Specialized Diverge Review: The Do-It-All Gravel Bike? | Cycling Weekly

Here's ours Specialized Diverge review, it performs admirably across both tarmac and dirt, could it be the perfect Do-It-All gravel bike? What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below!
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[@shaunparfett]

Probably the best and most comprehensive bike review I have ever watched.

[@dickiedollop]

Shaun Parfett so if it was a beer then it would a Carlsberg 😁

[@eekamouseman]

Carbon is shi.... 1 too expensive 2 doesn't age well 3 you yes you have no idea how it was built

[@johndorney7812]

This is a more realistic view of what a gravel bike really is for most people, in my opinion. I.e. it's likely to spend as much time on tarmac, especially bad tarmac as on gravel. So focus on how it does on extreme downhill mtb trails is not really the most important thing, but how it does getting you to the trails and on mixed surfaces is.

[@vigneshie]

This is a model for how bike reviews should be done. Nice video length. Touched on all the nuanced details that make a difference. Nice mix of showing the presenter, bike action and details on the bike. Well done.

[@alaricfinn9801]

i guess im randomly asking but does any of you know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account?? I was stupid forgot my account password. I love any tricks you can offer me

[@blainekolton3151]

@Alaric Finn instablaster :)

[@alaricfinn9801]

@Blaine Kolton I really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and Im trying it out now. Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@alaricfinn9801]

@Blaine Kolton it did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thanks so much, you really help me out :D

[@blainekolton3151]

@Alaric Finn You are welcome :D

[@hogdog567]

More fork offset lowers the trail figure which speeds up the handling not slows it down. Specialized have done this to compensate for the slacker head angle, not to accentuate it.

[@charlesdegaulle1943]

I never though I would enjoyed a bicycle review. I am going to get this bicycle because of this review.

[@veraschmidt8308]

I agree. I always liked the Diverge and the review reinforced to get it soon.

[@felixdieu]

I've got this specific bike. Fast on smooth gravel. Took it on the Convict Trail in the bush north of Sydney. It is 100% an MTB trail so we pushed the gravel bikes to the limits and it was a lot of fun. I'd definitively put 650b on it because I like challenging trails. Also, I buckled both wheels going on a cattle grid (60kph at the bottom of a hill, just before a river crossing, not my smartest moment) but I managed to straighten them at home and now I run tubeless with 44c WTB Raddlers. Gearing is perfect: I climbed 18% gravel slopes with that gearing so it is appropriate for my profile. I might put an 11-40 cassette on it (has been done) for bikepacking. Australia has some nasty slopes in the bush. The SWAT box is so handy. I've got some much space in my handlebar bag and no saddle bad!!!! The best money, I ever spent. I love this bike.

[@jonoharper4729]

I've put an 11-42 cassette on mine, turn the b-screw out fully and a longer chain, it runs perfectly and gets up those steep climbs effortlessly.

[@felixdieu]

@@jonoharper4729 11-42 is my new setup with a Goatlink10. Perfect shifting and the goatlink allows the B-screw to get a good base.

[@edjack1993]

I’ve got the 2018 version. Superb bike. Other than swapping out the hideous/uncomfortable RS505 levers, and putting on some Schwalbe G-One tyres (tan sidewalls, of course), it’s been perfect since day 1. One of the most fun bikes I’ve owned. Happy enough with Futureshock 1.0. Less sophisticated, but does the job and less parts to service in the future!

[@AA-ht8pn]

Pressfit bb was shit on my 2018 one

[@rogerfournier3284]

Very nice will be getting one on my 59th birthday. I had the Specialized Rockhopper rode up to Mount Rainer Plateau, 15 miles up in Seattle, Washington, in 1995. Looks like a good Touring bicycle. Thanks for your candid review.

[@Luchopapa16]

As someone who owns the same bike (slightly different model) I can say your review is 100% right on.

[@robertpreato6382]

I agree with you on threaded BB being better than PF. Some argue that threaded BBs are heavier and restrict tire clearance. Both of these are true but only very marginally, and threaded BBs are much easier to work on for the home mechanic, last longer and almost never creak.

[@yetanotherhobby5698]

Amen! The PF BB on my 2019 Diverge is really the only thing I don't like about the bike.

[@AA-ht8pn]

@@yetanotherhobby5698 I ended up getting a warranty replacement mine was so bad

[@illmatik0ne241]

Finally got my comp carbon last month after being told global supply would keep it from me until next year. It’s been a fantastic month and I’m really bummed our season is coming to an end. The GRX groupset and Futureshock 2.0 are fantastic.

[@veraschmidt8308]

That’s a fantastic review of the Specialized Diverge. Good video showing off road and on tarmac including technical details. Thank you.

