Crux vs Diverge- Which is the Better Gravel Bike?

With 1800 miles on the Specialized Crux, I have occasionally asked myself whether or not I should have gone with a less-aggressive gravel bike, like the Specialized Diverge. I phoned a friend and borrowed his Diverge to find out.
Gear I’m Riding and Into (updated 10/2023) ↓↓↓
Tires- Vittoria Corsa Pros: amzn.to/44U9XDx
Tires- Continental GP5000 S TR: geni.us/AY6XacE
Sealant- Orange Sealed: amzn.to/44U9XDx
Drink Mix: geni.us/4v6bx
Recovery Drink: geni.us/PhAN
Road Bike- Tarmac SL8: geni.us/dD4d
Road Bike- Tarmac SL7: geni.us/3YZ7Ll
Gravel Bike- Crux: geni.us/eYvO
MTB Bike- Epic Evo: geni.us/2rmFy
All-Around Helmet- Prevail 3: geni.us/MY7W
Road Helmet- Evade 3: geni.us/ReXn7
Road Shoes, SW7 Lace: geni.us/rBAzM
Gravel Shoes, Recon Lace: geni.us/tzba
Road Wheels- Enve 4.5: geni.us/yy3ao
Gravel Wheels- Reserve 40|44: geni.us/1iKt6Z
Wheels- Fillmore Valves: geni.us/uQQTZ6
Computer- Wahoo ELMNT Bolt: amzn.to/45VERgm
Pro Stealth Saddle: amzn.to/3sVd9S7
*Some of these are affiliate links
Instagram: @outdoorbros_
Diverge painted by: @probikedesign
0:00 Intro
0:20 Builds
1:16 Aesthetics: Crux vs. Diverge
1:50 Ride Quality: On-Road
2:41 Ride Quality: Off-Road
4:32 Value: Crux vs. Diverge
5:21 If I had to Choose One...
7:09 What's Next?

[@nicolimchoc2210]

Great videos in the pipeline!! Cheers Chris!

[@Veloworthy]

Another great video! Keep it up man!

[@stevevarga8621]

Here’s what people who say “You might as well be on a mtb then” don’t get. Modern mtbs are soooooo capable now that they make lots of trails too easy and hence boring. I do a lot of mtbing and gravel riding but my mtb trails are much more demanding and require a proper full on mtb. What the longer and slacker adventure gravel bikes have done is brought back the joys of the easier mtb trails that mtbers abandoned 20 years ago. I put 2.1’s and lower gears on my Diverge and I’m riding stuff you wouldn’t dare put the Crux on and wouldn’t bother riding on an mtb. The Crux is a great bike and I want one but comparing them is like comparing a Jeep to a sedan. They are designed for very different terrain. The Crux is great on the road and easy gravel and the Diverge is for extremely rough gravel roads and easier mtb trails. These bikes are for 2 different people. The Crux is for a roadie and the Diverge is for an mtber.

[@outdoorbros_]

Good points!

[@marcelcycling8055]

You nailed it! As an MTB-er i’m very happy with my Diverge. And for the roads i use a proper road bike.

[@LifeCycle1978]

I disagree. I’m a MTBer and own both the Crux and the diverge and they aren’t for two different people, just two different styles of riding. And the crux can handle way more than you are giving it credit. I love the diverge and it’s my go to bike, but the crux is the better all purpose bike where you can start on tarmac and move to gravel and end with single track.

[@stevevarga8621]

@@LifeCycle1978 While that maybe true for you, very few people will buy both types of gravel bikes unless of course gravel is their entire focus. Pure mtbers have a variety of mtbs, pure roadies have a variety of road bikes so I suppose some guys will have a quiver of gravel bikes. But for most people gravel is one of the 3 main genres of cycling ie Road, Mtn and Gravel. Can you imagine have 2 bikes for each genre? I’d love that but I know some of them wouldn’t get used enough to justify the cost.

