Hop on the new Diverge EVO and you tell us what’s next. Review: Specialized Diverge E5 Sport; The best gravel and adventure bikes you can buy for under £1,000; Five things that weren't cool - until gravel happened; This bike is the women’s version of the E5 Comp model with the only the paint job and some small spec tweaks marking the difference between the male and female bikes. When I want to accelerate fast from standstill on my steel Jamis Renegade Exploit I usually end up with a speed of 43-45 km/h on a flat asphalt road. The lower-end, entry-level Diverge models have mechanical brakes, such as the Tektro Mira flat mount disc brake. Rather, the Specialize… According to Bicycling, the Diverge blurs the line between a road bike and touring bike and is designed to be an affordable option for more adventurous riders. The Sirrus, Epic Expert, and Enduro Comp all have more heavy duty hydraulic brakes. The main selling point of the Diverge E5 (espeically with the entry level version) is going to be the performance the bike provides while still retaining surprising versatility. Hop on the new Diverge Expert EVO and you tell us. - YouTube Depending where and how you ride this bike, however, you might want to consider … ", JE James Cycle had this to say about the bike: "It is very capable with its endurance geometry to serve as your winter road bike, be it fitting mudguards, larger volume tires or rear racks across the composite chassis. June 19, 2018 2:11 pm Published by Lindsay Tags: review, road, specialized The saddle, I found it uncomfortable. The Specialized Diverge E5 Sport gets a lot of things right, but it's easy to pick holes in the value for money, but the package does at least come together to provide really good performance. Sitll, it’s not a big difference; you can just expect your butt to be a bit higher, which is something to keep in mind if riding position is important to you. 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. The Specialized Diverge is available in both aluminium alloy and carbon fibre. As with the frame, the groupset you'll find on the Diverge varies based on the specific model. The Diverge Sport is the middle ground and features a frame made from 9r carbon. But that doesn’t mean it lacks something else – maybe it is the size, it is perhaps its comfort, or maybe it is better trail performance. thing called ‘gravel riding’ is still evolving, still being defined. The Future Shock helps, and if you like the idea of a bit of suspension to soften rough rides then the Specialized is definitely worth a look. At only 450g or 1-pound of weight, it offers the chance to bring the bike around with so much ease that it will feel like it isn’t really a bike. Of course, you could plug 100 bikes in here and get slightly different results, but the idea is to pick a nice sample and see how the E5 compares. Changes made to the bike between the 2017 and 2018 model mean that it's more comfortable for those who want to ride for longer distances. Specialized Diverge Comp is a carbon bike with a very massive PF30 bottom bracket area. I have been on a lot of off-road gravel rides on this bike, and the paint has proved to be really durable, no chips.". Bike review. The Diverge E5 offers an aluminum frame, which is similar to other mid-range Specialized models. Diverge E5 Sport. The Specialized Diverge is perfect for riders who plan on staying on paved, main roads but who also want the option of going off-road when needed. It all comes down to the refined E5 Premium Aluminum frame, one of the lightest and reliable models that also comes at a fantastic cost. Shifters and dropper post on some models can be tricky to use and adjust mid-ride. In comparison, the Crossroads has a Shimano Tourney, which is a 7-speed derailleur (the Claris is 8-speed) and the Sirrus Sport has the Shimano Sora, a 9-speed derailleur that is one level up from the Claris. Featuring a slacker, 72.5-degree head-angle, and 73.5-degree seat angle. The bike's designers have also made the stack a little taller and have lowered the bottom bracket to offer a more stable ride. The bottom bracket drop (BBD) is higher for the E5 than it is for other bikes on this list. The Dolce range is shorter and taller when compared to the Diverge which tends to better suit the proportions of women. The wheelbase measurement of the E5 is longer than other Specialized bikes in its class, although not by much, and 100cm could run as a very rough average wheelbase length. At $2600, our test bike – the 2016 Diverge Comp DSW X1 Comp – sits somewhere in the middle of the pack. Higher-end models also move away from aluminum frames and into carbon, which affects both weight and performance quite a bit. The S-Works Diverge offers a hydraulic brake, the Shimano RS805, on both the front and the back. It’s the ultimate getaway vehicle. Specialized Diverge 2021 is a very interesting bike. Since it handles well on pavement and gravel roads and rough terrain, it can be perfect for daily trips to work or around town, as well as for off-road excursions on the weekend. All of the bikes we compared it to also use mechanical brakes, although the brand varies from bike to bike. Compare. The Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon excels at fast tours on almost any terrain. It’s the ultimate getaway vehicle. High stack and shorter reach means an aggressive riding position and respectable handling, Wheelbase length is a good balance among bikes of this class, Slightly higher bottom bracket drop lends the bike a bit of off-road versatility. The only drawback is that you’ll be limited in the amount of luggage you can carry. The frame also differs — it’s made with Specialized E5 alloy, but the top tube is 30 mm longer than the standard Diverge geometry (size medium). On the entry-level E5, you'll find