It is difficult to improve a bike that works very well: we tested the Specialized Diverge 4

Specialized has just renewed its flagship gravel model with the Specialized Diverge 4. One of the most well-known bikes in the specialty that leads some of the current trends and has its own concepts that clearly differentiate it from the rest. We have already thoroughly tested it on our usual routes and here we tell you everything.

The new Diverge 4 takes a step forward with a bike without weak points

It is one of the most well-known gravel bikes and a reference in the sector. The Diverge has evolved hand in hand with the modality itself, and it was to be expected that, at a certain point, we would not see any revolution, but rather a set of subtle changes that increase capabilities and refine a model that works.

The most notable thing that can be seen at first sight is that there is no trace of the STR system in the Diverge 4. But let's go through the key points of this new generation.

RECOMENDADO

Lenzerheide will be a historic event for MTB: favorites, schedules and how to watch

7 minutes of video with the highlights of the Elite XCO World Championships 2025

How to change the pedals of any bike in 5 steps

The World Championship of Rwanda begins this week: dates, schedules, and favorites

Pidcock raises the bar on his own, what can we expect from him now?

In detail, the World Champion's bike: Jenny Rissveds' Canyon Lux WC CFR

The first thing to highlight is an increase in tire clearance, which now allows up to 50mm tires with more than enough margin for mud, and even, according to the brand, a MTB tire of 2.2" could be mounted with enough clearance.

There have also been slight modifications in the geometry. The reach has been increased to a greater or lesser extent across all sizes to opt for slightly shorter stems.

As a result of mounting larger volume tires, it has been decided to increase the chainstays by 5mm and lower the bottom bracket drop by 5mm to maintain the optimal height. The head tube angle is also slightly adjusted to improve stability. The specific measurements in a size 54 are a head tube angle of 71°, and 74° for the seat tube angle. The reach increases to 387mm, the chainstays are 430mm, and the total length is 1041mm.

Another concept that has been improved is the storage capacity, now called SWAT 4.0, where the space inside the downtube is increased to store anything we may need on the route. The door under the bottle cage has also increased in size to facilitate operations.

The new Diverge 4 has also adopted the use of a UDH derailleur hanger, making it compatible with the new generation of Sram XPLR groups with direct mounting.

And another improvement, which benefits mainly the entry-level bikes in the range, is the inclusion of the Future Shock 3.0 system throughout the range, so all Diverge bikes will have, under the stem, that 20mm hydraulically controlled suspension.

The Diverge is the most versatile and adventurous gravel bike from Specialized, but that does not mean at all that it sacrifices performance, and the approach they have taken to provide the bike with the necessary comfort can be an advantage when spending hours giving it your all on the pedals. The concept they have sought is to suspend the rider primarily. Apart from the absorption of irregularities that can be achieved with the frame design, they have focused on comfort at the handlebar and saddle level.

Under the handlebar we find the Future Shock system which, as we have said, is extended to the entire range. Here we have 20mm of hydraulically controlled travel and whose stiffness we can modify by choosing the spring or preload. The level of adjustment varies depending on whether the bike mounts the 3.1, 3.2, or 3.3 version of the system.

The Future Shock is accompanied in the Diverge by the Roval Terra seatpost. A specific gravel seatpost designed to maximize impact and irregularity absorption. It can flex up to 18mm, stabilizing the rider's weight and increasing the contact of the wheel with the ground.

Focusing on the frame, we appreciate very smooth lines, without very marked edges, although with a wide variation in the shape of the tubes. The dimension of the downtube stands out, which has a considerable width to maximize storage space.

One detail in which Specialized has made a great effort is found in the right chainstay, as to allow sufficient tire clearance, a small solid section of high modulus carbon has been used to achieve the minimum thickness. In the aluminum versions, there is a small piece of forged aluminum in this area.

Another part where the frame design is influenced is the head tube, where space is created for the Future Shock system, with its own bearing adjustment system, and where, for obvious reasons, a completely internal cable routing cannot be chosen.

Of course, the Diverge frame is ready for any bikepacking trip, so it is compatible with racks and accessories. We find threads on the top tube, under the downtube, and some very integrated and discreet ones on the rear dropouts. The fork also offers attachments for multiple equipment options.

Riding with the Specialized Diverge 4 Expert

Our test bike was the Expert model with Sram Rival transmission. This is, in terms of price, a step above the middle of the range, but as we will see, it has little to envy the setups of its higher-end sisters.

Well-balanced assembly without sacrificing anything

Starting with the transmission, our bike mounts the new Sram Rival XPLR group in its entirety. This group, launched to the market this year, features 13 rear cogs in a 10-46 combination which, together with the 40-tooth chainring on the bike, offers a wide range of gears with a single chainring.

This Expert model mounts the Future Shock system in version 3.2, which is configurable in stiffness, opting for one of the three springs included with the bike, and also, depending on the washers we include with the spring, we will have more or less preload. The only thing not included in this version, and exclusive to version 3.3, is the on-the-fly hydraulic adjustment.

In this model, there are no carbon wheels sacrificed, and the Roval Terra C wheels mount DT Swiss 370 hubs and carbon rims with a 25mm internal width and a generous 32mm profile. These wheels are fitted with Specialized Tracer tires, which are an intermediate model in terms of tread aggressiveness, and although the specifications indicate a 45mm width mounting, our unit came equipped with the 50mm version.

A component we have already discussed and has an important function in ride comfort is the Roval Terra carbon seatpost. Our unit also mounted a Roval Terra handlebar, specific to gravel, with compact dimensions, but without an exaggerated flare.