[@julianhj]

Cheers, I've just ordered this bike.

[@julianhj]

And unfortunately Specialized have screwed me over, having pushed delivery back on a weekly basis for the last month, they’re now saying no availability until January.

[@michelemagnani2922]

You'll have a long time to wait for... 😒

[@beandob]

@@julianhj sorry to hear that... Check all the Specialized shops within driving distance if you haven't already... I got really lucky a week ago and found a Diverge (E5 Elite) in Portland, they had a 61cm in stock (I think I lucked out because I'm tall, but it's really hard to find bikes right now).

[@AllanPhillips]

A good thorough review. Cycling Weekly content on KZbin is definitely improving.

[@Hintonbro.]

I wish you had mentioned the seatpost. I believe this model has the replacement for the CGR seatpost. Important addition for rear compliance. Does it improve the ride noticeably vs a regular carbon post?

[@CAPRAQUEENRC]

I’m just glad they took all my recommendations except the 2.0 future shock 💯❤️

[@MrGreekstatue]

Love my diverge.

[@nstr9829]

Super nice review! I have the same model for 2 month now and i am suprised that you face the same things i experienced during that time. I saw the duck tape to hold to tube protection in your video. I face the same issue :D I ride a mix of 70% Offroad and 30% Road. The future shock is reallly nice biut when it comes to rough terrain, it is not made for it anymore. The adjustment is not really an adjustment. Thanks a lot!

[@hornetluca]

11:36 this is a really clever idea

[@derekbusby7662]

Excellent review. Thank you.

[@plavo73]

Waiting for my comp carbon to be built! So excited! What type of pedals/ shoes did you use?

[@Tony-tu7gq]

Good video I’m thinking this bike the Giant revolt advanced or Treck checkpoint sr6 wish I could take a demo out would make my decision a lot easier.

[@christianschuster4171]

Very good deep review - Thanks 🙏

[@LOZUPONEJ]

How much weight can it handle for touring? Can it take a rear rack?

[@robertrannala5564]

I have a gravel bike and i ride with it in the trainings when the others have road bikes and I’ve tried to ride a road bike on tarmac and gravel bike and if you want to ride on tarmac fast and do some climbs then you should probably have a road bike in my opinion!

[@jp93309]

That huge gap in the frame at the headset when you press down on the futureshock really gets my OCD. It’s just messy and inelegant. Another bike with redshift stem or Lauf Grit fork would achieve the same damping effect.

[@MrYoumitube]

Okay, this is my Xmas present wish from Santa this year.

[@mwscoofield]

I just got one of the last ones that were in stock in my region. Dream bike! Specialized have really outdone themselves. The FutureShock might be gimmicky, but it definitely helps when you're on longer rides. The SWAT box is what got me hooked, tho. It's just a genius idea to have storage in the downtube. It's not the lightest bike, but some carbon wheels could definitely help in that area.

[@jaspreetsidhu5708]

I don't think it's a gimmick riding road I'll lock it out. When I'm riding some really bad roads I'll just open it up a bit. Riding fsr's the decents cuts out so much chatter, saves the hands so much.

[@lou8854]

Great Review. How do you feel this bike long term would deal with larger riders? that ride a ton. 260lbs/6'2

[@junkandcrapamen]

Looks like the headset on one of those will fill with gunk. What's with that gap at the top of the headtube?

[@NU6W]

Hey Rupert, this is a great review - thank you! How tall are you? It looks like you're towering over the top tube in the shots where you're standing behind the bike. I recently bought this bike in a 58 and I have maaaybe 1.5 inches of clearance over the top tube. Appreciate the info and review!

[@Vildskud99]

About sizing . Is the chart from specialized ok . Or size down . Im 186 cm should i go for a 58 . Advice appreciated thanks . Great review

[@michelemagnani2922]

Very nice video. But i ordered mine in the end of May and i'm still waiting for it. Sooner or later i'll be able to ride in. 🤔

[@lari5km51]

Kindda the answer I was looking for 😎

[@joephoksbergen6569]

Hi guys, its not a question regarding the video, but I want to buy a direct drive turbo trainer. Any thoughts on buying second hand? Or is it better to just spend the extra money and buy new?

[@TeoSluga]

On this type of roads/paths that are displayed here in the video you can easily go with your ordinary endurance road bike with some cheap alu wheels and some cheap non-slip tires...

[@covali69]

Thanks for the review I'm currently looking at 3 Gravel Bikes, 3T Exploro, Canyon Grail CF and the Diverge. 3T and Canyon seem to be rather aggressive in handling. If your go into a bit more detail, how would you describe the Diverge in this regard?