entry-level parts, such as the Shimano 8-speed Claris derailleur. Despite being rocked to the core, and speed deprived on the single-track, the Diverge Comp E5 handled delightfully like a mountain bike. Overall, the Diverge Comp E5 is a great bike to ride. The entry-level model, the Diverge E5, features an aluminum frame, while the priciest model, the S-Works Diverge has an 11r carbon fiber frame, which is lighter in weight and stiffer than aluminum. Against the opposition, though, it is a bit weighty and a fair chunk of money given the spec. Cyclist Nigel Hyde test-rode the 2018 Diverge Comp E-5, one of the aluminum frame models. As with the top tube length, the Diverge E5 is somewhere in the middle when compared to the chainstay length of other bikes of this class. From the Sport to the Comp and onto the S-Works, a super lightweight FACT carbon frame is … The brakes, I simply thought they weren't strong enough. The Diverge Comp E5 is the only aluminium model available in the XXL (64cm) size and can be purchased for US $1900. Frame size options are limited on specific models. Of the field listed, the Diverge E5’s effective top tube length is longest, but not long compared to other bikes not listed here. Specialized makes several Diverge models, each at a different price point and with various features. E5 aluminum Diverge models range in price from $1,150 to $2,600. The bike’s SRAM NX 1x11 group, Tektro brakes, and X-Fusion Manic dropper post add to the Diverge Comp EVO’s boundary pushing abilities. For sole off-road riding, the Specialized Diverge Comp E5 does appear more appealing in terms of its slacker geometry. The Verdict: The Specialized Diverge E5 Elite 2020 is certainly a more than capable bike. Since the five bikes are at the lower end of the price spectrum, most of them are made of aluminum, except the Trek, which is made from steel. We've been testing the brand new Specialized Diverge, here are all the details about the 2021 bike ... first ride review; A Diverge for every occasion. Diverge Comp E5 EVOThis. Specialized Women’s Diverge E5 Comp gravel/adventure bike review. Made for exploring new roads, commuting to class, and everything in between, the Diverge Comp E5 redefines how many functions one bike can fulfill. It also has a Shimano Claris derailleur, which is one of the least expensive models on the market. Specialized Diverge Comp review. When mated to our full carbon FACT fork, the Diverge EVO becomes a light,lively and versatile bike ready to tackle the most technical gravel and dirt as aggressively as you could wish. If you want to get from A to B quickly and only need minimal luggage, this is a very capable and comfortable bike. We hate spam. I want hydraulic brakes . More capability to make more routes possible Our rating . It’s certainly worth considering before renting or buying. The Diverge from Specialized is labelled as an ‘Adventure and Gravel Bike’ with the E5 Comp being the lowest-priced model that keeps the proprietary Future Shock technology. The Diverge writes an entirely new chapter in the gravel bike category, so you can dream up entirely new rides. It’s designed to get aggressive, to push the boundaries of what Specialized … Women’s Diverge E5 Comp. It’s no mountain bike, but you’ll have a bit more elbow room if you plan on riding on slightly rougher terrain. Brakes also vary based on the model. He stated that: "The only things I did not like about the Comp E5 were the saddle and the brakes. The bike was increasingly swift with the turning of the handle bars. The Diverge Comp E5, Diverge Carbon, Diverge Sport Carbon, and both Diverge EVO models use the more straightforward Future Shock 1.5, which does not offer hydraulic damping or … It’s the ultimate getaway vehicle. This aids in the all-purpose nature of the Diverge E5’s appeal, creating a happy medium between power transfer and greater traction and comfort. I had no problems with the Specialized Diverge E5 Comp throughout the test period. For example, the reach is slightly shorter on the newer model, which creates a more comfortable, albeit slower, ride. The Diverge writes an entirely new chapter in the gravel bike category, so you can dream up entirely new rides. It basically still looks and feels brand new even after about 700 kilometres of riding. Combine it with a short chainstay (421 mm) and you get a seriously fast bike. With its off road capabilities and drop handlebars it would be easy to categorise the Diverge as a cyclo-cross bike, but Specialized is keen to stress that that’s where the similarity ends. FACT carbon differs from other carbon fiber out there regarding its weave and materials. Specialized's Diverge series is designed to be an adventure bike, meaning it can handle rides on uneven terrain and gravel but is equally at home on pavement. The Diverge also uses the lowest end derailleur compared to the other bikes on the list. For me it is a bike that tries to be the jack of all trades and most of the time, it delivers. The Specialized Power Saddle improves comfort in most positions, even as you get more aggressive. It is not a hardcore, racy gravel bike like Cervelo Aspero, but at the same time, it is not a fully off-road, MTB gravel bike like for example BMC URS. It’s great to notice too that the carbon fork takes a lot of the vibrations out of the road and you can really feel the saving in weight. . While it’s certainly not as glamorous as the satin black carbon tubeset of the Diverge Pro – priced at a cool $5500 for 2017 – it’s considerably more refined than the entry level A1, which rings in at a very inclusive $900. The latest Specialized Diverge is very impressive to ride. Specialized's Diverge line of bikes is designed as adventure bikes, meaning they can perform well on the road, but they also do well in rougher  terrain. The only other