2021 Specialized Diverge Pro Carbon review

Specialized completely overhauled the Diverge for 2021 with progressive geometry, a hydraulic-damped Future Shock, hidden storage, and more tire clearance. This new iteration improved on what was already one of the best gravel bikes out there.
Ben Delaney shares his impressions here.
To read his full review, head over to www.velonews.com/gear/gravel-...

[@jwhoward182]

This is might be the first review I have watched from start to finish. Well done!

[@jesuscruz836]

The beer can analogy really drove it home for me :P

[@AncientAviator]

This was an SUPERB professional review Ben. Very nicely done. I'm considering buying this bike and the information you've presented was very helpful. Thanks very much...and keep up the great work!

[@dennisflaherty4085]

Great review; clear, concise and educated. Thanks for not wasting my time!

[@CyberdyneSystemsSkynet]

+1 because the reviewer is enjoyable to listen to.

[@CreamyBone]

The pron stache looks great

[@TriHard76]

My old Camber had the Swat compartment and it's AWESOME! I the bags help keep items in their place and you won't here any rattle.

[@Risayogi]

I tried my friend’s Diverge with first generation future shock, my goodness it feels good and very lively on rough terrain.

[@ericlobdell6484]

I ordered one of these a month ago, due in by end of July, I've watched this video at least 30 times now, and I'll just keep watching until I get mine :)

[@metubenoggin07]

That's my pattern with every bike I've bought. Find evidence, justification for the "right" bike, keep reading, watching supporting evidence, get bike, ride bike, love bike ... start the process all over with the n+ bike.

[@jamesborden7112]

ordered mine first week of JUne for end of June delivery-now mid August and not here yet

[@bcm1013]

Great review. As a current Diverge Comp owner I agree 100% on two things: better looking seat post and welcome addition of the threaded bottom bracket. I hate the profile of my seat post (CG-R) and that PF30 bottom bracket. Had to swap it and the cranks out because of the racket it made.

[@awesomesloppyjoe]

I ride the 2017 Expert version and had zero problems so far (3500km of street and gravel). Zero creaking and the bearings are good. Still decide to upgrade to the new expert version though.

[@euphoriaagain]

Awesome review man, I learned a lot. Thanks.

[@biketrybe7071]

Rockin' the 'stache. Bold.

[@danflanagan9536]

Great review! Much more extensive than anything BikeRadar puts out.

[@marshallliu1820]

For those who're still hesitant, don't. I got mine last week and put around 500km on it so far, all on gravel and light trails. Just did another 60km before writing this. Handling is great, Future Shock 2.0 works great, decent weight considering the 1x groupset and the in-house carbon wheelset. If it's in your budget, I'd say this is close to a perfect gravel bike. I can picture myself spending more time on this than my sworks venge.

[@NitriusX]

Been thinking about getting Diverge myself, kinda my do it all bike, or that is the idea. How is it on road?

[@marshallliu1820]

@@NitriusX the stock 38 tires do just fine, frame is more than capable of doing road rides but the 1x might get you dropped.

[@RickClifton]

Update... 4 months ago I commented on your excellent review of the new Diverge. I have the last generation, and was torn between going with a 2021 Diverge, or a Ti frame. Well, I chose the new Diverge (size 58cm), and I now have 1,475 miles on the new Expert edition. In my last comment, I railed against the 1x chainring setup... Not anymore. The 1x, electronic Shimano GRX is excellent. The new frame is excellent - I haven't even removed the heavy wheels yet, and I believe this may be the best bike I've ever owned. Love it. If anyone is on the fence, you won't be disappointed with the new Diverge. Paved road, gravel road, double-track, single-track... no-track... it's all fun.

[@norcalchrismeister]

I'm seriously considering the 2021 Diverge Expert. My LBS has one in stock in Oak Green and size 58. I'm 6'2" so hopefully that size will work for me. Do you still really like your bike? Have you had any issues?

