The Verdict: The Specialized Diverge E5 Elite 2020 is … The 32x34 lowest gear ratio helps out, but I didn't really find myself sprinting out of the saddle as much as I did on the Grail – not only because of the weight, but also the only downside of the Future Shock: it bobs about a bit when you are climbing hard and you can't lock it out. Specialized has overhauled the Diverge for 2021. The Diverge Elite DSW has everything you need to start going farther than you ever thought possible. Yes, the Diverge does feel efficient especially when being ridden hard. Our mission is to bring you all the news that’s relevant to you as a cyclist, independent reviews, impartial buying advice and more. Clever shock system and an excellent ride but expensive for what you are getting, If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website, Make and model: Specialized Men's Diverge. Against the opposition, though, it is a bit weighty and a fair chunk of money given the spec. With its D'Aluisio Smartweld Technology E5 Premium Aluminium frame that increases stiffness, while also improving compliance, no road surface is off-limits. Copyright © Dennis Publishing Limited 2020. The Specialized Power Saddle improves comfort in most positions, even as you get more aggressive. The videos advertising the new product line summed up the style of riding, with Lycra-clad riders seen zipping along tarmac roads, gravel, and over fences to explore singletrack and take in actual mountain summits, not just their tarmac passes. How was the bike in terms of height and reach? The all-new Diverge is more than the most capable gravel bike ever made, it’s performance to escape. Great for rallying on rough roads, but a little sluggish on smooth tarmac Buy if, You like getting rowdy on a drop-bar bike. The only fly in the ointment is that Future Shock again compressing when you are climbing out of the saddle. The bottom half of the frame has excellent stiffness. The Diverge comes in both aluminium and carbon fibre, with this model being the entry-level carbon offering, with its FACT 9r frame. Not everyone's cup of tea but so far so good, with plenty of wet rides under its belt. I was out for four to five hours at times and suffered from no real discomfort from any of my contact points. For its £1,899.99 build you are getting a full SRAM Force groupset and a decent spec list; it's light too. The Specialized Diverge Elite DSW offers, without doubt, the best value to performance. Hansens Cykellob: Ice cream themed gravel sportive makes for a great day's riding, Specialized S-Works 7 road cycling shoe: in-depth review, Cinelli Pressure: new aero road bike from iconic Italian brand, Video: How to adjust a rear derailleur and index your gears, AG2R Citroën Team reveal major kit redesign for 2021, Women led the way in huge increase in cycling for 2020, Strava data shows, Thinking about a cycling holiday in 2021? The Sawtooth Sport tyres fitted are 38mm wide and suited more to bigger aggregate gravel as the tread is quite small, so when riding on the smaller sized stones they can be quite skittish. Would you consider buying the bike? The Sawtooth tyres roll pretty well and the double chainset gives you tarmac-friendly gearing so things are pretty good. For those on a tighter budget, the 2017 Gloss Moto Orange Diverge Elite DSW ($1400) looks like a good contender. Specialized Diverge Elite Aluminium 2019 Road Bike White Frame - Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum, Open Road Geometry, threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat mount disc Fork - Specialized FACT carbon, flat-mount disc, 12x100mm thru-axle Unlike the more expensive models, you don't get the S-Works CG-R shock-absorbing seatpost on this Diverge, having to make do with a standard 27.2mm diameter alloy model. All material © Farrelly Atkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. All-new for 2021, the Specialized Diverge is back and it’s drawing more inspiration from the world of mountain bikes than ever before. Anything you particularly did or didn't like? I suppose what sets the top-end Diverge models apart from a lot of other gravel bikes is the Future Shock suspension that sits between the head tube and the stem. The revenue from adverts helps to fund our site. If you don’t want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off. Tell us some more about the wheels.Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? The frame is constructed using Specialized’s own FACT9 carbon, which is a grade or two down from what you find on the range-topping S-Works model, but is still highly regarded and used across the Specialized ranges. Like this site? With 20 years of road cycling and over 150,000 miles in his legs it's safe to say Stu is happiest when on the bike whatever the weather. With its D'Aluisio Smartweld Technology E5 Premium Aluminum frame that increases stiffness while also improving compliance, no road surface is off-limits. FRAME Specialized FACT 9r carbon, Open Road Geometry, 12x142mm thru-axle, Future Shock Progressive suspension, 20mm of travel, flat-mount disc, BB386, FORK Specialized FACT carbon, flat-mount disc, 12x100mm thru-axle. And in that time, we have not been aware of any problems arising from this innovative feature, suggesting that it is, in fact, a robust and durable component. An excellent frame and fork throughout. Some of this extra length is due to the clearance needed for the bigger tyres and disc brakes, and some has been specifically dialled in to help improve the bike’s handling on unpredictable surfaces. Speedy, which makes it great for changing direction rapidly on rough, loose terrain. Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork? in: Complete our user survey and win Rapha vouchers! Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's efficiency? This means you have four potential stem angles available if you’re willing to flip it. Was it lively neutral or unresponsive? If have a comfy underlayer on. I spent years as a time triallist, developing a high speed but very narrow cadence range, and I just find the majority of 1x cassettes too gappy. All the components delivered plenty of stiffness to match the frame. The E5 aluminium models sit below the carbon models. With a 24-spoke build at the front and a slightly beefier 28 at the rear, they are aimed more at faster, unloaded gravel riding than others on the market, but I certainly had no issues with durability after some really hard-hitting gravel rides. Specialized says, "Hop on the dirt path down the street, cruise through town to your favorite café, or go on a proper overnight adventure ride - whatever your plans may be, the Diverge is here to let you do what you want.". Use this box to explain your overall score. I've made references to the Canyon Grail in the review, and the main reason is because to my mind it is by far the best no-nonsense gravel racing bike out there. The tyres are slick, the position is instantly familiar and the gearing is a bog-standard 2x11 set-up, with proper big gears at the top end for all-out speed, and plenty at the low end to get you up the steeper climbs. For me, gravel riding takes me back to when I was a teenager at the beginning of the Nineties, blasting around the local woods on my steel hardtail mountain bike, and it's that 'absorbing the bumps through your elbows and knees' that makes it fun. Now, nearly four years on, this breed of cross-over bike is an established part of the market. From previous use of Praxis bottom brackets I've found them to be pretty much hassle-free, so fingers crossed creaking doesn't become an issue over time. Specialized has a long and distinguished history working with aluminium and the E5 alloy used here is the same material found on the firm’s £7,500 S-Works Allez. We’re as suspicious of marketing hype as anyone but this looked like a world of fun – does the Diverge live up to that promise? Whether it's the 7 speed stuff on my 23 y/o MTB or the 9 and 10 speed STIs and drivetrains, they are just so dependable. How would you describe the steering? This is the cheapest carbon model – you can also get the Sport for £2,750, Comp (£3,400), Expert (£4,250) and the S-Works (£8,750). Specialized Diverge Elite DSW Road Bike 2017. Any components which didn't work well together? It offers a great ride and is really suited to those who want to get out and explore the countryside at speed. How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size? I've said it plenty of times before, but I'm really not a fan of the shape of these RS405 levers, I just find them too elongated at the hood and they don't lend themselves well to your hand shape like others in Shimano's range. The Bike: Specialized Diverge. Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork? Your subscription will help us to do more. Specialized Diverge review . You'll find full internal cable routing, and three bottle cage mounting points. Within a few hours of riding, we began wondering that if you owned a Diverge if you’d need a road bike too. The light, responsive aluminum frame uses D'Alusion Smartweld Technology to increase stiffness and efficiency while retaining low weight and wonderful compliance. A beefy head tube, large diameter down tube and massive seatstays keep the bike planted and flex-free, helped by being held together by the chunky BB386 Pressfit bottom bracket shell. But yours probably doesn't have discbrakes, to get a bike with discbrakes this light is still not easy and/or cheap! We’ve noticed you’re using an ad blocker. > Buyer's Guide: 22 of the best gravel and adventure bikes. The new 2021 Specialized Diverge is here There are a number of cheaper Diverges with aluminium and carbon frames, but only the lofty S-Works model tops this Comp. With its D’Aluisio Smartweld Technology E5 Premium Aluminum frame that increases stiffness while also improving compliance, no road surface is off-limits. SHIFT LEVERS Shimano RS405 