The 2021 Specialized S-Works Diverge is the MOST CAPABLE gravel bike I've ridden!

[@marcelcycling8055]

I have a diverge 2021 in alu spec with future shock 1.5. I bought it because i want Some compliance. Got this bike in july. I used it back to Back with a buddy who Has a Kona. We both noticed the big difference, he was surprised of how much smoother the ride was on the diverge. I’m very happy with it, did 1000km till today. Last week i put in my Carbon seatpost from my canyon endurace (that two piece thing) instead of that alu one. the ride has got even smoother now. Is the perfect bike now. And much much much Cheaper than the one featured in this video.

[@omarayala1820]

Test drove one yesterday as well a a Roubaix and bought the Diverge. The bigger tires, new seat post, and new geometry quickly presented a convincing argument for comfort and freedom to seek fun throwing the bike around. Super light compared to Domame.Iconsidered buying. Gears 1x felt perfectly adequate contrary to my bias against it before the test, and by the end of test I was wondering why have a second front ring. That was different than expected. Swapping cassette can optimize gears when necessary or desired. Game changer fun simplified light and playful machine. I’ll keep you posted.

[@CycoWarriorx]

I have a 2020 Roubaix and I love the future shock system... IMO, it inspires more confidence in handling by not radiating all of the road vibrations up through the handlebars and into my arms... the key to me is it doesn’t deaden it to the point of losing road feel, but takes just enough of the edge off that enables more aggressive riding... I actually debated the new Tarmac, but passed because I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about going back to a bike without the future shock... 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@ZenEndurance]

I’ve got a redshift stem and it proves front suspension is a game changer. I’ve got an old forearm injury and any surprise hit on a pothole or root sends a shockwave of pain through my arm and it will hurt for days. I used to have a Cannondale Headshok and it was incredible. So glad this bike exists and I they made the futureshock more reliable like the Cannondale was. Two wins on Paris-Roubaix is proof it works.

[@mmcm8880]

I have the 2018 diverge with future shock 1.5 and aluminum frame and love that bike. I ride it with 70x43 renne herse for the most part. I sometimes put 35's on if I'm doing 120km+ mixed road rides. I agree with people in that specialized bikes are getting too expensive.

[@richardharker2775]

Excellent review again David. Happy to see Giro has recognised your abilities and offering their support. When these bikes first appeared on the scene I wanted one but there was a mental hesitation. After a few iterations of what riders want/need this is the bike I would now choose. Thanks again for the review.

[@davidarthur]

Thanks Rick :)

[@omarayala1820]

PS Your reviews as well as other high quality reviews revealed these wonderful bikes for me to test and buy. You made Specialized a sale along with other reviewers and the amazing bike selection and Greg and wonderful staff at wheel Works in Massachusetts. Worth driving 13 hours to test and buy the Diverge

[@raymondseeto8816]

I ride a 201/7 Roubaix and I love it. Don’t notice the FS when I ride. Super smooth

[@jairusmartinez1209]

The value of a dropper post depends on topography. Here in socal where gravel riding is more tame of mtb trails with single track, it definitely makes sense! I don't know how the UK's gravel is, but I definitely don't think a dropper would be appropriate.

[@edjack1993]

Love my Diverge Expert. These bikes are revelations.

[@therealdelboy]

While I’m sure the top end model at circa £10k rides wonderfully, the reality is that most of us will wonder how much of that awesomeness has trickled down to the cheaper models in the family that may be in the financial reach of us mere mortals.

[@vomErsten]

Pretty much all of it. The reality is that the price increases in this industry are almost always for infinitessimal gains. I ride a $5500 MTB with another $2k in upgrades on it. Does it ride significantly better than a comparable bike at 2.5k? No. It's just got some nicer touchpoints, couple kilos less weight, and shinier bits.

[@marknixon3191]

Looking forward to my Creo arriving next week, will hopefully get me out more both on and off road and improve my ability to ride with a long term injury. The future shock is a great feature and I look forward to using it on the same lanes and bridleways! David can you share some of the routes, great review though like you I’m not convinced by the dropper. I went for the road version of the Creo and will swap tyres if I want to take it off road.