[@andyramsdale6435]

Yes this.

[@alex1231235]

Excellent review with great detail and insight. I’m intrigued by the Crux but at the moment, I LOVE my Aspero.

[@outdoorbros_]

Sweet! It’s a blast of a bike.

[@alex1231235]

@@outdoorbros_ Would be great if you could compare the Scott Addict Gravel. I tried one out and found it fast but quite stiff.

[@chillwithrobb]

So much knowledge!

[@speedbird8987]

I set up my Crux with 650b wheels with 40mm tires. Just got the original 700c wheels set up with a smaller cassette and 30mm tires for road rides. I sold my race bike and will use the Crux for races and long road rides.

[@tjbarke6086]

Being a bulkier rider, I gotta say that the future shock definitely makes a difference for me.

[@mtovarto]

Great review. I own a Diverge with 1X 40T Chainring and 10-44T cassette. I have done a couple races (Noosa Enduro, QLD Australia). On my last race there were 3 very steep hills, I hate that had to dismount as I couldn't handle the gradient, others with Eagle cassette 52T were able to climb on the bike. Also on the road sections the Diverge felt heavy and had to push hard for speed on 40mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M. I have never done long bike-packing travels, and probably not sure if I ever do, not a camping person, so thinking I do more one day races. On the other hand I felt fatigue on my head by 120kms racing, but I guess will be the same on any, not sure if the future shock is key or not maybe a lighter bike will be better. Thinking on a Cruz custom build with 40T and Eagle AXS derailleur with 10-52T cassette, will this make sense to tackle those steep hill on the same race next year and maybe easier to fast on asphalt roads? Also bit confused if I could use the Eagle T-Type rear derailleur on this frame or if this is only for mountain bikes, but need to check compatibility. Thanks

[@michaelpennington5111]

Just got a Crux and its awesome!!!

[@chase362]

Great video, thanks for the insight

[@outdoorbros_]

You got it!

[@ridhasaad2068]

your cycling apparel is nice especially the bib where you got them?

[@joeylopezphd]

I use my diverge for riding on the road for the comfort. I have swapped my road bike vs diverge and have found similar results as yours. Great video!

[@GT-sc5sk]

Doing same over the winter

[@heinz-dieteroelmann9960]

I bought the Diverge - before the new Crux came onto the market. I would love to have the lower weight, but apart from that i love it most of the time. I have the luxury situation that i can ride a Tarmac as well… sometimes i wonder wether the difference between the bikes only comes from the different wheelsets… But thanks for your video and I can follow your thoughts..

[@robp3431]

I've not ridden the Crux, but really enjoy my Diverge with Future shock, even on road stretches.

[@pliccut]

That Diverge is one homely looking bike. The paint job that is.

[@bucky6391]

Have a Creo SL which feels like a powered Diverge and can't wait to pick up my Crux Pro. It's like a Aethos for the dirt!

[@outdoorbros_]

You’ll love it! It’s super snappy and fun.

[@maxMax-ns9pg]

Honestly after buying the crux I do think it is the best do it all Bike. I bought the comp model in July and swapped immediately to the terra cl wheels. It handles brilliantly on road, it’s very comfortable over rough roads where I live and I don’t fear of flatting if the roads aren’t so clean. On gravel it’s comfortable - it floats over the rough stuff and it’s great for all day rides. I am absolutely in love with it

[@outdoorbros_]

It’s surprisingly versatile, especially if you err on the side of more road/light gravel. Glad you like it!

[@maxMax-ns9pg]

@@outdoorbros_ yeah! I love going up AFC Especially when some parts aren’t as smoothed out, and there’s tons of good gravel/single track in corner canyon that is splendid on the crux. With some gravel races coming up i.e. wasatch allroad, BWR, crusher here in Utah, i Can’t wait to have a shakeout in BWR in the coming weeks

[@matthewjacobson252]

I love futureshock! It really smooths out the ride even from a road standpoint- I have it on my Roubaix comp!

