Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon Review
- Price: $3500
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: Pathfinder Pro 2BR
- Gear: 1×11
What we like about it: The ability to convert it to 650b wheels for improved agility, with a high enough BB drop.
What we don’t like about it: The use of a solid carbon beam behind the chainring in the rear triangle doesn’t provide an additional damping effect.
Rating: (4.7/5)
The Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon is one of the fastest and most versatile bikes made by Specialized. In my opinion, it can provide the most comfortable, enjoyable, and flexible riding experience for every rider, offering the best in speed, control, and confidence. Every rider will fall in love with this bike.
Now, let’s delve into the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it with a few other bikes. If you want to explore more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
Gravel Roads
I booked a flight and reserved a hotel on IHG to reach the outskirts of Washington. Here, I encountered a very bumpy gravel road, which would serve as the test grounds.
I hopped on the gravel bike and took to the road. This unpaved surface was full of challenges, but I had trust in the bike and a desire for exploration.
Starting, the 20mm front travel and the 42c wide tires significantly reduced the roughness of the road but still brought some bumps and instability. I gripped the Specialized Adventure Gear Hover handlebars tightly, centered my body, and felt the bike’s coordination with the gravel road. Each collision of the wheels with the gravel allowed me to experience the bike’s resilience and stability.
I gradually increased my riding speed, facing the road’s bumps and irregularities. Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon’s lightweight design and the rigid Specialized Diverge FACT 9r carbon frame made me feel the bike’s agility and stability. Every turn and sprint became a test of the bike’s control. With increasing speed, the sensation of road roughness gradually diminished, and I started to enjoy the thrill and fun of riding.
Climbing and Sprinting
As the gravel on the road became denser, I needed to be more focused and cautious. I could feel that every contact with the gravel was a challenge to the bike’s resistance. And I adjusted my posture, maintained stability, and experienced the freedom and adventure that riding brought.
I spotted a steeper uphill ahead and didn’t hesitate to pedal hard. The efficient SRAM GX Eagle AXS transmission system made climbing easy, and I felt that each climb was a test of endurance and perseverance. I adjusted my breathing and put my entire body into the climb, experiencing the harmony and power between the bike and the gravel road.
The finish line was approaching, and I accelerated for the final sprint. The last stretch of road was relatively flat, and Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon’s nimble performance allowed me to maintain a steady speed. I felt that each pedal rotation was a reward for the bike’s performance and my persistence. I crossed the finish line, feeling satisfied and proud.
Specifications
The Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon is an outstanding gravel bike. It features a Specialized Diverge FACT 8r carbon frame, which is lightweight and sturdy. Its Future Shock 1.5 w/Smooth Boot fork delivers exceptional performance with 20mm of front travel, providing good suspension. Moreover, the Body Geometry Power Sport ensures rider comfort and makes gravel riding easier.
This bike comes with an SRAM Apex 1 rear derailleur. The 1×11 drivetrain is outstanding, offering smooth shifting and exceptional performance. The Pathfinder Pro 2BR tires provide excellent traction. They have a durable casing and BlackBelt protection, combined with SRAM Apex hydraulic disc brakes to ensure timely stops and rider safety.
Video
Other Versions
After numerous tests, our understanding of this bike has deepened. It’s indeed an excellent gravel bike. However, many riders have specific performance or component requirements, which led us to explore bikes of a similar type further.
Specialized S-Works Diverge
The Specialized S-Works Diverge employs Specialized Future Shock 2.0. It offers nine clicks of adjustment on the knob, providing a stable platform for out-of-saddle climbing and sprinting while absorbing substantial bumps. In contrast, the Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon is equipped with Specialized Future Shock 1.5. It uses a new progressive spring to enhance performance and control. The new bottom-out bumper and top-out spring offer excellent damping in extreme conditions.
It’s worth mentioning that the Specialized S-Works Diverge features a 1×12 Electronic, providing highly precise electronic shifting with lower maintenance demands, primarily requiring regular charging. However, mechanical shifting offers better adaptability in adverse conditions. Furthermore, the Specialized S-Works Diverge is slightly faster in terms of speed. Nevertheless, their geometries are entirely consistent.
What do we like about it?
- The ability to convert it to 650b wheels for improved agility with the adjustment of BB drop.
- The FACT 8r carbon fiber frame excels in gravel performance and offers lightweight characteristics akin to a race bike.
- Outstanding gravel geometry, powerful performance, and remarkable stability.
- It provides frame mounting points, ensuring convenient carriage of necessary items.
What don’t we like about it?
- The use of a solid carbon beam behind the chainring in the rear triangle doesn’t provide an additional damping effect.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
This bike is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- Where is the carbon fiber frame of this bike manufactured?
The carbon fiber frame of this bike is manufactured in Taiwan, China.
- Can this bike use 650b wheels?
