SPECIALIZED DIVERGE 2021 RANGE | IF YOU COULD ONLY HAVE 1 BIKE? | BIKOTIC

In this video I compare all the models from the Specialized Diverge 2021 range - If you could only have one bike, would this be it??? At the end of the video I compare the Diverge to some of its competitors, in the 2k budget range - then we look at the price point data for the whole range against the competition.
Here are links to each section of the video:
00:10 The bike spectrum
00:28 Tarmac, Roubaix & Chisel - the DNA that makes up the Diverge
00:43 Specialized Diverge S-Works 2021
01:05 Specialized Diverge S-Works 2020
01:51 Gearing
02:17 SWAT
02:40 Future Shock 2
03:03 Specialized Diverge Pro Carbon
04:45 Continental GP5000 TL review
05:16 Shimano Tiagra disc brakes and shifters review
05:52 Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon
06:29 Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon
06:54 Specialized Diverge Expert E5 EVO
07:58 Specialized Diverge Base Carbon
08:40 Specialized Diverge Comp E5
09:19 Specialized Diverge Comp E5 EVO
09:40 Specialized Diverge Elite E5
10:11 Specialized Diverge Base E5
10:50 GIANT Revolt Advanced 2
11:32 Canyon Grail CF SL 7.0
12:03 TREK Checkpoint SL 5
12:34 Cannondale Topstone Carbon 105
13:26 SCOTT Addict 30
13:49 Price point data

[@jeffwills6986]

I loved this video. The way they showed the different levels of the diverge and what was offered on each was incredibly helpful. This definitely helped me choose which Diverge I'll be working toward. Thanks Bikotic!

[@fabianstephan3368]

That´s by far the best review of a bike I have ever seen on youtube! Love the very detailed approach! Maybe for gravel bikes you could also highlight mounting options for fenders oder racks. Nevertheless great video, thank you so much!

[@carly200]

"and it's ugly as hell" refering to the dampening mechanism... love your comments :-) keep it coming. great videos!

[@memos_povreviews5539]

Loved all of it especially the graph!! Awesome work my man!!👏🏽

[@steverobertsbbc]

Really appreciate the comparisons on this one - made a lot more sense of all those geometry numbers. The funky coloured Comp E5 is almost certainly going to be my new bike.

[@jirdesteva]

Great video. Would really like to see that gear run down including the GRX RX 400 group set. Personally I would like to see a full review of the Elite E5 rather than the super high end S-Works that very few can even think to afford.

[@bartk4383]

Great review and very entertaining!

[@stevekingswell9143]

Very well put together, thanks

[@saepiumv3813]

Great video and made me laugh several times! Thank you Bikotic day! :)

[@josecortes2328]

Sweet review!

[@AdrienGirod]

Very informative, and great sense of humour ! :)

[@douglasbracken7562]

Valuable video, well done!

[@arbjful]

I like the SWAT feature..it seems really useful, I don't need to carry a top tube bag..It seems a terribly expensive bike....well out of my reach anyway.....thanks for the great video

[@PrashantDwivedi121]

Really an awesome comparison

[@holderbert9368]

Already looking forward to your review of the new emonda and sl7 which are about to be released.

[@frazergoodwin4945]

I got the Diverge Sport last year (2020 model) and its actually a better bike for me (they also had better colour schemes I think). I think its better as I want to use it as an "ordinary" road bike - keeping up on the Sunday club run for example as well as being nice and comfortable on the cobbles as well as using it on the plentiful gravel trails here in Belgium. And (when the pandemic arrangements are relaxed) for bikepacking to (the in-laws) Sweden and back. The Geometry of the 2020 model is better suited to all these criteria than the slacker 2021 design. I also got Hunt Aero 34 wheels for it and run GP5000 32mm tires on them for road riding. For gravel and bikepacking I have the stock DT Swiss R470s with 42mm Pathfinders set up tubeless - and I agree Specialized should be delivering the bike set up tubeless not just "tubeless ready". Overall I'm dead happy with it - it really is a bike that can "do it all" - which is good as I can't afford to buy more than 1 quality bike....

