Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon Vs Comp Carbon - An (Almost) Unbiased Comparison

[@GraydenMacLennan]

In my mind, the SWAT compartment is for "pack it and forget it" kinds of things, like a flat repair kit, tire tubes, and a basic tool set. You can chuck everything into a SWAT Pod bag so it isn't rattling around loose inside the frame. This is great for shorter rides where all you plan to bring is a water bottle, but you don't want to find yourself with a flat tire and no tool kit 8 miles from home.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Yeah, exactly. Definitely not for bikepackers.

[@LifeCycle1978]

Agreed. I own the Comp Carbon and use the storage as you described. But for longer bikepacking trips I usually throw on bags or a backpack but that’s just my preference.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

@@LifeCycle1978 that’s my preference as well.

[@AppleTech2011]

Your edits are top notch and your content is great- I hope you continue to get more subs and create great content like this.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks! I really worked hard on these videos, so that means a ton to me!

[@daveg7878]

It is a tough call. All the differences are better yet $1000 in pocket seems better still. In addition to having slightly more adjustable brake levers (you talked about), the cover is just better in hand on the comp. Maybe you covered that too. The brake rotors and pads have cooling fins on the comp, not the sport. I think you got all the other diffs. Great video, keep 'em coming.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks, Dave! It really is a tough call. The biggest thing for me is the group set. The average rider or a rider new to gravel may not notice a huge difference between the two to make the money worth it, but those that have a lot of MTB experience will notice for sure. Just like a good gravel bike tries to find that balance between pavement and off-road riding, balancing a riders needs is equally important. Thanks for watching, man!

[@dakrisht]

@@GreatEgretAdventure Great video. But - I disagree on the group being the “biggest difference”. When it comes to drivetrain and the gruppo, they are essentially the same - and 99% of users will never tell the difference nor experience a better ride vs. having 810 shift levers. Here’s why. First, there are *no* GRX-400 components on the Sport Carbon. The shift levers are GRX-600 as is the crank. The rear and front derailleur is GRX-810 on both bikes. GRX-600 is (just like GRX 810) based on the Ultegra R8000 lever. GRX810 gives you bigger hoods with different grip material and the MTB Servo-Wave technology. Better braking? Depends, but not really for most riders. Also, GRX810 gives you, like you mentioned, lever pivot point control. Worth $1k? Probably not. The differences between GRX 600 and GRX 810 are extremely negligible especially when the most important component of the gruppo (the rear derailleur) is already GRX 810 on both bikes. Second, the brake rotors on Sport are Shimano SLX rotors and Ultegra on Comp. Big difference? Not really. Also, Sport gets a 105 cassette and Comp gets an Ultegra cassette. Third, the biggest gains on the Comp would definitely be the Futureshock 2.0 for on-the-fly adjustability and the Roval Terra Seatpost for those who want a little more cushion, compliance and springiness. Although some mixed reviews on the Terra are out there. SWAT box if you want to store essentials. FutureShock seems to stand out as the biggest gain here, since you don’t have to swap springs when going from road to gravel and vice versa. So - for those juggling the two bikes (myself included!) Is FutureShock 2.0 + Terra seatpost + GRX810 levers + SWAT worth $1000 extra? It’s a really tough call. Because for $1000 you can grab a pair of Hunt carbon wheels that’ll do more than any of these upgrades for your ride. It might just come down to color, buy the bike you like better. Not that there are any available these days anyway! One thing to add: whatever you do, don’t buy the $5000 Expert Carbon because you’re still getting the same mediocre DT Swiss wheels and simply adding Di2. The Pro Carbon at $7000+ is also a weird combo with the 1x SRAM drivetrain but does have killer Roval Terra CL Carbon wheels. The Sport vs. Comp dilemma is just that, a dilemma. But the value from Sport > Carbon is the best in the whole lineup IMO.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I agree with you about everything you say here. In fact I cover everything you say here in the video. My comment above about the drivetrain is about me and my preference. It’s what’s important to me. I love that Roval Terra stem. In fact, I missed it after giving back the Comp. so much so I bought it separately for the Sport and I’ll have a separate review video for it soon. There are more differences between the 1.5 and 2.0 Future Shock than the on-the-fly adjustability of the 2.0. That is nice, but the huge difference is the oil damping in the 2.0. That’s huge and will reduce the bounce you would experience on the 1.5. I’ve been working on a Future Shock video the last few weeks. I hope to have it out soon. It’ll be a deep dive into the differences and how to adjust it for rider comfort. It is a tough call and you’re 100% right about carbon rims making all the difference. That I’d change for sure.