[@RickClifton]

@@norcalchrismeister Yes, I still like the bike... I have about (5) bikes and I'll bet I ride the Diverge at least 70% of the time. The headstock is not all it's cracked up to be - there's not a lot of travel and we have problems with severe washboard roads here... OTOH, the 1x Ultegra Di-2 is excellent - I don't remember ever missing a shift and maybe dropped the chain once... maybe. It's not the lightest bike, but it's a pleasure to ride - I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[@norcalchrismeister]

@@RickClifton Cool. Thanks for letting me know. I've been mostly mountain biking but I would also like to do some fast gravel rides so I think the Diverge would be perfect. Yeah, I've never used Di2 but I heard it's fun and very reliable. I'm also considering the Comp Carbon but I don't like any of the colors and I think I would prefer a 1x. Anyway, I appreciate your help!

[@MrDamonLeBeouf]

best bike reviewer ever.

[@Jgvalls]

Good review, thanks!

[@nomadicrider1671]

Great detailed review with comparison to last diverge

[@VeloNewsMagazine]

Glad you liked it.

[@justaraisin]

Someone who knows the difference between damping and dampening. Finally.

[@user-pv7rk9ye3q]

Damping is a characteristic of energy absorption (shock absorbers are also called dampers). Dampening makes wet. Hope that helps! 😀

[@velocybirr]

The Roubaix and the Diverge really are converging. Roverge? Dibraix?

[@aka_22722]

To the point! Very pro, critical and objective!

[@walterkasper467]

Thanks for the great video !!!

[@outerbike]

Great review Ben - hoping to have more gravel bikes at Outerbikes in the future.

[@VeloNewsMagazine]

Thanks! We're looking forward to watching Outerbike continue to blow up - and to get to more ourselves.

[@Bubblygoat]

That would be so cool! Are the outerbike events postponed for this year?

[@outerbike]

Claire- We did have to cancel our June 19th Deer Valley event, but as of today all others are a go, with Killington, VT July 24th next up.

[@AlexandreLegerCatt]

Nice review. Good tempo. How much more confort the suspension and geometry provide compare to a aero gravel like the 3T Exploro ?

[@michaelacoffman]

Nice review!

[@paul_hd1875]

Nevermind the podium dirt 1.0 bottles you can’t find anywhere anymore... gawd I need two of those

[@chrisaufdermaur]

Great review; thanks very much

[@ravenone6255]

Beautiful--need to start saving...till next year baby

[@kennyness8881]

Best review I have seen on the new Diverge (and I’ve seen and read several). Thanks.

[@VeloNewsMagazine]

Hey, thank you.

[@buzzman4860]

Ben is probably the best reviewer in the business

[@Dunc2222]

Could you please explain what effect (eg, on handling) extending the reach but shortening the stem has? It's not clear to me why gravel bikes do this, and how it changes handling and other ride characteristics from a traditional road bike geometry. Thanks.

[@scott907]

I was wondering where you went...

[@schincat]

Love mine! I ride it more than my rode bike. I like the GRX better than SRAM however I will be switching to a 38 chainring since I am old and need a lower gear.

[@shreddagorge]

The issue I've encountered with the CG-R seatpost is the elastomer dries out, creaks, and starts falling off. I actually thought it was my PF bottom bracket! Swapped that out for the Wheels Mfg angular contact threaded replacement, which I highly recommend, but someday Specialized might wake up and go T47.

[@soloist777]

Love the Chuckle-heads at the front.lol.

[@nirv]

Yeah he couldn't swear because these KZbinrs care more about money than respecting the internet has never been FCC regulated.

[@RickClifton]

Good review. I have the last generation 58cm Diverge Expert Carbon w/ about 6,200 hard-earned miles on it. Prior to this I had an Open U.P. that I no longer ride as my size 11-1/2 dogs cause my heels to contact the chain stays (toe-overlap on the other end). I noticed, on the 56cm you're riding, there are scuff marks on the right side stay - at 1/4" under 6' tall, I think I'd err on the side of a 58cm frame. I have arms like a monkey anyway... My Diverge suffers from bottom bracket squeaking & creaking, and sometimes it feels as though the head shock spring increases the rebound travel and rate when hitting stutter bumps and tightly-packed pot holes at speed. (causing high pucker factor). I've noticed the frame has also suffered numerous, and alarmingly deep nicks and rock wounds - we have some serious gravel roads here in VA. I'm starting to wonder if that may ultimately affect the integrity of the frame itself. Other than all of that, I must like the bike to have put 6,200 miles of mostly gravel roads under it. Was thinking about going for a Lynskey Ti frame or the new gen Diverge - what do you think?