[@creamroller]

Best reviewer out there!

[@shivkumarsomasundaram712]

The Diverge Expert is my favorite as well. Looking forward to your comparison between the diverge and the newly announced 2021 Giant Revolt range.

[@sams5987]

Jogging is boring as hell so I'm just turning my attention towards bikes for the first time since I was a teenager (15+ Years). Its a deep pool to dive in to so I greatly appreciate that you go through the differences of not only other Specialized models, but also models from rival companies. Thanks much

[@Rich_Pick]

All depends where you run who you run with...

[@sams5987]

@@Rich_Pick nope, boring no matter what.

[@bnorvs5929]

Sam Smith I agree 100%. Biking is way more fun

[@danamin7361]

Fantastic video! The Base Carbon also uses lower grade carbon (8r) where the higher models use 9r until the S-works which uses 10r. The lower grades are heavier but more flexible while the higher grades are lighter and stiffer, but the benefit of the 10r is probably noticeable only to the most elite riders who need every performance edge they can get.

[@bobwood4304]

Super helpful analysis - and a shedload of time and effort saved for anyone looking for a bike! THank you¬!!

[@bikotic]

cheers Rob!

[@edwinbartolome2125]

Best comparison review

[@exploring_thailand]

Maybe you could upload the gear part as a separate video. It would be helpful to hear someone knowledgeable about these things go through it all.

[@earthring]

Awesome video!

[@NirreFirre]

Great one! Entertainment and good walkthrough on the range! Could you do one for Orbea Terra range and see how they stack up?

[@paulyflyer8154]

It's amazing how bike prices seem to have shot up over the past 3 months. No doubt because of sheer demand during Covid. It's really difficult getting hold of many bikes now, especially if you're NOT looking for a XL or an XS frame.

[@uckBayNguyen]

I own a cirrus 3.0 for commuting to work. It's a fun ride for around town. But there are trails that I would like to venture off and I've been eyeing the diverge comp carbon. Your video gives the diverge a great comparison. Thanks.

[@howardpearlman6328]

Love your geometry contrasts, so we can see how geometry actually changed the frame. I don't think I'll get the E5 flatbar bike after all because the increased wheel base would not make it as responsive on streets, where I do most of my riding.

[@dodge3048]

The switch from cable actuated disc calipers to hydraulics was like a whole new world to me. Such a big difference. Do you ever consider throwing Planet X or Ribble bikes into your comparisons? Ribble are making some really nice looking bikes these days and Planet X can rarely be bettered on spec/£.

[@ossieomar766]

Just manage to buy myself a Diverge Expert Carbon for £3,500 (New price too expensive) was going for the Carbon Comp but at this prices I get Di2. Picking it up tomorrow

[@vladfromfrance]

haha using Hot Fuzz as an illustration for Swat teams, legend

[@Countrystock]

Yarp

[@tariqkamil7853]

Just wanted to start this gravel movement, but was thinking the sirrus x series 4. What are your thoughts

[@Gileswoodhead]

Great informative video. A*

[@awesomesloppyjoe]

Really locking forward for the new addict 2021. Should be right around the corner i think.

[@another_wai8388]

I saw the Diverge Expert in Raspberry color scheme, and it is very bright. An acquired color scheme.

[@mmcm8880]

I like how you compared the geometry from new to old. I've been looking for that kind of comparison as I have the 2018 Diverge. I agree with other people, they really jacked up the price for the Diverge compared to what you get.

[@markvonschober6872]

I have the 2021 expert carbon and the model below it isn’t that much different.

[@hightide9513]

I think the Diverge Elite E5 will be my next bike. I actually like that they made a frame without future-shock.

[@mikechan1720]

I have it in the Redwood and I've put about 1500k in it already and it's honestly so great. It can go anywhere and it's fast and nimble. It's really that great.

