Don't Buy a Specialized Diverge Sport Until After You Watch This! Everything I Hate About It

⋆Everything I LOVE About the Specialized Diverge Sport: • Why YOU Should Buy a S...
⋆Specialized Diverge Playlist: • Specialized Diverge
Follow me on Strava: / strava
Soma Wolverine Parts list
⋆ Frame - Soma Wolverine v3 size 54: www.somafab.com/archives/prod...
⋆ Brifters and brakes- Sram S700 2x10: www.sram.com/en/sram/models/s...
⋆ Handlebars - Salsa Cowchippers: salsacycles.com/components/ca...
⋆ Stem - Specialized Multicomp:
⋆ Bar tape - Brooks Microfiber: amzn.to/2B9ydcT
⋆ Downtube barrel adjusters: amzn.to/2YE7gWF
⋆ Front deraileur - Sram Force 22: amzn.to/30JrgKd
⋆ Chain: Sram 1071: amzn.to/3fxgCdQ
⋆ Seatpost - Soma Zero Offset: amzn.to/2Cd2M1L
⋆ Seat - Brooks Cambium C17: amzn.to/37wSeWQ
⋆ Rims - NoTubes ZTR Crest MK3: amzn.to/2UR3qsh
⋆ Tires - Panaracer Gravelkings: amzn.to/2C4YCJ4
⋆ Headset
Top Cup: Cane Creek ViscoSet
Bottom Cup: Cane Creek 110: amzn.to/3e71bZx
The music I use: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks for tuning in! You can help my channel get out of the growing stage by giving this video a like. If you’re near the southwest Wisconsin area, let’s ride together or head out on a bike camping trip. Shoot me a message on Instagram: @great_egret_adventure. instagram.com/great_egret_adventure/

[@daveg7878]

Appreciate your insight. Wheels and stem are getting more close scrutiny now. Keep up the great content.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks, Dave! I was complimentary of the DT Swiss 540s, but after a few thousand miles, they’re just okay with a few minor annoyances.

[@chriswest1037]

Great video! I recently just bought myself a diverge sport carbon and so far I’m loving it! Definitely will be replacing the wheel set as soon as I can afford it 👍.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks! It’s a great bike that needs a good carbon wheel set.

[@rudyelizondo1935]

I updated my wheelset for carbon and it is a great riding bike

[@PeterSdrolias]

I bought a set of carbon Gravel++ Wide from Scribe. The price is very competitive!

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

Thee omission of a fork crown headlight mount is not a trifling one. It's as essential as mudguard mounts and rack mounts. It's one of a number of criteria I chose a bike on. Every gravel / adventure / endurance road bike must come with these features.

[@Jean-jk4zv]

Thanks for the info about the future shock servicing price.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

No problem! Thanks for watching.

[@offthemaps]

Excellent video - very well done.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks! I work hard on these videos, so that means a lot to me!

[@mickbrown9047]

Interesting critique - about 6 months ago I bought a pre-owned 2018 E5 Comp (finding anything much new seemed beset by component supply-chain issues); so far I'm very happy with it, and the cost-saving against the price of a new one. When I bought the bike it was obvious it was virtually unused although bizarrely the lower headtube bearing was shot... easy and cheap enough to replace but just seemed weird to find a knackered bearing in a bike that was otherwise "as new". I can only surmise that what little use it had was with a badly setup steerer preload.

[@MarkFrostCycling]

Great video, I’ve just subscribed! I’ve got the 2019 Diverge Sport and it’s so versatile, I have 3 wheelsets for it, 2 gravel tyre sets and one road set with the fulcrum 50mm db wind deep section wheels and it flies along the road 🙌

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks! And thanks for subscribing! The diverge is a great bike! As versatile as it is three wheel sets is the way to go.

[@HB1840]

@@GreatEgretAdventure Or just buy two. I have a '19 Diverge Expert Carbon and run 37mm tires on C38 rims. My other is a '22 Expert Carbon with 47mm tires for rougher roads. Obviously with your complaints about the bike, you failed to research properly before your purchase...

