Fact Check: Is Specialized Diverge Actually a Gravel Bike?

Are you curious whether the Specialized Diverge holds its ground as a gravel bike? Trust me, this question has crossed many cyclists’ minds. I went down the rabbit hole of cycling forums and expert reviews to unearth some solid insights.

In this article, we’re going to unpack what sets the Specialized Diverge apart in the world of gravel biking. Strap on your helmet and let’s journey together through knowledge!

Key Takeaways:

• The Specialized Diverge is a strong, light bike made to handle both streets and gravel.
  
• It has cool tech like the Future Shock system to make bumpy rides smooth.
  
• There are different models of the Diverge for all kinds of gravel riders.
  
• The top model, S – Works Diverge STR, has rear suspension for super comfy rides on rough trails.
  
• The Diverge can be fast downhill, climb well, and change from street to trail riding easily.

What is a Specialized Diverge Bike?

A Specialized Diverge bike is not your everyday two-wheeler. It’s a tough cookie that can handle both smooth streets and rough gravel paths. The frame is made with FACT 8r carbon, which means it’s strong but doesn’t weigh much.

This lets you go fast! Imagine zipping through roads or kicking up dust on trails – the Diverge does both.

It’s been updated recently to make sure you have a great time going downhill without feeling rough bumps too much. Also, this bike has something called Future Shock to make rides smoother, and there are plenty of spots to put things like water bottles or bags.

Now let’s take a closer look at what makes this gravel bike special when we hit the dirt paths.

The Specialized Diverge as a Gravel Bike:

When it comes to tackling the untamed paths and rocky roads, the Specialized Diverge stands out as a quintessential gravel bike—designed to conquer diverse terrain with ease. It’s a blend of durability, innovation, and sheer grit that keeps you pushing forward when the trail gets tough.

Now let’s delve into what makes this bike shine on gravel..

Design and Features:

The Specialized Diverge stands out with its sleek design, built to zoom over gravel while giving a smooth ride. Its frame uses FACT 11r carbon fiber, strong and light for fast biking on rough trails.

This bike has something cool called the Future Shock system – it’s like a shock absorber in your car but for bikes. It helps you not feel all the bumps when riding over rocks and roots.

It also comes ready for adventure with places to attach bags and gear, perfect if I want to go on long trips. The bike has short chainstays making it nimble, easy to handle, yet stable enough so I don’t tip over easily.

With wide tires that grip the ground well, this bike takes gravel roads and dirt paths like they’re nothing!

Performance on Gravel:

Riding the Specialized Diverge on gravel feels like a dream. It’s stable and can handle rough spots with ease. The bike glides over little rocks and slides through turns without losing grip.

Its slacker geometry gives me confidence when speeding downhill, and that improved Future Shock smooths out bumps along the way.

On loose surfaces, I rely on this bike to keep me balanced while I push my limits. With upgrades to its stability at higher speeds, it proves itself every time I take it off-road. Now let’s explore the different models of the Specialized Diverge..

Performance Ratings:

Aspect	S-Works Diverge STR	Diverge STR Pro	Diverge STR Expert	Diverge E5	Diverge Pro Carbon	Diverge Expert E5 EVO	Diverge Comp E5	Diverge Elite E5
Downhill Performance	High	High	High	Moderate	High	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Climbing Performance	High	High	High	Moderate	High	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Versatility	High	High	High	Moderate	High	Moderate	High	High
Weight	Very Light	Light	Moderate	Moderate	Light	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Build Quality	High	High	High	Moderate	High	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate

Different Models of the Specialized Diverge:

When it comes to the Specialized Diverge, there’s a model for every type of gravel rider – from those seeking the premium agility and innovation of the S-Works Diverge STR to riders looking for the robust versatility of the entry-level Diverge E5.

Comparison of Specialized Diverge Models:

Model	Frame Material	Weight (kg)	Suspension System	Price
S-Works Diverge STR	FACT 11r Carbon	8.62	Future Shock Front & Rear	High
Diverge STR Pro	FACT 11r Carbon	9.00	Future Shock Front	High
Diverge STR Expert	FACT 11r Carbon	9.50	Future Shock Front & Rear	High
Diverge E5	E5 Aluminum	10.29	None	Moderate
Diverge Pro Carbon	FACT 9r Carbon	9.20	Future Shock 2.0 Front	High
Diverge Expert E5 EVO	E5 Aluminum	9.80	None	Moderate
Diverge Comp E5	Premium E5 Alu.	9.90	Future Shock 2.0 Front	Moderate
Diverge Elite E5	E5 Aluminum	10.00	None	Moderate

Each one is tailored with unique features and components, ensuring you can find exactly what your trails demand without missing a beat on performance or style.

S-Works Diverge STR:

I just took a ride on the S-Works Diverge STR, and wow—it’s something else. This bike is top of the line for gravel riding. It has this crazy rear suspension system that eats up bumps like nothing I’ve ever felt before.