[@Shmack_]

The future shock is amazing Idk why you wouldnt want it

[@bigflat1238]

High Tide keep it quit but you czn get 33% yes 33% discount with government scheme uk

[@luisdasilva1980]

I have a Diverge A1 2016 and i'm thinking on selling and buying a Rondo Bogan or a Ribble Adventure 725. Any thoughts on those bikes? I'm looking for comfort amd relaxed geometry

[@DilbertMuc]

I was looking for a road bike with an optional second wheel set for gravel. Last week (that's in 2023) I found an older 2020 Diverge with Tiagra hydraulics really cheap on eBay in mint condition and bought it. It's like the Roubaix, but with more tire clearance and without that expensive and heavy FutureShox. I am more than happy to have a bike that can do road and light gravel and feels like a proper road bike and not like a mutilated MTB. And it was way cheaper than current (horribly overprized) Roubaix or Diverge models.

[@jiraiyasama1085]

Does the base aluminum model fit 47c tires as well?

[@Countrystock]

I think the diverge is way too expensive now, Great bike but not worth that money. Great vid as per. Nice one

[@boshebosh9269]

I echo Andrews comments. Far too expensive bike. Great vlog yet again 👍

[@bluemanpaul]

Agreed, everything Specialized makes is overpriced. As much as I wanted an Ultegra Roubaix they're almost £1000 more expensive than something like a Giant Defy or TCR Advanced

[@kentao4]

blueman agreed but I just try to catch those year end deals. I love my roubaix.

[@K777John]

Kenny Williams-Totally agree, I got a great deal on a 2018 Roubaix in October 2018, done just under 5,000 miles on it now, love it, great bike.

[@kentao4]

John Montgomery I need to get on mine more often. I’m closer to about 1000 mi 🤣. Slacking.

[@markvonschober6872]

I have the 2021 expert carbon and love it.

[@edwinkluvers8906]

I have a scott addict now for 3 1/2 years. Size L. Carbon frame. It is fitted with 105. GRX was not available at that time.I upgraded the crank for ultegra and swopped the rings for 48/30. Planning to change the rear der. for a GRX sometime. I use the max clearance for the tires. 40 mm. And that works for me. I think 42 will also fit. Would like some more room for 45 mm. But overall I really like the bike. The geometry is more racy then the Diverge. The comfort is fair. Could be a little better. I will change the steerer. The standard is really stif. The weight is under 9 kg incl. Pedals. So that is low for a gravelbike, comparing to the other you mentioned. My choice at this moment would be the Diverge with GRX i think. Ore the recently launched new Addict Gravel RX. I am not a weight weeny, but I think there a some gains to be made for the mentioned brands. For the price you might expect al lighter bike. Hope this is of use for you all. By By

[@ianmcglinchey3250]

About to buy a bike. Thinking Endurance as I want to go on long rides, but also want a bit of speed. Currently stumped... Giant Defy Advanced Pro 2? Trek Domane SL 6? Ribble Endurance SL? Ribble Endurance SL-R? What do you think?

[@fodkastir]

hey man, 2021 Trek Emonda is out and it looks pretty cool! Do you consider to do a review for it?

[@ianrichardson62]

I bought last years base Diverge in matt black and it's not only a great looking bike but it's a really fun bike to ride! I just wanted a do it all bike that was cheap and looked good and it fits the bill on every level! You don't need to spend a fortune to have a really good time on a bike!

[@johntucker9782]

That's what I'll be looking for when the 21's come out. I don't need bells and whistles either.

[@ianrichardson62]

@@johntucker9782 Funny thing is that its probably the least amount I've spent on a bike but had the most compliments about.

[@donadsit7157]

I wanted the base but it was scheduled for late August delivery. Opted for the Sport which should arrive late June. Kind of glad it worked out like that because I think the 2x chain ring will be better if I want to try riding in groups.

[@amyreed3209]

Can you tell me more about the 1x vs 2x options? I’m looking to get into biking (both road/gravel) so much info to process

[@RileyDao]

i think the reason why most brands still leave tubes in their tires is because at shops, most bikes sit around for a little before being purchased, and sealant has an expiration date much shorter than tubes.

[@kellysullivan9433]

Is this available in larger sizes?

