2021 Specialized Diverge Review | A Tremendously Capable & Versatile Gravel Bike

This video contains paid product placement for Freewheel. The updated 2021 Specialized Diverge gravel bike adopts the new version of the Future Shock, mountain bike inspired geometry and increased tyre clearances.
BikeRadar’s assistant editor, Jack Luke, has been putting the Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon - the cheapest version of the bike to feature the Future Shock 2.0 and GRX components - through its paces. In this video, Jack takes us on a deep dive into the nitty-gritty of this versatile gravel bike.
What do you think of the Specialized Diverge? Is gravel suspension an unholy invention? Or a welcome friend? Don't forget to let us know your thoughts in the comments!
If you liked Jack's riding kit in this video then visit:
→www.freewheel.co.uk/ to find out more
Shoes:
→ www.freewheel.co.uk/shimano-r...
Socks:
→www.freewheel.co.uk/pearl-izu...
Shorts:
→www.freewheel.co.uk/pearl-izu...
Jacket:
→www.freewheel.co.uk/shimano-c...
Helmet:
→www.freewheel.co.uk/lazer-gen...
Glasses:
→www.freewheel.co.uk/100-hyper...
Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon review:
→ www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bik...
Specialized Diverge news:
→ www.bikeradar.com/news/2021-s...
Specialized Diverge launch video:
→ • Gravel Goes Flat Bar! ...
Jack and Joe's coast-to-coast adventure:
→ • 282KM Coast to Coast E...
Presenter: Jack Luke
Camera: Max Wilman
Editor: Robyn Furtado
Producer: Felix Smith
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#SpecializedDiverge #BikeRadarReviews #2021GravelBike

[@bikeradar]

Is gravel suspension an unholy invention? Or a welcome friend? Don't forget to let us know your thoughts in the comments! 😇🚴

[@KurtMueller]

Check your spelling on the video's title :)

[@PrzemyslawSliwinski]

2:25 - as you said, it's a genuinely handy system on a longer day.

[@bikeradar]

@@KurtMueller Nice spot 🙃Consider it amended!

[@calcite84]

Does the paid promotion apply to the bike or the reviewer's cycling kit?

[@markowsley4954]

I like the idea. As I get older I’m less concerned about speed and more about comfort. Wider tires and suspension stem could help my hands and shoulders. Diverge is high on my list for a new bike.

[@paulbrundrett4616]

I have the previous generation Diverge and I love it. I have two sets of wheels, one set with 32mm road tyres and one with 42mm off road tyres which I swap in and out depending on that days ride. It’s been my winter club ride bike for a couple of years and is a pleasure to ride on the road in any condition. I used it as a bike packing bike and of course off road getting to places my road bike would never take me. If I could only have one bike (let’s hope that never happens) this is the one I would have.

[@heinz-dieteroelmann9960]

another fine and skillful presentation, thanks a lot

[@backatya-bi8rx]

Great review. I'm in love my Diverge Pro Carbon. I was highly suspect of the suspension but rode it on some more technical NorCal trails and it worked flawlessly. It rides great on the road but man it seems to really come alive the second it hits dirt.

[@buckroger6456]

It really is a sick bike, if you got the skills this bike can put Mtb guys to shame unless they are good Mtb guys that is 😅

[@pk9099]

Excellent detailed review!

[@earlrogersjr3026]

It’s good to see something about specialized bikes on KZbin which is something you don’t see that often and that’s a shame

[@joeottsoulbikes415]

The GRX is really nice! I have been riding a Shimano 1X set up for years they didn't even realize they had. I took the Alfine Di2 road levers which were 1x commuter levers and mated them to an XT rear derailleur using an XT control unit/charge port. When I want 2X I just put on my FSA SLK 46/30 crank, Ultegra front derailleur and set up the syncroshift so I don't need the left shift levers. Using the Alfine left levers extra port and a spliter Ewire I am able to have two remotes. One for droping to go fast gears in the drops and one for climbing shifts on the flats. I feel it is a great set up that I had years before GRX was a thing. I'm able to use sycroshift with the XT control unit to run a 12/46 rear and and 46/30 front without having a chain too short or two long to create problems of crosschaining and tearing my derailleur off.