Even on really rough off-road trails, my ride was so smooth it almost felt like cheating. They call it the “most comfortable gravel bike ever,” and I’m not arguing with that.

The whole thing is made from FACT 11r carbon fiber, which means it's super light but also tough as nails. Plus, it comes with Future Shock technology up front. That helped keep my hands from getting numb after hours on the bike.

Sure, paying for this beast will make your wallet a lot thinner—the price tag is sky-high—but if you’re serious about gravel biking and want to push limits out there, this might be your dream machine.

Just know that all those high-tech goodies can make maintenance a bit more complicated than on your average gravel grinder.

Diverge STR Pro:

The Diverge STR Pro grabs your attention with a full carbon frame that’s both light and rugged. It shares the same FACT 11r carbon as its siblings in the Diverge STR series, promising a super smooth ride.

What really sets it apart is the “Suspend the Rider” (STR) Future Shock system placed right above the head tube; it helps absorb bumps and keeps you comfy on rough trails. You can truly feel this feature at work when you’re blasting down gravel roads or tackling uneven terrain.

Riding this bike is pure joy—it’s clearly designed for serious gravel adventures without skimping on fun. The STR frame design isn’t just about comfort; it also adds to the bike’s capability when things get tough out there.

Plus, being part of an elite collection makes sure that every push on the pedals counts, turning each ride into something memorable—an adventure that combines thrill with top-notch tech.

Diverge STR Expert:

So, we’ve looked at the Diverge STR Pro, but let’s not overlook its sibling—the Diverge STR Expert. This bike really shines on gravel with its Future Shock 2.0 front and rear suspension.

It smooths out bumpy rides like a champ! I’m talking serious comfort and control here. You get to enjoy a stable, cushioned journey whether you’re powering through rough terrain or cruising down smoother paths.

Priced at £7,000, the Diverge STR Expert isn't just about keeping things comfy—it's built for performance too. With this set of wheels, pedaling efficiency is top-notch and confidence on mixed surfaces comes as second nature.

It’s versatile enough to make road bikers give it a nod for sprinting while mountain bikers will appreciate how it handles off-road challenges without breaking a sweat.

Diverge E5:

I love how the Specialized Diverge E5 brings so much to the table without costing a fortune. This bike shows off its new geometry and can roll with big tires up to 700c x 47mm or 650b x 2.1″.

It’s amazing when you think about it—over forty years of expertise from Specialized have gone into making this alloy ride not just fast, but incredibly fun on gravel paths too.

The Diverge E5 stands out because it really puts your comfort and performance first. You get a durable frame that can take on rough tracks while still giving you a snappy, responsive feel.

For anyone who wants to dive into gravel riding without spending too much, this bike is a smart pick. Now let’s see what makes the S-Works Diverge STR so special..

Diverge Pro Carbon:

The Diverge Pro Carbon stands out as a top choice in the gravel bike world. It’s made with a FACT 9r carbon frame, so it feels light like a race bike but packs all the toughness you need for rough trails.

This ride has gotten some great updates lately – think better suspension and more smart features that make it super versatile.

On this bike, I get to fly down paths and tackle climbs with ease. And when things get bumpy? No problem! The advanced frame helps smooth out the ride, giving me confidence to push harder and go faster on any adventure.

It’s not just about speed; it’s also about having a reliable partner on the trails that can handle whatever comes its way.

Diverge Expert E5 EVO:

Moving on from the sleek carbon frames, let’s talk about the Diverge Expert E5 EVO. This bike takes gravel riding to new places with its flat bars and mountain bike vibes. Its aluminum frame teams up with a full carbon FACT fork for a ride that’s both light and lively.

The longer reach and more trail mean you’re in for an aggressive and fun experience on technical trails.

The Diverge E5 Evo isn't just another gravel grinder; it's built to handle rough stuff with ease. When I'm out there, pushing limits on dirt paths, this is the bike that keeps up without breaking a sweat.

It’s all about tackling those challenges head-on, making the most of every bump and turn without losing speed or control.

Diverge Comp E5:

I got my hands on the Diverge Comp E5 and, wow, it’s solid. This bike has a Premium E5 Aluminum frame that feels very strong but doesn’t weigh too much. The full carbon FACT fork is a big help, too – it eats up bumps in the road or gravel paths like they’re nothing.

Riding this bike over different grounds just works; whether I’m zooming on pavement or crunching over some rough trails, it can take it.

This bike gives you a light ride that’s still tough enough to handle lots of terrains. You want something that lasts and won’t slow you down? The Diverge Comp E5 is your buddy.

It stands out when I tackle steep spots where some other bikes might struggle. Plus, with its sleek look and feeling sturdy under me, every ride turns into an adventure I can’t wait to re-tell.