[@WillPalenscar]

Nice video review. I purchased the 2021 Diverge Elite E5. Gotta say I love it and I basically ride on the road

[@planbsponserme]

I don’t think tires should come tubeless stock. I think having an inner tube makes it easier to maintain for storing purposes. You have to look after the sealant for tires when they’re left on the showroom floor for months at a time. This is just from talking with the guys at my local shop

[@richards.4116]

Wow, great review. My first real bike since the 70's. Its a real challenge. Road where I am range from asphalt, to asphalt with lots of holes and ruts, to simply dirt roads and some exposed gravel. I'm in my 60's so maybe a less agressive, more upright posture would be better. Any recommendations from anyone??

[@shivashakti908]

get a mountain bike

[@ronitdebnath]

i do some bike videos too, but your genius puts me to shame :D

[@lennart8996]

You left out the Sport Carbon diverge for 2999€. Why? Or accidentally ?

[@ha8300]

I would buy the flat bar for my son, but he would need an XL frame, he has no interest in down bars

[@ljhoule3394]

Yes, a tubeless tire should be standard. Why today would one ever consider a tubed tire? Also the option to have wider tires is good, need different tires for peanut butter mud and dry surface. Overall a great bike!

[@thewhitezulu3283]

Wouldn’t have one of them had the e5 comp with the Future shock wasn’t for me fell apart twice putting through sone good gravel tracks etc.. got my self the digger factory now that’s a real gravel bike an solid 🍻

[@craigcarlson4022]

I was able to test ride the higher end Evo. It has a very different geometry…very different. Not at all like the other Diverge models. I was hard pressed to imagine where that handling mix on the Evo would be a good thing…maybe very aggressive technical single track racing? But would encourage all to ride before buying.

[@steveedwards5280]

I'd be interested in seeing the gear video. I've ended up looking at the Diverge (and other progressive geometry bikes) because of toe overlap issues. The slow steep technical climbs I ride make this a real issue. Interesting that Specialized offer a 1x Di2 or 2x mechanical. I'd have imagined it being the other way around. While I'm drawn to the 2x I do wonder if I might find my typical gearing needs would have me making excessive front shifts. Current bike is 3x9 (11-34 39/39/50) and I find I spend most of my time in the middle ring and mid cassette. Possibly over thinking it as I've not seen anyone else mention any issue with excessive front shifting on GRX 2x.

[@bikotic]

super tricky to chose without actually trying them both out on the terrain you want to ride them, I feel your pain! I'm planning to do something about gears in a video at some point, just need to find the time!

[@nockizack3848]

very good video.im thinking about the sport carbon which you didn't mention on this video.

[@bikotic]

there wasnt one on the uk website when i made the vid

[@nockizack3848]

@@bikotic ah,ok.that make sense now.

[@nockizack3848]

@@bikotic its also interesting that i can get sport carbon cheaper in hong kong (which is around £2348) than getting the base carbon in uk

[@bikotic]

yep, prices swing around a lot!

[@lindenbaum9448]

I don’t understand why many makers are focusing on 1x drivetrain. One of the main reasons why people want gravel bikes is certainly to use it as a road bike and a hardtail bike by using two wheelsets. Just adopting 1x drivetrain makes gravel bikes more like cyclocross bikes. Bad idea.

[@wyzo]

Sad how they bumped up the price and lowered the carbon on the Expert/Comp. My 2017 Expert has 10R carbon...but the drawback is the SCS geometry.

[@basedgodstrugglin]

Makes sense why I have a cow valve in my heart. Still would prefer a bike dedicated for the road as gravel isn’t appealing to me

[@mixalis6168]

Gravel bikes are great ~Where i ride, i cant avoid gravel, and i ride all over not just on sealed flat roads..

[@basedgodstrugglin]

mixalis sounds refreshing being able to ride off road like that, I live in a major city so it’s not accessible for me. Although it seems more appealing to have a mountain bike, a truly go anywhere bike

[@solefreak2]

Whats the difference between the single and double ring? Which is suited to what terrain and type of riding?