[@alexiscariaselmusico]

I got mine over a week ago and I can’t believe how great of a bike this is for the price, incredible. I got the diverge sport. I do mountain bike, this is my first gravel bike, and I now love both types of riding in a matter of 1 week lol I put over 50 miles on it. Do yourself a favor and get this bike 👌🏼.

[@guyonwheels368]

Just purchased this bike last Friday...in black, sorry :) Loving it so far. The most comfortable bike I've ridden yet.

[@plavo73]

Loving my Diverge Carbon Elite that I received a couple of weeks ago!

[@Hintonbro.]

Great review! You almost never hear the word ‘value’ in bike reviews! Kudos. How would you rate the new seatpost vs the CGR seatpost of the previous Diverge?

[@markmartel9026]

Very clear and informative. I would like to see a similar review of the high-end Diverge models.

[@Hintonbro.]

This is a high end version - most of the reviews seem to be comp to Sworks

[@glosprit]

Great review

[@teamredog2961]

Riding the same bike and mostly agree with your review. (except your color choice) I did replace the cheap /ugly bar with the Zipp AL gravel bar. My biggest complaint is the weight almost 21.5Lbs in size 58. That's the same as my HT. Still trying to dial in the tire pressure on the Pathfinder. Ran it as low as 30 front at 185Lbs. What is everyone else running?

[@KartGuy76]

I have this exact same model bike and absolutely love it. "You are a fool if you buy the black bike" - LOL. My Spesh dealer had to hunt high and low and managed to find me the last black model in my size (it's actually called smoke/carbon) that was available in the country. I did not like the look of the ice/blue/silver version. I must say that the paint on the black bike looks super thin and I find it takes some work to keep the matte finish looking clean. Nevertheless, I absolutely love the color. I also found the bolts on the SWAT cover too long. I quickly remedy'd this with a Dremel. And I stuck the retaining nuts in place with a small drop of silicon sealer. My dealer set my bike up tubeless at the time of purchase and am happy with how it works both off-road as well as on. I keep one of the original tubes, together with every possible bike tool I could ever need out there, in the down tube compartment. I agree with the limited space on the handlebar for attachments. I have ordered the Specialized out front accessory mount (as found on the Venge and all the new Tarmac SL7, etc) as it is compatible with this Diverge model. (You will notice the little slot on the stem cap). This will free up some space so that I can attach my head light.

[@thegumball5000]

Does the future shock complicate the process of removing / adjusting the handlebars or servicing head tube bearings yourself?

[@martinhumphrey5142]

I am interested that you applaud the ability to add mudguards. I bought the diverge, and then had to wait until the fabulous looking mudguards were available to buy. Once fitted, they grated on the OEM 38mm tyres. The mudguards were fine when moving to 28mm Road tyres - the rolling diameter of the bigger tyres was just too much. Moral of the story - check that the mudguards will fit even the standard fit tyres!!

[@keithknipling]

Great review. Curious what your thoughts are on the sizing and how it compares with other bikes. I’m 171cm, 816mm inseam, 712mm saddle height, and seem to be right between a 52 and the 54 you tested here. Cheers.

[@kevintaylor7837]

I wish someone would review the Diverge base E5 not everyone is looking to spend over 3k for a bike,

[@hawkman2496]

I have the base e5 in the orange color. I really like it, the Shimano Claris group set workers great. I used it for a bike packing trip and it was great. It is abit less aero than a road bike but it is very comftorbol. The breaks are only ok but I think my bike shop did a bad job bedding them in or something. The advantage of not having the future shock is you can easily raise and lower your stem. I would recommend the base e5!

[@kevintaylor7837]

@@hawkman2496 thanks, what did you feel the need to upgrade (if anything)? I know the brakes are mechanical and not hydraulic so not as good but I am thinking easier to maintain..