[@VeloNewsMagazine]

Solid miles! Well done. Titanium might be the perfect material for a gravel bike. Plush, forgiving, and you don't really have to work about it getting dinged by rocks. I have not ridden the Lynskey, though, sorry.

[@celyda2]

Ben's delivery sounds ever so close to morphing into Mitch Hedberg, which I love.

[@grid-station]

Nice review Ben. At 6Ft tall, did you get any front wheel toe overlap when doing a tight turn on that 56cm bike ? I always try to remember cranks at 6pm and 12pm ...but sometimes things happen FAST!

[@VeloNewsMagazine]

No toe overlap with a size 45 shoe. Probably 2-3cm clearance with the cleats set roughly at fore/aft center.

[@ABAC6969]

He looks like a 70’s prom star!

[@bikesbeer2005]

The riding footage, that's the dirty bismark loop in CO!

[@VeloNewsMagazine]

Yes, sir!

[@bonvaicu]

I had a deposit for this one but I couldn’t wait longer.. I settled for the base e5 model , Gloss Blaze color-

[@leszekwnuk5020]

yeah when i got my new 2020 bike it had the same issue with the skewers, meaning no quick release. i immediate called my rep as this was a custom bike and he simply laughed and said....wait so youdon't ride with a tool, what happens when someone else goes haywire....so now i have a multi purpose tool with me and its no big deal at all.

[@the_derpler]

Would love you guys to compare this to something like a CFR505 or something.

[@TLa08]

Won't happen, you don't bite the hand that feeds you.

[@TheDonzi84]

trek checkpoint is the same?

[@bennetthasty7886]

Ben I can only afford an entry level gravel maybe $1k-ish what do I get Salsa Journeyman, Trek Checkpoint, Specialized Diverge, Jamis Renegade?!?!?!? Thanks 😊

[@mateusmoitinho]

Loved your video! If you have a sec, would you mind explaining what the main differences are between this one, the Expert Carbon, and the Comp Carbon? I would really really appreciate it! Thanks :)

[@GreatEgret]

They have the same FACT9R carbon frame and a lot of the same components. The big difference is the Expert steps up the shifting to Di2 electronic whereas the Comp has 810 mechanical shifting.

[@mateusmoitinho]

@@GreatEgret thank you so much

[@pinatadonkey5934]

From what I’ve been reading, the base model Diverge doesn’t get the Shock 2.0 or the SWAT section. So I’m curious, what are the upgrades that would make the base mode worth it? I’m in the market for a gravel bike at that price point (1,000-1,200) so I’m looking at my options.

[@Hintonbro.]

Lots of new Diverge reviews - I go to Delaney first.

[@DM-im6rm]

How does this do on the road? Is it quite close to a road bike in terms of speed and efficiency? This is a key question for we who do a lot of road riding, but are attracted to the idea of consolidating to just a single gravel bike. I imagine I would end up doing at least 80% riding on the road, 20% or less off road, and would love to find a bike that could do it all and still allow me to keep up in group rides.

[@rcg9573]

This bike has relatively short chainstays and a road type trail measurement. Both of those should make it fine on the road given you are running a reasonable sized road tire. The issue is the cost for what you actually get. A) You are getting a mass produced CF frame with a 1,500+ gram relatively non-aero stock wheelset. B) you get a complete bike that in a size 56 with pedals and bottle cages attached will be a bit over 20 pounds. That’s the weight for a bike that comes stock with a goofy 1X config more appropriate for a MTB or a cross bike because the manufacturer just avoided providing you with a front derailleur and a 2nd chainring to save costs and nickel and dime you to death. C) You get a non-serviceable “futureshock” that when it wears out will cost $515 plus sales tax to replace (and again it is completely non-serviceable by the buyer). For that you are being asked to spend $8,000, which is the total price including sales tax. In any sane consumer world that would be considered nuts to pay anything close to that price for what you are actually getting. LOL 😆