[@eckee]

Dream bike with the dream frame colour.

[@JoeRobinsonJoe]

Great review David. And you're a great model for that Giro cycling gear. Hope I can manage to lose 10 pounds over winter so I can have a physique like yours !! :-) Cheers

[@theymademepickaname1248]

8 months later and you failed.

[@petersharkey5510]

Nice review. I have the previous diverge (carbon but the entry model at about £2k) and love riding it. It’s my preference over my Fuse MTB and Trek Emonda road bike. Get one. You won’t be disappointed especially if you are crossing over from the road. Agree, not sure a dropper post is necessary for gravel riding. An eye watering price though, which isn’t necessary to enjoy this bike. Buy the base carbon one and buy some decent Hunt wheels, that is unless you’re blessed with very deep pockets.

[@vomErsten]

I really, really wish SRAM would invest in their mechanical road groupsets and put out a 12-speed option. But I guess since Shimano have dragged their heels, they feel Force22 is competitive enough.

[@paul_hd1875]

Great kit!... and love the Diverge. Don’t own one yet, what with supply being low, but looking to buy a Diverge Pro for my next bike. Personally I think it’s more versatile than people give it credit for... especially as a winter hike alternative.

[@markvonschober6872]

I bought the carbon expert this year , love it and glad I went the comfort route.

[@bimmerfan729]

I wonder how long it'll take Cannondale to bring back the Headshok?

[@sabamacx]

Given equivalent build, would you take the Diverge or the Secan as your only bike?

[@downundermtb4744]

I’m buying the base carbon , I’m a mountain biker and a fan of the single ring gear ⚙️ 👍

[@z-6785]

How would it compare to their aluminum siblings without future shock?

[@moo4rich]

You didn't mention the potential of warranty void if you don't service the shock by specialized every year at an estimated cost of £100. That removed it off my shopping list as I maintain my bikes myself.

[@devinbyrnes8058]

Thank you very much for pointing this out.

[@0741921]

Sounds like pocket money when you consider the price of the bike. That’s like buying a Ferrari and then saying maintenance cost is high

[@oneschance]

What is that clear plastic piece over the pedal and crank arm @1:54? #🦅 👁

[@charlesmorschauser5258]

Seems like you could use a suspension fork on those trails

[@17cream]

Just to be clear, manufacturers have moved to threaded bottom brackets because they can’t make the frames with accurate tolerances for pressfit. The bike industry have a lot to learn still. They demand high prices yet fail to deliver high quality.

[@ronaldvanveen7666]

I bought a 2021 last December. I wish the springs in the shock had more potential, is there a difference in the shock between the 2021 ( 2000.00$ )and 2022 model .?

[@bastisk8]

Great review as always! I wonder how the Specialized Diverge compares to the GT Grade Carbon that you also reviewed. Any thoughts?

[@davidarthur]

Thanks and good question. I’d say the Grade is a more relaxing and possibly fun bike to ride on woodland trails with decent seated comfort, but the speed isn’t quite on a par with the Diverge and front-end smoothness isn’t a patch on the Grade

[@JanSuchomel]

@@davidarthurIf you put same light wheels and redshift stem on the Grade, the speed and front-end smoothness should improve and you are still on the fraction of the price of this bike. Only thing that speaks for Diverge is the tire clearance 47mm is huge.

[@neilrobinson7965]

@@JanSuchomel yes, I was going to make a similar point. I put a DT Swiss CRC1400 Spline wheelset (1390g) on my 2020 Carbon grade and it has completey transformed the bike.

[@cypriano8763]

Wich gravel bike do you prefer dave. The diverge ,the revolt, the aspero or other. The diverge looks great for true rough gravel/ smooth single track or double track. That downtube tool cache is awsome. Not sure about the dropper or that future shock tho??