[@Max-dj5qj]

Definitely take the diverge, if you want to get it more comfortable. The future shock 2.0 is even nicer with full lockout. But most for the money, of course Canyon. I ride the 2021 E5 comp, my brother the grail Al

[@emanuelecamozzi2336]

Hava a look at the Open up

[@vatnalament6585]

Canyon raised the prices of about 100£ since the pandemic, very unfriendly policy to take advantage of it. Also, they'll start to deliver the bikes in December or November. Thank you, no thank you

[@jellyfishsalad5926]

Great review. Thanks. I wonder how much it costs in Australia.

[@Happybiker1980]

Interesting how you said the GRX brake lever pivot point is higher to provide more leverage... It's only higher (18mm) on the Di2 model isn't it?

[@bnzboy]

With the road being so rough on certain areas, this might be the solution

[@matthewwilson2864]

That's what the Roubaix is for

[@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 you choose?

[@chriskros8858]

For the E5 price I bought carbon bike Kellys Soot 90. I also took on the cosideration Scott Addict Gravel 30 but it was over 20% more expensive. Speedster is not gravel bike. For riding on tarmac roads should be faster.

[@boomboomtradingroom9646]

Hey not sure if you'll see this but I had a question. I am thinking about getting the diverge as my all-arounder. My riding style is mixed: some days I'm only on the road, other days I'll be off road. Also looking to bike pack. Do you have experience running smaller tires on this bike, or perhaps using a second set of wheels? I guess I'm just trying to figure out how the road performance would be... I'm typically 70% road, 30% off and just wondering if you swapped the wheels and how the performance changed. Subscribed and thanks!

[@dominiksiejak7432]

I’m thinking about buying this bike (haven’t had a chance to ride it yet). Any chance you could compare this bike to endurance bike like Roubaix or Domane? I do fairly long rides (longest one so far is 305km) and usually 60-70% is on tarmac but I also enjoy riding gravel segments as well. In general I would like to have lots of speed on tarmac and gravel (any kind) capability. Is Diverge my bike?

[@awesomesloppyjoe]

Domane can accommodate 38c tires. If you dont like the future shock or the "beginner/easy to ride" geometry from the diverge i would get the domane. If "road bike" feeling or weight matters to you look at the 3T exploro race or open wi.de.

[@MAGAIVER]

It could be if you are willing to deal with the suspension on the stem, I own a Trek Checkpoint ALR and found it be an incredibly capable and comfortable bike on and off road, no suspension needed. And the checkpoint has the bonus of being able to carry 4 water bottles, on sizes 54 and up, that could be handy on a long self supported ride, it is for me.

[@dominiksiejak7432]

@@awesomesloppyjoe actually I do like the idea of front suspension. Something to take the edge off gravel, poor tarmac, occasional cobbelstones, field roads, forest roads, etc. To be honest this is one of the main reasons why I'm looking at this particular bike. I know that someone will say that I should go for something like that Cannodale Topstone, but I do not like the looks of it (especially that lefty, yuck). Currently I ride an old 2006 entry level ht and I'm looking to upgrade to something faster and more road-like but without giving up on the many off-tarmac km I do. Domane (or Roubaix) is also one of the options I'm looking at but I'm affraid that it will not be able to handle the off road other that smoothest of gravel roads maybe - haven't had a chance to try it out either.

[@awesomesloppyjoe]

@@dominiksiejak7432 Suspension comes from the tires. Rolling resistance from the knobs on the tires. If you ride 70% tarmac then i would buy an allroad bike and not a gravel bike. 37mm wtb riddler are enough. Test ride then decide. I ride singletrack and flow trails with 34mm wtb exposure on my 2017 diverge expert.

[@emanuelecamozzi2336]

Get an Open Up or Upper with a single chainring it is ad good and fast as a road bike and more refined than a Diverge

[@mtbert9307]

coming from a 2014 Giant Revolt 1, to a 2019 Specialized Diverge E5. The Diverge feels SLOW.. Very Slow. It feels small, uncomfortable and I just can't accelerate in the same way. I'm going to try out some different tyres but first thoughts aren't great.

[@kimarivera9898]

Which is a better bike, this 2021 Diverge comp carbon or a 2021 Cervelo Aspero GRX 1x mechanical

[@robert.kitson]

Great review! What pedals do you have there? Are they the Shimano PD-M530's?

[@cyclingweekly]

Thanks Robert. They're Shimano XT pedals - I prefer something with a bit of a platform. Rupert

[@andreteixeira5635]

Is the new Specialized Diverge equipped with future shock 2.0 any better than the GT Grade from the comfort point of view or not really? I find my 2020 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 terrain of the trail will be like I still tend to pick my hardtail cross country 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.