[@jkwakopo]

I went with sport carbon today. Kinda leaned towards comp but bro in law with 20 years exp recommended this saying save that $900 and the Hunt rim or something. New to the scene and wanted to get aluminum Diverge but bro in law told me to get a good carbon frame and worry other shit later. Made me spend double lol. After watching this and reading comments im glad i purchased sport carbon.

[@jkwakopo]

Oh yeah indo have 7 years of indoor spinning experience but man this pandemic....

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Man, these bikes are expensive, but you’re not going to regret getting the Sport Carbon. I hear you on getting outside. I’ve been cooped up and unable to travel. The bike has helped a ton! Enjoy that new bike!

[@zero_cool817]

I had bought the E5 elite diverge a week ago and my lbs got a sport carbon in. Today they let me return the e5 pay the difference and get the sport carbon. To me the sport carbon is way better.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

@@zero_cool817 the Sport Carbon is a damn fine bike. Our LBS let Kate do the same, but she went from the Comp Carbon to the Sport.

[@timothygermann780]

The Swat storage is best used with the Swat Pod bags. That way, nothing gets stuck in there and nothing rattles. You can actually fit two. One for tools and tube, the other for energy gels and a packable lightweight rain shell. Though, I actually prefer to put energy bars and gels in the bento box bag, so I do'nt have to stop to fish them out when I need a boost..

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Great tip! I realized this after buying my own 2022 Diverge Comp. Super useful, though much less comical on camera if I used the Pod bags. 😀

[@paulbeddow4076]

Great video content,picture quality and cool mellow tunes Thumbs up 👍👍👍Keep up the great work

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks Paul! I work hard on these videos, so that means a ton to me.

[@Hypotenuse5]

But do white claws fit?

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Oh, I need to test that!!

[@gamaro74]

I really love the way you edit your content! Really fine-tuned to keep the interest in! I'm waiting for a lower-tiered model, the Diverge Base Carbon: Future Shock 1.5, Carbon Factor 8r, SRAM Apex, etc. I'm a beginner cyclist, just got back to it very recently and for everyday use in the city (1-hour ride total) and longer rides on the weekends, I hope I've made the best choice for my pocket. It gives me some margin to invest in a set of carbon wheels later. Unfortunately, there is not much content about this model... why would that be?

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks, Gualter! I work hard on these videos, so that means a lot to me. I think you won’t see a lot of reviews on the lower tiered models because a lot of KZbinrs and the big brands really push the higher end models. Mainly because of racing. It’s a shame really. The base carbon is an excellent bike. The base and the sport are really similar. Other than the $400 price difference, there are subtle differences with the drivetrain. If you’re getting back into cycling and you want a carbon frame, that base carbon is a really good choice. Having $400 to put towards a carbon wheel set is also a plus! If I can get on a base carbon this spring, I’ll definitely review it. Thanks for watching, man. I have some great videos planned.

[@gamaro74]

@@GreatEgretAdventure Thanks a lot for your reply! Keep the great work!

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Dude, you don’t really need the shock adjuster, only upgrade the wheels n tires and your happy as larry. Panaracer 38’s for serious gravel at 40 psi and 28’s for road riding at 50 psi

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Yeah, I say in several videos that the 1.5 is sufficient, but in some riding environments, like when you can’t pick the best line in a race or long century rides, the hydraulic damping of the 2.0 does make a difference in that it reduces bounce. I prefer to manage my suspension with my tire pressure. Though for the long distance that I ride, I prefer a wider tire than 38. I typically ride 40s, though I have 50s on my Soma Wolverine and I’ll put 45s on my Bearclaw Thunderhawk.

