2021 Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon | 500 Mile Review
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- Опубліковано 16 вер 2024
- I've been having a blast on the new 2021 Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon (Size 52cm). See what this average rider likes and dislikes about the bike after 500 miles of riding on a mix of dirt and tarmac. Bike purchased with my own hard-earned dollars (no sponsorships here). I'm 5'8" and weight 155lbs, and I'm very comfortable on a 52cm frame.
How much does it weigh? Is a gravel bike really that much slower than a road bike? How is the Future Shock suspension system? Is the GRX group set necessary?
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Detailed video on the inner workings of the Future Shock 1.5 system:
• Specialized Future Sho...
Recently upgraded to new HUNT wheels and Panaracer Gravelking tubeless tires. Check out the install and review here:
• Specialized Diverge | ...
#IndependentReview
I just purchased the Comp Carbon model a few weeks ago and used your videos as part of my research in finding the one bike to replace my Salsa Fargo AND my Cervelo road bike. I was going to get the Sport Carbon but decided to spend the extra for the upgraded Future Shock, Higher end GRX Groupset, and the SWAT option. I was needing the same size as you and wanted black. Found one 300 miles away and drove to get it. Best purchase I've made on a bike to date! Love the SWAT storage, and the Future Shock is like butter! Thanks for your in depth reviews on this bike. I will be investing in a second and possibly third set of wheels for my Diverge.
Very nice! Congrats on new bike day!
I gasped at the end of this video when you cut diagonally across the railway lines. I've come off on a rail crossing with a similar diagonal cross many years ago and see other cyclists come off on tram tracks. No matter really what bike they are riding, it seems a gamble to me.
However, I have and love the Diverge I have. Very comfortable and multi talented bicycle. Thanks for your videos on the Diverge bikes
Great review. Sport carbon diverge is my first road/gravel bike coming from a cheap mountain bike. I got the yellow one. :)
Nice. Congrats! That color looks great!
The yellow looks good....
Any tips on fixing scratches? I rested my yellow bike against a 1 ft concrete bench and it slid... da da da da. Series of stapler pin like marks on chain stay and fork. Could not find right shade nail polish. Some cautioned not to sand/polish and damage the clear coat.
It’s carbon, so technically you don’t need to do anything as corrosion is a non issue. If you want to touch it up perfectly you could take it to a frame builder/ painter, but that’ll cost $$. If they’re small enough, then we’ll placed stickers will do the job 😀
@@TheBikeSauce Scratches show up a lot on the Yellow. I'm getting a ride wrap. In the meantime I have helicopter tape around the bike where there's some wear and for bags. But its a bike.. its gonna get used.. normal wear and tear. :)
Good review, especially the part about the LBS doing somewhat bad assembly, they probably were not happy that you bought directly from specialized
Bah, can't blame anyone really. I'm surprised I even got the bike within 3 weeks of placing the order. Others have had to wait so long and some are still waiting.
Recently picked up the 2020 Diverge Carbon Sport over the 2021 due to costs saving (clearance) and at first I thought I was going to miss out on the GRX groupset but even with 105 I thought I was going to sacrifice speed for an on/off road drop handlebar bike, but according to my cycling app I’ve only lost 1-2 mph for my avg speed due to the additional weight difference. Now my 2015 Emonda ALR 5 is just sitting around. I love my Diverge. Thanks for your honest and awesome review!
Awesome! Yea the GRX is nice, but really only for a few key features.
👌 perfect. This is what I was looking for, a real review from a normal guy like me.
Thanks for making this video, I’m looking to make the diverge my one and only drop bar bike too
Thanks for watching! Yes I definitely think it can replace a proper road bike and be the only drop bar bike you need!
Great review. Thanks! Now if only I could find one of these in stock.....
Haha yea. You’re better off placing an order and playing the waiting game I think.
Hot tip: If your gravel bike is going to be your only road bike, invest in a 2nd set of wheels. You can get a really decent set for $5-600. Keep one set with road tires, and one set with gravel tires. Best of both worlds...
Definitely! I’ve had my eye on the Hunt Mason gravel 650b wheels and Terravail Rutland 47s for a more off road setup. What do you think?
@@TheBikeSauce Sry, no experience with either...
Well Done Review. You covered all of the 'regular rider' angles which I was curious about. Would have liked to know more about the drive train and how you think it climbs. (Lots of steeps around here in VT!)
