2018 Specialized Diverge vs Sequoia
08-09-17, 10:17 AM
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I had a chance to try out the Sequoia Elite and Expert, both in 56 size. Both bikes were set up different, with the Elite feeling stretched out and the Expert feeling short/upright. I liked the latter, and I chalk up the different stack/reach due to a flipped stem.
For me, I'd probably be more inclined to buy the Sequoia due to it being able to run 45c tires. I'll be riding all season so I shouldn't have issues running big studded tires while still having decent clearance.
For me, I'd probably be more inclined to buy the Sequoia due to it being able to run 45c tires. I'll be riding all season so I shouldn't have issues running big studded tires while still having decent clearance.
08-14-17, 04:54 AM
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I had a chance to try out the Sequoia Elite and Expert, both in 56 size. Both bikes were set up different, with the Elite feeling stretched out and the Expert feeling short/upright. I liked the latter, and I chalk up the different stack/reach due to a flipped stem.
For me, I'd probably be more inclined to buy the Sequoia due to it being able to run 45c tires. I'll be riding all season so I shouldn't have issues running big studded tires while still having decent clearance.
For me, I'd probably be more inclined to buy the Sequoia due to it being able to run 45c tires. I'll be riding all season so I shouldn't have issues running big studded tires while still having decent clearance.
Last edited by ATPAH; 08-14-17 at 06:32 AM. Reason: Edited, as I got this backwards.
08-14-17, 07:21 AM
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On another note I kinda want to try a 58 Sequoia just for the 46cm bars. My current bike has 46cm Cowbell bars and I like those a lot
08-14-17, 10:52 AM
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So a quick update: I had a chance to try a 58cm Sequoia, though it was the base model, and it also had the stem in the +7 degree stem position. I can confidently say that bike fit me quite a bit better than the 56. I don't know the exact standover height, but I'd say It was good enough for me with the tires it had to be able to stand at a stop comfortably.
I'm now considering whether I want the Elite model, or if I should get the base model and upgrade to some better components. I'm thinking about running a 2x SRAM hydro groupset as I liked the shifting of the Expert model which also had SRAM shifters. I think either way, unless I have the ability to try the RLT 9, I'm pretty confident in picking up a Sequoia (once I have money).
I'm now considering whether I want the Elite model, or if I should get the base model and upgrade to some better components. I'm thinking about running a 2x SRAM hydro groupset as I liked the shifting of the Expert model which also had SRAM shifters. I think either way, unless I have the ability to try the RLT 9, I'm pretty confident in picking up a Sequoia (once I have money).
08-14-17, 01:08 PM
#31
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I'd go for the Sequoia Elite due to color-matched carbon fork, great unique color, 105, hydraulics. Black is fine, but that Sea Foam thing on the Elite is a real sweetener IMO, especially since it highlights the steel tubing (black mutes it). Happy shopping!
08-14-17, 02:42 PM
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08-14-17, 05:02 PM
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The color is alright, but those heavy wheels need to go. I like 1x setups, but the Elite with a 105 kit and hydraulic brakes is a better deal than the base model, given the cost of upgrading to a SRAM 1x setup. I'd be scrapping the lugless tires, too, so skinwall is a non-issue for me, but YMMV.
08-14-17, 10:01 PM
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Thought about it, but the color seems a bit too much for my liking, especially along with the skin-wall tires. I found a picture of the 2018 Sequoia Elite and it looks more like a Tan/OD Green so I might wait for that instead.
Attachment 576182
Attachment 576182
08-15-17, 06:28 AM
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I've seen that complaint a lot. If I had to guess my current wheels are about 1/1.14kgs front/rear. My tires are probably ~150g lighter than the Sawtooth tires but they are 27.5x1.75 so they have less roll-over.
If I ever got into racing I'd switch the wheels, but I think they'd do just fine.
If I ever got into racing I'd switch the wheels, but I think they'd do just fine.
08-15-17, 03:23 PM
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i got rid of the boat anchor wheelset as soon as I got the Sequoia
08-15-17, 03:24 PM
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08-15-17, 06:19 PM
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Ok. I was curious because I have a 650b wheelset on my bike and it weighs about 1/1.2kg front/rear. I weigh ~350lb/159kgs so the weight of the wheels for me is negligible only if it is sturdy enough to handle my weight.
08-15-17, 06:24 PM
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ah, well i'm inclined to believe the entire purpose of the wheelset is to be a heavy duty weight transporter, so...
08-19-17, 07:26 PM
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Got out on the Diverge Comp and Sequoia Expert back-to-back today, using the Diverge wheelset in each bike. The Sequoia definitely felt better with the lighter wheels and tires, but for a short test ride, the Diverge was way more fun. Quick to accelerate and nimble as all heck. Not sure that amounts too that much in an extended ride, but it's a comfortable ride, too. The Future Shock is the real deal. I took it over some lumpy ground (cutting across tire ruts in a dirt cross road) on a downhill, and it felt surprisingly smooth and much better than the Sequoia.
Last edited by ATPAH; 08-19-17 at 07:34 PM.
