Specialized Diverge STR Expert Review
- Price: $7199
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: Front: Tracer Pro 2BR, 700×42, Rear: Tracer Pro 2BR, 700×42
- Gear: 1×12 Electronic
What we like about it: The Future Shock front and rear suspension improve control and efficiency while reducing rider fatigue.
What we don’t like about it: It comes with a high price tag and may not be highly competitive in terms of pricing.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The Specialized Diverge STR Expert with Future Shock front and rear suspension conquers rough terrains with ease. It embodies the “Smoother is Faster” philosophy, delivering a pure and outstanding performance on gravel roads—lightweight, agile, and incredibly responsive. Responsiveness is the bike’s standout feature.
Next, we’ll analyze the riding experience, main features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Specialized Diverge STR Expert. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it with several other top bike models. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, you can follow us.
Riding Experience
Gravel Roads
I booked my flight and hotel on IHG and arrived in the City of Saint Louis. There’s a stretch of cobblestone road at Lake Creed Marina where I conducted my test.
In the early morning with minimal traffic, I set out from the starting point, pedaling with the 20mm front travel and 30mm rear travel immediately coming into play. I adjusted my posture continuously and applied power to the pedals to maintain the right speed.
Notably, this bike is highly responsive. Each time I needed to swerve to avoid higher cobblestones, I could make quick turns and adjust my seating position promptly. However, each vibration was significantly dampened before reaching my body. When encountering smaller cobblestones, I simply rolled over them and stood up to reduce pressure on my hips.
I continued onward, gradually accelerating to test the bike’s balance at higher speeds. The Specialized Adventure Gear Hover handlebar was easy to control. Leveraging my extensive cycling experience, the bike’s lightweight, agility, and responsiveness shone through, and its impressive capabilities truly surprised me.
Is That All?
On the gravel roads, I sought a more comfortable experience, and this was made possible by the Body Geometry Power Expert saddle and Tracer Pro 2BR tires. The 42c-wide tires excelled on this terrain, allowing me to overcome any obstacles in my path. It gave me confidence.
In fact, before the test, I contemplated swapping the saddle for one I typically use more frequently. However, I ultimately decided to stick with the Body Geometry Power Expert saddle for the test. My experience was comfortable, feeling like I was sitting on a cushion. Regardless of the size of the vibrations, I only felt stimulation without any discomfort.
At the finish line, I stopped the bike and patted it, and I’m certain it’s the best companion for tackling gravel roads.
Specifications
The Specialized Diverge STR Expert is an exceptional gravel bike. Its Diverge FACT 11r carbon frame offers excellent responsiveness and stability during rides. The Future Shock 2.0 w/ Damper fork is perfectly suited for gravel riding, providing 20mm of front travel and 30mm of rear travel for solid damping.
Additionally, its Tracer Pro 2BR tires feature versatile tread patterns, making them great for road cycling as well. Even if you forget to check tire pressure before your ride, these tires provide excellent traction to keep the bike stable. The Specialized Adventure Gear Hover handlebar, made of high-quality butted aluminum, is lightweight with high rigidity. Its 15mm rise allows riders to adapt comfortably to the handlebar, and the 12° flare provides a wider stance.
Video
Other Versions
After many tests, we have gained a deeper understanding of this bike, which proves to be an outstanding gravel bike. However, many riders have their own performance and component preferences. So, we researched similar bikes for further insights.
2023 Specialized S-Works Diverge STR
The difference between the Specialized S-Works Diverge STR and the Specialized Diverge STR Expert lies in the top-tier SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS and RED eTap components. Other components and geometry remain identical.
Whether it’s shifting performance or braking effectiveness, the SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS rear derailleur and SRAM Red eTap AXS hydraulic disc brakes outperform. The SRAM XX1 Eagle chain emits a satisfying crisp sound during shifts, and the Specialized S-Works Diverge STR boasts a faster top speed of 56 km/h.
What do we like about it?
- The Future Shock front and rear suspension enhance control, and efficiency, and reduce rider fatigue.
- The Diverge STR suspension is lightweight, with responsive pedaling and high efficiency.
- The 20mm front travel is adjustable and protects riders’ hands, arms, and shoulders from impacts.
- The internal cable routing is very clean.
What don’t we like about it?
- The bike comes with a high price tag and may not be highly competitive in terms of pricing.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
Both beginners and experienced riders can use it.