[@Stoatsta]

​@@hawkman2496 Hey there, what frame bags do you use for the E5 Diverge model? I have a E5 model too and am wondering what best frame bag combo's are out there :)

[@hawkman2496]

@@kevintaylor7837 the breaks where definitely not great when I got the bike but part of that was they where not bedded in. I am trying to bed them in now. I haven’t upgraded anything except for I got some more knobbier tires. I might look at new saddles because the saddle isn’t comftorbol for me.

[@hawkman2496]

@@Stoatsta I used a rear rack and some Panniers. I also used a frame bag and handlebar bag which I actually made myself. I made them out of old bike inner tubes which I dumpster-dived from the bike shop. I sewed them together and added a zipper and it worked great. Inner tube is the perfect material. If you want to try this you local bike shop is likely to just give you used inner tubes so you don’t need to dumpster dive. This way you can make bags with the features you want :) I did see that specialized website has some large seat packs on discount which look nice.

[@leejefferson7011]

Great review Could you do a review on the gravel bike, On one space Chicken from Planet X. I’d love to see what you thought on the bike with the sram rival 1x group set. Thank you

[@MrSkroid101]

V good review & v good bike. How do you feel about something like the Bombtrack Hook EXT-C ? Seems like a competitor in terms of bosses, clearance, use case etc just w/o bounce in the fork.

[@mrrobotnica]

I recently got mine with the Salmon orange (I think the official name is Blaze), that is the best colour for this bike hands down.

[@carpick]

Unfortunately not as option in Europe...

[@KurtMueller]

I got the bike and same color and Salmon Orange is spot on :D.

[@TheTennesseeYankee]

Me too, love it!

[@KieranJR26]

Hahaha that speed bump comment! My diverge gets 'sent' over every speed bump I come across!

[@bikeradar]

🤟🤟🤟🤟

[@frazergoodwin4945]

Really love my 2020 Diverge Sport. One down the range than the comp and "last years" model (eh, isnt it 2020 THIS year?!?) I've had it more than a year now and had my LBS deiver it with a GRX rear mech when I bought it. I run it tubeless and have gone up to the 42mm Pathfinder Pro tire - which does make it better off road. I've ridden long bikepacking tours, forest trails, and mixed surface rides. Its allways really comfy. But I also bought it Hunt Aero wide wheels which I run with Conti GP 5000 and it rides as a really nice road bike with them. Superbly versatile machine.

[@marshall1oo627]

as some one who works on/builds these bikes all the time at work, it does come with everything to set it up tubless. Almost all spesh bikes over 1k do.

[@Thememuz]

Good Video. would it be possible for you to also review the Diverge Sport as this is slightly more affordable than the Comp. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on this one also.

[@jjhova]

great review. mind sharing your height and the frame size?

[@victorgarciablancozz]

Would it perfom as a road bike if I buy an extra pair of racing wheels? 25mm. Could this be the do-it-all-bike? Tend to do some mtb/hard gravel and fast tarmac combinations.

[@DSPotapov]

2 month ago decided to buy my third bike (in addition to hardtail specialized rockhopper '19 & cyclocross merida CX '19). it was a hard choise between diverge comp carbon & roubaix comp carbon. & i got roubaix, because of % of tarmac in my rides. but if i'll have room for 2 new bikes, i'll definitely bought both ^_^ - they are really great! p.s. Ultegra RX - one love! ;)

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

I work in a bike shop and was critical of this when announced, figuring it was a more aggressive Sirrus-X, or an Epic HT with future shock instead of fork. Do we really need such a bike? Months later, I’ve been proven wrong. First, these are really hard to find, not just because of the pandemic, but because they proved to be very popular. People test ride them, and buy them on the spot, they are that fun to ride. They truly do strike a perfect balance as a tough gravel bike, and what that should be. The only quibble I now have is that the bars come on the wide end. This is especially true if you live in a heavily wooded or forested area, or are racing it, or just don’t see yourself needing the control it helps with on fast descents. This “issue” of course can be resolved with a hack saw - don’t over-cut though, doing so and making the bars too short can make the ride floppy when cornering.

[@chazphot]

Great job Jack, this is really comprehensive review. Would you have any recommendations for a good UK winter mud gravel tyre? Having some very "thrilling" rides myself lately now the weather is turning. I can take up to a 43 in my frame.