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

If you would watch the video, you’d know that it’s not my bike. You also missed that I have video of what I love. Also, no bike is perfect. Complaints are acceptable and frankly, required in some cases.

[@814Taylor]

I like your videos and looking forward to your Thunderhawk build. My stepdad at age 77 logged 4,000 miles last year and says he will get 3,500 this year at the age of 78. He rides a Masi Gran Criterium build and logs miles in East Tennessee.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks, Mark! I work pretty hard on these videos, so that means a lot to me. Dang! That’s a lot of miles at his age. I hope I’m riding at least half that at that age! Ive done trail building work in East Tennessee. It’s not easy riding.

[@canica99]

The only Specialized I will ever get is an old Rockhopper I believe is the model. An old steel mountain bike that I can put racks and be comfortable. I made the mistake of buying a folding touring Tern and I am in the process of getting a mini velo frame and switching the parts. Such is life. Great video and I love your soma set up...really nice bike

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks man! I had a StumpJumper in the late 1990s. That bike was everything to me.

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

"Future shock". Translating from marketing lingo to human language, it means: "Future revenue opportunity" for Specialized.

[@outbackwack368]

Good, honest info! My neighbor rides a Diverge and really likes it... I didn't. I opted for a Cannondale Topstone and what I hate about that is the AI symmetrical wheels... you can't just buy a standard wheelset and throw them on... they need to be dished 6mm to the drive side. That and the 42mm (700c) / 48mm (650b) tire limit... wish it was 50mm for more squish. I wound up with 40mm Pirelli Cinturato-H (SUPERB tire). Other than that it's been great. 20.6 pounds with cages, pedals and accessory mounts (light, gps, bell). Thanks!

[@gabrielfong]

I didn't know bout the dished part till I put on a 650bx48 and noticed how one side is just so close to the chain stay. I kept thinking there was something wrong with the thru axle lol

[@timdixo]

Had a Diverge with a Future Shock 1.0. It made me a total front suspension convert. I sold it as the FS was creaky and the weight made it climb poorly. I’ll likely buy a later Gen Diverge with a more refined FS. For now I have an Aspero with a Redshift suspension stem. Not quite the damping of a FS but close and an overall lighter package. I’d strongly suggest a Redshift for your titanium build.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I’ve been meaning to try the Shocktop or the Shocktop pro. It seems like a good system and you may have just nudged me over the decision line on getting one.

[@welwellwell71]

Terra seatpost standard on the 2022. Good video thanks

[@eckee]

It's such a luxury to have things to hate about Diverge.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

It's not all hate. How about the things I love: kzbin.info/www/bejne/roXXnaaLgt-UmNU

[@PRH123]

1st world problems :)

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Thanks for your review.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Not a problem, my friend! I know this is an older video and Specialized has made a few changes to the Diverge, but I think a few things here are still relevant. Especially if you’re looking to buy a Diverge that’s a few years old.

[@jeffreyrule8143]

@@GreatEgretAdventure I currently have a 2021 Specialized Roubaix, which I love for road riding, but want to get into bike packing in the future, so watching You Tube videos on different bikes. More road, than gravel riding for me.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

@jeffreyrule8143 I’ve since bought a 2022 Diverge Comp. On this bike I’m 80/20 road/gravel. I think it’s a great bike for that.

[@YuichiTamaki]

Great video!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks! I work hard on these so that means a lot to me.

[@YuichiTamaki]

@@GreatEgretAdventure It shows! Keep the hard work you are helping many!

[@shanebracey9862]

I have the 2019 e5 comp. Love it! Have 2 wheelsets..DT Swiss endurance with 28mm GPS 5000 for road and Mavic allroad with 37mm panracer sk. The future shock works great and comes with 3 different springs. No issues when climbing. Using hydro brakes

[@charliedevine6869]

"Air pressure management." That is a nice way of saying it leaks like a sieve.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Haha! Right?!