[@sonicvolta]

I'm really interested in gravel biking, However im on a very foxed budget the local bike shot just dropped the price of this bike from $4300 to $3400, I have carpel tunnel, So the diverge sport carbon is a bike i really been looking into, the future shock seems like something will help my wrist/ hand issues but the Local bike shop also has the Checkpoint alr5 for $2400. CAN - also a great bike, Is Diverge worth the extra coin, Both have great reviews, Is the apex similar to GRX etc. Also you videos are Amazing, super.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I like the future shock. It certainly does help reduce the road chatter. Honestly, though, much of the same can be done with supple tires, a good carbon frame, and even simple stuff like bar tape with gel underneath. If you are on a fixed budget, I’d would go less expensive, ride it for a season and upgrade if you feel you need to.

[@sonicvolta]

@@GreatEgretAdventure thanks so much , I really appreciate the info. We will see what the budget allows. Really between alr 5 and the sport Carbon diverge .

[@pingpongballz5998]

They turned all the Diverge bikes this year into 1x gearing. I hate that.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

That’s lame. 1x for MTB, 2x for for everything in between in my opinion.

[@pingpongballz5998]

@@GreatEgretAdventure absolutely!!!

[@imola8]

I totally agree. Its so hard to find a propper 2by bike, not just at specialized. I need a wide range of gears and dont mind the front mech and that little bit of extra weight. I seriously believe this is just companies want to cut costs and sell it as a feature.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Cutting costs is a big part of it for sure!

[@jjhi2760]

As a casual rider, that has an older Specialized Tricross, Aluminum frame, would I be happy with the Diverge Sport and not notice the difference that the Comp has? Not sure the extra cost of the Comp would benefit or be worth it to me. What do you think?

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I agree. I think if I was still racing I would enjoy the upgrade drivetrain and brakes, but at this stage in my life I’m more focused on just having fun meandering. I’ll put that $900 towards another bike or all the pizza I want to eat.

[@osint6372]

I do like the comp. BUT, the wheels must go regardless...Too heavy. I would put on a pair of HUNTs with $1000. Having said that, for the same amount of money you can get a Giant Revolt Advanced 0 which comes with carbon wheels and GRX groupset. Do you consider the Diverge a Gravel racing bike with a few minor changes like the wheels? Good video. Keep up the good work.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Those rims are really heavy for a lightweight carbon gravel bike. I think with enough skill any gravel bike can be used for racing, but if any serious racing would be done I’d step into one of the higher tiered Diverge models.

[@sqd8r]

gravel bikes haven't been around for "decades"

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Where I do I say that in this video? Are you talking about at 2:39 where I say "If you've been riding CARBON frames for decades you might notice a difference between 8r and 9r carbon?" Yeah, I said "carbon" not "gravel". Carbon frames have been used for decades. Buuut, since you've opened a can of worms: Gravel bikes HAVE been around for decades. You’re thinking in the industry’s marketing term "gravel bike" which really took hold of cycling around 2015. The term “Gravel Bike” as an industry genre was first used at Sea Otter in 2009. The first Salsa Warbird was used in Trans Iowa in 2009. Not far back enough? Let's look at Gravel bike races. Almanzo started in 2007. Unbound Gravel started in 2006 as Dirty Kanza. Trans Iowa in 2004. Gravel biking doesn't start with these gravel bike races. Riders have to be gravel biking before these races pop up. My first bike that I would consider a gravel bike I built in 1995. The Specialized Rock Combo is widely considered the first gravel bike. That was built in 1989. Here’s a list of bikes that were sold from 1988 -1994 that, if sold today, would be considered gravel bikes: Bianchi Volpe Diamondback Overdrive Bianchi Project 1, 3, and 5 Trek Multitrack 7XX series Univega ViaActiva and other versions Schwinn Crosscut, Crisscross, and Crosspoint So while the term “Gravel Bike” as a marketing term to sell bikes has only been popular recently, Gravel biking and gravel bikes have been around for decades.

[@Jacob99174]

Seems slightly biased....

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Uh, yeah. It is. That’s why it’s titled “An (Almost) Unbiased Comparison” and not “A (Fully) Unbiased Comparison.”

[@Jacob99174]

@@GreatEgretAdventure master of detecting sarcasm 😜

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

The internet is like my girlfriend’s 9-year-old daughter. With both, sarcasm often gets mistaken for seriousness. 😜