[@bikeradar]

I’m using the 40mm WTB Raddler on my Steamroller and I really like them!

[@0741921]

Does the frame take standard seat posts? I like the idea of having suspensions seat posts but a lot of High end bike these days have proprietary stuff which makes it impossible

[@andreteixeira5635]

Is the new Specialized Diverge equipped with future shock 2.0 any better than the GT Diverge from the comfort point of view or not really? I find my GT grade VERY comfortable but I still suffer bit at it's front end on realy rough offroad terrain and sometimes I consider buying the new Diverge suposing its front end would be more forgiving. Although I find much more rewarding to pedal the GT grade than a mountain bike, when I am not sure of how the ground of the trail will be like I still tend to pick my hardtail crosscountry bike due to its suspension fork. I wonder if I would ever use again my hardtail cross country bike if I had a Siverge with it's future shock. Could anyone answer me please? Where I live I cannot test ride a Diverge, but only buy one on internet sites.

[@luxuryviplifestyle9494]

Trillions like and best comment for you because you are best on Earth and follower respect you,we need videos in Real 120fps FullHD ,4K,8K and Sound in FullHD 3D

[@mej6519]

Still waiting for my 2020 diverge evo comp, ordered it in February this year, told that no new bikes in till Feb 2021.

[@oakeytablet4278]

Good video👌🏻 I live in Alicante where there is a lot of trail tracks, rocky and technics. I own a Merida Silex with some upgrades (flare bare-42mm tubeless tires) and really changed the behaviour of the bike. I was looking for a Diverge or Topstone Lefty, i was happy to hear you comparing both bikes, and i think the same as you. My question is: is really necessary a rear suspension? What are the advantages? I am fully satisfied with the rear work on my Merida (who makes me thinking a Diverge is perfect) because i am mixing offroad and road and afraid to loose a lot of energy if the bike would be fully suspended. Your opinion?

[@andreteixeira5635]

Do not worry about the cannondale topstone rear suspension. It only works and actuates on the hard bumps. On tarmac or gravel you simply don't fell any suspension work. As a matter of fact I had a Topstone carbon 105 and sold it because i felt it was very harsh on the trails. Now I have a Gt Grade carbon, wich is MUCH more comfortable.

[@dc1316]

Point to note, if you dont get the FS serviced by a dealer it actually voids your warrenty

[@GreyDuck54]

Got mines in the Orange. I love it. I see a lot of hate for the Diverge. But not me. Don't knock it till you rock it. Not all bikes are perfect for everyone.

[@S.Prestage]

Bikeradarrrr🥰

[@bikemike2255]

Hy. Is it possible do change the stem?

[@dicksonshafthandler5002]

Agreed on the Pathfinder Pro tyres. I've been running them on my Litespeed gravel bike for half a year now and they ride beautifully and provide impressive amounts of grip, *if* you get the pressure right for your weight and run them tubeless. 0.3 Bar to low and the feel spongy and have you bob up and down, 0.3 Bar too much pressure and they can feel too harsh on gravel. They are very durable, though, and have worked well and provided grip in cases where I'd have-at first glance-rather had the WTB Nano 40 on my bike.

[@buckroger6456]

I've been running Maxxis rambler in the rear and a Maxxis ravager in the front and it's got a ton of grip.

[@edjack1993]

I’ve got one of a previous generation Diverge. First ride on it was a bit of a revelation. So much fun to ride on road and gravel. Future shock 1.0 works really well and not much to go wrong with it from a maintenance perspective. And the bike has a sweeeet matt blue paint job. Love it.

[@johnwright4218]

Great review just a shame it’s out of date re the price the 2021 comp carbon is £3600!

