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Today’s Deals2022 Specialized
Diverge Expert Carbon
A carbon frame gravel bike with high-end components and sram rival hydraulic disc brakes.
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Manufacturer Price
$4,999| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Hardtail, 20mm |
| Fork | Specialized Future Shock 2.0 |
| Wheels | 700c Carbon |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Groupset | GX Eagle AXS, Rival AXS |
| Brakes | SRAM Rival Hydraulic Disc |
5'4" – 5'7"
5'6" – 5'11"
5'8" – 5'11"
5'10" – 6'3"
6'2" – 6'6"
6'5" – 6'9"
🐐 Estimated
- 5'9", size 54cm, Just right
- 6'3", size 58, Just right
- 5'5", size 52, Just right
Summary
The Specialized Diverge is widely praised for its smooth, stable ride and excellent handling on gravel and rough terrain, thanks to features like the Future Shock suspension system and revised geometry. It offers impressive comfort, versatility with ample tire clearance and storage options, making it a top choice for gravel riding. However, some reviews note handling quirks at slow speeds and limitations in suspension adjustability.
Smooth and stable ride quality
Excellent handling and confidence on rough terrain
Future Shock suspension enhances comfort and control
Ample tire clearance and versatile storage options
Balanced geometry for all-around gravel capabilities
Handling can be twitchy or prone to wandering at slow speeds
Limited adjustability in the Future Shock system
Stock tires and gearing may not suit all conditions
Some pedal strikes due to low bottom bracket
The new Specialized Diverge is one of the best gravel bikes you can buyBicycling
Specialized wanted to maximize power transfer and overall efficiency, so the bike handles like a normal rigid bike.
BikerumorIt’s got to be one of the most comfortable bikes I’ve ridden.
BikeRadarThe Future Shock 2.0’s hydraulic damper makes for a much more composed and capable feel than previous versions.
Cycling TipsIf there is such a thing as warp speed gravel, then the S-Works Diverge is ready for it.
Gran Fondo MagazineFeedback?
View all reviews
Sep 2023
I’ve been quite happy for my gravel riding to remain a suspension free pursuit; well, I was until I spent a couple of months on Specialized’s Diverge STR Expert. With the brand's Future Shock treatment now extending to the rear end of the Diverge, not only is it one of the comfiest gravel bikes on the market, but that ‘boing-free’ rear end also aids traction on climbs and minimises fatigue. Though, I'll admit, its aesthetics are quite divisive.
May 2023
Compliance without compromise is the name of the game here in this future-thinking adventure machine, but does it work?
Feb 2023 · Jack Luke
The divisive Future Shock Rear 'suspension' system is tricky to set up, and the build isn't competitive for the price, but the Diverge STR Expert will delight those who like high-tech bikes
Super-smooth ride when seated
Hugely versatile
Sorted geometry
Improved tyre spec
Quirky aesthetic
Very involved setup
Uncompetitive build for the price
Quirky aesthetic
Oct 2022 · Tyler Benedict
Specialized suspends the rider by using the seat tube as a fully damped carbon leaf spring, letting you power thru the roughest gravel roads!
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
Better ride quality
More ride versatility
Better all-around performance
Impressive comfort across all terrain
Added complexity
Increased price
Oct 2022 · Matthew Loveridge
Specialized’s radical new butt suspension shows great promise but is this the future of gravel?
Ingenious approach to suspension seems to work well
Retains best bits of previous model
Impressive price tag
Exposed rear suspension won't be to all tastes
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.
Future Shock 2.0 provides effective small bump absorption
SWAT box integrates storage into frame
Roval Terra carbon seatpost offers compliance
Stable geometry with low and slack headtube angle
Future Shock 2.0 adjustability is only on/off, middle clicks ineffective
Future Shock 2.0 started squeaking after 5 rides
SWAT box bag too small for Specialized Tube Spool and multi-tool
GRX 1x drivetrain gearing inadequate for steep climbs (1-to-1 ratio)
Spec'd with 38c tires, insufficient for rough terrain
No factory 650b option offered
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
Excellent handling for tackling trails at speed
Future Shock 2.0 gives controllable damping
Large tyre clearance
Such a fun ride
Thin bar tape
Bit of a colour clash inside the fork legs
Tyres quite narrow and slick for typical UK conditions
| Frame | Specialized Diverge FACT 9r carbon, SWAT™ Door integration, Future Shock suspension, threaded BB, internal routing, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc BB Standard: BSA, 68mm, Threaded Tire Clearance: 47c Colors: Gloss Teal Tint / Carbon/limestone/wild; Gloss Arctic Blue / Sand Speckle/terra Cotta; Satin Orange Tint / Spectraflair |
|---|---|
| Fork | Future Shock 2.0 w/ Damper, Smooth Boot, FACT carbon, 12x100 mm thru-axle, flat-mount Travel: 20mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB BSA 68 |
| Stem | Future Stem, Pro |
| Handlebar | Specialized Adventure Gear Hover, 103mm drop x 70mm reach x 12º flare |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Power Expert |
| Seatpost | Roval Terra Carbon Seat Post, 20mm Offset Type: Rigid |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle AXS, w/ battery cover |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM Rival 1 Wide, 40T |
| Shifters | SRAM Rival eTap AXS, hydraulic |
| Cassette | SRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed, 11-50t |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Brakes | Front: SRAM Rival eTAP AXS, hydraulic disc, Rear: SRAM Rival eTAP AXS, hydraulic disc Type: SRAM Rival Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Front: Roval Terra C, 25mm inner width carbon rim, 32mm depth, NEW DT 370 hub, 24h, DT Swiss Comp Race spokes, Rear: Roval Terra C, 25mm inner width carbon rim, 32mm depth, NEW DT 370 Star Ratchet hub, 24h, DT Swiss Comp Race spokes |
|---|---|
| Tires | Front: PATHFINDER PRO 2BR, TAN SIDEWALL, 700x42, Rear: PATHFINDER PRO 2BR, TAN SIDEWALL, 700x42 |
First added August 20
Last updated April 17
Not listed for 51 days