Specialized Diverge STR Review
Suspend The Rider (STR)
The Diverge STR features Specialized’s innovative Future Shock technology, which suspends the rider with tuneable travel. This technology works differently to standard suspension types, as the wheels remain connected to the frame directly to maintain the efficiency and ride feel of a traditional rigid gravel bike. By suspending the rider instead of the bike, the Future Shock increases riders comfort and control, to ensure an efficient and compliant ride.
Future Shock 2.0
The Future Shock was created to inspire cobblestone-winning bikes, but it has truly found its home on gravel. 20mm of adjustable hydraulic front travel, keeps the rider in control. Damping can be adjusted quickly and can be locked out easily at your fingertips via a dial on the steerer.
Future Shock Rear
The Future Shock Rear is a brand new innovation. The Shock adds 30mm of hydraulic rear travel to keep riders comfortable and in full control on rough terrain. The bike still retains its instant acceleration and without any sluggish pedal response like other suspension types. The Future Shock can be fully tuneable for riders weight, height and riding style and can be locked out for smoother surfaces.
Frame Post
The frame post works around the seat post to provide the optimal amount of rear travel for every rider, regardless of their bike size, weight, or the length of exposed seat post. To provide the correct spring rate for every rider, each bike size has two different frame posts, and each frame post can be oriented in a stiffer or softer orientation. The Future Shock Rear system is compatible with dropper posts if you want more control on technical descents.
FACT Carbon Frame
The FACT Carbon 11R frame and fork keep their clean lines following previous Diverge models. Both the frame and fork remain lightweight and rigid, for precise power transfer and nimble handling.
SWAT
If riding fast is your thing, the internal SWAT™ compartment puts everything you need, right where you need it, not in your pockets weighing you down. This SWAT box is neatly tucked inside the downtube of the frame, whilst not interfering with the clean aesthetics of the bike.
Mudguard & Rack Compatible
Gravel and bikepacking go hand in hand these days. The front and rear pannier rack mounts make the Diverge even more versatile, enabling riders to fully load the bike for long or short haul adventures whilst staying dry and clean.
Tyres and Wheelset
The 42mm Specialized Tracer Pro 2 tyres onboard the Roval Terra C Gravel wheelset, assists with faster rolling speeds, whilst also offering additional comfort on rougher terrain. This frame has a maximum tyre clearance of up to 47mm.
Groupset
This STR model is fully equipped with SRAM’s electronic and wireless groupset, Rival eTap AXS, which is 12 speed. The nice mix of a x1 40T chain ring on the front, and Nx Eagle 11-50T cassette on the rear, offers riders a wide range of gearing for different types of terrain. Other models in the range, are equipped with SRAM eTap groupsets such as SRAM Force and SRAM Red.
Weight
This Diverge STR Expert, Medium bike weighs in at 10.35kg with pedals. For a bike with front and rear suspension, this is still very light and perfect for riders looking to race or ride fast.