[@GerardCantor]

The 2022 Diverge comes with Future Shock 2.0, Roval Terra carbon wheels, Terra seat post, 9r Carbon w. SWAT door, SRAM Eagle Mullet setup and sells for around $5600. Obviously the overall price is steep but when adding all these components together, it’s a good deal. It’s not as sexy as a titanium bike that does not suffer from the other elements you’ve called out, but still, for a mass produced gravel bike, it’s a good set up. I think they’ve dialed it in. They have not been officially released but are sold out already.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

That’s for the Expert Carbon and the Expert Evo, right? That’s a darn fine bike! And sexy too. I’m excited for you to get your 2022. Even though I have the Thunderhawk, I’m not sure that I truly NEED a titanium bike. I’ll build it, ride it a ton, and see it it truly belongs in my quiver.

[@GerardCantor]

@@GreatEgretAdventure I just looked through the Specialized website and saw that the sport is in the $2k range when I thought it was in the $4k range- hence me bringing up the new pro since I thought Specialized had figured a way to package better components for a marginal price increase. I now see how ridiculously naive that was! Now, as for a Titanium bike. I don’t know why I see those as the pinnacle of bikes: stiff yet compliant and made to withstand bomb explosions. A bike to grow old with… can’t wait to see those videos. Thanks!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I'm hoping that it'll be a bike to grow old with! Thanks for all your great comment on here! As we're approaching 1K subs I'm feeling more motivated after reading yours and everyone else's comments on here.

[@saintless]

The proprietary stuff turns me off to the Diverge.. zero interest in the future shock, wouldn't even want to try it. Give me the most universal headsets, seatposts, etc. or I'm just going elsewhere. Your Soma Wolverine vid led me here.. but, since I just got a good deal on a pair of Specialized Sawtooths I figured I'd see what else the bike had going on so thanks for reviewing it! Also thanks for mentioning carbon seat posts in general as I'm currently debating buying one... I have a Thomson Masterpiece on my 520 but it's hardly comfortable and after a long break from riding after a knee injury I've put on enough pounds to where I'm borderline on the Masterpiece's weight limit of 200lbs. I think you may have convinced me to give carbon a try; leaning the Salsa Guide at the moment to test the water.

[@jasonwong6369]

I have owned three gravel bikes and After a year of riding my diverge expert have to say I really like the future shock. I do agree that proprietary stuff does suck.

[@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?

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

The Diverge E5 is a great bike. Even though the aluminum can be a bit rough on gravel roads long distance, it's lightweight and the carbon fork offsets the road chatter. The Scott Speedster is more of a road bike. The geometry of it really plays well into that. If you plan on riding gravel or rough terrain, go with the Diverge. If you plan to mostly ride on road, go with the Scott.

[@mattyalpert]

I just sold my 2021 Specialized Diverge Comp E5. I found the FutureShock would bottom out on turns making it feel like I was going to lose control. Also the Hover handlebar’s riser eats up so much real estate for lights, bell, bar bag. Etc Great bike but not very rider designed if you ask me.

[@oldanslo]

Surprised you are losing so much air with the DT Swiss wheelset tubeless. I use the stock wheelset as my road wheels with Conti GP5000 TL 32c tires inflated to 55/60 psi with Orange Sealant and only lose a couple psi day-to-day. I'm new to tubeless, so don't know what is normal.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I wish I could figure it out. With two different tires I’ve had the same issue. The bead is set perfectly and there is no air escaping because of a poorly seated valve. It might be one of those things where I need another set of eyes on it so I can say, “ohhh, why didn’t I see that!” After someone points out what I missed 😀

[@tariqkamil7853]

I want the base e5 with the future shock feature, cos I have a wrist injury and any help is a good thing. Might be putting my order in this weekend

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

It's a great bike! Let me know how you like it!

[@andynorthern6191]

I bought the diverge E5 comp without the future shock and I'm glad I did I hate proprietary components

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I’m waiting for mine to break 😳

[@CycleXplorer]

You can get a future shock delete kit, not made by Specialized but may give some options. I think Bike Sauce sells them.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Yeah, for sure. I’ve seen his delete kit. I’d be interested in trying it out.

[@CycleXplorer]

@@GreatEgretAdventure I've just picked up a second hand roubaix. Tempted to get one to try but also have in reserve incase it goes wrong!