[@outdoorbros_]

Nice!

[@noels8817]

Roubaix w f.s. 2, on tarmac descents (I ride w lots of hills), n aero on flats.

[@alde1759]

Yes. Crux is my all in one bike. I podium in both my road race and gravel race this month. Believe the hype. Great video comparison on both bikes so far here in YT.

[@outdoorbros_]

Thanks Al!

[@maxMax-ns9pg]

Agreed

[@RevelCris]

u should mention unbound and a lot of other gravel races are being won with the diverge. the future shock is not meh lol it takes out so much fatigue that builds out over time

[@erickagray2282]

Crux crux crux, I wanted the Aethos but couldn’t give up the dirt road I take home. My husband has the Diverge and it is great for him, but for me the Crux all day every day! Thanks for your videos.

[@outdoorbros_]

Thanks Ericka! Sounds like the family quiver is A+++

[@carlosb555]

Good luck on the race. Looking forward to the helmet review as a Spec fan boy. If you make it up to the PNW, let’s rip a ride.

[@MG-iv8oo]

great review. i have had several diverges and just got the str. really really like the str and i think the only answer for me is to also get the crux as therer is a role for both. rougher, longer, more all day stuff: str. smoother, faster, race format: crux. bottom line: both

[@outdoorbros_]

Nice! How do you like the STR?

[@MG-iv8oo]

@@outdoorbros_ i like it more than i thought i would! once the rear is dialied, its range is truly remarkable. the design will certainly evolve, but as a concept i think "STR" is here to stay and is only a matter of time until we see it on high end road bikes. with STR the rider is "damped" from the terrain integrating the interface between bike and rider. more efficient, more intuitive, better performance, more fun! like the transition from rim to disc brakes on road bikes, the technology made the act of braking more efficient and ntuitive. less thinking about when to start braking, how much pull, brake fade, wet vs dry issues, etc. with disc brakes, you just brake, scrub off speed nail the apex and go. easy, safe, fast, and fun! STR is another way of improving the execution of riding without sacrificing performance. i think it will just get better.

[@tariqkamil7853]

Settled with the Aspero based on ur review and some others that I follow.

[@outdoorbros_]

Nice! It’s a fun one!

[@alex1231235]

I don’t think you’re settling. The Aspero is one terrific and FAST bike that can take on many trails.

[@tariqkamil7853]

@@alex1231235 bad choice of a word. I got the aspero after months of research and bought it site unseen new from a reputable shop in Singapore cos they didn’t have here in malaysia, and mainly they don’t stock anything larger than a 56 and im a 58…and also trek failed to deliver the checkpoint alr5, a blessing in disguise. Now I got a speedy gravel bike and won’t be dropped on road rides by the ladies in the group…well not all of them anyway. Getting another wheelset for road when I can

[@neilk22]

The crux has a standover height 4cm higher than its equiv diverge - i see it as a CX bike with big wheel clearance, not a gravel bike "by definition". The average weekend warrior would struggle to manage how twitchy it is FWIW. Id still rather have a tarmac and a diverge instead of one trying to be both.

[@andyramsdale6435]

For me 2x AXS 10-36 33/46 is so capable on a bike with700 x 47's choose the right tyres and it's not sure either. That covers all road and gravel very well for 90% of the time, on one bike. However if you owned a SL7 an Enve Melee, and another gravel bike, the Diverge would surely make more sense, as the Melee and Crux start to over lap, given that the SL7 is the pure road bike.

[@bbde1980]

How happy are you with the Terra Trail tires? Have been hearing a lot of good things about them and am wondering whether to use them as my next pair once the Tracer Pros are worn out. Thanks in advance! Apart from that: Bought the (old) Diverge in 2019 and loved it. Bought the new Crux recently (Pro frameset with custom build) and am loving it even more. I am a speed addict, and the Crux delivers. So fully agree with your analysis.