[@AndreasHappyfarm]

Awsome bike, but the dropper post is a bad spec choice by the product manager. Should ship with the terra seatpost. Also SRAM needs to step up and offer a 10-42T 12 speed cassette. The Ekar has better gearing options for gravel racing.

[@ronaldvanveen7666]

One thing ,I did replace the 34 tires for 38 tires.

[@datdudeinred]

Great review... When are going to get that izzo long term review David? Do you still have it? If still not recorded the review please cover indepth climbing section as others were complaining about climbing w/o locking shock..

[@davidarthur]

Thanks! Filming Izzo final review next week. It’s going back, but tempted to buy it. Should i?

[@datdudeinred]

@@davidarthur if you can try transition spur it'll be epic i don't know if they sell/ship to uk but that & newest Nukeproof meta tr st is also great...if you don't need that extra 10mm you should definitely consider the spur it's possibly the best short travel 29er.

[@lacyleech7798]

I would buy Airstreeem Gravel One Integrated, Ridley SLR Endurance or Ridley Kanzo Fast.

[@julieta203]

whats with specialised and the 90s seat post clamps?

[@scndordrObsrvtion]

As for fast gravel bikes I think the new Ridley Kanzo Fast is a far better proposition. Only marginally slower than their Aero bike and going by tube shapes probably about 10-15 watts faster than the diverge, fully integrated, about equal weight, with optional classified shifting system to offset the increased wear and worse efficiency of 1x drivetrains and without the servicing and warranty hassles of the futureshock system (whose benefits are doubtable to begin with). All of that at 5000 (with classified shifting system) - 6000€ less with slightly heavier and narrower but deeper wheels but otherwise comparable components. What the specialized has going for it is the better tyre clearance and a more modern = wider rim design (doubtful as to whether that offsets the shallow 38mm depth). I don't think speccing a weighty dropper post and fragile future shock system is a sensible choice for a fast gravel bike, since its trail abilities remain inherently inferior even compared to cheap xc mtbs. Overall I would say that the build is not well thought out and comes with a 4000-5000€ marketing premium compared to overall more attractive bikes (3T and Ridley for speed or Canyon for prize). I also dislike the overall aesthetics: the future shock dropper post and external cables make it look a bit messy and slow and do not go well with the modern frame design.

[@p49N]

That bike's sick. The real *everything* deal. Wish though it was a 2x. Paying $200+ for replacement cassette is robbery.

[@michiganstate149]

Not for the range, being just over 300g and 1pc with all but the big cog being long wearing steel

[@Howie2025]

What’s it like to add front and rear panniers on a carbon framed bike?

[@keithmcgarvey8273]

Hi David! How would you compare this S-Works Diverge to the BMC URS ONE? Thanks!

[@davidarthur]

So far I'd say the BMC has better seated comfort and the geometry makes it more fun off-road in the woods, but the Future Shock provides much better front-end comfort. And I do love the down tube storage and the looks of the Diverge. Now if we could marry the two bikes together that would be perfect :)

[@keithmcgarvey8273]

Awesome! Thank you for the feedback David! Love your show! 👍🏻

[@HambledonRehab]

Just be aware of the annual servicing costs for the future shock 🤷‍♂️

[@paul_hd1875]

@AG Coarseman There isn’t... it’s just his excuse.

[@0741921]

It’s about 80 dollars per year. Hardly an issue if you can afford this bike

[@HullioGQ]

Can you fit fenders on the 650b 53cm tires?

[@brucemcgregor6330]

Great review. I think when you first got the bike someone asked you how tall you were and I think you said 5’10”. Reason I ask is that I am same size and dealer is saying I could ride a 54 or 56 but 56 would be more stable in the rough stuff. Just curious how you liked the 56 if you felt too stretched out or not

[@davidarthur]

I’m 5’11” and have always found a 56cm to be the perfect size for me

[@theskillets]

@@davidarthur Thanks for the size info. I am 5'11" too and just ordered a 56cm Diverge that I am picking up next week.

[@justreallybored6014]

So about $9,000? Am I seeing that correctly online? Thats the price of my first car.