Diverge Elite E5:

The Diverge Elite E5 is one great bike. Specialized made it to be super fast, really tough, and tons of fun to ride anywhere. It’s got a cool E5 alloy frame that’s both stiff and light.

Plus, there’s this awesome full carbon fork that helps the bike handle well on any road or dirt path.

You won’t believe how smooth this bike feels even when you’re bouncing over rocks or zipping down a hillside. And because the frame is so strong and durable, you can take it on all sorts of adventures without worrying about it getting beat up too much.

Riding the Diverge Elite E5 just makes every trip feel like a blast!

The Specialized Diverge STR- A Closer Look:

When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, the Specialized Diverge STR stands out with its unique offerings—let’s dive in and see what sets this model apart from your run-of-the-mill gravel grinder.

It boasts innovations that could just redefine your off-road experience, making it worthy of a detailed exploration.

Specialized Diverge STR Spec Overview:

I recently got to check out the Specialized Diverge STR and let me tell you, it’s quite the bike. It comes with a full carbon frame that weighs around 1,100g, which is super light.

This means when I'm riding on rough gravel or even zooming down the road, this bike moves fast and feels great. The front and rear suspension systems are what really set it apart; they help keep the ride smooth no matter how bumpy the ground gets.

This bike has some serious tire clearance too—just like a cyclocross ride—but it still manages to be lighter and quicker. That’s because of its clever design with a suspension fork up front and hydraulic damper in back that eats up all those harsh vibrations from trails or paths.

Riding comfort? Check! Control over trickier terrain? Double-check! Whether I’m chasing speed on flat roads or navigating rocky paths, the Diverge STR lives up to its name by being super versatile.

Specialized Diverge STR Ride Ompressions:

So, after checking out the specs of the Specialized Diverge STR, let’s talk about how it actually feels to ride. Straight away, you notice this bike smoothes out bumps like a champ.

The new Future Shock Rear system isn’t just hype; it honestly makes a difference when I’m cruising on rough gravel. With the 30mm of travel at my back, pedaling stays strong and steady even when the ground gets wild.

Riding this bike is kind of like floating over rocks and ruts that would usually shake me up. It gives me more control and keeps my confidence high, making long dirt climbs feel easier.

Plus, the way this thing handles both smooth and gnarly surfaces is impressive – they weren’t kidding calling it a “gravel hover bike.” Whether I’m racing or just enjoying a day out, the Diverge STR has been all about comfort without sacrificing speed or fun on trails.

An Acceptable but Uncompetitive Build:

This bike hits a middle ground. It’s like the quiet kid in class – does the job, but doesn’t stand out in sports. Sure, it’ll get you where you need to go on gravel paths and won’t let you down.

But if you’re looking for that burst of speed or a fiery sprint through loose dirt, this might not be your champion racer. The ride feels comfortable and steady which is great for longer trips without getting too tired.

That being said, I note it lacks some of the edge that racers or thrill seekers might look for. Experts say while it can conquer various terrains efficiently, don’t expect to lead the pack when things get wild under those tires.

Next up: The specialized Diverge Expert Carbon review will give us more insight into what sets certain models apart from the rest.

The Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon Review:

Diving into the nitty-gritty of the Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon, we’ll explore how its high-quality components and innovative Future Shock feature come together to elevate your ride—stay tuned for an in-depth analysis that cuts through the fluff.

Emphasis on Ride Quality:

Ride quality stands out as a big deal on the Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon. The bike glides over bumps and ruts like they’re nothing. This smooth feeling comes from the Future Shock 2.0 technology upfront.

It’s not just for comfort; it also keeps the front wheel planted, so you can control your bike better on rough ground.

Making turns and speeding down trails feel safe and fun with this bike’s design. You don’t get shaken around or lose grip easily, which is great when I’m riding on gravel paths and uneven surfaces.

The FACT 11r carbon fiber build helps too – it absorbs a lot of road noise and chatter, so my rides are less about rattling bones and more about enjoying the adventure!

Future Shock Feature:

Speaking of quality, the Future Shock feature on my Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon truly stands out. This bike has a special part that gives it up to 30mm of travel right where the seat and down tube meet.

What this does is smooth out little bumps way better than a normal rear suspension. It’s like having an extra cushion against rough gravel roads.

Now, let me tell you about the Future Shock on the new Diverge STR I tried. It’s pretty amazing because it shakes things up in gravel bike design without making the bike heavy. That hydraulic damper on top? It controls how the bike moves, so you feel less shake from bad roads and sudden hits.

Riding over bumpy trails felt like a breeze; those vibrations didn’t bother me at all thanks to this nifty feature!

Spec Notes:

Jumping from the innovative Future Shock feature, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty details of what makes the Diverge Expert Carbon tick. Its specs shine with a light and strong FACT 9r carbon frame.

