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Today’s Deals2023 Specialized
Diverge Expert Carbon
A carbon frame gravel bike with high-end components and sram rival hydraulic disc brakes.
Manufacturer Price
$4,499| Weight | 21.0 lbs |
|---|---|
| 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 a highly capable gravel bike praised for its smooth ride, stable handling, and innovative Future Shock suspension system that enhances comfort and control on rough terrain. It features versatile geometry, ample tire clearance, and practical storage options like the SWAT box, making it suitable for a wide range of gravel adventures. While it excels in off-road performance, some reviews note handling quirks at slow speeds and limitations in suspension tunability.
Smooth and stable ride quality
Innovative Future Shock suspension system
Versatile handling and all-round capabilities
Ample tire clearance and practical storage options
Comfortable geometry for long-distance riding
Limited suspension tunability in some models
Handling can be twitchy or wandering at slow speeds
Stock tires may not suit all conditions
Some gearing setups inadequate for steep terrain
Future Shock system may not appeal to all riders
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
May 2024
For our Specialized Diverge STR Review, Amy Jurries loaded it up for a bikepacking trip across a mix of terrain in Cyprus. Full review here...
Front and rear suspension make for confident riding over rough terrain and comfort for long days in the saddle
No bobbing when out of the saddle or pushing hard
High-end components such as the SRAM AXS Eagle drivetrain with its smooth, precise shifting
Generous tire clearance, allowing for wider tires
Plenty of mounts and internal storage for tools and supplies
Sleek design
Fiddly process to precisely dial in the desired compliance of the Future Shock suspension system at start
The rear suspension requires an adjustment in seatpost height and saddle position compared to your normal gravel setup
Because the Future Shock system isolates the rider, not the frame, the rear suspension won’t drastically improve control on technical descents when standing
Heavier than your average carbon gravel bike
This is a very expensive bike, with some builds costing as much as a used car
Don’t forget your spare batteries
As with all things Specialized, many proprietary parts apart from the drivetrain
Dec 2023 · Sam Challis
When it comes to road and gravel bikes, I’m in the privileged position of being spoilt for choice. The nature
Sep 2023 · Tyler Benedict
Here's why the Specialized Diverge's damped seatpost flex is a brilliant design and doesn't care if you think it's ugly.
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 · 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
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
| 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 Dune White / Taupe; Gloss Dark Navy Granite over Carbon / Pearl |
|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM Rival 1 Wide, 40T |
| Shifters | SRAM RIVAL ETAP AXS |
| 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 April 10
Last updated June 13