[@crosscountrycrypto8619]

I often go to the Ferrari dealer and say, "V8?.... 0-100 in 4 seconds?... $350,000?.. am I reading that right? I can get a prius for 35,000 AND get 50+ mpg" then the guys with the straight jacket show up. They sell a diverge "poor people version" for people just like you. It is like 3500. Right up your alley.

[@fibonacimike4110]

What about a cannodale topstone carbone 3?

[@daveacosta9803]

Wow haters, I think they are just jealous!!! I LOVE my 21 Diverge pro. It ROCKS 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 Thanks for the video

[@channul4887]

"haters" wot?

[@chrisblanchard4938]

40m tires are sufficient for most gravel racing. Just ask Colin Strickland who won Unbound 200 on an Allied Echo with 40mm tires.

[@nigelstanley3674]

I’d go for a Ribble or Canyon for a fraction of the price if I was in for a gravel bike. We just don’t have gravel track options in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. A great review David as ever.

[@treyquattro]

I like the addition of the doggo (doing an impression of a pilot whale)

[@davidarthur]

👍

[@markc17]

I used to take my dog out on my Kona Unit thinking as a single speed it could never be too challenging for him but the thing is dogs being pack animals they'll run and run even when they should stop they won't, we've all heard of huskies running themselves to death, and he ended up with bad hind leg ligaments. It may not have been the running with the bike, which he super enjoyed, and more some running on wet sand where he was pulling against the suction, happens with horses in mud, but I would be warier in future to limit that kind of speed endurance challenge. Not criticising you, the dog looks happy and I know you're the kind of person to care very much, just a cautionary tale for others.

[@davidarthur]

Thanks for sharing Mark. She always sets the pace as you can see from the video, she slows down pretty soon though after she gets over the initial steps excitement

[@markc17]

David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes 👍

[@jamesbutler1949]

I wish they would do the much lower cost models. £10000 is so ridiculous for general riders.

[@vadusa]

The best bike in the world!

[@carltonholmes8061]

Although i have a Roubaix Comp Carbon 2020 and love it, i think i am moving away from getting a Diverge now as i think that Specialized are really taking the P**s with their prices now. They have always offered less for your money than other manufacturers but seem to be taking it to another level now. For my price range i need to start thinking about wheel upgrades straight away. WTF. 😡😡🚴🏼🚵🏼🤘

[@syedzgaming]

exactly. Offering aluminium wheels for the same price range cannondale giant trek offer carbon.

[@NightmareOnGravel]

Hi, what height are you compared to the bike frame size? I’m thinking of a 58, I’m 6,2. Would 61cm frame be too big?

[@markvonschober6872]

58 would be your size , but it’s always nice being able to test ride a size up just in case

[@Kunioak]

Thanks for this review. How tall are you for that 56cm? Cheers

[@markvonschober6872]

Between 5”7 and 5”11

[@zlatkuz]

It's better then Canondale topstone lefty?

[@davidarthur]

I haven’t ridden that bike yet unfortunately

[@markmartel1738]

David: i would definitely want a drop seat post on this bike for long descents. Much safer to lower your center of gravity.

[@JasonHughesUK]

That dog wants to be DIRECTLY in front - ALL the time! #alphadog 😁

[@theobuzat9091]

I'll take a 3T Exploro Race or a Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 over this anydays...sorry but Specialized has become one of the worst in term of price -> quality. Way to expensive for what it is ^^ But thanks for the video 😀

[@thepleasureroom9646]

Lol just salty he can't afford. Dirty peasants. Poor people make me sick

[@theobuzat9091]

@@thepleasureroom9646 I hope you are joking...I really hope you are because if you are serious with that statement you are a complet donkey. Specialized IS way overpriced for what it is thats simple.... Canyon is the best on term of value for money, Specialized is all the way at the bottom along side Pinarello and Colnago and you CAN'T deny it (but Pinarellos and Colnagos are actually good, Specialized not so much)

[@thepleasureroom9646]

@@theobuzat9091 a poor man's response

[@theobuzat9091]

@@thepleasureroom9646 I love it, you dont know me and my bikes but yep I'AM POOR... I'm 99% sure you dont even own a Specialized, let alone a S-Works...

