which is what happens on a dually. Love it.

[@TheMoonigans]

I have had my S-Works Diverge for almost 2.5 years now and i have done more miles on it than anything else and ride in all conditions. Other than a replacement future shock all I have done is replace the brake pads. Its been superb! Cant see enough in this one to upgrade but I would be interested to see if Future shock 2.0 can be retro fitted onto my bike. As for "Gravel" riding I've come to the conclusion that for unpredicatable and rough terrain we have in the NW of England my mountain bike is better even if it is slower. The Diverge can be quicker going up but coming down can be tiresome and painful. Having two sets of wheels helps as well so I have one set with 34mm WTB Byways and the other with 40mm Maxxis Ravager for when its gets wet and gnarly.

[@tommylewis8293]

I'd like to know this too :)

[@BoxCarBoy12]

Apparently you can retrofit the 2.0 into an existing 1.0/1.5 frame! Good luck tracking a 2.0 cartridge to buy separately though. www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/1185139-specialized-roubaix-retrofit-futureshock-2-0-1-0-bike.html

[@Bigsbeee]

@@BoxCarBoy12 I had to replace my 1.0 with 1.5 on my Diverge Comp. I've heard the 2.0 does not work as well on the earlier Diverge. Not sure if any truth in that statement though. I have ridden most mu life and have owned a ton of road/mtb. The Diverge was a pleasant surprise, everything and more than I had expected. I love it to bit's .

[@gdwlaw5549]

I almost gave up cycling as a sport ( I didn’t like mountain biking)and far to much stress on the main roads. so this is the way to go for me.

[@davidarthur]

That’s something I hear a lot and part of the reason these bikes are becoming popular

[@donkeller6399]

Thanks for the initial look and content all well presented. Oh, and the cool hat ;)

[@davidarthur]

Thanks Don 👍

[@vigenrshtuni6804]

That model costs €7000. I bought a second hand MBK Charlston One foor €200 more than 10 years ago. Initially it was meant for my mother. As she didn't want to ride in the city, I started to use it daily. Going to work, riding 40km once per week to visit my hives and last year even transported about 40kg produce from our garden to my appartment. Few weeks ago I found a log of wood in a park and thought I could make an insect hotel with it. No problems, put it on the rear rack and off you go... With mud gards, rear rack and the possibility to attach baggage carriers, this bike of €200 does anything. As I'm looking for a fancy design bike to treat myself, I find that costly bikes of several thousands are not necessarily beter.

[@maquismark5852]

Not a fan of the aesthetics of the SWAT box. Can't help but think that it would put some people off buying it plus saddle bags look cool on a gravel bike. Love your videos Dave👍

[@ridewithgae1467]

Next bike in my Garage

[@alertelectrical]

That looks a really nice bike but the spec of Specialized against the competition always lacking unless you are prepared to spend extra. The Evo would make a good longer distance, or slightly more off road bike packer.

[@Kunioak]

You saved me here. I just purchased a Carbon Comp for the damn full price of $4200 (no tax fortunately). I got the 58cm as that is my typical size and boy does it feel large. I checked the specs and noticed that the 58cm has a 100mm stem, so I may bump it down to an 80 or 90mm stem just to make up for the added reach.

[@nickwhynott7315]

this guy knows his stuff !

[@stefanjepp6612]

Specialized is good in making you wanting a new bike. I own a Specialized Sequoia and live it still! I also own a Specialized Allez, so which one is next? The Epic i guess or a Stumpjumper.

[@davidarthur]

They sure do! Stumpjumper is an awesome bike, I had one last year and loved it for trail riding

[@stevecox8576]

Thanks, David. I’m actually just getting back in to cycling (here in the San Francisco Bay Area of California). When I last rode frequently, “gravel bikes” were not even a “thing.” I’m finding your KZbin channel VERY informative ... and potentially very dangerous to my bank account. That Diverge looks mighty attractive; but hearing you refer to “S-Works” in your descriptions suggests to me that the specific level of bike you’re previewing must be PRICY!

[@davidarthur]

Thanks for watching! The Diverge does start at more reasonable prices so I’m sure there’s one to suit your budget? I bet San Fran has some good gravel in the hills to explore?