08-22-17, 07:52 PM
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There are some comparisons between the new Diverge and Sequoia sprinkled on other forums, but would be interested to lay out opinions here, particularly from owners of either or from those who have ridden either/both.
Looking for an all-arounder/pavement/gravel/multi-surface bike for the Bay Area (~60/40 road/gravel). My LBS has a Sequoia Elite on the floor, which I've ridden, and am torn between taking it home or waiting for delivery of the 2018 Diverge Sport (carbon w/ Tiagra). Love the versatility of the Sequoia and came into this search believing I wanted steel. Like the ride, tire clearance, and fit is fine, though I'd prefer a bit more stack for this type of bike (Diverge). Seems like it would make a great everything bike. Primary knock on it is the weight - I'm no weight weenie, but was surprised how heavy it is, and fear that I may quickly get sick of pushing it up the hills of Marin.
Some key questions: How's Sequoia on road? gravel? smooth single track? How disappointed are owners in the weight after riding for a bit? How does the Diverge fare on the same gravel? Is the Sequoia "twitchy" due to the high bb? Does the lower bottom bracket add significant stability to the diverge? Is the bottom bracket too low for gravel/fire roads/moderate single track? Does the tire clearance difference matter (recommended max 45 vs 42). If you aren't bikepacking/touring, is there any real reason to get the Sequoia over the new Diverge, given the wider tire clearance on the new Diverge?
Sequoia: Pros - steel, durable, classic looking, no gimmicky future shock, slightly better tire clearance, higher bottom bracket may be better off-pavement, smooth ride, better spec (but this is not that important to me at this stage), and it's ready to take home today. Cons - higher bottom bracket may reduce descending stability, heavy, would prefer slightly more stack
Diverge: Pros - carbon, lighter, better on pavement in theory, future shock helps on gravel (maybe?), lower bottom bracket for stability, fit appears a bit better on paper. Cons - might prefer steel for gravel/off road, worse off pavement in theory, future shock might be gimmicky and short-lived (and it's ugly), less tire clearance, worse spec but upgrade worthy frame down the road, not in stock and don't yet have an estimated ship date on the carbon tiagra version.
Looking for an all-arounder/pavement/gravel/multi-surface bike for the Bay Area (~60/40 road/gravel). My LBS has a Sequoia Elite on the floor, which I've ridden, and am torn between taking it home or waiting for delivery of the 2018 Diverge Sport (carbon w/ Tiagra). Love the versatility of the Sequoia and came into this search believing I wanted steel. Like the ride, tire clearance, and fit is fine, though I'd prefer a bit more stack for this type of bike (Diverge). Seems like it would make a great everything bike. Primary knock on it is the weight - I'm no weight weenie, but was surprised how heavy it is, and fear that I may quickly get sick of pushing it up the hills of Marin.
Some key questions: How's Sequoia on road? gravel? smooth single track? How disappointed are owners in the weight after riding for a bit? How does the Diverge fare on the same gravel? Is the Sequoia "twitchy" due to the high bb? Does the lower bottom bracket add significant stability to the diverge? Is the bottom bracket too low for gravel/fire roads/moderate single track? Does the tire clearance difference matter (recommended max 45 vs 42). If you aren't bikepacking/touring, is there any real reason to get the Sequoia over the new Diverge, given the wider tire clearance on the new Diverge?
Sequoia: Pros - steel, durable, classic looking, no gimmicky future shock, slightly better tire clearance, higher bottom bracket may be better off-pavement, smooth ride, better spec (but this is not that important to me at this stage), and it's ready to take home today. Cons - higher bottom bracket may reduce descending stability, heavy, would prefer slightly more stack
Diverge: Pros - carbon, lighter, better on pavement in theory, future shock helps on gravel (maybe?), lower bottom bracket for stability, fit appears a bit better on paper. Cons - might prefer steel for gravel/off road, worse off pavement in theory, future shock might be gimmicky and short-lived (and it's ugly), less tire clearance, worse spec but upgrade worthy frame down the road, not in stock and don't yet have an estimated ship date on the carbon tiagra version.
AWOL = Bikepacking/heavy touring/cyclecamping
Sequoia = All rounder/light touring/commuting/trails/day rides
Diverge = Gravel roads/fireroads/fast road rides
What bike in the Specialized lineup you're looking for depends on your current and future needs and where and how you intend ride the bike.
08-28-17, 12:54 PM
#44
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Been riding a Sequoia Elite since January. Currently have about 1400miles on it. After about 1,000miles I noticed cracks in the rear rim around the spoke nipples. Specialized replaced the original rims (Hayfield?) with Axix Elite. Kept the same 42mm sawtooth tires. The bike feels lighter, although I never actually weighed it before or after the new wheels.
Anyone running thinner tires on their Sequoia? I'm happy with the 42mm sawtooth's for the majority of my rides. I have a been doing some more road riding and have a 100mile ride coming up soon. I was considering getting an extra set of wheels/tires for road. Do you think there would be much difference running 28mm vs 42mm for street riding (ie. not racing).
