Gravel bike buying advice: I'm buying the Specialized Diverge - but which one?

The season is coming up and I want a gravel bike for several reasons: a) I need a project in the summer - like last year From Munich to the Baltic Sea. b) I want to explore Upper Bavaria and the Allgäu with it and as far away from roads as possible, so gravel and no racing bike. c) You can't have enough bikes.

Whether it's a windscreen wiper blade, cordless drill or socks - I'm one of those buyers who has to sleep on it for many nights on principle. This means that the products I want are usually left in my digital shopping basket until I decide to buy them. commit can press the buy button.

Of course, sellers have suitable terms for this:

1) Driver (fast, decisive, goal-orientated)

2) Analytical (fact-based, cautious)

3) Amiable (harmony-orientated, relationship-focused)

4) Expressive (emotional, enthusiastic)

I'm probably a mixture of 2 and 3, I think. At least I already have one model in my sights: the Specialized Diverge. One of the two gravel bikes in the Specialized range (there's also an e-version called Creo). The alternative to the Diverge is called Crux.

The description of the Diverge sounds more appropriate to me: less "competition-tested", more "adventure-ready". Of course, that's exactly what I want - to experience something, somewhere in Germany in the summer.

The Diverge models: spoilt for choice

There are six models. From 2299 euros to 7999 euros.

The entry-level model Specialised Diverge 4 Sport for 2299 euros (2 colours) with Shimano Cues brakes, Cues drivetrain and aluminium frame and wheels. Weight: 10.74 kilos according to the manufacturer. Phew, that seems like a lot. But it's also clear that with Specialized you're paying for the name, so there's little budget left for the equipment at 2299 euros >> available here at a reduced price.

The Specialised Diverge 4 Comp shifts with Sram Apex and brakes with Sram Apex brakes. Also aluminium, plus aluminium wheels from Dt-Swiss. Weight: 10.6 kilos (manufacturer's specification). There are three colours to choose from. Price: 2799 euros >> available here at a reduced price.

The Diverge 4 Sport Carbon comes with a carbon frame. This brings the weight down to just under 10 kilos (9.79 kilos according to the manufacturer). There is also a carbon seatpost, Shimano GRX brakes and drivetrain and DT-Swiss G540 wheels. Price: 3499 euros - three colours, including the chic Emmerald Metallic and Deep Orange >> available here at a reduced price.

Diverge 4 CompThe weight remains almost the same as the 4 Sport Carbon model. On the other hand, you shift electrically with Sram Apex AXS gears and brake with Sram Apex brakes. DT Swiss G540 rims here too. The Diverge 4 Comp Carbon costs 4499 euros - now it's getting more expensive >> available here at a reduced price.

Diverge 4 Expert: The Expert model features a lot of Shimano, including the new Shimano GRX brakes, with electric shifting using GRX Di2. In terms of weight, it weighs less than 9 kilos (8.9 kilos according to the manufacturer) and is available in three understated colours. Price: 6499 euros >> available here.

Diverge 4 Pro - the top model. Available in one colour (Bordeaux Metallic), with the hottest Sram add-on parts: Force E1 brakes and Force AXS drivetrain. Weight: 8.39 kilos according to Specialized. Price: 7999 euros >> available here. Ouch! It certainly won't be.

Interim summary of models and equipment

Of course, Specialized offers less equipment for 3,500 euros than direct mail order companies such as Rose or Canyon. While the gears here are still mechanical, electronic shifting is already available elsewhere. It's basically like buying a car - the name costs money. Because lightweight gravel bikes are more attractive, I tend to favour the Expert model for 6,499 euros. However, common sense dictates that the Comp version for 4,499 euros will have to do - it's expensive enough.

The geometry: What size should it be?

Practical: you can enter your height on the homepage, and optionally also your inside leg length for a better recommendation, and then the right frame size is spit out. For my 1.78 metres, Specialized recommends a frame size of 56 cm.
I simply rely on that now.

As a mountain biker, I know that playful riders like to ride shorter frames, while smooth-running fans prefer longer ones. What is it like for gravel bikers?

For size 56, the all-important reach value is 400 mm. The reach is the horizontal distance from the centre of the bottom bracket to the upper edge of the head tube. It largely determines how stretched or upright you sit on the bike - especially in an active riding position or when standing. A longer reach ensures greater stability and smoothness, while a shorter reach makes for more manoeuvrable handling. At least that's the case for mountain bikers. But what about gravel bikers?

You should not choose a frame that is too large or too small for a gravel bike: Too large a frame leads to a stretched posture and can cause back problems, too small a frame feels cramped.

Gravel bikes are generally more compact than road bikes because you sit more upright and stable - especially off-road. That's why you often choose the smaller size for more control.

If you are between two sizes, the smaller size is more agile and comfortable, while the larger size is sportier because it is more elongated.

It is always advisable to try them out.

More soon - for now I'm ordering. Hopefully faster than usual this time.