[@pault477]

With the gravel kings, a bontrager flash pump some soap bubbles to coat the bead on the gravelkings SK they seat just fine.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks for the tips! I’m going to check out the Bontrager Flash pump. I didn’t have trouble seating the bead with 38mm and the 24mm internal width of the rim. That was the easy part. It’s keeping it inflated after that.

[@pault477]

@@GreatEgretAdventure the bontrager is fabulous but the soapy bubbles really help.The bubbles help the bead seal much easier against the inside of the rim. Quite satisfying to hear the tire pop!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

@@pault477 it is satisfying 😀 I usually use windex. Works every time.

[@rcg9573]

The G540 rims are not only shitty for tubeless set up they are also boat anchor heavy and completely non-aero. Ridiculous that Specialized has put these on their $5000 Diverge Expert carbon bike (2021 model).

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Great points and I couldn’t agree more. These rims don’t belong on a $5K bike.

[@oi32df]

Too much part there , is there a way to put a normal fork with a standard 1.25 steerer on a Diverge ? There are only Specialized who make 64cm gravel AL frames (and it's only 59) and my other choice is Canyon Grizl in 2XL but their steerer is uncommon 1.25'' .That annoy me with all their particular standards when tall frame are rare to get.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Tall frames are hard to get, but when they are on sale, they have some great deals! Unfortunately the Future Shock only works in specific Specialized carbon frames. The aluminum specialized frames and other steering tubes won’t fit a Future Shock.

[@chriskros8858]

DT Swiss g540 I got with my Kellys Soot 90. I use them with tubes - no problems. I bought second carbon wheels set for roads 32C Schwalbe Pro One and Barbieri TPU tubes (40g) and I see no reason to dirty the wheels. I do not understand this yt fashion for milk using.

[@MrSchneede]

Unfortunately not really near the southwest Wisconsin area, but rather northeast Sweden area on the opposite side of the globe, just recovering from a long, long snowy winter - but should you visit Sweden, please get in touch! 🙂

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I will for sure Jörn!

[@kubachomka6405]

Hi, So answear please. Is future shock good system or not because I wanna buy this bike and I dont know is a good deal ? You mean that future shock is not a good point in this bike and future shock could broken down when I use this bike ?

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

The Future Shock is a polarizing component. Riders either love it or hate it. I like the technology, but hate that it is proprietary to Specialized and costs so much to replace.

[@daveg7878]

Can the dynamo hub light just mount on the bar? Less convenient I understand but the dynamo hub should be ok even without the fork crown mount for the light, no?

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Yeah, it can. Lael Wilcox mounts hers on her handlebars on her diverge and that’s what I’ll end up rigging up for Kate too. In addition to occupying handlebar real estate, there will be wires among the brake and shifter cables to contend with. Doable and I’ve dealt with greater inconveniences on the bike than that.

[@daveg7878]

@@GreatEgretAdventure I understand the inconvenience. The cool Specialized drop bar has very limited flat space and none if you use a bar bag. The rig you have on the Wolverine where the light is out front looks really great and I suspect way more effective. Whatever your final solution, please share it here.

[@pault477]

So what would you recommend for a wheel replacement. I have same wheels and they do lose pressure.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I’m still trying to decide what will work best. Wheels are expensive an REALLY hard to get right now. I’ll keep you posted!

[@pault477]

@@GreatEgretAdventure have you checked out Hunt wheels.

[@dezmonseth674]

Where did you buy the rack from?

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Sorry for the delay I’m responding. That’s the Planet Bike K.O.K.O. I bought it locally in Madison, WI. If you do a search, it will pop up in various online stores.

[@bike4fish241]

i think we can all agree the most important thing to hate is the dork disc

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Man, that should have been at the top of the list!! 100% agree!

[@xxan84]

I am not sure I am following, you can't put another fork on this one? I mean throw out the future shock and the existing fork and just put another one in? What if someone has this bike for 10 years and the future shock is not available to buy, you just throw out the bike?

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

The head has a smaller diameter than a standard 1 1/8” head. Any fork not designed for this system would have a fork tube that would be too big. You can buy a new future shock from Specialized. Yess add h, proprietary stuff sucks. My hope is that the aftermarket will come up with creative solutions, though riders that would be buying parts in the aftermarket likely won’t be buying a bike either a future shock.