This beast handles off-road challenges like a champ—it’s part of why it stands proud in the Diverge family. Each pedal push gets more oomph thanks to lightweight wheels that cut through gravel with ease.

The bike doesn’t skimp on quality parts either; a reliable rear derailleur shifts gears smoothly while paired with a cassette designed for tough terrain. Rubber meets road—or rather, gravel—in fast-rolling style, boosting your control and confidence as you zip over diverse landscapes.

It all adds up to an impressive setup that marries speed with stability, making this bike fit for racers and adventurers alike.

Comparisons with Other Gravel Bikes:

In sizing up the Specialized Diverge, it’s only fair to stack it against other contenders in the gravel realm. I’ll break down how this rig holds its ground compared to peers like the BMC URS LT and whether bikes like the Giant Contend can truly be considered gravel-ready.

Stay tuned for an honest, gritty comparison.

Is the Giant Contend a Gravel Bike?

The Giant Contend is a bike that can handle gravel. Sure, it’s not tagged as a “gravel bike” from the start, but with some tweaks, it rocks on rough roads. You switch up the gears and put on different wheels and tires to get it ready for gravel.

It becomes pretty good at taking on those wild rides.

So while the Giant Contend might spend its days looking like a regular road bike, don’t let that fool you. Get it set up right, and this chameleon of a bike will surprise you with how well it dashes through dirt and grit.

Should You Buy the Specialized Diverge?

Curious if the Specialized Diverge is your ticket to gravel glory? Dive into my breakdown where I explore its prowess on rough terrains and whether it’s worthy of your next big ride – read on for the nitty-gritty.

Downhill and Climbing Performance:

I’ve taken the Specialized Diverge down steep hills and it’s a thrill. The bike feels stable even when I’m going fast. They changed its shape a bit, and now downhill rides feel safer.

It doesn’t shake or wobble, so I can focus on the fun.

Climbing up with this bike is just as good. Even on rough paths, it moves smoothly without slipping. The Diverge Comp Carbon got high marks because it rocks at going uphill and zooming back down again on gravel trails.

Riding feels easy and I don’t get as tired, which is great for long adventures!

Versatility:

The Specialized Diverge shines when it comes to flexibility. You can easily switch from smooth city streets to bumpy gravel paths without missing a beat. This bike handles extra weight like a champion, so packing for a long adventure is no problem.

It’s like having several bikes in one because of its ability to adapt to different terrains and uses.

With the slacker geometry, each ride feels stable yet lively, making it perfect for those who love exploring new routes or tackling varied landscapes. The next thing we’ll discuss is how much this bike weighs and why that matters for your rides.

Weight:

I want to talk about how much the Specialized Diverge bikes weigh. A lighter bike can make a big difference, especially on gravel roads where you need to pick up speed fast or climb steep hills.

Take the S-Works Diverge STR; it’s super light at just 8.62 kg! That means it’s easier to handle and go fast with.

Now, even though some models are a bit heavier, like the Diverge E5 at 10.29kg, people still say it’s “flickable” and fun to ride. That goes to show that weight isn’t everything – but of course, if you’re looking for something that feels almost weightless on the trail, there are options like the S-Works Diverge that only weighs 8.95kg.

Riding these bikes is ace because they give you less drag and more zip when you’re pushing through rough spots or heading up an incline.

Build Quality:

The Specialized Diverge is a well-made bike, no question. It’s got a solid frame that can take on rough trails and long rides without trouble. I’m talking about materials that last and designs that are smart.

The S-Works Diverge shows this off by being super light yet tough enough for all kinds of gravel roads.

These bikes have details like short chainstay lengths to make them agile and responsive. And they don’t get pedal strikes easily because everything is built just right. Every model, from the E5 up to the S-Works, feels sturdy under your feet.

You can tell they’re made with care – good welds, neat paint jobs, and parts that fit together nicely show someone put thought into building these bikes.

Final Thought:

So, is the Specialized Diverge a gravel bike? Absolutely! It rolls over rocks and dirt with ease. Its design is all about that off-road adventure life. If you’re looking to cruise on gravel, this bike has your back.

Pick your model, hit the trails, and have a blast – that’s what the Diverge is here for!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Is the Specialized Diverge a gravel bike?

Yes, the Specialized Diverge is a gravel bike designed for both adventure and speed on mixed terrain.

What features make the Diverge good for gravel riding?

The Diverge has a travel fork, wide tires, and a frame with relaxed angles in the top tube and seat tube — all perfect for comfy and stable rides on rough paths.

Can I use it like an MTB too?

Well, while it’s not quite a full-suspension MTB, its tough design can handle some mountain bike trails. Just know your limits since it’s made more for gravel!

Is there only one type of chainring on the Diverge bikes?

Not at all! They offer models with different chainring setups to fit your ride style — from single ring simplicity to double ring options for harder climbs.