gravel type bike I have ridden is the Nukeproof Digger that I reviewed last year. Still, in this group, which leans more toward racing performance, the E5 has a longer wheelbase and might not be as spry as the athletes we’re measuring it against here. Talking of which, I’m seriously thinking of buying one myself when we sell the fleet off later this year! ... E5 Comp - £1,999. Hi friends, I want to tell you about the latest bike from Specialized. I like the geometry, which gives you a quick bike on the road and one that is exciting to play on off-road, too. You can unsubscribe at anytime. It's ideal for long rides, particularly long rides on mainly paved roads, with the occasional journeys off-road. On the other hand, the Specialized Diverge has been developed with a more modern geometry. The components are a lot of what you pay for if you decide to go up in price within the Diverge line. With the Diverge EVO, we took our new progressive gravel geometry to new levels. One thing the Diverge E5 has in common with the other bikes on the list is the type of brakes it uses. For example, the Giant AnyRoad and the Diamondback Haanjo both have Shimano Sora derailleurs while the Trek 520 Disc has a Shimano Deore. Specialized makes several Diverge models, each at a different price point and with various features. For a carbon frame and higher level parts, you'll need to look to Specialized's more expensive models. It's a racer that absolutely flies on the gravel, whose quick handling and relatively short wheelbase makes it a flickable bike with loads of feedback when you've got the bit between your teeth. ", After owning the bike for about a year, AndysMTBLife had this to say: "One thing I have been really impressed with with the Diverge is the frame, and the frame welding and the quality on the frame is really good. Our Premium E5 Aluminum frame provides a stiff, light, and durable platform. . Specialized added a size 44 for the Diverge E5 that can’t be found for the carbon version to help with smaller sizing of the bike. Meanwhile, the top level model, the S-Works Diverge, offers the XTR Di2 M9050 11-speed derailleur, a top-of-the-line, digital shifter. Speed, control and confidence - Future Shock 1.5 is ideal technology for the gravel rider. The E5 is an alloy frame, but features a carbon fork. Yes, the Specialized Diverge Comp boasts a wide array of fantastic features, including its top-notch build, super practical features, and unique geometry. This average ETT offers a balance between the maneuverability and lightness. The Diverge Comp EVO’s premium E5 Aluminum frame is spec’d with our Future Shock 1.5, specifically tuned for technical gravel riding. Suggested Upgrades. The base E5 through to the E5 Comp feature the alloy E5 frame, which is lightweight and comfortable, yet stiff for excellent power transfer. For this comparison, we’ll use the Diamondback Haanjo, the Trek 520 Disc, the Kestrel RT-1100, and the GIant AnyRoad. That said, the difference between stack heights among these models is mostly negligible. The Diverge writes an entirely new chapter in the gravel bike category, so you can dream up entirely new rides. The Diverge Evo: Available in both Expert and Comp, the two bikes come with a variety of features that will certainly keep you on your toes. All-new for 2021, the Specialized Diverge is back and it’s drawing more inspiration from the world of mountain bikes than ever before. The stack on the Diverge E5 is higher than everything else in this group, which bike be a bit perplexing, since you’ll typically find higher stacks on bikes with more aggressive racing-style stances, and the E5 isn’t necessarily the most racing-centric bike in this bunch. Exclusive offers & discounts in your inbox! The Diverge Comp Carbon comes thoughtfully built and doesn't really need any upgrades. The women-specific Specialized Dolce Comp EVO utilises Specialized’s lightweight E5 Premium aluminium frame, and matches it with the fork from the Diverge A1 bikes. The entry-level model, the Diverge E5, features an aluminum frame, while the priciest model, the S-Works Diverge has an 11r carbon fiber frame, which is lighter in weight and stiffer than aluminum. To get a feel for the Diverge model rides compared to other bikes Specialized offers, we’ll compare its geometry against other bikes around the same price point that are built for roughly the same purpose: the CruX Sport, the Tarmac Pro, the Roubaix Elite, and the Allez Sprint Comp. What’s next? This price gets you a solid aluminum frame and a comfortable ride, as well as entry-level components. The paint is really good as well. The bike can be fast, especially as you increase your budget, but even if it feels quick on the roads, it's going to be plenty comfortable on trails as well. I'd love to see hydraulic disc brakes at this price though, and maybe a more suitable tyre for opening up the off-road credentials without having to up the purchase price with another set of tyres The Diverge Sport has the Tiagra derailleur, a 10-speed model that's also entry-level, but slightly more advanced than the Claris. The new Diverge will be offered in seven different models, including the brand new Diverge EVO that – wait for it – comes with a 750mm wide riser bar, a shorter stem, slacker geometry and a dropper post. With a completely redesigned frame, the new Diverge is more capable than ever. Just barely breaking into four figures, the Diverge E5 is the least expensive Diverge model available and near the lower end of the pricing scale for most Specialized bikes. Let's talk about the Diverge's different models and components, and then let's compare it other bikes of its class to sniff out key differences you'd want to know about before pulling to the trigger on this beast. 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