[@adamossowski7627]

Do you think 58 size will be enough for 191 cm rider? cannot get 61 frame anywhere

[@dawkins292929]

Ben, ordered 2020 E5 Comp Diverge a week ago (first nice bike) and now the 2021 is available for $100 more (and little wait). Worth the upgrade (no future shock 2.0)? I will be using more on road and light gravel and wonder if new geo might be negative for me.

[@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?

[@JC-wk7fv]

I had a 2020 size 52 diverge where i sized down the stem from 90 to 70mm to shorten the reach. The new longer reach 2021 52 Diverge comes with a 70 mm stem. Could I effectively swap that out for a ~55mm to get this to about the same reach as my old one without it being too-too twitchy? I am 5'6" and not sure i want to size down on the bike or not.

[@carlyndolphin]

Great video ... Do you think that the S Works version is worth the extra money? Do you think there will be a noticeable difference?

[@jonoharper4729]

Imo, no, the S-works is over priced for the package. The sweet spot in the range, and best bang for your buck is from the Comp carbon to the Expert. Less than half the price, probably only one kilogram heavier, excellent group sets, and acceptable wheel sets. I bought the Comp carbon and added a set of C38 carbon wheels with a ceramic bearing kit, and still came in under half the price of the S-works version. It is a top performer and rolls beautifully. So, check for great value in the mid range specs, with some added clever mods that suit your needs. Good luck.

[@bikebudha01]

What are your thoughts about putting a flat bar on this bike??? (My gravel and forest service roads are rough and long. So I have issues with braking from road hoods on long 30-45 minute descents)

[@darrenbarlow5759]

Great video. How tall are you. I'm about 6ft, maybe 6ft and a 1/4 and I'm stuck between a 56 and 58 cm

[@Hintonbro.]

FYI - Specialized has confirmed that the FS only has 2 settings despite the dial implying more than that.

[@roloenweston1]

My only complaint about this bike is the long wait time to get it to my LBS. Ordered it 2 months ago (Sept 2021), and I'm told "hopefully it will be here by end of the year. :(

[@savilfrancis9431]

Great review, How tall are you? I saw that bike is kind of 56, I also have 56 diverge.

[@VeloNewsMagazine]

6ft / 183cm. I can ride 58s, but prefer 56s because my legs are short.

[@fadibedoush6054]

Any thoughts on cannondale topstone Vs the Diverge

[@Talos353]

Specialized is becoming overpriced for what you actually get. Who really wants hydraulic suspension in their steering for a gravel bike!? I'd rather get a topstone alloy 105 and buy some new wheels.

[@mitchellkasdin1899]

Your shoulders are wider than mine? It would probably work for me and keep my arms/hands in a neutral position. The manufacturers are going retro 80s and 90s MTB frame geometry? The mustache bars had quite a bit more flair so I think they done a good job on the drop bars so when you put your hands on the (brake) hoods for the flats you can open up your chest and breathe.

[@jonmc7583]

Do we have a release date for the Terra CL wheels specced here?

[@VeloNewsMagazine]

Right now the Terra CL wheels are OEM only.

[@tamake4492]

"Wanna watch me throw this bike over them mountain's?"

[@neilk22]

I owned the 1st gen carbon diverge, then bought the 2nd gen alu diverge with Fsr in the head tube, far better bike to own. I’m not sold in carbon gravel bikes at all, nor wheels for that matter. The new FSR is dampened by air instead of a spring now, I think the progression should be much smoother.

[@lyanbv]

the only thing common in the $1,100 and the $6,000+ are the decal stickers on the down tube.

[@GregorBrown]

Good one!

[@VeloNewsMagazine]

GREGOR!!! Thanks, hombre.

[@Mr.Scorpio79]

How tall are you and what size is the bike?