[@cjohnson3836]

2x will give you more intermediate gears and higher top end. So the jumps between gears will be less significant and you'll be better able to find a comfortable cadence. 1x, modern 1x, will give you almost all the gear range as a 2x, but you'll be sacrificing a bit on the top speed. Also, the gear jumps will be more significant. The upside is that (and why it was adopted in mountainbiking because that's where it came from), less chain drops on techie terrain. Also by eliminating the front derailleur you can generally fit larger tires. And now they make brifters that instead of actuating a now absent from derailleur, can instead actuate a dropper post. If you're riding smoother stuff, a 2x will be a better option typically. If you're riding stuff approaching mountain bike territory, 1x will be better, as well as kitting out with some of the other mountain bike tech. Also, front derailleurs can just be a PITA. I have a crappy triple on my road bike and hardly ever shit it from the 39T. Personally, I prefer 1x but that's just me. I'm riding solo so how fast I go is irrelevant as long as I'm happy. And, if you're willing to spend, there's stuff out there to make swapping chainrings really easy on 1x for different uses. Put on a Wolf Tooth CAMO (you'll need compatible cranks) and switch rings without having to take off your cranks. Get a larger ring from road rids and a smaller one for days of gravel/flow track.

[@cjohnson3836]

Oh, and one big thing. 1x makes it easier to cross compatible with mountain bike drive trains. Roadies get screwed. Within brands (and if you're willing to hack a bit, across as well), in the mountain bike world most set levels are cross compatible. I'm running SRAM cranks with a microShift cassette and Shimano derailleur and shifters. Shimano doesn't even let you cross compatible within their own brand until you get to the upper 3 tiers for the road bike world. Don't know why they put up with it

[@erdenedyildirim1111]

Good review... I've just ordered the Diverge E5 2021. I went for sizing and visit two different Specialized Concept stores.. one said I'm between a 56/58 and one said I'm more of a 58 frame size.. and neither sounded too sure. I'm 5"11 and I ordered a 58 frame size online as was the only available size. Have I made a mistake? I'm worried it might be too big... any thought or advice from anyone? Thanks

[@rcg9573]

The difference in reach between the 56 and 58 Diverge is minimal and could easily be made up by running a 1cm shorter stem versus the stock stem that comes with a 58. Don’t over think it.

[@High_Octane]

how's your 58?

[@erdenedyildirim1111]

@@High_Octane It was way too big, and I returned it and got a refund for it.

[@High_Octane]

@@erdenedyildirim1111 oh darn. Reason i ask is i was in the same position with 56 and 54 but glad i went with 54. Diverges run a little big for sizing. cheers!!

[@erdenedyildirim1111]

@@High_Octane Yeah, glad you went for a 54. I was told I could be a 56 or 58 by their own physical Concept store sizin, so not sure how that happened as I'm normally a medium so 56 is perfect. You'll know as soon as you get on it, so sounds like have got it right, enjoy it 🙌

[@bear5197]

Plz do a podcast M8 Ur rlly entertaining

[@ruffrydazz2032]

The new geometry is far more progressive than any other gravel bike being sold by a major manufacturer right now. It's longer, fits more rubber and keeps the chainstays short at the same time. The bike absolutely rips. Also, sending out stock bikes tubeless is a terrible idea. I work in a shop; the tubeless from the factory bikes are a huge pain in the ass. They're always going flat or having sealing issues. No good. Send em with tubes and we'll happily switch them over if you buy one.

[@rcg9573]

Nonsense. No one is expecting Specialized to send bikes from the factory with sealant and tubeless already set up. But they should be expected to provide sealant and tape and tubeless tires as part of the bike’s cost when they sell a bike with a tubeless wheelset! Specialized are shipping many of their bikes with a tubeless wheelset and non-tubeless compatible tires. A perfect example is the 2022 Specialized Roubaix Comp carbon bike. The bike comes with a tubeless ready DT R470 wheelset and “free” tubeless valve cores, but the tires those bikes ship with are the Specialized Turbo Pro non -tubeless clincher tires. That means if a buyer of that Roubaix wants to run tubeless they not only have to buy sealant and tubeless tape that should already be provided with the bike cost by Specialized, but they also have to buy a pair of tubeless tires despite the fact the wheelset the bike comes with is tubeless. That’s nuts, and it is not being done to benefit the buyer. It’s being done by Specialized to pinch costs on bikes that are already selling at nosebleed price levels given their actual specs across the Specialized product line.