[@AREMPEE]

I have the same bike but 2020 model. I recently upgraded the wheels to carbon fiber with 42 tires. My Question is, since I ride mostly on the road, are the 42 tires are too wide for the streets?

[@Hintonbro.]

You tell us ..

[@velo1337]

i think i would have bought one if they remove the future shock

[@snareman41]

I have a 2018 Diverge and my biggest regret is owning it because of the futureshock. It really doesn't do anything other than rob watts.

[@_SpaceDad]

@@snareman41 I bought a 2018 e5 because it had no future shock, which ended up being recalled.

[@velo1337]

@@snareman41 is there a way to remove that damn thing?

[@kokoss15]

Yeah, you probably have to service it too, right?

[@MrGreekstatue]

There are models without future shock.

[@wheelsskisandwalkingboots]

My concern is steering wandering on climbs. Does this bike suffer from it?

[@jirdesteva]

It looks great ordered my base model over 2 months ago still waiting. To be fair supplies of bikes are at or near zero all over. I would like to see the base model reviewed

[@mediocrecyclist]

jirdesteva I’m in the same boat as you dude. I ordered mine not long after they were launched and it still hasn’t shown up at my shop. Wishing I had just gotten the Roubaix like I originally wanted.

[@marcelcycling8055]

I orderded the aluminium model e5, the one with future shock 1.5 (the Black one with ruby specialized on it). Got it 2 weeks ago. It’s a joy to ride. But swapped the tyres, way to sketchy on loose gravel and sandy grounds.

[@Mrich775]

Specialized customer service is crap at the moment. I bought an s-works power saddle, they sent me a broken saddle, and then refused to take calls, respond to emails, anything. Finally, I had to have a local shop literally yell at their rep over the phone weeks after purchase and weeks after they blew off the return period to get it returned, and I was then told sorry, none left to warranty, no saddle for you.

[@_SpaceDad]

I have a 2018 e5 with no future shock. The best thing I did was replace the seat post with a salsa carbon, and put on some 700x40 maxxis tyres. Enjoy your new steed.

[@mej6519]

ordered my diverge evo comp back in may, told by my local bike shop n new bikes in stock untill august, now being told no new bikes untill febuary.

[@rudyelizondo1935]

What psi were you running on your tires? I have panaracer 38 sks and road psi is 40, gravel Is 35

[@garygbur3992]

Would you recommend this bike over the Roubaix for long distance endurance races such as the Trans America Bike Race?

[@cyclingweekly]

Really it comes down to couple of differences: the gearing, which is lower on the Diverge, and tyre clearances which are wider. Both great bikes though! - Rupert

[@thewhitezulu3283]

Hi I’m 5 foot 9! An can only get a size 56 atm I’ve read on the website that my size should be okay but does anyone have any advice will a size 56 be ok for me as a 5 foot 9 cheers.

[@longsam4160]

I'm looking to buy this bike but the ice blue colour.........price has increased to 4k!

[@Hintonbro.]

That’s quite the statement - to hear that all the engineering effort that went into the adjustable FS wasn’t really necessary and you stopped changing the setting. I’ve heard others wish the spring was replaceable for different resistance like the previous gens FSs. Maybe that’ll be FS 2.5

[@gally44]

Brilliant 👌🏻

[@mlanky2023rgl]

Thanks. Good review. My green Diverge Expert Carbon is coming in this week and I’m looking forward to it

[@ZOB4]

Are those tires 47 mm? That seems unusually wide for a gravel bike (most have clearance in the 35-45mm range on 700c wheels) and you say they're narrow here - perhaps you mean 37mm?

[@house9Tube]

Those look like the stock tires that come with the bike 700x38c - the bike does have clearance for 700x47c

[@zumezoom9593]

does the diverge come with a 2x12 groupset? will it fit?

[@GianCRO9597]

Will it still work if a remove the future shock?

[@jevgeniardassov]

I'd go for Topstone Lefty for that amount of money. But it is just me.

[@ChristopherOlson-xh6sy]

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!

[@ghostandtapeDoesVideo]

What size is this bike? And how tall is the guy? Thanks

[@makelos29]

Tubless tires?

[@mej6519]

ordered my diverge evo comp back in may 2020, told it'll be here in august, now being told that my bike shop cant get any new bikes untill febuary 2021... :(

[@shootingmoments]

Ordered mine two weeks ago from certini and it's coming tmrw! Check them out.

[@mej6519]

@@shootingmoments thanks man, just had a quick nosey at the website, and most of them are out of stock.