[@stevecox8576]

david arthur yes, indeed. Marin County, a 30 min. drive across the bay from me, boasts that it’s the “home of Mt. biking.” And I know there are many suitable fire roads and such there. (BTW, I did find a Diverge Comp Carbon that’s well-spec’d, but not too far out what I was considering spending.) Thank you for replying to my comment!

[@davidarthur]

Happy to help. I was in SF a couple of years ago but sadly didn’t get to ride. I’ve seen people on Instagram do gravel rides stating from the city and going up into the surrounding hills so must be good stuff to explore. That bike sounds like a good buy

[@tommylewis8293]

@@stevecox8576 It's quicker to ride over :)

[@wss327]

Would be great to do a comparison to the Topstone Lefty

[@darrenbarlow5759]

Great video. I just put a deposit down on a diverge. How tall are you? Also do I need to get gravel shoes and pedals. I plan on taking the bike mostly off road and I was told gravel shoes/pedals are a better choice. Thoughts? 🍻

[@ioerror2000]

I have been riding Specialized Allez (low end model with Aluminum frame and claris group set) the entire year to commute in NYC. I rode it in rain snow and chills of winter. On the board of brooklyn bridge. I have been thinking of buying fatter tires for safety. Now I am debating getting this bike (Diverge Expert Carbon) that can be used for any and every condition. Eying the Diverge Expert Carbon. Do you think I should get this for commuting?

[@tymchy]

where can you buy those green bidons(watter bootles) i rly like this color. But i cant find it anywhere.

[@bigflat1238]

Is this ok for country roads a bit rutted ,but tarmac Ed,they look so cool ,comfort is something I am interested in ,

[@davidarthur]

Yes. I've been riding the Diverge with 40mm Conti Terra tyres and it's quick on the road and great on rough lanes and gravel tracks. I'll be doing some videos on the Diverge soon

[@bedros1337]

looking to get the Diverge Comp Carbon for ocassional weekend long rides mixed road/gravel do you think Expert or Pro worth the extra money?

[@davidarthur]

I think the Comp Carbon is a great choice in the Diverge range, you're basically getting the same frame just different parts, and you can always upgrade as they wear out. One key difference is this model is 2x whereas the Expert and Pro are 1x, but which you prefer comes down to personal preference and the riding you're going to be doing

[@fernandog.aguirre2791]

Gravel bikes should have a double front chainring?

[@gregbrett8257]

Hi David, How do you think the diverge pro 2021 model compares to the open wide? I was pretty much sold on the open wide until this came along. One thing that bother me on my current rose backroad is the toe overlap which the diverge seems to have resolved.

[@davidarthur]

That’s a tricky choice! Haven’t ridden this latest Diverge, only the previous version, but I think it would be close. The FutureShock is really nice to have on bumpy trails, but the low weight of the Open is definitely appealing

[@JasonHughesUK]

Great stuff again Dave. Diverge Evo - a super commuter bike?? PS are you small or is that pencil big?

[@davidarthur]

Great shout using the Evo for a super commuter, you could add some woodland trails and towpaths to your route for more fun!

[@tonyjames5444]

Newish to cycling and confused by the types available, I understand road bikes but from a road commuting/fitness perspective would a hybrid be faster than a gravel bike?

[@SJ-tk4ri]

tony james - go gravel; covers your road and commuting requirements but with more versatility and out and out fun. I love my road bikes but can honestly say my gravel bike is the best purchase I have made. Easily swap out wheels/tyres and you’ll have a very capable road bike set up.

[@tommylewis8293]

@@SJ-tk4ri get a Diverge :)

[@davidarthur]

The main determinate of speed really comes down to tyre choice. Fit a fat slick tyre to a gravel bike and it'll be as quick as a hybrid. The Diverge Evo with the flat bar might combine the best attributes of a gravel bike (burly and versatile) with the more relaxed position of a hybrid

[@SJ-tk4ri]

david arthur - couldn’t agree more, my spare wheelset for my gravel bike is adorned with 32c Continental GP5000’s and transforms the bike into a fast road machine (other than missing possibly one top gear compared to my road bikes with the 48t big ring limitation). That said, having experimented with a few tyre brands (Schwalbe, WTB) the Specialized Pathfinders, with their pronounced smooth centre line, are very quick on tarmac for a 42c gravel tyre.