[@prestond]

No mention of the Sport Carbon model?

[@donadsit7157]

I was hoping to see the Sport Carbon as well.

[@GreyDuck54]

Bought the Expert Carbon. I like it, BUT, after a couple of days. I thought about why would I need auto shifters. I dont race, I just do casual ride. Not saying casual riders cant have auto shifters. But for a cheaper price, I switched to the Carbon Comp. No regrets, same exact bike except for mechanical vs auto shifters. But I'm loving my Diverge Carbon Comp.

[@rcg9573]

And how exactly did you go from an expert model to a comp without selling the expert at a loss?

[@GreyDuck54]

@@rcg9573 I was still under the 30 day return policy from my Local Bike Shop. I returned it 2 days after buying it.

[@bikebudha01]

All you really need to know about gears: 1x means you will ALWAYS be in either too easy, or too hard a gear. The jumps between gears are like jumping 3-7 gears, compared to a 2x system. And you give up low or high end (or both). Always get the 2x....

[@tVideoUTube]

However, better ground clearance on the 1x and shifting on gravel compared to road is more gears anyway, so it is more ideal from experience on gravel/trails.

[@bikebudha01]

@@tVideoUTube Not even close. I"ve run 3x on my mtn bikes for decades. Never had any 'ground clearance' or 'shifting' issues. 1x really truly limits your options when it comes to peddeling. Having 'the right gear' is by far the most important factor.

[@jjjjjjjjrifufjssjosskenf]

@@bikebudha01 makes sense except for the fact 99% of new Mountain Bikes are 1x

[@bikebudha01]

@@jjjjjjjjrifufjssjosskenf Yeah, it's a combination of marketing hype and greed. The hype is they tell you "less gears on a mountain is better". Which is BS. Then, if you didn't notice, they charge the same for 1x as they do 3x. There is a lot let metal in a 1x system, yet no price reduction? That's the greed.

[@TheDnbtommy]

Which hunt wheels do you have? :)

[@bikotic]

CAD30 front CAD50 rear

[@brizi2003]

I like the Expert E5 EVO flat bar model because the gearing ratios are low, and can be made even lower, if need be. Can't help wonder why no drop bar bikes have such low gearing. Everyone I speak to says the gears are too high for steaper/longer offroad climbs. Interestingly, more expensive groupsets do have better range of gears. That said, it does remind me of my first late-80s fully rigid MTB, minus the triple chainset!

[@cjohnson3836]

Most gravel bikes set up 1x can cross compatible with mountain bike components to have all the advantages of the climbing gears on modern wide range mtb cassettes/derailleur. This also gives you the benefit of having a clutch. I think of the the diverge models even come with a GRX crank and Deore cassette/Rear derailleur. You don't even have to spend a lot to get it. MicroShift's Advent X line (if you can find it, was in high demand even before Covid) has a 12-48t cassette, a clutch derailleur, and compatible shifters for either flat or drop bars. I bought a set early 2020 for about $130 US. It'll pair with the cranks already on my bike.

[@pault477]

Surprised they didn’t include future shock in all bikes

[@treyquattro]

Open U.P. (or WI.DE) and 3T Exploro are the gravel bikes to go for! (You have to build your own spec with the Open but it's a brilliant gravel bike)

[@rcg9573]

LOL, Open can’t even manufacture a proper tolerance and concentric bottom bracket into their multi thousand dollar overpriced junk frames. 😆😆😆

[@rotrohan]

Why is there only one crank? Does this mean you can climb better but can’t go faster.?

[@noahbirdrevolution]

yes

[@vincef7487]

Seems like more marketing strategy than any kind of innovation.

[@High_Octane]

I think more time should of been payed to the Diverge Elite E5. Grx, Hydraulic brakes. No proprietary future shock. And same wheelset up to the base carbon. also the 2x gearing is at lowest 30/36 which is rare. so many budget gravel bikes are stuck in 34/34 it's sad. definetley the best budget option and would take over the Comp E5 any day seeing as how I've hear about problems with the Praxis bottom bracket ans chainrings. cooked bearings and dropped chains. Elite e5 gets grx 600 cranks and shimano bb.