Shifters, hydraulic disc, 10-speed, FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Tiagra, 10-speed, REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Tiagra, GS cage, 10-speed, SADDLE Body Geometry Toupé Sport, steel rails, 143mm, SEAT BINDER Diverge Collar, Alloy, 31.2mm, HANDLEBARS Specialized Adventure Gear Hover, 12-degree flare, STEM Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise, FRONT TIRE Sawtooth Sport, black, 700x38mm, REAR TIRE Sawtooth Sport, black, 700x38mm, FRONT BRAKE Shimano RS405, hydraulic disc. Terms and conditions of use. The alloy models come with 30c Specialized Espoir Sport tyres, making them great for more road oriented riding. Jump to Latest Follow ... Elite DSW ($1500 MSRP) and Comp DSW ($2400 MSRP). Help us to make it better. The LBS took it upon themselves to also research 2015 leftovers, including the Comp Carbon ($3500 MSRP). You need it, too, as the Diverge – like the excellent Canyon Grail – has quite aggressive geometry compared to a lot of gravel/adventure bikes, which goads you into pushing just that little bit harder into the corners or on descents. What’s more, with that roadie-but-fatter profile comes superb straight-line speed and on-road manners. The Comp E5 model in the Diverge range, brings you closer to buying a gravel bike.. You could be riding along quite safely and then you're gone. Specialized has gone for 160mm diameter rotors front and rear, which is a good choice for off-road use and they haul you up quickly without too much fuss. Lastly, the bar tape is great, and we happily rode without gloves even when we ventured off road, risking nettle stings. Stiffness is excellent and under hard braking I never had any issues with the legs chattering or twisting, helped by the aforementioned thru-axle. For me, the spread of gears was absolutely fine for all of the terrain I encountered, and while the shifters aren't as crisp in use as the actual mechanical Tiagra units, skipping between sprockets and chainrings is dealt with quickly and cleanly. If things get at all wet, though, away from the gravel you might as well be on slicks for all the bite they'll give you. How did the bike feel overall? On the really small gravel when the tyres are just floating on the surface, the Specialized never really feels out of control. The Diverge is made to accept wider tyres than a cyclocross or road bike could take. What does that mean? How does the price compare to that of similar bikes in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc? The Praxis Works oversized BB allows a chainset with an oversized spindle to run in a threaded bottom-bracket shell (which is good if you hate creaks but like stiff cranks), and the gear range is perfect. The latest Specialized Diverge is very impressive to ride. I'd want more bang for my buck! On the road they have decent rolling resistance, and pumped hard they grip well while still being comfortable. It has a relatively short wheelbase for this type and size of bike at just 1,011mm, all of which adds up to the sort of quick-handling, responsive riding style I got from the Diverge. ... From the moment I threw my leg over the Specialized Diverge, I knew I was not going to be short of words. The £1,000 Specialized Diverge E5 Sport brings the US company’s latest adventure and gravel bike design down to an attractive price point and produces a package that works well in a multitude of uses. When it comes to braking power they also seem to lack a little compared with, say, the latest Shimano 105 R7020 models, though whether that comes down to the shape and my hand position or not is difficult to say. To take into account the added height of the Future Shock, Specialized has kept the head tube short at just 128mm, which is race bike territory, but with the spacers and shock added you still get a decently high front end for when you're clawing your way up gravel trails. There’s no tread pattern to speak of, but the huge volume and good width provide significant levels of traction, even when we found ourselves on really muddy bridleways. But nope. Overall, I really like the Diverge. The tyres are Specialized’s own Roubaix Pro, a popular tyre among commuters in its 23 and 25mm widths, but it’s a fatter 32mm here. As per my earlier review, went with spanky light Times, as I use Time on my other bikes, and stiffer than a stiff thing XC shoes to create the effect of a bigger platform road pedal. We were pleasantly surprised at how aggressive the riding position turned out to be; this bike can be as easily set up for going at speed as it can for riding in comfort. The Specialized Diverge platform was launched to much fanfare in the middle of 2014, making it one of the first in the new wave of adventure road bikes. This is the one place where the Diverge falls down a bit. The Diverge treads the fine line between ‘normal’ road bike and gravel-grinder. Tell us some more about the drivetrain. Secondly, the CG-R carbon seatpost, with its Z-shaped