Nice Review. I love my Diverge Sport. Ride a lot of canal roads in Arizona. I bought an extra carbon wheelset, 28 tires when I want to go pure road and went tubeless on my stock wheels. Did notice the weight change a bit when I flip over to the carbon wheels. Like you said. The money I saved with the sport I used to purchase the extra wheelset.
Well worth the upgrade I think!
enjoyed your comprehensive review. i've been looking at the diverge for awhile. it seems it would be a good all-arounder for my daily commutes and non-technical gravel rides.
Thanks, yes it’s been great all around. I feel bad for my mtb collecting dust. Gotta take it out soon.
Dude! Thank you for this. Awesome review
Thx! So happy people are finding it useful.
Super review. I've watched it three times now.
Haha thanks, but there’s probably a better use of your time.
Thanks for the review, I’ve been waiting for a review of the Sport model. I just can’t justify paying for the top end models.
Haha same here
Great review. I have the same bike in the satin blue finish. That down tube protector was a disappointment. I peeled mine off. I may just use some frame protector stickers that I use on my mountain bike. Good idea to shorten the cables.
Thanks for the input. Yea honestly if we’re bashing down tubes on gravel bikes, it probably means we should have brought mountain bikes anyways.
Very nice review!
I have an older, 2019 sport carbon model. I have very similar experiences. With my pretty average power, there was negligible difference in speed compared to my classic road bike with more aggressive tube angles, 25mm tyres, and -2kg total system weight. Because of the much better overall comfort in real life usage, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to a road bike again... The LBS here in Budapest was kind enough to fit a 2bliss pathfinder on the bike for free when I purchased it, which was very nice of them. But I pretty much aggree with you about those wheels, I’ve found them lacking in pretty much every aspect. fitted an older set of Aksium discs, and they seem to weigh less and have much smoother bearings. Those stock ones are also pretty easy to knock out of true in my expreience.
That’s awesome of your bike shop to throw in tubeless tires. The stock wheels are definitely a weak point. I did find mine to be out of true as well after a couple hundred miles as well. I’ve since upgraded to Hunt Wheels and gravelking tubeless tires and it really made a big difference. Install and review will be posted this afternoon.
The smooth middle section in the 38 mm pathfinder tires gives fast rolling on paved roads. The advantage of this bike is it can be a one bike for multi-purpose - road, gravel, touring with a choice of future shock spring and tire.
That head tube cap is indeed not elegant. But if it's circular, it would be even less elegant as it would protrude out even when handle bar points straight. Problem is it rotates with handlebar movement. Damages during transport. Costs $3. But a headache.
You are spot on about the dirt protector. I could not figure out which 3M gum to use. It's 3M for sure as mine did not come with the protector and I had to ask for it. Perhaps use another frame protector tape on top of the one which came with it.
I wish there were 3rd party swot boxes which sit above bottom bracket.
Solid review. Sport Carbon Diverge at $2900 + $1200 in carbon wheels = just as good as the $6900 Diverge Pro Carbon. Sure, you don’t get Futureshock 2.0 with the damper but not a big deal. And the Shimano GRX gruppo is just as good as the SRAM components; and you get the 2x crank for a better gear range on-road. And honestly, that SWAT box is just fugly.
Haha right on
Nice review. I purchased the same bike through Specialized and picked it up at Rock n Road in Anaheim Hills. I recommend checking your Future Shock. When I went to swap out the stock spring for the heavier gauge spring, I was beyond surprised to see there was no spring installed. Not sure if that falls on Specialized or my LBS but either way, I was not impressed. That said, with the proper spring installed I love the bike. And if I’m not mistaken it looks like you’re riding the Fullerton Loop?
Wow good to know. I’ll check it out and report back. Yes, Floop is my go to quick mtb route, but it’s been really fun to mix and match sections of Floop with some roads on the Diverge.
"I was beyond surprised to see there was no spring installed"
By default there is no spring and the bike shop should theoretically set it up for you. But with the current situation of demand exceeding supply they might not give a f.
My 2018 diverge sport with $500 in upgrades is better than more expensive diverges that are twice the price. I buy the best chassis I can afford and swap out the lower grade parts for ones that meet my specific needs. Saves me a fortune ❤️
The best philosophy on bikes! Also, I can’t ignore your user name. I hope you are well. Sounds like you triumphed through some very tough times. Keep fighting and ride on!