[@vishsolo2879]

If you're looking for a do it all value for money bike CANYON GRAIL AL 6.0 with GRX 400 is the answer...1400£ bang for buck

[@cjohnson3836]

How can it be do-it-all when that ridiculous handlebar screws up mounting any sort of bag/roll/harness?

[@Stuey001]

Late, but the Grail AL model does not have the double decker handlebar.

[@ThomasKainer]

Hm where is the Diverge Sport? It was my favorite, but unfortunately out of stock. So i'm waiting for 2021 model to buy.

[@lennart8996]

The 2021 is on the website already. Every bike of the 2021 says „out of stock“

[@ryanoliver9131]

@@lennart8996 trek is the same way. I want to get a 2021 checkpoint sl5 and was told june

[@WhiskeyFan]

Missed the Sport Carbon

[@SouthendCT1]

I think u missed the 2021 carbon sport

[@bikotic]

cant see that version on the UK website, unless I'm going mad!

[@bennetthasty7886]

How about a budget gravel would you prefer the Salsa Journeyman or the Trek Checkpoint?

[@cjohnson3836]

What type of riding are you wanting to do? These are two pretty different bikes. Journeyman is more of a utilitarian all-rounder that will be good for longer rides, light/short bikepacking trips, touring, comfortable gravel riding. Longer chainstays and slacker head tube angle are going to make it more stable riding. Plus steel. Checkpoint is more aggressive, has closer to a road geometry, lower stack. Will feel more nimble but less relaxed. Personal opinion; for what each bike is billing itself for, Journeyman is closer to that goal than the Checkpoint. But, again, its a different bike.

[@jacob3771]

No diverge carbon sport?

[@bikotic]

not on the UK website no

[@kuanhau4323]

Hi Bikotic, love your opinions and deep dive into real world appreciation of stuff. Wondering if you could also do comparisons of upgrades on bikes which may make them look and perform well. Would be so cool to see you Photoshop more parts onto different bikes. Why not have a vote about which bike model will feature in the next upcoming 'Dream Parts upgrade video', votes could be made in the comments section with relevant hashtag

[@kuanhau4323]

One thing I particularly would love to see but don't have the Photoshop skills for is: absolute Black chainrings, which look super ugly with Shimano cranks, but *might* look good with fsa cranks.

[@kuanhau4323]

Oh and while I'm making my wishlist and getting you working hard for us viewers, could you add in the relevant stats like you did for your best bikes video with wattage numbers or rolling resistance or grams, for us weightweenies

[@Freightlinerbob]

I enjoyed that, but.....Did you ever actually answer the question in the title?

[@bikotic]

good question - I can't remember!

[@jetrus2013]

I’m enjoying the bike so far kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA My only real complaints are the brakes and the pedals. I feel like a bike designed for bigger people should have much larger pedals and more heavy duty brakes. I’ve only gotten two really good rides out of it, minimal downhill action, and the brakes feel like they’re already going out. A larger person has more momentum, so I think this wasn’t thought through very well. Also, I wear size 13-14 wide shoes. My feet cramp up on these pedals that are clearly made for smaller feet. Since I’m not a pro rider (and I don’t think many are who purchase this bike) I don’t think that the straps on the pedal are necessary at all. None of this takes away from the enjoyment I get from riding, however. I’ll just head to a bike shop to improve on a few things.

[@lil----lil]

10K for a top-of-line bike...and I'm building my own Ch-Carbon bike with top components for about 3K. Cannot deal with 4 batteries on the e-Tap (love the idea/concept). Can build MICRO Crystal Solar chargers LIKE CASIO WATCHES MAYBE on the components???!! My Casio watch has last me TEN years so far with ZERO Battery issues - crazy I tell ya. JUST IMAGINE they contact CASIO (probably the world's foremost expert on Micro Solar charging technology) and put that SHIT on Etap/Di. GAME OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TRULY THE ULTIMATE SHIFTER with NO worries on battery power - EVER!!!!!!!!!! One good ride on a Sunny day and you're fully charged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Paddyhudson]

There are just so many companies making gravel bikes now. It almost seems like the big guys are playing catch up to the little guys when it comes to dropbars on the dirt. Gravel bikes are supposed to be a little quirky; what better excuse to so with steel or titanium or something really whacky like the Niner MCR RDO.

