How good is the new Diverge gravel bike from Specialized?
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The new Diverge gravel model has a tidy appearance and is devoid of extravagant details at first glance. Instead, it features simple, tried-and-tested technology that will not only make the hearts of DIY enthusiasts beat faster - see the classic BSA bottom bracket cups or the round seat post with convenient external clamp.
But the Diverge also has some special features that are noticeable when used on gravel tracks and forest paths: for example, the Future Shock 2.0 suspension element, which comes from the Roubaix marathon racing bike. It offers up to 20 millimetres of suspension travel on the handlebars and has infinitely adjustable hydraulic damping. The so-called Swat Box, a concept that originated in Specialized's mountain bike models, is also useful for all-round bikes such as the Diverge: a generous opening with a waterproof lid under the bottle cage offers storage space for clothes or food. The geometry with a longer top tube, short stem and slightly upturned handlebars is also new - and promises a manoeuvrable bike with stable straight-line stability, similar to the Roubaix marathon model.
Nine models from 1,099 to 9,999 euros
S-Works Diverge - 9,999 euros
Diverge Pro Carbon - 6,999 euros
Diverge Comp Carbon - 3,799 euros
Diverge Base Carbon - 2,499 euros
Our test bike: Specialised Diverge Comp
A detailed test report with all the measurement data from the TOUR lab can be found below as a pdf download for € 0.99 and in our TOUR issue 06/2020.
- Price: 3,799 euros
- Weight: 9.4 kilos
- Frame sizes: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 cm
- Shimano drivetrain: GRX FC-RX600 (48/31, 11-34 t.)
- Shimano brakes: GRX RX810 (160/160 mm)
- Shimano gears: GRX RX810
- Wheels: DT Swiss G540
- Tyres: Specialized Pathfinder 38 mm tubeless
The Comp version of the bike provided to us for testing weighs more than nine kilos with aluminium rims and aluminium handlebars. Cost point: 3,799 euros. The Diverge is equipped with the new GRX gravel groupset from Shimano. This is not easy to categorise due to its wide range of variants. The parts fitted, which are labelled RX810, are on a par with Ultegra and work perfectly. The 2 x 11 drivetrain offers the previously impossible chainring gradation 48/31 teeth. In conjunction with the 11-34-tooth triple cassette, the gearing is widely spaced, offers a gear reduction for steep climbs in the terrain and manages almost without gear overlaps.
Further information about the bike can be found at www.specialized.com.