[@1777DK]

I weigh 88 kg, I’ve never bottomed out my FutureShock.

[@reddevil211287]

Anyone rode the e5 aluminium version?

[@bikebudha01]

What are your thoughts about putting a flat bar (w/bar ends) on this bike??? (My gravel riding is far more rough and hilly than yours... think 30-45 minute pure downhill sections. Breaking for that long from road hoods is murder on your hands...)

[@samueldavies8461]

Get a mtb

[@bikebudha01]

@@samueldavies8461 mtb are terrible for gravel riding. they simply don't have the gearing for the flats and downhills..

[@1esk192]

Why would you brake from the hoods in downhill sections? Thats what the drops are for.

[@bikebudha01]

@@1esk192 Um, you don't ride the drops while bombing down a rough gravel road.

[@1esk192]

@@bikebudha01 of course. Out of the saddle, feet parallel to the ground mtb style. On a hydraulic brake you can use just your index finger, so maximal grip and control. Plus if you're out of the saddle your weight shifts slightly back when in the drops and you're way more mobile. I ride gravel roads and light mtb trails that way all the time and it's a lot of fun. I would never ride a trail that's even remotely rough on the hoods. That's for smooth gravel roads and easy trails

[@osint6372]

I'd rather get a Giant Advanced or a NINER RLT RDO....

[@cHernandez6449]

tires size?

[@MicroageHD]

I mean even if you bottom out its better than having none.

[@patrickmurphy8222]

Why do these bikes have two feet of seatpost showing? Weird!

[@Kunioak]

How tall are you for the size 56?

[@cyclingweekly]

5'11 - Rupert

[@Kunioak]

@@cyclingweekly Cheers

[@ghostandtapeDoesVideo]

@@cyclingweeklyonly 5.1?? Looks much taller.

[@rudyelizondo1935]

And the weight is at tank level weight, the wheels and tires suck and gotta go to really enjoy this bike. The bike is way too low and keep striking the ground with my pedal strokes.

[@MrMayapaya]

Did you experience any issues with the handlebar bag and the future-shock? As I understood, they don't really recomand to use bags up front.

[@Max-dj5qj]

Where is that written? I don't think, that a company like specialized builds a gravel bike withthe opurtunity to use handlebar bags. Of course more weight on the front, will reduce the stroke. Maybe change the spring

[@StuntpilootStef]

Isn't a gravel bike just an endurance cyclocross bike? After several years, I still don't really understand why these bikes need their own category.

[@tinshield]

Headset is an ugly mess but it’s a nice idea.

[@harrylook7810]

free thousand pounds? I'll take 2!

[@MrFornicater]

Your saddle height is too high btw, nearly locking out your knees...

[@RevelCris]

cant unsee this now lol

[@patrickmurray8886]

This guy rides bicycles for a living. I’m certain he knows how he likes his set up.

[@MrFornicater]

@@patrickmurray8886 valuable insight

[@patrickmurray8886]

MrFornicater you’re welcome. Dumb dumb.

[@MrFornicater]

@@patrickmurray8886 hugs & kisses

[@neilmat71]

Yet another boring black bike.

[@tinshield]

Seriously, enough already!

[@Hintonbro.]

Agreed - they do offer other colours however

[@tomverderber1565]

Totally agree.

[@Borancecam]

Really good Frame bags made by a woman in Ukraine

[@UwU5437]

How much commission you guys get if i buy that crap? Just curious

[@goodboyringo9716]

$$$$$4000.00 for that bike.

[@JogBird]

sounds like its a pig on the road.. wheel base too long, and non respinsive handling

[@ignacyk4585]

spesh is late to the gravel game on this one, future shock is pretty much gimmick as you rightly pointed out its not a suspension, good on spesh to give us some normal lighter gear ratios, about time!

[@marcelcycling8055]

Well That future shock doesn’t feel as a gimmick. My buddy rides kona Rove and we swapped bikes to feel the difference. He ride is his rove for a Year now and after 2 minutes of riding he said ‘that shock is really wording’ and Give some compliance.

[@ignacyk4585]

@@marcelcycling8055 I appreciate the future shock offers level of compliance improvement over standard fork/stem. I suppose what I have been trying to say and that is coming from riding enduro rigs like SC Bronson with 150mm travel is that future shock is to extend half measure. ATM I ride Parlee Chebacco on 35mm Pro1s tubeless, these when set to lower PSI will remove road noise, however when I move to grave it can get bumpy on occasions so perhaps the question should be what is exactly the sweet spot for desired use case of future shock. Where I think for bigger bumps its not enough, which I also think you mention in your video