[@kidShibuya]

Why would you want it to come tubeless? Take the tubes out, pack one of them on your bike for roadside repairs, keep the other as a spare. Why would you not want that?

[@cjohnson3836]

A tube that will just sit as a spare in a bag costs less than $10. Tubeless tape + sealant, assuming the rim and tire are already compatible, will be $30 base. Plus the PITA to set it up, or more $$$ to have the LBS do it for you. Important since, anyone doing it themselves for the first time is likely going to screw up the tape job, hopefully only wasting a bit of tape. And, as someone that does all my own tubeless set ups, its bullshit for companies to list their stuff as "tubeless ready" but not actually be set up to go tubeless. If something says tubeless ready, all I should have to do is remove a valve core and throw some sealant in. Hell, they need to include the core remover tool (they're only $10 for a top line make, never mind the cheap ass one that comes with some tubeless valves) and a bottle of sealant. After that, I'll just buy a $7 tube from the shop to sit in the bag waiting for the off chance I need it to bail me out on a ride.

[@rcg9573]

Probably because it’s a tubeless wheelset dummy, and a spare tube costs way less than sealant and tape. Specialized did not do this for the rider’s benefit. They did it to cut corners as has become common with how most of their bikes are specced at different price points.

[@1dancier]

Wouldn't mind a gravel bike, but they're too expensive, especially when you have other bikes.

[@cjohnson3836]

Stay away from big brands, and if you can tolerate Aluminum (not difficult with the larger tires), you can find a decent gravel bike for sub $1k. Of course, you're sacrificing some component bling. But, its a gravel bike, not legit if its not covered in mud anyways.

[@1dancier]

@@cjohnson3836 Thanks, I've only got one carbon bike, but the rest are aluminium. I'll get another Hardtail mtb for my rougher gravel routes or use my Giant Anthem and use my Cannondale T2 for the rest.

[@DTao888]

GT GRADE carbon.

[@jamesj6901]

£2400 for what is pretty much a rigid aluminium mountain bike??? Sounds ridiculous to me

[@rcg9573]

Agreed. I could put a short reach drop bar on my $500 Trek aluminum MTB, add some shifters and derailleurs and it is this bike in the AL version for less than 1/2 the price.

[@kminekmagazyn]

diverge sport carbon has cool looking yellow paint job - pity you missed this bike

[@bikotic]

not on the UK website last time i looked

[@pault477]

Why do you like tubeless.

[@MrAnon-2024]

Giant for me.

[@mstott22lax]

You literally skipped the best model.... sport carbon?

[@bikotic]

There is no 2021 Sport version on the UK website, that I can see - im in the UK

[@alves81]

When 8.000 $ was expensive 🤣

[@etops.flight]

Ridiculously expensive, poor components on top range aluminium version too I’m guessing as previous years equates to poor sales.

[@rcg9573]

If you look at every one of their 2022 Diverge bikes except for the $10K+ S Works all of them are under specced substantially for the different price points including the Comp carbon, Expert carbon, and Pro Carbon models. The Comp carbon for example retails for almost $5K and uses the 3200 gram Rival AXS drivetrain and a starter 1800+ gram wheelset that at that price range is a joke. Then they add insult to injury by not even setting up the tubeless wheels as tubeless.

[@etops.flight]

@@rcg9573 it would be nice if you could buy a bike with the components and wheel set you want. However, I think bike companies would charge even more for an already overpriced item.

[@richardcarr6493]

LIKE WE COULD AFFORD ANYTHING TOP RANGE BIKES ,ITS PRETTY BUT LETS BE REAL HERE UNLESS WE WON THE LOTTERY NOT HAPPENING :)

[@malcolmhales8181]

New bikes are way too expensive.