Hey man great review, I’m having a hard time deciding from the sport carbon to the comp carbon. After your review I’m with you, can’t really justify the close to $900.00 more for the comp carbon.
Tough one. There are other differences too, but the better grade carbon (fact9r), the swat, and the future shock 2.0 are the biggest ones. You’d be happy either way I think.
Love my comp but honestly I barely use the dial on the suspension. Swat box is amazing though. 2x45c tubes + tools + co2 + mini pump in it. Frees space for my bags when bikepacking
@@felixdieu whats your opinion on the durability of SWAT? Do you think the cover will ever break due to frequent usage or water leakage down the road?
I’m having the same struggles 😩😩😩
Haha. You’ll be happy with either.
Finally a good review of this bike. Im the same height and weight as you, do you think ill be better off with a 52 or 54cm?
I think 52cm is the way to go. I've had fit issues (knee pain) on my ollllld 55cm Allez, and my 52cm Roubaix made all the difference in fit and comfort. This new 52cm Diverge fits like a glove, and I don't get any toe rub or anything like that.
@@TheBikeSauce i went ahead and changed my order from a 54 to a 52. I think it was the right call. I decided to get the comp carbon model. Its on back order until october
Awesome!! Comp will be a beast. I’m pretty the size will be right. Let me know how the swat works out. I bet it’s really nice to have the hidden storage.
Pretty sure*
May I ask what height and weight that is as I am in between 52 and 54 sizes too!?
Very good detailed Video!
Super helpful.
excellent review
Thx for watching!
Taking the bike back to the shop and have them re-stick it back on , it should have a warranty.
I don't want to bother my already overwhelmed LBS. Got a tip for the right tape to use from another viewer - tubular tire tape. Will see how it goes. I may just use thin 3M double stick.
Very nice! I have the comp model, and the larger crankset up front sealed that decision. You must go tubeless: will drastically improve your gravel comfort and speed.
Very nice!! Yes the first upgrade I made was wheels and tires. Went with the Hunt 35 gravel wheels with gravel kings in 38c. Total game changer. Cheers!
Great review. Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
Awesome review. Did you get a chance to try the different dampening springs on your rides?
Thanks! I haven’t tried the different springs out yet, but I’m planning a future shock / future stem video soon. There are a few things including the different springs that are worth mentioning.
Great review man, thank you! Im hopefully getting my carbon base model end of the month. I like those trails along the railway, do you share them on Strava at all? It looks like you may be in SoCal like myself, I love finding new trails, thanks again!
Ha, saw your reply on the other video so I responded there. Congrats on the new bike! Hope to see you out there sometime.
I got the comp carbon. I could have gone without the FS 2.0 especially considering that you apparently cant service it and the replacement is quite expensive but that downtube storage is super convenient. Gives the bike a nice clean look. Also the seatpost on the comp has some flex which makes it pretty comfortable and the carbon is a little better I think (9r vs 8r or something like that). Im still on the fence about replacing the wheels though you seem pretty happy with those Hunt wheels.
Comp is a great spec! I needed to save the money to upgrade the wheels, however. The terra post and swat storage seem like really nice to haves. Congrats!
Great review. I would like to know how long did it take to get the bike. I ordered mine first week of June, still waiting. My LBS can NOT get a ship time from Specialized. First estimated late July then told middle of August now "WHO KNOWS WHEN" I ordered the Base E5 model and have seen quite a few carbon models arrive and leave the bike shops but haven't seen any alloys yet.
Dang, that's a bummer. The bike shortage is no joke (lots of news articles recently covered it). I ordered mine on May 14, 2020. I was able to pick it up from a local shop on June 1, so just about 2.5 weeks. I think the delays vary from model to model, and I also was not able to get any answers from Specialized or my shop regarding estimated arrival time. Good luck, I hope it gets to you soon!
Very nice review...
Great review. Do you think the adjustability of the 2.0 future shock is worth it? Shocked by the wheel weight!
I don't have first hand experience with the FS 2.0. I can say that I've never swapped out the spring in my 1.5, so I don't think I'd mess around with the FS2.0 knob too much once I found a comfortable setting.
@@TheBikeSauce Thanks!
Thanks for all your reviews on diverge, they really helped me to zone in on my first gravel bike purchase. I got the diverge expert carbon and I was wondering if I could fit it with a straight bar and how would that experience be and would you know any straight bars that would suit with diverge models?