[@oreoswithasideofmilk9703]

You guys gotta get a review of the evo version of this

[@bikeradar]

We'd love to! It looks like a total hoot. Like this comment and I'll get one in to review 😎Jack

[@eduardobraga4461]

I’m currently trying to decide between the Roubaix and the Diverge, I ride zero singletrack and mostly dirt farm roads. Both bikes have great reviews by bikeradar but I still can’t decide haha...might just go with a Trek Domane

[@jonoharper4729]

Farm roads & fire roads = Diverge. Flexy Terra seat post and future shock 2.0 give you unparalleled comfort and rider confidence. I added a set of Roval C38 carbon wheels to mine. Love this bike. Ps...I got the boring black 😉

[@eduardobraga4461]

Jojo Harper The local bike shop let me test ride the Diverge with C38 wheels. It was the Sport model (no terra seatpost). It is definitely an upgrade to the Canyon Inflite AL that I currently ride. Looks like I can test the Roubaix as well but I’m pretty sure it won’t be as comfortable as the Diverge

[@KartGuy76]

@@jonoharper4729 what tires are you running on those C38s? I'm tempted to get a set of them for when I use my Diverge on the road. (I specifically wanted the black bike too; it was a deal breaker for me hahaha)

[@alia832]

Hello and thanks for the lively review of the Diverge. Is this bike ( base e5 ) suitable for a beginner rider? Thanks

[@TheFlyingPLiner]

It's a great bike, base e5 is a good starting point. Upgrade the wheels later on once you're more experienced.

[@mauriciocastano9822]

What do you think about the aluminum version of this bike: the Elite E5? Between the Scott Speedster 20 2022 Gravel Bike and the Specialized Diverge Elite E5 2021 (or 2021), which of these two bikes would do you choose?

[@High_Octane]

less problems than carbo from what ive seen. just got my aluminium. theres no difference.

[@MSimky]

What is the difference between this and the Roubaix?

[@ganchinho]

I guess if you are able to buy the expensive model it's going to be an awesome experience, but the base model E5...just seems to expensive for what it is... why is it really versatile?

[@matteosantacaterina7318]

hi jack, could it also be configured well as a road bike?

[@jonathanzappala]

You can just add road tires to any gravel bike that is 700c, it won’t be entirely the same, but it will be fine for pavement.

[@latbiohab385]

How i wish to have a bike even just a simple one❤️❤️❤️

[@WerdnaLiten]

I'm seriously tempted by the Diverge, but Specialized's pricing puts me off & the servicing of the FutureShock. I suspect this is a better solution than a RedShift stem?

[@elachichai]

Pandemic pricing. It was 2500 last year. 2800 and then 3300 during pandemic

[@tomas7403]

Tooo expensive. Part of the beauty of gravel bikes is that they are simple and therefore cheap, and specialized is focused on transforming that simplicity in a ridiculous expensive bike. For warranty reasons I have been temporarily borrowed a gravel bike with shimano Claris and surprisingly it works great, it's incredible how much money we pay for something we actually don't need

[@trdriver430]

agreed

[@High_Octane]

have fun with the crap gear ratio and brakes that wont stop for hell.

[@chronometa]

Anyone know what their enbike equivalent might be?

[@samvilla6290]

I’m considering getting one of these. Would you say it could race cross well too? Or would I be better off getting a cross bike and riding gravel on it?

[@brody5211]

Would be poor enough - low BB , slower steering , heavier and double chainset Would get you around but a nice light vitus or superx cx bike would be great . Still it’s a great gravel bike

[@buzzman4860]

Very good Jack.

[@bikeradar]

Stop, I'll blush x

[@killnme6212]

I’m not against the shock, could it be removed? Could I build a diverge without?

[@marcustan5868]

No

[@nuttynut722]

you can never get this kind of in depth review from gcn

[@conman1395]

That's because they are sponsored by bike companies. So they don't do reviews.... 🤦‍♂️

[@abedfo88]

That's my problem with GCN as they are propped up by 10's of sponsors they have zero leeway to offer any critical insight.

[@WtfYoutube_YouSuck]

this is a commercial.

[@404nobrakes]

You're an absolute idiot if you're looking for reviews on GCN despite the fact that they CONSTANTLY SCREAM THAT THEY DON'T DO REVIEWS. They're a channel that makes money by marketing bike related stuff.

[@bikeradar]

@@WtfKZbin_YouSuck wrong - this is a 100% editorially independent review. Any sponsored content we produce will be marked as such. In any case, BikeRadar’s reviews will never be for sale. No exceptions.

