Removing a tool & tube pouch from the 'SWAT' storage compartment.
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Gravel Launch: Specialized Release New Diverge

Specialized have released details, images and pricing for their all-new Diverge, the 2021 incarnation of the company’s specialist gravel platform.

The latest Diverge, a purpose-designed gravel bike that also looks to be a solid super commuter.
The latest Diverge, a purpose-designed gravel bike that also looks to be a solid super commuter.

Over the years the Diverge has developed somewhat of a cult status and rightly so. The bike has proven to be a more than capable allrounder – a purpose-built escape machine that finds its feet and performs admirably on a wide range of mixed surfaces.

Bicycling Australia are yet to test the new Diverge though we have been promised one shortly. In the meantime we will have to rely on the launch notes which include the following details.

“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 does it better than the new Diverge,”” say Specialized.

“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 terrain gets rough.”

“From Future Shock 2.0 and all-new gravel geometry, to internal storage and category leading tire clearance, the new Diverge represents everything we’ve learned over more than 40 years of riding road, gravel and dirt. The Diverge writes an entirely new chapter in the gravel bike category, so you can dream up entirely new rides. It’s the ultimate getaway vehicle.”

The latest Shimano GRX equipped Specialized Diverge.

Australian models will initially include the Expert & Comp Carbon with further models coming soon and pricing listed as –

SW Frameset

$6,000

SW eTAP

$16,000

Pro eTAP

$10,500

Expert

$7,000

Comp Carbon

$5,800

Carbon

$3,700

E5 Comp

$3,000

 

 

E5 Expert EVO

$4,100

E5 Comp EVO

$2,500

Specifications – Diverge Expert

Frame: Specialized Diverge FACT 9r carbon, SWATTM Door integration, Future Shock suspension, threaded BB, internal routing, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc

Stem: Future Shock 2.0 w/ Damper, Smooth Boot, FACT carbon, 12×100 mm thru-axle, flat-mount

Bars: Specialized Adventure Gear Hover, 103mm drop x 70mm reach x 12o flare

Saddle: Body Geometry Power, Hollow Titanium rails, 143mm

Removing a tool & tube pouch from the 'SWAT' storage compartment.
Removing a tool & tube pouch from the ‘SWAT’ storage compartment.

Seat Post: Roval Terra Carbon Seat Post, 20mm Offset

Brakes: Shimano GRX RX815, hydraulic disc

Groupset: Shimano GRX 11 speed electronic 

Drivetrain: Shimano XT, 11-speed, 11-42t rear & 40t front

Wheels: 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

Tyres: Pathfinder Pro, 2Bliss Ready, transparent sidewall, 700x38mm Pathfinder Pro, 2Bliss Ready, transparent sidewall, 700x38mm Integrated SWAT door, internal storage system.

The new diverge incorporates a ‘SWAT’ internal storgage area in the downtube.

New Diverge – Key Questions

What does ‘Progressive Handling Geometry’ mean?

The progressive Diverge geometry is designed to make the bike more capable and give the rider more confidence off road, without losing the nimble feeling on road. On a 56cm bike, we lengthened the reach by 13mm. At the same time we made the head tube angle almost one degree slacker, and increased the fork offset by 5mm. We also lengthened the chainstays by a few millimeters, and tweaked the bottom bracket drop. With the longer reach, you can use a shorter stem and maintain an appropriate cockpit length overall. The shorter stem can offset the slower steering effect of larger tires and makes steering more lively overall.The geometry updates also make the wheelbase significantly longer—38mm on the 56cm—eliminating `toe overlap’ and providing a more stable feeling, overall. The slacker head tube angle and increased fork offset maintain a ‘normal’ trail number. This ensures a balanced approach to steering inputs on and off road. 

Why is the BB higher?

The bottom bracket drop on the previous Diverge was 85mm—incredibly low for any bike. While this is awesome for stability, it was a drawback with pedal strikes off road, and in particular with slightly smaller 650b wheels. With the adjusted bb drop of 80mm, we maintain class-leading, low bb height, with a much lower risk of pedal strikes. 

How Does Futureshock 2.0 differ with 1.5?

Future Shock 1.5 delivers 20mm of suspension to the front end of the bike, providing the rider with increased control and comfort on all terrain. Its location on the bike is critical to providing axial compliance and isolating the suspension action from rider pedaling inputs.Future Shock 2.0 is our most advanced offering. On top of the benefits of Future Shock 1.5, it adds a hydraulic damper that provides both compression and rebound damping. There is also an adjustable dial to control the level of damping and make the front end firmer, if desired.

Is it the same Futureshock as the Roubaix?

Yes—the Diverge takes advantage of the same exact Future Shock design and specs as the Roubaix. 

Is Futureshock standard?

Future Shock 2.0 can be found on the S-Works, Pro, Expert, and Comp Carbon models. 

Can I add stem spacers?

You can add up the 30mm of stack from the lowest setting with the Future Shock. You can also use a stem with positive rise to get taller, if necessary.

Do the frames vary across the range?

The main difference between carbon frame levels is in the layup and materials. FACT 9r carbon is used on Comp, Expert, and Pro level bikes. These frames are equipped with SWAT technology and are approximately 200g lighter than the 8r frame. 

Is it aero?

Yes, the Diverge has subtle aerodynamic shaping on the fork legs and seat stays. When tested in the Specialized Win Tunnel, the frame chassis is slightly faster than the previous Diverge, even with the larger SWAT down tube.

What is the tyre clearance?

There’s at least 6mm of clearance between the frame and tire with both 700x47c and 650b x 2.1” tires. Every Diverge model has the same tire clearance, regardless of carbon or alloy frame. 

Max tyre size?

You can run 700x42c or 650bx47c tires with fenders on the Diverge.

And the smallest tyres?

We recommend running at least 700x28c tires on the Diverge.

Can I fit cargo racks?

 Yes, the Diverge frame is compatible with most rear cargo racks. The lower mounting points arejust above the rear axle and the upper points mount to a special seat collar that is shipped witheach model.The fork is designed to accept low rider style racks that mount to the fork legs and dropouts. 

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