Bikes up to 60% offWe monitor over 40,000 bikes daily to find the best prices

Today’s Deals

2021 Specialized

Diverge Base Carbon

A carbon frame gravel bike with mid-range components and sram apex hydraulic disc brakes.
Compare the full range

Manufacturer Price

$2,800
FrameCarbon
SuspensionHardtail, 20mm
ForkSpecialized Future Shock 1.5
Wheels700c
Drivetrain1 × 11
GroupsetApex
BrakesSRAM Apex Hydraulic Disc
Where to Buy
Similar Bikes
Top Comparison
Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
Diverge Base Carbon
Other Gravel bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

31 mph

Diverge Base Carbon

36 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
44cm

4'7" – 5'0"

52cm

5'4" – 5'7"

54cm

5'6" – 5'11"

56cm

5'8" – 5'11"

58cm

5'10" – 6'3"

61cm

6'2" – 6'6"

64cm

6'5" – 6'9"

🐐 Estimated

Rider Fit Notes
  • 5'9", size 54cm, Just right
  • 6'3", size 58, Just right
  • 5'5", size 52, Just right
Reviews

Summary

The Specialized Diverge is a highly capable gravel bike praised for its smooth ride, stable handling, and versatility across various terrains. Its Future Shock suspension system enhances comfort and control, while features like increased tire clearance and integrated storage add to its appeal. However, some reviews note handling quirks at slow speeds and limitations in suspension tunability.

Pros
  • Smooth and stable ride quality

  • Effective Future Shock suspension for comfort and control

  • Versatile with ample tire clearance and storage options

  • Confident handling on rough terrain

  • Balanced geometry for all-around performance

Cons
  • Limited suspension tunability with Future Shock

  • Handling can be quirky at slow speeds

  • Stock tires may not suit all conditions

  • Potential for pedal strikes due to geometry

  • Some components like gearing may need adjustments for steep terrains

Key Quotes
The new Specialized Diverge is one of the best gravel bikes you can buy
Bicycling
The Future Shock 2.0’s hydraulic damper makes for a much more composed and capable feel than previous versions.
Cycling Tips logoCycling Tips
It’s got to be one of the most comfortable bikes I’ve ridden.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
The Specialized S-Works hits the sweet spot between asphalt and off-road performance.
Gran Fondo Magazine logoGran Fondo Magazine
Overall, I had an absolute blast riding this bike. Everything just seems to work.
road.cc logoroad.cc

Feedback?

View all reviews

Cycling News
Hands on: Specialized Diverge STR Expert first-ride review: Rear suspension works for gravel

Oct 2022 · Peter Stuart

The new gravel race bike is a big step forward in tech, and though it comes at a price, the gains could be well worth it

Highs
  • Better ride quality

  • More ride versatility

  • Better all-around performance

  • Impressive comfort across all terrain

Lows
  • Added complexity

  • Increased price

Read Review

Cyclist
Specialized S-Works Diverge STR first ride review

Oct 2022 · Matthew Loveridge

Specialized’s radical new butt suspension shows great promise but is this the future of gravel?

Highs
  • Ingenious approach to suspension seems to work well

  • Retains best bits of previous model

Lows
  • Impressive price tag

  • Exposed rear suspension won't be to all tastes

Read Review

Whistler Mountain Bike
Reviewed: 2021 Specialized Diverge Carbon Expert

Aug 2021 · Dale Tiessen

Riding ‘off road’ on a road bike is nothing new. I have seen lots of days-gone-by pics of Tour de France riders with a tubular slung around their shoulders riding dirt roads.

Read Review

road.cc
Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon 2021

Jul 2021 · Stu Kerton

Proper gravel racer that belies its weight, and a blast to ride – plus the SWAT storage is a touch of class

Highs
  • Excellent handling for tackling trails at speed

  • Future Shock 2.0 gives controllable damping

  • Large tyre clearance

  • Such a fun ride

Lows
  • Thin bar tape

  • Bit of a colour clash inside the fork legs

  • Tyres quite narrow and slick for typical UK conditions

Read Review

Road Bike Action
2021 SPECIALIZED DIVERGE GRAVEL BIKE REVIEW

May 2021 · RBA Staff

Specialized scores with the latest Diverge Pro Carbon

Read Review

BikeRadar
2021 Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon review

Nov 2020 · Jack Luke

The Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon is a hugely versatile carbon gravel bike that could be turned to almost any task

Highs
  • The Future Shock 2.0 is super-effective at smoothing big hits and rough roads

  • Modern geometry contributes to super-stable ride quality

  • Every bike should have a SWAT box

  • Oodles of mounts boost versatility

  • Lots of tyre clearance

Lows
  • Uncompetitive build for the price

  • Tyres suffer in all but the driest conditions

  • Handlebar design may limit accessory mounting options

Read Review

Cycling Weekly
Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon

Oct 2020 · Rupert Radley

The Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon could be the perfect do-it-all bike for those seeking on road fun and off road thrills

Highs
  • Good carbon frame

  • Great handling

  • Perfect blend of on road performance and off road capability

Lows
  • Tyres comprise its off-road competency

Read Review

Gran Fondo Magazine
Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon in bikepacking review

Oct 2020 · Benjamin Topf

Bike giant Specialized sent us the Diverge Expert for our bikepacking group test. Designed as a gravel bike, it's been a talking point among bikepacking greats like Lael Wilcox since its introduction. Does it have what it takes to win our group test?

Highs
  • High level of comfort

  • Very composed

  • Maximum efficiency at cruising speed

  • SWAT box in the down tube

Lows
  • Frameset not stiff enough for heavy luggage

  • Lack of precision in off-road corners on loose surfaces

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Specialized Diverge FACT 8r carbon, Future Shock suspension, threaded BB, internal routing, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc

BB StandardBSA, 68mm, Threaded

ColorsGloss Clay / Cast Umber/chrome/clean; Gloss Smoke / Redwood/chrome/clean

Fork

Future Shock 1.5 w/Smooth Boot, FACT carbon, 12x100 mm thru-axle, flat-mount

Travel20mm

Bottom Bracket

BSA, 68mm, threaded

Stem

Future Stem, Comp

Handlebar

Specialized Adventure Gear Hover, 103mm drop x 70mm reach x 12º flare

Saddle

Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails

Seatpost

Carbon, single-bolt, 27.2mm

TypeRigid

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM Apex 1, long cage, 11-speed

Crank

SRAM Apex 1x, 40T, custom-alloy

Cassette

Sunrace, 11-speed, alloy spider, 11-42t

Chain

KMC X11 Extra Lightweight, 11-speed

Brakes

SRAM Apex, hydraulic disc

TypeSRAM Apex Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Tires

Pathfinder Sport, 700x38mm

Rider Notes
Riders Also Viewed

First added March 26

Last updated October 8

Not listed for 1,334 days