The new S-Works Diverge 4 ICR gets internal cable routing and a FACT 12r frame in its new S-Works version

Specialized expands the Diverge family 4 with a version reserved for its highest tier. The new S-Works Diverge ICR features a FACT 12r frame, integrates internal cable routing for the first time with the Future Shock 3.3, and completes the build with SRAM RED XPLR 13-speed, Roval Terra CLX III wheels, and CeramicSpeed components. The result is a gravel bike weighing 8.2 kg with suspension that maintains the versatile focus of the Diverge but elevates its construction and equipment to the highest range.

New S-Works Diverge ICR, the most sophisticated version of the Diverge 4

The current Diverge 4 was born as a platform designed to significantly expand the terrain a gravel bike can tackle. Specialized maintains that philosophy in this new S-Works, which combines a very generous tire clearance, integrated storage, Future Shock, and a geometry designed to offer stability when the terrain gets tough.

But the S-Works Diverge ICR introduces two particularly important changes compared to the FACT 9r versions: a new FACT 12r frame and completely internal cable routing.

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Specialized positions this bike in both long-distance competition and in the realm of grand tours and bikepacking.

FACT 12r Carbon and 950 grams for the frame

One of the most relevant changes is in a part that may go unnoticed externally. Specialized uses its FACT 12r layup in this S-Works, reserved for the most exclusive version of the new Diverge.

According to the brand, this new lay-up allows for a 200-gram reduction compared to the FACT 9r frame used in the other carbon Diverge 4 models. The goal has not only been to reduce weight but to increase the responsiveness and efficiency of the whole.

The final figure is significant for a bike with this capability and equipment. The painted frame weighs 950 grams in size 56, while the complete bike claims 8.2 kg in that same size. The FACT 12r frame includes a threaded bottom bracket, a 12x142 mm rear axle, Flat Mount brakes, and a UDH dropout.

Future Shock 3.3 and ICR, now the cables disappear

The other major novelty is at the front. Specialized has managed to combine the Future Shock 3.3 suspension with an internal cable routing system ICR, eliminating visible cabling around the cockpit.

This is not a kit that can be installed later on any Diverge 4. Specialized explains that the integration requires a specific platform and, therefore, the ICR system is not compatible with existing Diverge 4 FACT 9r frames. At least for now, it will remain an exclusive feature of the S-Works.

This is a significant change because fully integrating the cables around a system like Future Shock is considerably more complex than doing so in a conventional direction.

Specialized continues to defend this concept against conventional gravel suspension forks. According to their data, Future Shock is between 300 and 400 grams lighter than a conventional gravel suspension fork and offers a considerable aerodynamic advantage. Additionally, the third generation offers greater adjustment possibilities and simplifies maintenance.

Up to 50 mm tires with more than 7 mm of clearance

The integration and lightweight frame have not compromised one of the fundamental characteristics of this generation of the Diverge: its enormous tire clearance.

Specialized homologates tires of up to 700x50 mm, maintaining more than 7 mm of free space around the tire according to ISO criteria. The bike can even accommodate 2.2 inches, although in that case the available clearance is reduced to 4 mm.

And the stock setup directly takes advantage of that capability. Specialized equips Tracer TLR All Terrain 700x50c tires, ready for tubeless.

This size brings this Diverge closer to the territory we previously associated with mountain bikes, especially interesting for very rough gravel rides, ultra-distance events, or routes where capacity and control are more important than minimizing the aerodynamic resistance of the tire.

SRAM RED XPLR 1x13 with Quarq power meter

The build matches the frame's quality. Specialized has chosen the electronic SRAM RED AXS XPLR E1 13-speed transmission, with a development specifically oriented towards gravel.

The configuration combines a 40-tooth chainring with a 10-46 cassette, while the SRAM RED E1 XPLR DUB Wide cranks include a Quarq power meter. The bottom bracket is a CeramicSpeed BB Alpha BSA DUB.

The frame also offers plenty of room to modify the gearing. Specialized confirms official compatibility with single chainrings of 38, 40, 42, 44, and 46 teeth. It is also possible to mount double chainring setups. In Shimano GRX, it accepts combinations of 30/46 and 31/48, while with SRAM Wide 2x it is compatible with 30/43.

Physically, there is space to go up to 52 teeth, although Specialized warns that the clearance is reduced and that any damage caused by using chainrings larger than those officially compatible would not be covered by the warranty.

Roval Terra CLX III with composite spokes

The wheels are Roval Terra CLX III carbon, tubeless, with an internal width of 27 mm. The rims have a depth of 25.5 mm and a hook width of 4.9 mm.

The front wheel uses a Roval LF18-F hub and 21 spokes, while at the rear, we find an LF19-R with 24 spokes. In both cases, Roval by ARRIS Composite Straight Pull spokes with titanium nipples are used.

The cockpit follows the same integration philosophy with a Roval Terra Cockpit handlebar and stem in a single piece. It is completed with a Roval Terra Carbon seatpost with 20 mm of setback and an S-Works Power with Mirror saddle.

SWAT keeps storage within the frame

Despite the work done to reduce the weight to 950 grams, Specialized has not eliminated the internal storage of the diagonal tube SWAT 4.1.

This is a feature particularly consistent with the approach of this bike. Specialized does not present the new S-Works simply as an ultralight competition gravel bike, but as a bike capable of combining long races with adventure routes where being able to carry tools, spares, and other items within the frame itself is especially useful.

A stable geometry available in six sizes

The S-Works Diverge 4 ICR will be available in six sizes, from 49 to 61. In size 56, we find 610 mm of stack, 400 mm of reach, 71° of head angle, 74° of seat angle, 430 mm chainstays, and a wheelbase of 1,060 mm.

An interesting detail is that the chainstays remain at 430 mm across all sizes, while the BB Drop also remains constant at 85 mm. The head angle starts at 70° for size 49, goes to 70.5° in size 52, and remains at 71° from size 54 to 61.

S-Works Diverge 4 ICR, main build and features

• Frame: Specialized Diverge FACT 12r Carbon
• Frame weight: 950 g painted, size 56
• Suspension: Future Shock 3.3
• Cabling: Completely internal ICR
• Transmission: SRAM RED AXS XPLR E1, 13 speeds
• Gear Ratio: 40T and 10-46T cassette
• Power Meter: Quarq
• Bottom Bracket: CeramicSpeed BB Alpha BSA DUB
• Wheels: Roval Terra CLX III
• Tires: Specialized Tracer TLR 700x50c
• Cockpit: Integrated Roval Terra
• Saddle: S-Works Power with Mirror
• Seatpost: Roval Terra Carbon
• Storage: SWAT 4.1
• Bike weight: 8.2 kg in size 56
• Sizes: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, and 61
• Color: Warm Smoke Metallic/Carbon Silver Dust
• Price: 13,999 euros