[@outdoorbros_]

I’m on the Terra Speed tires and I like them. I’d give them a 8.5/10. My favorite tires have been the 42mm Pathfinder Pros, a tire I didn’t expect to like as much as I did. The s-works version of the pathfinder drops almost 100g, which might be the best tire… just need to find them in stock somewhere.

[@bbde1980]

@@outdoorbros_ Thanks a lot, I will give them a try next time. They have won all kinds of awards here in Germany, so that supports your assessment.

[@allantimm2003]

So under decided ...have both Sworks Epic MTB and Sworks SL7 road bike ...was leaning towards the Diverge but your comment on "to and from the trails it feels like a MTB bike" has me leaning towards the Crux ...wanna race gravel races ...thinking Cruz ??

[@mohamadjamil3164]

Please do the dogma sl7 comparison

[@markanderson7412]

Thanks for this one 🤙. Literally getting all the components to strap on to that same frame, 👍. What surface is this 200miler happening on? Cheers

[@franksiegmund6526]

the future is simply springy - i enjoy my Diverge with Future shock :)

[@flyingchic3n]

I dont understand what makes the crux a more "aggressive" bike than the diverge? The geometry numbers look pretty much the same, and this video was mostly rambling about which ones looks better.

[@eddreyer9681]

any possibility of getting a 2X Campy 50/36 crankset on the front end of the Crux? Do you think there would be enough clearance? Been a Campy rider for life and the Crux will be my next machine. Great video and timing...I'm going to look at a 56 Diverge over the weekend to have a perspective of both machines.

[@dvoob]

I'd just go with the ekar

[@ArteUltra1195]

For a all-in-one bike surely the crux, but for a 2 bike setup the Diverge and an aero race bike would be perfect.

[@outdoorbros_]

Fair point. Alternatively, one could change the setup on the diverge and make it more road friendly, depending on their needs.

[@JeremyLawrence-imajez]

I have a previous Crux and an Epic Evo. I now want the new Crux as an ultralight rigid MTB and also be a better road bike than current Crux. I want 2x though, not a fan at all of 1x due to running out of top end gears.

[@alessandrofoglia3611]

@@JeremyLawrence-imajez can u help me? i don't understand the max tyre clearance of a 2021 crux

[@JeremyLawrence-imajez]

@@alessandrofoglia3611 Biggest tyre with 700c wheels is 47mm and biggest with 650b wheels is 53mm/2/1"

[@blaiselassiter2215]

I really appreciate your reviews! Would you recommend the Crux as an endurance road bike?

[@outdoorbros_]

Definitely. Longest road ride I’ve done on it was 100 miles- it was comfortable and wasn’t too far off of a normal road bike.

[@blaiselassiter2215]

@@outdoorbros_ great, thanks!

[@stevevarga8621]

The Crux and many other gravel bikes like it are basically endurance road bikes with space for extra wide tires. Just compare the geometry of the Crux with any endurance bike and they are essentially the same.

[@jeremysweeten2792]

Any interest in reviewing the Pinarello Grevil?

[@BenZCardiff]

I think you gotta try the Schwalbe G One RS tire. You won’t be disappointed.

[@outdoorbros_]

Thanks Ben! I’ll give it a try soon.

[@vadusa]

I like my Diverge . Very beautiful geometry frame. And comfortable position sitting. I think Diverge the best Gravel in bike industry.

[@outdoorbros_]

Great bike!

[@KingofStreet3]

I just wonder which one I can slap a 50 or 52T on. The roads here are mostly rockchip and then pave with some small gravel sections.

[@outdoorbros_]

I had a 50t on the Crux when I first bought it- awesome setup.

[@weasraf]

Would you be able to get your hand on the cannondale supersix evo SE? Desperate to see comparison vs the crux

[@outdoorbros_]

If you know someone at cannondale, send them my way. I’d love to give it a spin.