It can use 650b wheels by adjusting the BB drop accordingly.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are just a general guideline; the right size may vary from person to person. The best way to find your size is to go for a test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’8″ – 5’0″ | 44 |
| 5’0″ – 5’4″ | 49 |
| 5’4″ – 5’7″ | 52 |
| 5’7″ – 5’10” | 54 |
| 5’9″ – 6’0″ | 56 |
| 5’11” – 6’2″ | 58 |
| 6’2″ – 6’5″ | 61 |
| 6’5″ – 6’9″ | 64 |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Specialized Diverge FACT 8r carbon, Future Shock suspension, threaded BB, internal routing, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc BB Standard: BSA, 68mm, Threaded Colors: Gloss Morning Mist / Dove Grey; Satin Carbon / Black; Satin Harvest Gold Granite / Pearl |
| Fork | Future Shock 1.5 w/Smooth Boot, FACT carbon, 12×100 mm thru-axle, flat-mount |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM GXP |
| Stem | Future Stem, Comp |
| Handlebar | Specialized Adventure Gear Hover, 103mm drop x 70mm reach x 12º flare |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails |
| Seatpost | Carbon, single-bolt, 27.2mm |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Apex 1, long cage, 11-speed |
| Crank | SRAM Apex 1x, 40T |
| Shifters | SRAM Apex hydraulic |
| Cassette | Sunrace, 11-speed, alloy spider, 11-42t |
| Chain | KMC X11 Extra Lightweight, 11-speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Apex, hydraulic disc, 160mm G2 CenterLine rotor |
Wheels
| Rims | Front: 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, DT Swiss brass nipples, Rear: 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, DT Swiss brass nipples |
| Tires | Front: Pathfinder Pro 2BR, Tan sidewall, 700×42, Rear: Pathfinder Pro 2BR, Tan sidewall, 700×42 |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 | Click View | WTB Riddler TCS Light 700 x 45c | 2 x 11 | Carbon | Shimano GRX 800, GRX 600 |
| Jamis RENEGADE C2 | Click View | WTB Riddler Tubeless 700 x 37c | 2 x 11 | Carbon | Shimano GRX 800, GRX 600 |
| Cervelo Aspero GRX RX810 | Click View | Panaracer Gravel King SK 700x38c | 2 x 11 | Carbon | Shimano GRX 800 |
| Diamondback Haanjo 8C Carbon | Click View | WTB Riddler 700x37c | 2 x 11 | Carbon | Shimano GRX 800, Praxis |
Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon vs. Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3
The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 features a 2×11 drivetrain, while the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 has a 1×11 drivetrain. Compared to the 2×11 drivetrain, the 1×11 drivetrain’s single front chainring design effectively prevents chain drops, providing a more comfortable riding experience. Additionally, the Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon is a hardtail bike with 20mm of front travel, while the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 has rigid suspension. The 20mm front travel offers decent suspension, enhancing riding comfort.
Furthermore, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 can reach speeds of up to 36mph, whereas the Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon has a top speed of only 31mph, making it comparatively slower. Additionally, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 features 45c width tires, while the Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon comes with 42c tires. Wider tires can adapt to softer road surfaces, providing better support on such terrain.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Topstone 3 A Good Bike? [Cannondale Topstone 3 Review]
Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon vs. Jamis RENEGADE C2
The Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon is equipped with SRAM Apex components, while the Jamis RENEGADE C2 features Shimano GRX 800 and GRX 600 components. SRAM Apex components are more budget-friendly, and the rear derailleur has some minor advantages, helping prevent chain slippage. These two drivetrains operate differently, but both have their unique advantages, and riders need to personally test them to find the right components for their preferences.
The Jamis RENEGADE C2 has a rigid suspension and a 2×11 drivetrain. Therefore, the Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon’s 1×11 drivetrain and hardtail suspension offer more significant advantages with decent shock-absorbing effects. Additionally, the Jamis RENEGADE C2 boasts faster speeds. However, the stack/reach ratio for the Jamis RENEGADE C2 is 1.54, which is smaller than the Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon (1.56), making the ride less comfortable.
Learn More: Is Jamis RENEGADE S3 Worth Buying?- [Jamis RENEGADE S3 Review]
Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon vs. Cervelo Aspero GRX RX810
The Cervelo Aspero GRX RX810 has a stack/reach ratio of 1.46, while the Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon has a stack/reach ratio of 1.56. Therefore, the Cervelo Aspero GRX RX810 has a more aggressive geometry, sacrificing some comfort for efficiency. A flatter geometry can help keep the body more upright, open up the chest, and allow for better breathing during long rides.
It’s worth mentioning that the Cervelo Aspero GRX RX810 has a larger head tube angle compared to the Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon. A larger head tube angle provides more agile maneuvering. However, the Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon has a larger BB drop, which lowers the bike’s center of gravity, making the ride more stable. But this can also lead to a lower pedal position, causing some inconvenience when turning and navigating obstacles.
Learn More: Is Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 Worth Buying? [Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 Review]
Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon vs. Diamondback Haanjo 8C Carbon
The Diamondback Haanjo 8C Carbon can achieve very high riding speeds, reaching up to 38mph. However, the Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon, with its 1×11 drivetrain and 20mm front travel, offers good suspension, ensuring a smoother ride. The single front chainring design helps prevent chain derailment issues. The Diamondback Haanjo 8C Carbon, on the other hand, features a rigid suspension and lacks suspension for shock absorption.
In terms of geometry, the Diamondback Haanjo 8C Carbon offers a more comfortable ride. It has a larger 1.59 stack/reach ratio, providing a comfortable riding position. Additionally, it has a larger BB drop compared to the Diamondback Haanjo 8C Carbon, leading to a more stable ride. Furthermore, the Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon has a smaller trail compared to the Diamondback Haanjo 8C Carbon. A smaller trail offers quicker and more agile steering, while a larger trail provides greater speed stability, making it suitable for rough terrains.
Learn More: Is Diamondback Haanjo 2 Worth Buying? [Diamondback Haanjo 2 Review]
Summary
This is our review of the Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon. It is an excellent gravel bike that offers an outstanding gravel riding experience, earning a high rating of 4.7. If you’re interested in more bicycle-related information, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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