[@timdixo]

Would be great but the Future Shock makes for a huge stack height and makes sizing problematic. If they did a version without it I’d be all in.

[@simondawson8493]

Agreed, it's a great bike with a ridiculously high stack height. And it's nothing to do with the future shock, they could make it lower if they wanted to - on the Roubaix they made the standard one with a high stack height, then when the pro riders complained they bought out a team edition, still with the future shock but with a sensible, slammable, stack height.

[@petef15]

'convergence between gravel and mountain bikes' I wonder why?

[@db613]

Needs integrated cables like Kanzo Fast

[@jacqueschiron4035]

Dream build on this frameset?

[@Calispeedboi]

Future shock looks to the past canondale headshock?

[@KevinSatterthwaite]

yes, lots of similarities.

[@bnzboy]

I'll get it in a heartbeat if there was an option to completely remove the future shock

[@kevinwhite2601]

@@andypaul999 Unfortunately a future shock equipped bike will not accept a fork with a regularly steerer tube. I work in a bike shop and recently a customer brought his Diverge in for a checkup and we discovered cracking in the steerer where the future shock collar threads into the fork. Had to get a new bike with a "Crash Replacement" discount.

[@buckroger6456]

@@kevinwhite2601 damn that blows. Was it on the inside or outside? I thrash the heck out of mine and some pretty rocky Mtb single tracks blowing past dudes, love the look they give after they find out it was a gravel bike 😅

[@kevinwhite2601]

@@buckroger6456 If you were to look straight down at the steerer in the bike it was like the steerer tube was coming apart in layers, not really cracking on the inside or out just kinda like the weave was coming apart. thats the best way I can describe it

[@channul4887]

@@kevinwhite2601 "we discovered cracking in the steerer where the future shock collar threads into the fork" Stock bike or modified one? If stock then that should be a warranty replacement not "crash" replacement.

[@kevinwhite2601]

@@channul4887 I know, but that's not what specialized decided. So he got a new, and I would say much improved comp carbon, after riding it for three years for 1600, so not the worst deal in the world but considering it should have been a warranty...not great. My manager went back and forth with Specialized to get the crash replacement up from 35% off to 50%, because obviously we felt bad.

[@Hintonbro.]

Wouldn’t the Trek Checkpoint be the closest competitor? It has Isospeed suspension.

[@mariadigiovanni1168]

I just watched this review and I am actually selling my checkpoint because with a size 49, the toe overlap is extreme. I wish the checkpoint was the solution, not for me, and I love Trek- lots of bang for the buck.

[@qibble455]

Wouldn't mtb pedals and shoes be a better fit on this bike? Road shoes can't deal with much dirt and mud.

[@bikeradar]

The RX8 shoes are MTB SPD shoes (: Cheers! Jack

[@Foster_B]

The black is about 68037645x cooler than that other color

[@bikeradar]

Boooooo - black bikes are boring! www.bikeradar.com/features/enough-with-the-black-bikes-already/

[@samvilla6290]

Agreed! I love that diverge in the pink and blue color. The crazier the better! 🤪🤟

[@boostenmkiv]

Does your seat clamp keep loosening? We have 2 Diverges and they both require higher torque than recommended, and the clamp comes loose over time

[@bikeradar]

Funnily enough, I thought I *did* have this problem at the start of testing before I realised there was absolutely no carbon assembly paste on the seat post haha. That solved the issue for me!

[@boostenmkiv]

@@bikeradar there was none on ours either! Adding paste helped for sure, but have notice the clamp loosens and WILL tighten again after a few rides (to the same previous torque spec with exact same wrench)

[@samhamfast]

"You are a fool if you buy the black bike." LOL

[@jonoharper4729]

I confess, I'm a fool then. I got the boring black, and love it 👌

[@powernab8457]

@@jonoharper4729 I'd get the black one too!

[@thepleasureroom9646]

Swap to carbon wheels and all terrain tyres and you're good to go

[@Pratalax]

HUBUDUHBUBUHDUHWHA former colleague Joe?! I fuckin missed this, what the heck! I'll always treasure those glorious hill climb diaries...