Hey thanks. Unfortunately the switch from drop bar to flat bar is more involved than you might initially think. You’ve got to get different controls (brake levers and shifters), and many mtb shifters aren’t compatible with road style derailleurs (there are adapters that work to some degree).
If you don’t like the drop bars that came on the bike, you might consider a different drop bar - one with a shallower drop and maybe a bit wider. That would be a direct swap
Hey. Bought a Diverge and just come across your channel. I’ve got the stock wheels (g540s) and can’t work out how to take the hub caps off the free hub. Any ideas? Thanks.
Railroad bed - cool. Do a lot of bikers take advantage of that?
Are you talking about the trail next to the tracks? If so, here in Fullerton CA, it seems to be used quite a bit by runners and bikers. I use these trails to connect bits of the local MTB loop and some nicer roads together. There's a lot of track that isn't used anymore and it hasn't been converted to rail trail.
The Bike Sauce Thanks!
Hi, Enjoy the channel, did you replace the stem on this bike? if so from what to what size?
Still using stock 90mm stem
Had the same issue with the down tube rubber cover on the bottom. My bike mechanic took it off removed the adhesive and used a much stronger adhesive that hasn't given me any trouble. Also the brake levers issues seems like a warranty issue. I don't think that should happen at all.
Good to know. Do you happen to know what type of adhesive? Yea I’ll see if shimano will warranty the levers, but not super hopeful.
@@TheBikeSauce lol I knew you were going ask that. I'll ask my mechanic and get back to you.i have the exact bike as yours in a 54 but I'm running 11-42 in the rear.
Haha. Only if you get a chance. Otherwise no big deal. Hope you’re enjoying the Diverge as much as I am!
@@TheBikeSauce 3M automotive double-sided tape used for car badges.
Thanks. I was thinking that too. Will give it a shot
I am 5'10" what size should I buy?
I can't even find one of these online haha
2900! It's $3300 now. That's like 13% mo money .
That dang ol covid tax
@@TheBikeSauce should I jump in now before it's 3700?. Only one my shop has is $6000 , the expert model.
Haha, or get the expert now before the sport costs the same
MEH, sounds like not worth it to me....SHould be already come with Tubeless tires for one and shifters peeling REALLY? I expected wheels lighter also....Giant offers more bang for your buck
Totally agree on tubeless. You definitely pay a premium for specialized stuff. I really considered the giant revolt adv 2 for a long time, but at that time they hadn’t adopted GRX, and were still using that clunky mechanical / hydraulic brake interface. Thanks for the input!
Did you like the tires the bike came with?
They were not tubeless and quite stiff - not my favorite. The swap to tubeless tires made a big difference in comfort
Do u think the smaller crank on grx makes a difference in speed straightline or downhill compared to 105 crank.
It’s about an 8% reduction in your top end. So if you feel like you actually spin out on a 105 set up, then you would feel a difference in the gear down on GRX. Im an average rider andI have never wished for more gears on the top end.
What is the velocomp and holder?
Not sure what you mean
have you ever crashed on this? and how did the carbon survive?
Haven’t crashed it yet 🙏
So how in heck did you get one ?
Haha just luck of the draw I guess. Ordered back in May. Managed to get it within a month
The Bike Sauce you can’t get these anywhere.
Wait, why does carbon bike weights 10.2kg? I thought it is around 9kg. Is it because cheap carbon or what?
A lot of this weight is in the stock wheels / tires. My wheel upgrade video shows a reduction to 9kg. However, the Sport carbon does use the lowest grade carbon (FACT8r), so there's that element too. By upgrading to 9r or higher, you get some more weight savings (if you can afford it).
The Bike Sauce but I don’t understand. According to other reviews aluminum Diverge Comp E5 in 54 size is 9,56kg without pedals. Also $1300 aluminum Merida Silex 300 is 9,9kg. Is it a usual thing that carbon bike weighs the same as aluminum? Or it’s just marketing statements lowering weight of aluminum ones?
Mmm, not sure what to say about that. I just read the numbers off my hanging scale.
Bro, what is the bike’s frame size?
52cm
Brake lever coating peeling off after 500 miles is not acceptable.
Thanks, yes I agree. I actually just got it back from the shop. Shimano replaced them under warranty. I was pleasantly surprised. Will post a video on my experience soon.
Disc brakes ruined the look, the weight and the aerodynamic of this bicycle.