[@BeefPCC]

HI, I take a chance for your opinion, base on your experience. I looking for a gravel bike. I expect use it more on tarmac and bike packing for eventually try on trail. I hesitate between : Specialized diverge comp E5, Trek checkpoint ALR 5 and Canyon Grail AL 7. Thanks, continu your nice job :)

[@gerard2620]

Thanks for the update !! Are these new features (F.S.2, storage, 47mm tire capability, etc) available on all Diverge (ie:aluminum) models ? Or just carbon models ?

[@davidarthur]

The Diverge Comp Carbon £3,399 model is the cheapest bike with Future Shock 2.0. That aside the bikes all feature the same key tech like tyre clearance etc

[@soothingrelaxing123]

How would this compare to the Trek Domane?

[@marcing7684]

That SWAT looks to be a great idea. The only catch is that it's only available from Comp Carbon and up. We are talking north of 4000EUR!!! starting price to benefit from it. Certainly not for everyone and I guess it would be worth mentioning in a review since You're focusing on it so much as a feature.

[@davidarthur]

I'll be talking about the SWAT box a lot more when I review the bike, which is coming soon as one has just arrived (check my instagram @davidjarthur )

[@iareniku]

do you know where i could buy those waterbottles from the first red bike ? second 01 in video

[@davidarthur]

I'm guessing Specialized

[@iareniku]

@@davidarthur could not find them anywhere they look nice :) thanks anyway !

[@nafizz1701]

@arthur I'm about to buy a diverge expert carbon online but I'm not sure about the size. You mentioned you use size 56, what's your height? I'm 176cm and specialised recommended size 56 but my height fits in their 54 size scale, can you share your thoughts please?

[@davidarthur]

Hi, I'm 181/5'11" and ride a 56cm. Sounds like the 54 might be a better fit for you?

[@nafizz1701]

@@davidarthur I think so to. Thank for the info.

[@jtoonful]

Nice one David...for interest sake you say you are a 56 size frame and how tall are you? I am 6’3” and in theory should be 58 but found the 56 more comfortable without such a stretch.

[@davidarthur]

I’m 5’11”. Worth speaking to Fairlight sure they’ll happily help you out

[@lmtrades]

I'm about 6'2, also went with 56, after test riding both 56/58 for a few hours

[@jtoonful]

@@lmtrades Thanks for getting back and this pretty well confirms my thoughts.

[@norcalchrismeister]

@@jtoonful I'm around 6'3" and my local store has the Diverge Expert in 56 and 58. I'll try both of them to see which is more comfortable. Did you end up getting the bike?

[@jtoonful]

@@norcalchrismeister not yet and still deliberating which size as unable to get to the uk yet. Would really be interested to know your view on trying both sizes and thank you very much.

[@caperider1160]

Haribo & Soreen 😁👍

[@davidarthur]

My preferred ride snacks :) What’s yours?

[@movistar7]

Didn’t they have a huge recalls on the front suspension, n Sagan refuses to ride that setup on Roubaix 2017.

[@davidarthur]

Sagan chose to use rim brakes instead of disc brakes in the 2017 Paris-Roubaix. Yes they had a recall in early 2019 for clamping collar defects but they have been redesigned and improved since

[@SJ-tk4ri]

Great review again, David ... evolutionary but the improvements made by Specialized are all in the key areas applicable to the evolving gravel category making this updated model bike very desirable indeed. Pricing still not as competitive as some other manufacturers, for instance the online business model of Canyon where you get more bang for your buck, but the technology incorporated is appealing and a big draw.

[@backtrak49]

lots of service and retailers for specialised,

[@dangelodario716]

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[@thaddeusbradley5986]

@Dangelo Dario Instablaster ;)

[@dangelodario716]

@Thaddeus Bradley I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm in the hacking process atm. Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@dangelodario716]

@Thaddeus Bradley It worked and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much you saved my account :D

[@alainuyttenhove7485]

Ever test an Open W.I.D.E ? 700/50 and 650/60

[@davidarthur]

Yes! If you search on YT you’ll find my review of the Open Wide when i was at another cycling magazine

[@charlessinclair8111]

david arthur Any chance you’ll get a Giant Revolt to test or did I miss it?