- What is the weight of this bike?
It weighs 9.66 kg.
- Is this bike versatile?
It’s designed for riding on paved roads, gravel roads, and smooth singletrack.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are general guidelines, and the best way to find your perfect size may vary from person to person. The easiest way to determine your size is to go for a test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’1″ – 5’5″ | 49cm |
| 5’3″ – 5’8″ | 52cm |
| 5’6″ – 5’11” | 54cm |
| 5’8″ – 6’0″ | 56cm |
| 5’10” – 6’3″ | 58cm |
| 6’1″ – 6’6″ | 61cm |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Diverge FACT 11r carbon frameset with front and rear Future Shock suspension, SWAT™ Door integration, threaded BB, internal routing, 12x142mm thru- axle, flat-mount discBB Standard: BSA, 68mm, ThreadedColors: Satin Harvest Gold / Gold Ghost Pearl; Satin Black / Diamond Dust |
| Fork | Future Shock 2.0 w/ Damper, Smooth Boot, FACT carbon, 12×100 mm thru-axle, flat-mount |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB BSA 68 |
| Stem | Future Stem, Comp |
| Handlebar | Specialized Adventure Gear Hover, 103mm drop x 70mm reach x 12º flare |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Power Expert |
| Seatpost | S-Works Carbon Seat Post, 20mm Offset |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle AXS, w/ battery cover |
| Crank | SRAM Rival 1 Wide, 40t |
| Shifters | sram ed riv etap axs d1 sjd rear/rt f20 |
| Cassette | SRAM NX Eagle PG-1230, 12-speed, 11-50t |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Rival eTAP AXS, hydraulic disc |
Wheels
| 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 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: Tracer Pro 2BR, 700×42, Rear: Tracer Pro 2BR, 700×42 |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| BMC URS 01 THREE | Click View | WTB Raddler – 40mm | 1 x 13 | Carbon | Campagnolo Ekar |
| Niner MCR RDO 3-STAR SRAM RIVAL 1 XPLR AXS | Click View | SCHWALBE G-ONE ALLROUND EVO SUPER TERRAIN 700 X 45 | 1×12Electronic | Carbon | SRAM Rival XPLP eTap |
Specialized Diverge STR Expert vs. BMC URS 01 THREE
The Specialized Diverge STR Expert features carbon wheels, which are superior in terms of weight, rigidity, and efficiency compared to the aluminum wheels of the BMC URS 01 THREE. Aluminum wheels are more budget-friendly, easy to maintain, and durable, capable of withstanding greater impacts. Additionally, they offer better braking performance and heat dissipation on wet or extended downhill roads.
The BMC URS 01 THREE’s Ekar components come with a high price tag, and the somewhat niche 1×13 drivetrain delivers excellent shifting performance and is exceptionally lightweight. However, its 25mm rear travel, while providing some suspension effect, falls slightly short when compared to the 30mm rear travel of the Specialized Diverge STR Expert.
It’s worth noting that the Specialized Diverge STR Expert boasts a highly precise 1×12 electronic drivetrain. Electronic shifting requires minimal maintenance, with only periodic charging needed, and it minimizes the risk of mis-shifts. However, its adaptability in adverse conditions may not be as robust as mechanical shifting.
Specialized Diverge STR Expert vs. Niner MCR RDO 3-STAR SRAM RIVAL 1 XPLR AXS
The Niner MCR RDO 3-STAR SRAM RIVAL 1 XPLR AXS is a rather impressive bicycle. Its aluminum wheels enhance durability on gravel roads, making them easy to repair even in case of damage, and they provide a smoother ride to reduce bumps. The 40mm front travel and 50mm rear travel offer excellent suspension effects, contributing significantly to comfort. Additionally, it can reach speeds of up to 35mph.
In contrast, the Specialized Diverge STR Expert’s carbon wheels are very lightweight, extremely rigid, and highly versatile. However, its travel (20mm front, 30mm rear) is not as substantial, and its top speed is only 31mph.
Learn More: Is Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS Splendid? – [Review]
Summary
This is our review of the Specialized Diverge STR Expert. It’s an outstanding gravel bike that can greatly benefit riders. Overall, we’ve awarded it a high rating of 4.8. If you’re interested in more bike-related information, feel free to explore our other reviews.
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