[@bikeradar]

Joe left us for pastures new in June 😪Don't worry - we still ride together! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYuxonxja7F0eM0

[@buckroger6456]

It's a amazing gravel bike and even more so with flat bars but hey I'm a Mtb guy so flat bars are my thing. Oh and the future shock does help to take some of the jolt off your hands.

[@LVang152]

Even this video is 2 yrs old, but I should have picked up this instead of rockhopper.

[@Calispeedboi]

Lol good for the year. 14hrs a week = 33 weeks per shock.

[@joeottsoulbikes415]

I am just not sold on the future shock. To me it allows way way too much play in the bars and a feeling of lack of stearing control. I feel the same about the Trek ISO front. I prefer the ideal of suspension on the fork like Cannondale. Other than that I like the Diverge. I wish they made a carbon bike like the Diverge without the Future shock.

[@Fixin-To]

Just switch it off?…

[@joeottsoulbikes415]

@@Fixin-To the basic version can not be locked out. Even when locked out the front is still very very flexy. You can hold the ends of the bars and rock them up, down, forward and back quite a bit without much pressure. I think part of that is the stem no longer clamps to an 1 1/8 steerer tube. It clamps to a spacer that binds on a part about 10 or 12mm in diameter. I may like it more if they could stiffen that up. I don't mind the up and down movement much as that only really happens when the terrain demands it. It's the movement in all other directions I do not like. Even the old Proflex suspension stem had less flex.

[@BikeLife154]

Specialized are having a laugh with their pricing! Just what we need more proprietary parts on a bike, NOT!

[@markmartel9026]

Oh, I agree with the comment below that the black model looks great. Sorry...

[@jameswoods4656]

My problem with the shock would be finding a mechanic qualified to work on it.

[@jonathanzappala]

Maybe the specialized dealer the bike was purchased from?

[@vegyburger4588]

Has Joe left BR?

[@bikeradar]

Joe left us for pastures new in June 😪Don't worry - we still ride together! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYuxonxja7F0eM0

[@daniellovett6213]

Pictured riding on MTB trails! did you find any gravel?😂 Gap in the market ,not! Lovely bike but if you have a hard tail MTB and a road bike, not needed. MTB are way more fun off road.If UK had real endless gravel roads I'd have one .

[@robbchastain3036]

A black frame has its place in a race, that "just finished last night, didn't have time to paint, just here to win" look. But otherwise, it seems boring and lazy, like someone can't be bothered to properly complete their bike. And the paint job is at least half of what makes a bike cool.

[@stevensantana8049]

Got a none disc bike?

[@jonathanzappala]

If you want a non disc gravel bike you have to buy a old touring bike or old cx bike with canti breaks. That’s the only way big tires fit in rim brakes.

[@stevensantana8049]

@@jonathanzappala no thanks man only real cyclist ride rim brakes it won the tour the France and the tour of SPAIN disc brakes are having to much problems.. more more maintenance more disc rubbing why do you think that in the tour they keep on changing their bikes on disc brakes all time why... Because disc rubbing.. but if like to take your disc bike to the bike shop 2 or 3 times of week be my guest...

[@jonathanzappala]

@@stevensantana8049 sorry but I have to be rude, what does that mean? So a mountain biker is not a real cyclist? Go take your elitist velominati trash and leave everyone else alone. People used to say the same thing about STI levers, they said it about carbon, they said it about aero wheels, they said it about di2, the said it about skinsuits. Find me a mountain biker who wants rim brakes. Last time I checked the Tour de France is not a gravel race, and nobody will ever be riding a diverge in a professional road race.

[@MRDTBOSS]

@@jonathanzappala seriously spot on

[@sammcloughlin]

Wait where's Joe?

[@bikeradar]

Joe left us for pastures new in June 😪Don't worry - we still ride together! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYuxonxja7F0eM0

[@jevanskickstandcrew8373]

☹️

[@stevec6232]

What happened to Joe?