[@osint6372]

I thought the SL6 was your go to bike..?

[@Solarsystem50]

Have to give my wallet to my wife for safekeeping before watching this clip.

[@pault477]

Have done a review of the flat top?

[@VeloNewsMagazine]

Not yet. What do you think of that bike?

[@pault477]

VeloNews not sure -wish I could do a test ride. None in stock where I live. Odd that they wouldn’t include the hidden storage in this bike. I currently use an old Cannondale Slik 400 flattop which I use on gravel and road and looking forward to an upgrade, The Cannonade is over 20 years old.

[@trust5977]

Threaded BBs are the only way to go now. My pressed fits have given me nothing but fits.

[@LanterneRougeCycling]

Agree Schwalbe G One is the Goated tire

[@AmsterDanTheAmerican]

What is the chosen BB standard?

[@BoxCarBoy12]

Good ol' threaded BSA!

[@javiercampos8960]

Really that’s your complaint the lack of levers?

[@DilbertMuc]

Check the levers at Canyon. They are integrated in the axle itself and can be pulled out in an instance. Of course they a bit cost more, which Specialized could not offer at $6700.00 for this bike... :D))))

[@archman1965]

How is this bike on road? Looking at Diverge for road and gravel combo bike.

[@VeloNewsMagazine]

It’s good but it’s not a road bike. By putting on 28s you will be 80% there, but the geo and the suspension are dialed for gravel.

[@keljaxradiopod5494]

@@VeloNewsMagazine So would the 2019/20 model you had it compared to be better for road? the black with shiny blue and weird seat post bike you showed....

[@bikebudha01]

Single chainrings are the single stupidest idea for road/gravel. You either give up the 'ends' of the range, OR the jumps between gears are massive. A double is an option on this bike...

[@VeloNewsMagazine]

I won't argue with you on that.

[@RickClifton]

Totally agree - I run 2x GRX 810 and they shift as well today, w/ 6,200 miles, as when brand new.

[@rcg9573]

Totally agree. The component manufacturers have scammed buyers by convincing many of them 1X is better for gravel. Utter nonsense. The real reason they do it is to save costs by not having to provide the bike with the 2nd chainring, the front derailleur, and in many cases a front shifter (just a brake lever). It has nothing to do with providing the buyer with a better bike. It’s all about increasing their margins selling an inferior product.

[@bikebudha01]

@@rcg9573 Exactly. Ever notice how 1x setups cost the same as 2x setups???

[@Hernsama]

Is this the guy that does some bike show? Forgot the guys name. Maybe biker radar?

[@Bubblygoat]

Where is this filmed!!?

[@JeffRejent]

Looks like Colorado, Boulder area.

[@VeloNewsMagazine]

Yep! Just south (b roll with my son and coworker) and north (talking parts) of Boulder.

[@alves81]

I always tought people, prefered gravel, because it was much more simple. No shocks to maintain etc... the rubber thing, has a huge gap to the frame, good for mud

[@javiercampos8960]

Seems like you’re reaching there Ben!

[@VeloNewsMagazine]

:-)

[@lenkiewitcz]

6K....Have bikes become more expensive?

[@rcg9573]

More like closer to $8K with sales tax for a 20+ pound bike with non-aero wheels. LOL

[@dannyzuehlsdorf3697]

I passed this guy safely in my car and he STILL gave me the finger!

[@stevenknight6393]

...and we can receive it? 202_?

[@2000acuracer]

I love the no lever axles, looks so much cleaner. I guess the reviewer always have to take out the wheel to load it to the car unlike me.. otherwise why would you want that lever.

[@rcg9573]

To fix a flat??? 😆😆😆

[@2000acuracer]

@@rcg9573 I have my multitool to take off the wheel

[@rcg9573]

Have at it. I need no tool to remove tires for repairs. 😆

[@Merda_Propaganda_Yumerda]

Great review, but... Gravel with suspension? Oh my ass! Please! Don't cry... Rider a Full suspension...

[@saipaleti1277]

Can you please tell me where can I buy the bottles you have on the bike?