[@brody5211]

Lovely bikes but heavy , bar the s works , who’s doing a light gravel grinder ?

[@TheDonzi84]

Difference between this one and the Trek checkpoint al4?

[@davidarthur]

The Future Shock suspension is the biggest difference

[@TheDonzi84]

@@davidarthur which one is better?

[@LifeCycle1978]

@Stefano the video rotated between the diverge carbon pro and the expert. Both are carbon w/ 1x drivetrain (pro has SRAM, expert has Shimano) the checkpoint is aluminum and running the GRX 400 2x. Price wise you are looking at 2,000 to 4,000 difference between the models reviewed and the checkpoint you mentioned.

[@paulyflyer8154]

Just ordered the Elite for 1599 from Tredz but had to pre-order so not sure when it will come. Decided to advertise my Cannondale Beast of the East 3 and Cannondale CAADX to make room and raise funds towards it. The CAADX 105 ill be sorry to see go as its been my go to bike. However its hilly in my part of Wales and I found the high gearing not ideal to be honest. Main reason is to make room in the shed and get my bikes down to a more manageable 8😅

[@bikebudha01]

A mountain bike can never replace a gravel bike. One reason. Gearing. I put a 46 tooth big ring on my hardtail. And while it got me 'closer' to a gravel bike, it's just not enough gearing to keep up with the speeds a gravel bike can do on the road, or smooth decents. No substitue for a 53 up front.

[@richarddavis3239]

Honestly I can’t see why this is the best gravel ever made. There are lots of bikes better specified at a better price. The Giant Revolt Advanced pro for example has a better spec including di2 with GRX and options for 1x or 2x and it weighs in under 8kg (M) plus it can take 45mm tires already set up as tubeless. There are many others too and what is increasingly obvious is that brands like Trek and Specialized have become uncompetitive. There are mixed reviews of Futureshock and there are many people who believe that the fine tuning ability of the Redshift Shockstop stem is far superior. At the end of the day, it’s all just opinions.

[@garyh3228]

If you spent your own pennies and not a free bike you have to praise you know the swat and 2.0 future shock are only on the top carbon ones

[@sw9506]

Is it road boost?

[@davidarthur]

Good question! I don’t think so, no mention of that in the press kit.

[@osint6372]

I think the Giant Revolt Advanced 0 or the Niner RLT RDO 4 STAR are much better bikes for the money....

[@PolyglotBikepacker]

great stuff but 7000 euro for a fact 9?

[@bobbob9364]

What r the hazards of buying second hand bikes

[@davidarthur]

That’s a good question be maybe one I need to do a video on

[@ebigarella]

I can only imagine the torsional stiffness with this SWAT hole on a very important part of the bike. What's speaks to me about spz engineering was the original future shock "damper" which was only a spring, so no damping at all. But the most important part of this review is the Santa Cruz hat haha.

[@davidarthur]

Glad you like the hat :)

[@briancurran1140]

👍👍👍👍

[@Kaarzah]

Great bikes, but their base models which the vast majority of people will be buying still have piss poor specs for the money when compared to many other brands. Shimano Claris on a £1000 bike, come on Specialized, give atleast Sora or even better Tiagra/GRX400 for that much.

[@gauloisrefractaireenexilvo4366]

Have you actually ridden this bicycle to say "it's a fantastic bike"?

[@davidarthur]

Nope. Said as much in the video 😀 I only said it’s a fantastic looking bike taking into account my experience with the previous version and how the spec of the new bike looks. Hopefully I’ll get an actual bike in for review

[@antikytheramechanism7909]

The paints are disappointing. Flat green, orange, flat aqua, gloss green etc. Really bad. Pink?? What is with pushing men into a pink bike? Salsa's highest level is pink. It is strange and I would never, ever buy a pink bike.

[@BoxCarBoy12]

Bruh, REAL men ride pink bikes haha. Look on the Specialized website. The colors may be dull, but some of the paint jobs come with a cool camo pattern, which I think is pretty cool.

[@davidarthur]

That camo one looks amazing!