Specialized Diverge

[Bungleaio]

Over the past few months I've been out racking up some miles on a 2011 Specialized Sirrus Sport which has been great but I'm thinking of upgrading to something with dropped handlebars.

My riding is 80%+ road but I have options of tow paths and mild off road parts around me so I would like something that can handle this as well. I've been looking around at cyclocross stuff but I've come across the Diverge range from Specialized which seems to be exactly what I'm looking for.

Has anyone tried or own one of these? I'm looking at the Diverge Comp Smartweld version http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes/road/diverg...

[Bungleaio]

The reviews of these seem to be very good, I'm pretty close to pushing the button on one but is there anything else worth considering?

[cailean]

Interesting, I am thinking of looking for something similar. I have a MTB but want to do more longer distance 'trail' riding like the Downs Link, Worth Way, Forest Way, Cuckoo Trail and others around Sussex area. It would be too rough for a road bike but not rough enough for a MTB. How do these differ from Cyclocross bikes where I suspect you could get cheaper options - these are a bit over my budget.

C

[Roman]

Like many 'Adventure Road' or 'Gravel' bikes from the US, it has relatively little tyre clearance for muddy UK conditions (32c max with 'guards) though it does at least have mounts for mudguards (and possibly rack mounts) unlike many. UK brands like Boardman, Planet X, Whyte, Forme, Decade etc tend to have greater clearance and rack mounts on their aluminium framed versions.

Consequently UK bikes tend to offer greater versatility (commuting and light touring) and a very slightly longer wheelbase than many from the US and mainland Europe. Loads of options and overlap but generally:
'Cyclocross bikes' tend to have a higher bottom bracket, close ratio gearing and racier position, 'Gravel bikes' have slightly lower bottom brackets and 'Adventure road' bikes tend to have a slightly more upright position like a 'Sportive' or 'Comfort' Roadbike.

[olic]

I have one, swapped from sirrus exactly the same as op!

I love it, it's stealthy and feels very solid, quicker than sirrus.
I do a mixture of road, park trails and canal paths etc. For me a once a week rider just for fitness it does it all, highly recommend it.

[anonymous-user]

When I first saw these in the US I thought they were a solution to a problem that didn't really exist over here. Great on fire-roads and the like but I'd just go for a CX bike and be done with it. Mind you I did buy and sell two CX bikes in quick succession as I found them a too compromised for my off road rides.

[Bungleaio]

Thanks guys, I still think its the right one for me I just need to know whether I need a 58 or 61 frame. Being 6"3 I'm right between the two, luckily the Nottingham concept store has both sizes in stock (albeit not the smart weld version) so I'll give them a try and get one ordered. They have quite long lead times at the moment so it might not be until feb that I finally get out there.

[olic]

Hi, I'm 6ft 1 and have the 58' however at 58 the bars are wider, I have reduced the stem to 80 and flipped it, it was making my shoulder numb. So bear in mind the 58 upwards comes with a 100 stem and wider bars. I would go for 58 if I was you.

Cheers
Oli

[olic]

Hi, I'm 6ft 1 and have the 58' however at 58 the bars are wider, I have reduced the stem to 80 and flipped it, it was making my shoulder numb. So bear in mind the 58 upwards comes with a 100 stem and wider bars. I would go for 58 if I was you.

Cheers
Oli

[Bungleaio]

Cheers mate. My Sirrus is 58 and that seems plenty big enough so that was what I was thinking really. I was also planning on getting a full fitting from the store when purchasing so hopefully they will pick up if the stem length needs changing etc.

[thetrash]

Check out the GT Grade, am thinking about one as my commute is down some stty roads. I think the GT looks better value spec wise.

[Bungleaio]

Nice one mate, I hadn't seen that one looks interesting

[Bungleaio]

Called in to one of the Specialized concept stores, sat both a 58 and a 61. 58 is the better size for me so I think I will order one only down side is they are out of stock until the back end of january

[Bungleaio]

Order placed, collecting early Feb

[benny.c]

Been looking at the Diverge for a while as a replacement for my cross bike. I'm hoping it'll be that little bit more comfortable on 90 minute plus rides over a combination of tarmac, bridleways, towpaths etc. Just ordered the bobby basic model and through a combination of deals, a 10 speed Ultegra groupset (less brake calipers) for £250. Factoring in the sale of the groupset that comes on the bike, I'll have an Ultegra equipped Diverge for £950 which I reckon is pretty good. I'll maybe look at TRP HY-RD calipers too.

[Google [bot]]

Bungleaio said:

Order placed, collecting early Feb

Hmm, let us know how you go would you. Another Sirrus Comp owner here and it suits me perfectly, though last weekend I did a bit of exploring that required something more rugged.

Thing is I'm probably 98% tarmac so that's what I'd be keen to know if there's a compromise there. Olic, quicker than the Sirrus? With fatter tyres I can't see how that's so (though want to hear it to give me an excuse )

[Bungleaio]

I pick it up this afternoon so I'll let you know.

[Magic919]

Are you there yet? :-)

[Skyedriver]

Tried a Cannondale CAAD & a Diverge last weekend - Bikesport Darlington
Discounted the Cannondale despite the better equipment as it looked like a mobile advertising hoarding, but the Diverge was the total opposite, more comfortable by far but not sure I can live with the satin/matt black.

[benny.c]

Yeah, they haven't gone crazy with the colours have they. I would have liked a red or white one but hey ho, it's a winter/multi purpose bike that's going to get covered in muck.