[@bikeradar]

Joe left us for pastures new in June 😪Don't worry - we still ride together! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYuxonxja7F0eM0

[@Zzyyxx22]

@@bikeradar is he as quick given his new ebike career?!

[@FOE7]

The availability of Diverge is horrible. Everything below Sport Carbon is not available. One or two model might be available in spring and Sport Carbon will not be available NEXT YEAR!!!!!

[@bikeradar]

I think that's the case for pretty much all bikes! Component and frame manufacturers simply can't keep up with demand. A blessing and a curse.

[@JogBird]

yay, another consumable component w questionable long term serviceability and availability of parts

[@Paulklampeeps]

And you are not wrong

[@Hintonbro.]

Yeah you better not order a Diverge. By the way, the FS works really well.

[@AW-wy3xv]

@@Hintonbro. works well except after a couple of thousand miles, then you are in for some money

[@andrewnorris5415]

£3.5k, bikes are supposed to save the planet, but consumerism and promotions are everywhere. In a few years, there will be another "big thing" and these will get so cheap, inc. many hardly used versions. Bikeradar benefits from us purchasing more new bike products, my wallet does not.

[@lookpro.rideslow]

After 500 hours to only cost $110 for replacement?? If you’re already buying a bike for that large sum of money you should be able to afford the replacement. You could save a dollar a day and be able to have enough money to have it repaired.

[@actualperson1971]

Wait what since when is the diverge a gravel bike I thought it was a touring/classic bike wtf

[@jonathanzappala]

That’s the roubaix, but then again most every gravel bike is actually a touring bike of old. Relaxed geo, bigger tires, and rack mounts.

[@osint6372]

The stock wheels and tires suck....They are too heavy......Replace with a pair of HUNTs and GravelKing SK tires and it's a game changer.

[@nlagin]

Nice. What model and size Hunts did you end up getting?

[@fedearbelaez4912]

That door is a lazy design. Should be hinged and the bottle cage could be fixed with a simple slot and thumb nut qr system.

[@SamanthaBep]

former colleague joe?

[@bikeradar]

Joe left us for pastures new in June 😪Don't worry - we still ride together! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYuxonxja7F0eM0

[@bikebudha01]

Diverge vs Roubaix vs Domane... That is the question...

[@matemarijan3795]

Why dont people ride MTB on MTB trail is beyond me.

[@justinzak5025]

Swapped the wheels. Those wheels are ridiculously heavy.

[@rileybuchanan8968]

first

[@bikeradar]

Well done!!! You get ONE BILLION BikeRadar gold stars xoxoox

[@Sergio_Math]

Whoa whoa whoa "Former" colleague Joe? What happened?

[@bikeradar]

Joe left us for pastures new in June 😪Don't worry - we still ride together! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYuxonxja7F0eM0

[@Sergio_Math]

@@bikeradar My heart is broken. If Jack leaves I'd be devastated!

[@bikeradar]

@@Sergio_Math Don't worry - I'm still here 😎

[@supersucka]

Cable housing looks ugly....

[@crislee4057]

"Send" is usually reserved for MTB-rides. Do not "send" with 20mm suspension. Just don't.

[@bikeradar]

Unless you're an absolute rockstar (like me), in which case you can send that puppy first class 😎😎😎Jack

[@rah4981]

I don't believe in the gravel bike hype. Never will. Reminds me of the fatbikes that was very popular a couple of years ago, before it faded away. Very few people ride them now, I think the same will happen with gravel bikes. A dedicated road bike and a MTB is all the bikes you will ever need.

[@jojoadeyemi8239]

They're just off road trail bikes marketed to roadies. They'll be rebranded as light touring adventure bikes in a few years.

[@DavidSaundersPosts]

Where I live there’s 100s of miles of true gravel roads with loose over hard, and long climbs. Neither a road nor MTB are fast enough to keep up. Maybe gravel bikes won’t stay in your area but here they’re the new king.

[@dcliftonsimms]

Locking your rear brake and skidding all over the place destroys trails and is bad for your bike and tyres and shows a lack of finesse...

[@burjoketan355]

Yeah....$7000 😁