[@xxan84]

@@GreatEgretAdventure The for the answer mate, going to buy something else. Don't like feeling like my bike has a date set for its components. All they had to do is make sure any other fork could replace the existing fork and I would've got it. Again, the for the answer.

[@bnzboy]

4:52 what an ass! here in Ontario I've also had some close calls with F150s

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Right?! Had I included the audio along with this clip you would hear some salty language.

[@cosmicheretic8129]

I avoid proprietary components like the plague. I like to tinker with aftermarket components too much to be handcuffed like that.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Agreed. Multiple bikes to tinker with is my solution. The Diverge is a bike I don’t change much. At lest not the headset, stem, and fork.

[@vadusa]

Diverge the best gravel bike .

[@Nirtago]

What Kind of carrier with the seatpost-mount shown on kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWmriIenl7ySecU ? This looks pretty sturdy and lika a good option for my city-commuting bike.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

That’s the Planet Bike K.O.K.O. Very useful and not too expensive.

[@Nirtago]

@@GreatEgretAdventure Was hoping for an included adapter for the Seatpost with the rack. But it seems, they are sold separately and die Diverge seems to have one equipped by default. Pretty nice.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

For sure one nice feature.

[@swimm3r137]

I'm brand new to biking, and I'm considering of buying the specialized diverge for my first ever bicycle. What is "tubeless ready." Do I need this?

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Tubeless ready means that the rims are currently set up by the manufacturer with tubes in them and a non-tubeless tire, but can be set up to run without tubes. Meaning you can buy a tubeless tire and run without tubes.

[@jonathanwallis6854]

The wheels! The Giant gravel bike at the equivalent price has a much better spec.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

100% agree! It’s criminal those wheels are spec’d on this bike.

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Hmm interesting, so far I like my diverge

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I also have a video on the things I love.

[@BulldogBadger]

1st 🤘😎

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

🤘⚡️⚡️🤘

[@DilbertMuc]

What???!! U$ 515.00 for a replacement cartridge of the future shock? That's gonna be a shocker in the future, when it breaks (and it will some time).

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Right?! It’s pricey.

[@DilbertMuc]

@@GreatEgretAdventure At "Bike Sauce" (KZbin) they build and sell solid alu replacements for the Future Shock.

[@domcio1028]

what is your height? And size Nike?

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I’m 5’9” or 175.25 cm. I wear a size 10US which is about 44EU size

[@domcio1028]

@@GreatEgretAdventure size bike? sory ;)

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Depends on the brand and geometry, but typically a 54-56.

[@domcio1028]

@@GreatEgretAdventure at 177 what is your advise spec diverge size

[@domcio1028]

@@GreatEgretAdventure if 54 will not be too small, I have nowhere to try on the bike

[@brandonhoffman4712]

Wow 600 pounds for the future shock 2.0... In a different video they quoted a much more reasonable 80 pounds. With a 500 hour service life, that is more than a dollar an hour spent riding.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

The 80£ quote was for the 1.0.

[@kpj5]

Maybe she should have gotten the Comp 😂

[@GreatEgret]

Why? She actually had the Comp and traded it back for the Sport. The extra $900 for the Future shock 2.0, the upgraded drivetrain, and that silly SWAT box isn't worth it. Swap out the seat post for the Terra that's on the Comp and she's good to go.

[@marcuswong1797]

The things you dont like about this bike is just because you didnt buy the sworks. lol

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

That’s a damn fine bike. I wish I could afford it 😂

[@jdguzman881]

dont buy

[@ronaldocruz2525]

Stop bashing the future shocks! So far you're the only one having it. I love the future shocks. I have a roubaix amwuth 2.0 shocks and they're badass. If you don't like it don't buy diverge! Specialized is a good brand! Stop bashing it! F your review!!!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Uh, don’t Thales this so personally. It’s only a video. I actually think it’s a great bike, but no bike is perfect and you seem to have missed my video on what I love about the Diverge. The fucked up thing is I feel you and I could have a rational conversation in person, but you seem to be one of those that feels you can be a bit more rude behind a keyboard.