[@theobuzat9091]

@AG Coarseman absolutly !! But I really like the 3T that's why I'm talking about it but you are absolutly right, better bikes do exist and S-Works is just an overpriced bike with no cutting edge technologies in it to justify the price

[@LetcLove]

Mido 1,47 es buena para mi altura

[@DJcoachbombay]

100% overkill IMO to have a dropper post. This is a fantastic bike...

[@bikebudha01]

Specilized Diverge OR Trek Domane - Which is better?? (For a 50/50 split of road/gravel riding)....

[@TheRuijin97]

the giro links don't work!

[@davidarthur]

Doh! All working now, thanks for pointing that out

[@nlfiets]

I have a 30 year old specialized that is not really different. Threaded bottom bracket to solve problems that should not exist on a decent built bike. On this price point it should not be considered.

[@channul4887]

Really, you have a 700c bike with fat tyres that is 30 years old? Do a video on it, will you?

[@misterzero84]

@@channul4887 😂😂😂

[@nlfiets]

@@channul4887 700x42 tires from factory, not really fat but seems normal for gravel.

[@channul4887]

@@nlfiets what bike is it then, don't leave us hanging like that man.

[@kminekmagazyn]

diverge comp carbon looks almost the same and is wayyyy more cheaper :)

[@PGiulian]

just need2 change the wheels...and go lighter...zipp, miche carbo, roval terra...

[@stewartsummerside8131]

Nice review but come on specialized that dropper leaver looks hideous they could of integrated it into the left hand brake lever !!!

[@bikebudha01]

"structural rididity in the downtube"... Lol, do you remember the "slingshot" moutain bikes????

[@goodeggnogg7038]

surely drop bars on dirt is a ridiculous idea!!?!

[@r.a.8407]

16:58

[@Hintonbro.]

Scoop: Reviewer enjoys a S-Works superbike. (How about reviewing the Diverge models that people actually buy with their own money?)

[@davidarthur]

That’s what Specialized sent for me to review. I’d rather have a more affordable model. But here’s the thing, when manufacturers launch new products, be it bikes or cars, they usually send out the spangly top-end products to showcase the latest developments. I did address this at the end of the video...

[@mikicastan]

10-50 cassette is suitable only for trail riding. It is awfull for anything else. Shimano grx di2 in 2x version

[@NoGattsuNoGlory]

when modeling cycling gear , do not look at the camera....and remember to awkwardly looking at your phone

[@davidarthur]

You an expert in modelling cycling clothing? Thanks for the feedback 😉

[@BikeLife154]

I would never buy any Specialized with Future Shock on it!

[@thepleasureroom9646]

Then you haven't tried it

[@0741921]

Why?

[@Digiphex]

Mine is super comfortable.

[@glennoc8585]

Another drop bar mtb though

[@datdudeinred]

Imho Devinci & otso Waheela c are far cheaper & better if you can get one...

[@williampallom5856]

1x forget it

[@umutbirey101]

invent buttom bracket and seat clamp again, fail and go back to tested and proven design

[@briancurran1140]

Drop post are garbage 🗑 I pull mind off when got bike

[@daniellovett6213]

All bikes are way overpriced at the moment.Clearly down to demand caused by Corona times.18months ago you could pick up a giant TCR Pro with full ultegra end of year line for £1800 now 3000 insanity Daft to get ripped off and buy over inflated new bike prices at mo! Love my bikes but a total piss take and no review ,no matter how good will change that.If everyone got on board, watch the prices drop!

[@90330]

Jajca

[@lacyleech7798]

I will never buy a road bike (and that's what a gravel bike is) with any kind of suspension (future shock, ISO speed.....). There are mountain bikes for. Needless weight, services, costs....

[@crosscountrycrypto8619]

Cool story, bro. You like going into bike shops and complain while other customers are shopping and keeping the sport alive, don't you?

[@martinth2529]

Very generic and boring.