Indeed, Id claim we were venturing close to MTB territory in several parts of the ride. New bike day: 2019 S-Works Tarmac Disc SL6. Look for Tubeless Ready on the tire sidewall: Turbo S-Works Rapidair. The Roubaix Pro 2Bliss Ready is an endurance road tire that's well suited for smooth and rough roads alike. The wheels were also tubeless-ready with a full rim strip. The stopping power of SRAMs Rivals is, well, unrivalled. That is to say, I miss a bit of the snappiness and liveliness of a pure race breed like the Crux or even a previous Diverge. Turbo S-Works 2BR. New Tubeless Tire conversion, Specialized Chisel, No tape. Then again, we could easily have said exactly the same thing about gravel bikes a short time ago, so maybe this really will be the future of gravel riding. A a complete 56cm S-Works Diverge STR has a claimed weight of 18.7lbs (8.5kg) set up tubeless out of the box. It's simply the fastest, most capable, and probably the most fun bike that Specialized has built. These tweaks offer increased stability, lowering your centre of gravity on the bike. E5 Comp EVO price: US$1,600 / 1,599 / AU$2,500. It's quite simply the fastest most capable - and just maybe the most fun - bike we've ever made delivering a ride that's quick and lively under power but stable and confidence inspiring when the . The inaugural UEC Gravel European Championships, which will take place on October 1, 2023, By Anne-Marije Rook Its more than stiff enough, and its predictable, nimble and positive when cornering. The post is available in both a 20 mm offset and zero-degree, and the bike is dropper-post compatible too (such a thing comes standard on the S-Works). Even if the bike is a total marketing coup, it doesnt mean that producing something like this isnt a risk. It feels light, agile, and very engaging. It's not spec'd as a tubeless ready wheelset. The crossover between the two disciplines is increasingly clear just look at the Diverge Evo below and the Lauf Anywhere is another example of a gravel bike with contemporary geometry. Frame - Specialized Diverge FACT 9r carbon, SWAT Door integration, Future Shock suspension, threaded BB, internal routing, 12x142mm thru-axle, . Secondly, the two days of riding I did at the Diverge launch turned out to be the last real-world riding Id do (and have done) in over two months now. Specialized Diverge E5 Premium Aluminum, Future Shock suspension, 1x specific EVO geometry, threaded BB, internal routing, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc . I will be using the stock Specialized rim liner or rim tape. FRONT WHEEL DT Swiss G540 rim, 24mm internal width, tubeless ready, 24h, Specialized full sealed bearing thru axle hub, centerlock disc, DT Swiss Champion 14G stainless steel spokes . Price: US$10,000 / AU$16,000 / 8,899. Gravel+? I rode the top-end S-Works and the beautiful "Satin Blaze" Pro model in September on some rather wet rides through Germany's Black Forest. I was pleased to see that the new post works with the rest of the bike, in that it never dulls the sharpness of the rear end but just quietens down the road noise thats transferred to you. I received my 2021 Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon (size 52) two weeks ago. But the extra bells and whistles may not be everyone's cup of tea and the $7,000 to $14,000 buy-in price is preventative for most. This also included using this wild test rig with an adjustable head angle. A painted 56cm Diverge STR frame with no hardware weighs 1100g. The EVOs also been designed to be 1x specific, where the rest of the range can be chopped-and-changed depending on your preference. Specialized second-generation Diverge Comp review - CyclingTips If you havent tried a road bike with hydros, youre in for a treat. But it was the tidy fender mounts that impressed me more than the number of other mounting options. Theres new geometry, an updated and damped Future Shock headset that has migrated over from Specializeds 2020 Roubaix, room for wider tyres, a longer wheelbase and that external lunchbox has magically vanished from the base of the main triangle. The Expert model gets a gorgeous paint job in a fetching Gloss Raspberry/Redwood/Black/Chrome/Wild Ferns design, which is well worth checking out. Thats clearly something that the market will dictate, but it certainly looks like something else you can already buy from a different category . Lastly, the bottom bracket has been lifted by 5mm to 80mm with the aim of eliminating pedal strikes when using 650b wheels. At a staggering $14,000, the S-Works Diverge STR is $3,400 more expensive than its front-suspension-only predecessor and among the most expensive Specialized rollouts we've seen in the brand's road and gravel category yet. I REALLY want to convert to a tubeless set-up but have gotten mixed reviews online and from my LBS. Having ridden several aftermarket suspension products, I was certainly intrigued by Specialized's integrated approach. Specialized claims that the whole system only weighs just under 400g more than the current S-Works Diverge frameset. Specialized Diverge E5 Premium Aluminum, Future Shock suspension, 1x specific EVO geometry, threaded BB, internal routing, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc . Swapping to the Tracer tyres changed the bikes road feel considerably. This is just an old-school mountain bike! The Diverge Elite E5 utilizes our premium E5 alloy frame and a full carbon FACT fork for a fast, confident and comfortable ride on road, in the dirt, and over thick gravel. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. Plus detailed bike, kit and accessory reviews from the experts. It allows you to hit things faster than you think you actually can. Also see gravel tires listed below. Roubaix Pro. Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon. The Specialized Diverge STR is a capable, comfortable steed that's ready to go long, be it at a race or simply to explore. To account for all the frame sizes and a variety of rider weights, Specialized has produced nine different frame posts, each with a different carbon layup for varying stiffness. Stealing the show of the fourth-generation Diverge gravel bike is the all-new rear Future Shock meant to further isolate the rider from rough roads and balance out the bike. Weve written at length about why Specialized opted for this system rather than a conventional telescopic fork but, in brief, it is a lighter overall setup that does not significantly affect handling. Specialized DIVERGE SPORT - Apex - Carbon Gravelbike - 2022 - gloss But come the second day, the gearing came into its own. this will all be familiar stuff (with the exception of the higher bottom bracket). New Specialized Diverge STR review: Is smoother indeed faster? The dampener controls the movement of the frame post backwards and forwards, giving the rider a smooth ride in the saddle while maintaining the same saddle height and position in space. Hidden away out back, on the underside of the seatstays, the bosses are practically undetectable. . Specialized Diverge FACT 9r carbon, SWAT Door integration, Future Shock suspension, threaded BB, internal routing, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc . Published 3 March 23, Newly formed Denver Disruptors and Miami Nights NCL teams will make their debut at Tucson Bicycle Classic and tackle a full season of NCL and domestic racing, By Anne-Marije Rook The latest Diverge, a purpose-designed gravel bike that also looks to be a solid super commuter. The new Diverge is available in nine different models, starting at 949 / $1,100 for the cheapest alloy version, and rising to a heady 8,899 / $10,000 for the top-flight S-Works model. Specialized says it decided to launch the bike after seeing a number of riders converting the previous-generation Diverge to flat bar. 2023 Specialized Diverge STR review: Absurdly comfy, but also heavy and pricey, Cairn Cycles Announces New Limited Rambler Edition E-Adventure, YT Szepter first-ride review: a gravity MTB brand goes gravel. In a size 56, the S-Works Diverge STR weighs a claimed 8.5kg set up tubeless. Bath Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon | Strictly Cycling Collective I was disappointed as I know Specialized can nail a plush and comfortable rear end the new Roubaix I tested last year proved this. Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon - Gregg's Cycles However, for a bike that I feel sits more at the faster, race-orientated end of the gravel spectrum as opposed to the more endurance-based, multi-day-exploring end these additions have me wanting to know how it really performs when loaded up and out in the wilds for days on end. Wheels are DT Swiss G540. Strengthened by the many miles spent darting around Seattle's hilly streets on a steel single speed, Rook's progression in the sport was a quick one. Access is via a clip-off cover that the bottle cage is attached to. The EVO range will only be available in three sizes: small, medium and large. When I put down what power I have, the bike picked up speed with ease. That's because it's fast like any competitive road tire, only it features a unique Endurant casing with bead-to-bead puncture . Ive slowly come to realise though that a lot of that is down to where I live and the riding on offer. In the meantime, the Roubaix Pros are good all rounders, though its a shame the wheelset that comes stock with this model isnt tubeless ready. Wild new Specialized Diverge suspends the rider with fully damped rear In fact, I was surprised to see what speeds we actually hit out on the roads when I was back at the hotel and checking out my ride data. The new Specialized Diverge is here and theres a flat bar option that, The launch of the new Diverge comes off the back of the enormous and well-documented growth of, The headline news from this launch sees top-tier versions of the new Diverge adopt the same hydraulically-damped version of the Future Shock as, why Specialized opted for this system rather than a conventional telescopic fork. A flat bar gravel bike with chunky tyres (a hybrid by any other name) is hardly as innovative as the hover bar, but its still going to be a totally divisive and intriguing bike, sure to make a splash. Whether your goal is to escape on gravel back roads, far from cars and crowds, or drop the hammer at the front of your favorite gravel race, no bike d. How did it ride? Tubeless Conversion - Specialized Bicycle Components $79.95. Yes, its almost as if flat bars make sense for improving off-road control. Specialized serves both ends with the featherweight and rigid Crux originally a pure cyclocross race breed that can now fit a 47mm tire and the capable Diverge. After decades of bike riding, getting out of the saddle to respond to and absorb bumps or tricky terrain is almost second nature. Save 30% + G-Form Pro X3 Knee Pads when you subscribe to MBUK magazine. All of that can be slotted into a slim bag that slides into the opening of the frame. A a complete 56cm S-Works Diverge STR has a claimed weight of 18.7lbs (8.5kg) set up tubeless