[@VeloNewsMagazine]

Those are CamelBak Podium bottles. I love the dirt caps!

[@MrNewlife1968]

Really need a 2x crankset.

[@michaelhammond4150]

Are there any bikes not made in China?

[@house9Tube]

I think Specialized are made in Taiwan

[@chrisgravel7157]

Hey Ben great review! Wondering how tall are you? I look at the geo and go 56 but size chart says 58 seems really long...The former diverge didn't quite nail it for me but love the changes they made and better spec options

[@VeloNewsMagazine]

Hi Chris. I am 6ft/183cm. Most size charts tell me 58 too, but I have stumpy legs and like the 172.5 cranks/42 bars that come on 56s.

[@chrisgravel7157]

@@VeloNewsMagazine awesome thanks for those details Ben.

[@dodecadadron]

@@VeloNewsMagazine Great review! At 5'9"/175 with 32" inseam I rode a size 56 in the 2020 model. This felt big but comfortable. With reach and stack changes I'm thinking about sizing down to 54. Can you make any recommendations based on your experience with the 2020 and 2021 models? I'm newish to road cycling and trying to figure out the right frame size.

[@K777John]

Rob Peace-If it helps I am the same height as you with the same inseam, and I ride a Roubaix in a 54.

[@bikebudha01]

Your thoughts on adding a dropper post?

[@VeloNewsMagazine]

I've enjoyed using a dropper on a Thesis and an Evil, but my habits are so roadie these days that I seldom think of it. For the riding and racing I do, I haven't felt the need to add one to any bike I've had.

[@bikebudha01]

@@VeloNewsMagazine Thanks for the feedback. Hot tip for you, next summer, look up Vicious Cycle in Washington state. They put on the best gravel series on the planet. Notably, the last 3 Grand Fondo events. Massive climbs, massive descents, middle of nowhere, beautiful... If you can only make one, do Winthrop....

[@kenkokenko1682]

is the presenter Ben Delaney?

[@VeloNewsMagazine]

Yep!

[@kenkokenko1682]

@@VeloNewsMagazine , my favourite presenter!!! I am a teacher, in my first year, I watched Ben D presented, copied his style as much as I could during my teaching lessons. I got a great student reviews. tq Ben.

[@goodboyringo9716]

Grab a bike ? How about grab a large bank account ? I spoke with my wife about a $2000 bike and she shit her pants and rub it in my face, I think that means I'm not getting one.

[@lestergarabito608]

🤣

[@mrparrotman03]

My skepticism is gone.

[@minethegap]

Didn’t Brad Pitt drive a tank in inglorious basterds? Now he’s riding a bike

[@involuntarysoul3867]

threaded BB? say no more

[@MarkHenderson-fc4by]

This is my first road kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and I have taken it out a handful of times and so far it is exceeding all of my expectations. I didn’t want to break the bank on a first bike and the herd is a great option for getting a fast bike with reliable components. I plan on riding this bike for many years to come. Thank you Sava!

[@marcuswong1797]

"Powermeter included" ? not a fat chance at that price.. this aint a Giant haha

[@alexsp7086]

:)) still 7000 euro is a rip off for any bike with a pedal :)

[@rcg9573]

$7,500 for a 1,500+ gram only moderately aero wheelset and a bike that in a size 56 weighs over 20 pounds with pedals and bottle cages installed. Wow, tulip mania has come to the modern bicycle market. 😆😀

[@ravenone6255]

Love bike riding but the price of them are getting ridiculous 🤑high 👍Gravel bike

[@2000acuracer]

but there's always a much cheaper version in the line up.. maybe you just hate seeing much cooler bikes than what you have or would have lol.

[@BoxCarBoy12]

If it didn't have the Future Shock and the low BB drop, I'd be all over this thing...

[@jestemkwita]

They delete Sequoia and tehy put it to the new Diverge. For me deleting Sequoia was incomprehensible.

[@Dunc2222]

What do you consider the difference between them? And what comparative advantages did the Sequoia have? I test rode a Sequoia a few years ago and liked it, but have yet to try a Diverge.

[@osint6372]

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