Anyone running thinner tires on their Sequoia? I'm happy with the 42mm sawtooth's for the majority of my rides. I have a been doing some more road riding and have a 100mile ride coming up soon. I was considering getting an extra set of wheels/tires for road. Do you think there would be much difference running 28mm vs 42mm for street riding (ie. not racing).
10-12-17, 03:28 PM
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well, just took delivery of my 2018 Specialized Diverge, so after a few weeks of riding I'll be able to compare them since I also have a Sequoia. Looking forward to the comparison
08-15-18, 12:47 AM
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08-15-18, 02:41 PM
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short version:
The Sequoia is a steel, somewhat-ruggedized cyclocross/touring/gravel bike that can handle really big tires (700x1.8 with room for mud)
The Diverge is a Roubaix with big tires, a stiffer shock, and a ludicrously low bottom bracket
The Sequoia feels like an off-road bike due to its geometry and bigger tires. It handles like one.
The Diverge feels more...elegant off-road. It is also incredibly good at gravel descents (as long as the gravel/terrain isn't too gnarly). The low bottom bracket can be a bit irritating on gnarly terrain, but on basic and especially on reasonably (semi)maintained gravel roads, the Diverge really flies.
I recently did a 206-mile road ride using Roubaix Pro 32c tires, and the Diverge was ideal for it. I've done 100-mile gravel rides and the Diverge did great.
If I wanted to go ripping across some nastier terrain, however, I'd choose the Sequoia 10 times out of 10.
A bit of a note, the Sequoia has a much "racier" riding position, more akin to a CX bike. The Diverge is very upright, and for those who like the 'racier' riding position of, for example, a CruX or a Tarmac, you might be disappointed. I don't like that riding position so I was quite happy.
I am selling my Sequoia, but only because it's a size 54 and not a size 56 (Which is what I need)
The Sequoia is a steel, somewhat-ruggedized cyclocross/touring/gravel bike that can handle really big tires (700x1.8 with room for mud)
The Diverge is a Roubaix with big tires, a stiffer shock, and a ludicrously low bottom bracket
The Sequoia feels like an off-road bike due to its geometry and bigger tires. It handles like one.
The Diverge feels more...elegant off-road. It is also incredibly good at gravel descents (as long as the gravel/terrain isn't too gnarly). The low bottom bracket can be a bit irritating on gnarly terrain, but on basic and especially on reasonably (semi)maintained gravel roads, the Diverge really flies.
I recently did a 206-mile road ride using Roubaix Pro 32c tires, and the Diverge was ideal for it. I've done 100-mile gravel rides and the Diverge did great.
If I wanted to go ripping across some nastier terrain, however, I'd choose the Sequoia 10 times out of 10.
A bit of a note, the Sequoia has a much "racier" riding position, more akin to a CX bike. The Diverge is very upright, and for those who like the 'racier' riding position of, for example, a CruX or a Tarmac, you might be disappointed. I don't like that riding position so I was quite happy.
I am selling my Sequoia, but only because it's a size 54 and not a size 56 (Which is what I need)
08-15-18, 03:28 PM
#48
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I’d go Diverge. Weight matters more and more as I get older, and I’d rather spend more time cycling than calling it a day from pushing steel. I do like the Zertz shock absorbing inserts on my Tricross Comp, and would be surprised and disappointed if Future Shock didn’t provide similar benefits.
Last edited by Richard8655; 08-15-18 at 03:32 PM.
08-15-18, 11:48 PM
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short version:
The Sequoia feels like an off-road bike due to its geometry and bigger tires. It handles like one.
The Diverge feels more...elegant off-road. It is also incredibly good at gravel descents (as long as the gravel/terrain isn't too gnarly). The low bottom bracket can be a bit irritating on gnarly terrain, but on basic and especially on reasonably (semi)maintained gravel roads, the Diverge really flies.
The Sequoia feels like an off-road bike due to its geometry and bigger tires. It handles like one.
The Diverge feels more...elegant off-road. It is also incredibly good at gravel descents (as long as the gravel/terrain isn't too gnarly). The low bottom bracket can be a bit irritating on gnarly terrain, but on basic and especially on reasonably (semi)maintained gravel roads, the Diverge really flies.
My riding is going to be various flavors of gravel, not gnarly single track. More John Wayne Trail and double track. Not Duthie or Swan Creek.
I'm leaning Diverge. Gonna talk to Tory very soon.
08-16-18, 05:58 AM
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Thank you for the good info. I'm trying to decide between the two and this is helpful.
My riding is going to be various flavors of gravel, not gnarly single track. More John Wayne Trail and double track. Not Duthie or Swan Creek.
I'm leaning Diverge. Gonna talk to Tory very soon.
My riding is going to be various flavors of gravel, not gnarly single track. More John Wayne Trail and double track. Not Duthie or Swan Creek.
I'm leaning Diverge. Gonna talk to Tory very soon.
If I was looking to go Capitol Forest logging roads, I'd consider the Sequoia instead.
If you want to go with fenders I'd also go Sequoia because you can barely manage fenders on 38c tires with the Diverge, and the toe overlap is tremendous. You go 38s on the Sequoia with fenders and there is room to spare