out of the box. First ride review: new Specialized Diverge STR S-Works 2023 with Rear Future Shock. With that said, I did price out the S-Works model spec by spec. A new name and one significant new face made the headlines as Ian Boswell took the . Jack thinks nothing of bikepacking after work to sleep in a ditch or taking on a daft challenge for the BikeRadar YouTube channel. BikeRadars take | Is the future of gravel bikes just a mountain bike? Weight: 165 lbs Major refresh and adoption of Future Shock 2.0 brings the Specialized Diverge bang up to date. It offers 20mm of travel, allowing the cockpit to move up and down relative to the frame and fork. Our test bike is from the 2016 model year. The Specialized Diverge has been completely reworked from the frame up, including neat new features and a huge variety in options. Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon Gravel Bike online - badbikes-online.de Specialized says it decided to launch the bike after seeing a number of riders converting the previous-generation Diverge to flat bar. The Future Shock 1.5 which is used on cheaper versions of the bike has swappable springs (soft, medium and firm), but does not feature the hydraulic damper or adjuster. As De La Soul sang, three is the magic number, and so the question arises: has this third-generation of the Diverge moved in tune with what seems to be a rapidly changing gravel scene? The Specialized Diverge comes in a range of prices, from around $1300 for an entry-level bike to about $7500, depending on the features you want. Unbound gravel has had a rocky few years but, much to the relief to the gravel community, returned last weekend and featured a packed field for 2021. Published 2 March 23. Dven with Specializeds enormous clout, the Diverge Evo is a weird bike that straddles niches and that could be a hard sell for many shops. A bike that you can go out and have a blast on, be it knocking out some big fast miles such as we did on day one, or possibly a shorter, tricky and technical ride like we did on day two. The S-Works build includes a SRAM Red eTap AXS Eagle groupset and a Quarq power meter, Roval Terra CLX II wheels, Terra carbon bars, an S-Works carbon seatpost and the S-Works Power with Mirror saddle. Its a similar story for Easton EC70 AX bars. With the suspension absorbing the bumps instead of your body, I found that the bike stayed planted and so did I. Its priced at $3300. This translates into a bicycle with a more stable stance than a dedicated road machine, clearances for markedly larger tires, the confidence of powerful disc brakes, and a penchant for blending for asphalt, dirt and gravel. It is, however, a shame a third water bottle cant be fitted below the Diverges belly for long desert rides. This bike was released in 2022 and its price was 4300 AUD (3048 $). This frame post has the ability to move back and forth, effectively moving the saddle 30mm back and downward along the seat tube axis. The Pro and Expert models, also featuring Rear Future Shock, come in at 8.9kg and 9.5kg. Cycling Weekly's North American Editor, Anne-Marije Rook is old school. Roubaix Pro 2Bliss Ready | Specialized.com Next to Specializeds Tarmac, the chainstays are longer and the bottom bracket drop deeper. Most recently, I connected the length of the Americas via the road less traveled, and explored Mongolia on a fat bike. Find out more about how we test. Ritchey Speedmax WCS Tubeless Gravel Tire. If you come from a road background, fine tuning your suspension will be a new concept. The frame post itself is said to have an infinite lifespan and the whole system in general is protected from the usual gravel grime and should last a long time. I did come around eventually though (along with wider tires), and have come to quite like the previous Diverge thanks to its lightweight and responsive frame, ingenious SWAT system and improved Future Shock 2.0. We deliver! You also lose the new carbon seatpost in exchange for a pretty standard-looking single-bolt carbon post. This Specialized Pathfinder Pro Tubeless Ready Tan Wall gravel tyre was born in the American Midwest. Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Specialized Diverge Expert E5 EVO 2022 | Bikes.fan On the familiar roads at home, the bike felt capable and, for a lack of a better word, cruise-y. Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)? Total: 1,746 grams. But as much as this idea that smoother is faster makes sense to me, I didn't really feel very fast. Diverge overhauled; 11 new gravel bikes from Specialized That 80 mm retains Diverges claim as one of the lowest in the gravel/adventure category, but at least now it wont be ridiculously low if run with 650B wheels or slimmer road tyres. "100mm more travel and I can do away with my mountain bike!" Specialized claims the new Diverge takes inspiration from the Epic cross-country mountain bike range. Every other build is based on a carbon frameset, with the grade of carbon and included features rising as you go up through the range. On day one we used the all-round 50/50 road/gravel rubber of the 38 mm Pathfinder Pro. Speed, control and confidence - Future Shock technology is ideal for the gravel rider. (And luckily these things are carried over into the new Diverge STR!). Although this lightweight 1x drivetrain caused no complaints in terms of its slick, fast shifting and offers the promise of easier maintenance than a 2x setup its a gearing thats likely to be on the large side for bikepackers heading into more mountainous topography.