[@richardmorris5279]

Good video - so much depends on where you ride… I have the diverge on 303’s and Pathfinder PRO’s. and when I had to ride to trails it was definitely a bit sluggish, but now I’m not riding to trails it’s great. Currently swapping out the tyres to something less road focused too. Also, switching from 2X to Eagle made huge difference, but again it’s dependant on how you ride.

[@HG-165]

Hi, I own an Aethos Pro and love it so much. It is fast and sooo comfortable. With slightly wider tired (orig. S-works 700-26) it would be a great gravelbike. Further I own a 2021 Diverge carbon and also like it. Future Shok is so much better than the stiff Trek Checkpoint I owned before. I only miss the agility and speed of the Aethos. Now I question if the Crux would be the perfect match for a gravelbike in terms of Comfort AND Speed? I use the diverge as my every day bike, for gravelrides (appr. 30-40miles) during the week and some 3-4day rides with approx 14l saddlebag. What is your recommendations?

[@outdoorbros_]

Good question. Each rider scenario is going to be different and comfort is tough to gauge. I’d say you can find a sweet spot with comfort/speed by playing with tire size on the crux. Want comfort? Install 45mm+. Want speed? 38mm-40mm.

[@HG-165]

@@outdoorbros_ hi, would you rate the crux to be at least as comfortable as the Aethos? How much comfort do I scarify coming from the Diverge and how much speed and agility do I gain with the crux?

[@angelortiz353]

I love my cervelo but i have never ridden another gravel bike makes me wonder if im missing something

[@outdoorbros_]

The Aspero was good, I think the Crux is great. Just one guy’s opinion…

[@rudyelizondo1935]

I agree, the aspero is faster

[@rudyelizondo1935]

No your not, gravel is hard and dirty, enjoy your Cervelo, I have an R3 and really enjoy my riding

[@bradmeadows8146]

What's your name on Strava? I'd love to follow you!

[@nanostar6138]

How do you get a custom paint job like that?

[@outdoorbros_]

Ron at Pro Bike Design did this one- it's incredible.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

No disrespect but you bike guys kill me. That Crux cost more than my Tacoma. I think access to nice bikes makes guys fussy. Enjoy either way👍🏻. Im shopping the Crux Comp vs Aspero which is why Im here.

Stigmata?

[@teamredog2961]

I think the review is spot on. I sold my Diverge this year and went with the Crux Expert (G2) for my road and light gravel needs. The Diverge is a very capable bike but it was just too close to my Hardtail (G1) which is my favorite Gravel bike. Now I am running a set of 303S with 32GK slicks for the road and Roval's with the Pathfinder 38 Pro ( which is surprisingly good and honestly not much slower than the GKs) Waiting for the Pathfinder sworks to come out in. 38

[@miked319]

Ibis Hakka MX!!!!

[@outdoorbros_]

Haven’t ridden one- worth checking out?

[@lidakang]

Comparing 2 bikes side by side, but not saying anything about weight?

[@outdoorbros_]

Aspero was much heavier.

[@louisAudet]

With all due respect, i really wonder if road people know de differencesbetween gravel and mountain bike?

[@outdoorbros_]

Come again?

[@louisAudet]

@@outdoorbros_ sorry my keyboard was set in french… my point was that there is absolutely no way to ride modern mountain bike trails with a gravel bike! I’m not even thinking about enduro trails. Just blue cross-country trails.

[@outdoorbros_]

@@louisAudet no worries! These bikes definitely have their limits. I find that, anytime the trail is rough, I want to grab my cross country bike- with the suspension locked, it’s not too painful to ride on the road and the bit of travel goes a long way.

[@ZenEndurance]

Another person fallen victim to thinking chatter and vibration feels faster.

[@BennyMcFly]

12k for a bike, I’m too poor to be into cycling 😂😂

[@resortk7548]

Your accent is so TRUMP

[@outdoorbros_]

That’s a first.