head and rubber insert, provides exceptional comfort, flexing visibly to provide a level of compliance no frame on its own ever could. Did it feel efficient? Specialized claims sufficient clearance for 35mm tyres, but even bigger ones are possible. With the stock tyres it’s a solid and dependable road bike for road riding and commuting, but needs a tyre swap to open it up to more varied terrain, whereupon it’s decently Escape from the pack for victory, escape from the daily grind, escape from the same old roads and same old rides, with the speed, control and confidence to attack the most challenging terrain. would you recommend any changes? The Diverge can go almost as fast on the road, and if you spot an enticing shortcut, it’s yours for the taking. It’s specced with a compact double (a hill-friendly 48/32T) and mechanical disc brakes, which could be upgraded to hydros further down the line. Well made and the finish is brilliant. How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike? How would the controls work for larger or smaller riders? The bike is built to tackle any surface it encounters. Any particularly good or bad components? Tech, reviews: tech [at] road.cc List the components used to build up the bike. With a clear view ahead, we were touching 40kmh without really trying. Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Intuitive, discreet electric bike that fit riders will take to new extremes, Fun, confidence-inspiring and very capable both on the road and off, Refined geometry makes the GX2 fast and fun on any terrain, and the spec list is quality for the money, Fast, precise and a light frameset makes this a hugely competitive CX bike or gravel racer, Editorial, general: info [at] road.cc No, too pricey at full rrp. The Alba has 48/32-tooth chainrings which lowers the gearing a little over a standard compact, paired to the SunRace 11-34 cassette, with shifting across it helped by the long cage rear mech. Fantasy Cycling: game [at] road.cc It's a quality bit of kit, offering a great balance of stiffness and comfort, ideal for standing up to the rigours of off-road riding. This gives you a wider stance and more stability when in the drops and travelling at speed, and also gives a bit of extra clearance for bar bags and the like. I'm hoping to get opinions about the Specialized Diverge's A1 vs DSW frame. Both the wheels and tyres are out of Specialized's parts bin. Hi, very nice site with lots of information! Specialized makes many versions of their Diverge gravel bike and the Sport model we tested falls towards the lower end of the price spectrum for their carbon-framed models. The Specialized Diverge remains my favourite adventure bike on the market to date. Specialized has incorporated their unique Future Shocksuspension design on th… If the Diverge was £200-£300 cheaper with this spec then its score would be up there with the likes of the carbon Grail. As a subscriber you can read road.cc ad-free, from as little as £1.99. How did the bike transfer power? There are six size options, ranging from a 48cm frame through to 61cm in this men's model. The geometry is slightly different, though, as the Diverge has a deeper bottom-bracket drop, which lowers your centre of gravity and makes the bike more stable at speed. Wheel retention is taken care of by 12mm thru-axles front and rear, and as you'd expect the Diverge uses the latest flat mountings for the disc calipers. Yes. THE ULTIMATE GETAWAY VEHICLE: "With speed, control, and confidence on any terrain, Diverge is the most capable gravel bike ever made.Switching from Midwest gravel at Mach 5 to rutted single track with ease, nothing helps you escape faster than Diverge." Specialized makes several Diverge models, each at a different price point and with various features. That's quite the package, and it has a claimed weight of just 8.8kg which seems about right considering our Shimano Ultegra test model weighed 8.4kg on our scales. The frame is very comfortable and does a good job of not feeling harsh over rough ground. On the road, it picks up speed like any regular slick-tyred road bike, but heading into suburbia, we found a strange thing happening – we started to see speed bumps as launch pads and began gleefully getting both tyres off the ground. Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork? would you recommend any changes? The Diverge is the closest to a traditional road bike of any of the adventure bikes on tested around the same time. Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible? Write a Review × Specialized ... Split your rides from the pavement on Specialized's Diverge Elite DSW. In fact, I think this was when I enjoyed myself the most – you feel like a cycling god holding the bike right on the edge of its grip levels, though in reality it's just as much the Diverge's geometry that is letting you get away with it. Hop on and get riding though, and it’s a revelation. 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