Speed, comfort, and kilometers: the Diverge 4 wants it all

With each new release, groundbreaking innovations and significant aesthetic changes usually appear, so we were uncertain about what Specialized could propose in its new Diverge. But the truth is that this new model has a continuity line and we do not see major changes at first sight, beyond the obvious absence of the STR.

The Diverge 4 presents very smooth and harmonious lines, with rounded shapes in tubes and joints. It does have generous dimensions in its tubes, especially in the front part and, as we have already mentioned, in the downtube, with sufficient width for ample storage space inside.

It is also clearly noticeable the dimension of its tires, and these, combined with the profile of its carbon rims, define the bike's aesthetics quite a bit. Otherwise, there are no stridencies or particularly striking shapes, and even the Future Shock is very well integrated and goes quite unnoticed.

As always, we weighed it before putting the pedals on and it marked a figure of 9.150 kilograms.

Before starting, we made our personal adjustments and inspected the SWAT 4.0. This has its door under the bottle cage and opens with a very easy-to-manipulate lever, even with gloves. The operation is clear and reliable, and the contact surface between the door and the frame is rubberized to prevent noise and water leaks. The bike includes a specific bag for tools and accessories, but we can also store a windbreaker or anything else separately.

The interior of the frame in this area is completely clean and the cables are guided along the side.

Once on the move, the first sensation pedaling on the Diverge 4 was one of balance. Our position on it is in an intermediate point between comfort and performance. We can say that, in terms of position, what mainly differentiates it from a bike designed exclusively for competition is its compact gravel handlebar.

But despite not being as upright or as short as a purely adventurous gravel bike, we have the advantage of the Future Shock. Thanks to this mini suspension system, our hands, and even our neck, suffer much less. It is something that is very noticeable, more than we could expect knowing that it is only 20mm of travel.

The Future Shock is a simple idea, but Specialized has made it work very well. In our case, after a couple of days, we chose to change the spring and try the stiff one, and for our 75 kilos, we noticed the improvement and use of those 20mm.

Rolling on asphalt sections, it does not feel heavy to ride at a good pace because, as we mentioned, the position favors pedaling. It is true that there is a more noticeable difference between this tire and road tires than in other gravel bikes we have tested, but it is not burdensome, and as soon as the asphalt loses quality, we take advantage of the Diverge's capabilities.

But it is on more or less rough tracks where the Diverge 4 shows its potential. Even with the surface in good condition, it is clearly perceived how our hands do not bounce on any roughness and we are really comfortable riding at a good pace. And when we pass through more irregular sections with some rocks, it is when the Future Shock and the absorption achieved in the rear stand out the most, combining the absorption capacity of a high-volume tire, the filtration achieved with the frame design, and the Roval Terra seatpost, which is very noticeable. In these situations, we can keep pedaling in many sections where we are used to standing up to absorb with our body what the bike does not filter.

In favorable terrains where speed is very high or in downhill sections on tracks is where we have felt most secure with the Diverge. Its geometry gives us a lot of confidence and a sense of control, so much so that sometimes we have to remember that we are not riding MTB tires and we have to be careful as it is still a gravel bike with certain limitations in terms of grip on curves off-road.

The Diverge 4 excels in terms of comfort and control, but this does not mean it lacks responsiveness and efficiency. On climbs, we can maintain fairly high speeds, and when pedaling standing up, the frame shows good stiffness and faithfully transmits our energy to the rear wheel. It's true that we don't have the same spark and agility as on an ultralight gravel bike, but the bike transmits every pedal stroke, and we enjoyed a sporty feel in these situations.

As for the setup of our Expert model, we found no weak points and a very good balance.

We had already tested the new Sram Rival XPLR drivetrain and we reaffirm its good performance, especially the ergonomics of its shifters, which we think are among the best. The braking is also one of the most powerful available in road and gravel brakes and gives us a lot of confidence even when using just one finger.

The rest of the brand's components are top notch, particularly the wheels, with their carbon rims and an internal width of 25 mm that maximizes the benefits of the tire, and a compact gravel handlebar that is well balanced in its shape and offers a good performance position.

Conclusion

It's difficult to improve on a bike that works so well, and the Diverge was already one of the benchmarks in the gravel world. Specialized has chosen to retain its strengths and enhance certain aspects. After thoroughly testing the Diverge 4, our opinion is that they have succeeded. 

The Diverge 4 is a bike that strikes a great balance between comfort and performance.
It's a bike you can spend many hours riding without it becoming tiresome, while at the same time offering remarkable athletic capabilities. And all this with plenty of storage space and compatibility with accessories, making it extremely versatile.

Specialized Diverge 4 Expert: specifications, weight, and price

The new Diverge range comes in eight versions, the two most affordable featuring aluminum frames, with the Sport Alloy model starting at €2,299. The top of the range is the Pro LTD, a spectacular bike with Sram Red XPLR transmission, priced at €9,999. Our Diverge 4 Expert test bike with Sram Rival groupset costs €6,299.

• Frame: Diverge FACT 9r carbon
• Fork: Future Shock 3.2. FACT Carbon
• Brakes: Sram Rival E1
• Controllers: Sram Rival AXS E1
• Rear derailleur: Sram Rival AXS E1 XPLR
• Cassette: Sram Rival E1 XPLR 10-46, 13sp
• Chain: Sram Rival E1
• Crankset: Sram Rival E1 XPLR, DUB Wide, 40t
• Wheels: Roval Terra C
• Tires: Tracer 700x45c
• Stem: Future Stem Pro
• Handlebar: Specialized Adventure Gear Hover
• Saddle: Specialized Power Expert
• Seatpost: Roval Terra, 20mm offset
• Weight: 9.150Kg
• Price: 6,299€