Specialized Diverge owners
#26
Senior Member
IMO the diverge falls on the small side. Ever since the store I bought it from recommended me to get a 58cm frame (and I went with the 56" as it felt 'right') I've been having nagging doubts about getting the right size. On faster rides I feel more cramped than my 54cm road bike, however I justify my decision by the increased comfort on longer gravel rides. Makes sense right?
#27
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Hey thanks for the input all. I am torn between the Expert and the expert x1. I have and like Ultegra, but would like to try SRAM. Just not so sure of the one by on the SRAM will suite me, and I don't have the opportunity to try it for a long ride. Replacement SRAM components cost a lot more than the Ultegra. This will be my first disc brake bike, and I have read the Ultegra 785 are a bit better than the Force 1, but the Force one felt good (dry), so that is a wash I think. I like the black better than the olive green color, for what that's worth.
I am a bit short in the legs. My inseam is 31" or so and my height a little over 5'11". The effective reach of the 56cm Diverge would be about the same as my current ride, and the seat would be a couple of cm lower than my current (Felt F55X 55cm). I got to try The 56cm in the parking lot and it felt right sized to me, what do you think?
I am a bit short in the legs. My inseam is 31" or so and my height a little over 5'11". The effective reach of the 56cm Diverge would be about the same as my current ride, and the seat would be a couple of cm lower than my current (Felt F55X 55cm). I got to try The 56cm in the parking lot and it felt right sized to me, what do you think?
#28
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There are two things that have always put me off getting a carbon bike. First is skinny tires. Less than 32mm is a no-go in my book. Second is size. But the Diverge has two models that come in 64cm size, with dimensions exactly matching my custom steel. Nobody else comes close.
Alass, I just got the steel (can't justify it to the SO) and the bare frame is not available in 64cm. I hate getting a bike then changing a bunch of parts.
Alass, I just got the steel (can't justify it to the SO) and the bare frame is not available in 64cm. I hate getting a bike then changing a bunch of parts.
#29
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Goin for the black 56cm Expert Carbon Ultegra. Going to take a few weeks, but I am getting s good deal.
#30
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Question for those who have the carbon version: is this a crazy stiff frame and fork, or more on the tuned flex side?
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#33
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#36
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You are right about that. Couldn't get a black one for this years model in my size and I don't want white. I am going to give the Expert X1 a shot.
#37
Senior Member
What size are you? Kozy's has the Black in stock in 54,56,58. If that doesn't work call Specialized. They can give you a very accurate estimate of when they will get more into the distribution network.
#41
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So after a couple of months of ownership, I sold my Diverge.
The brakes were one of the main reasons I went with this model, but I didn't like them. They were underpowered, even after upgrading the pads to Kool Stop, and I don't like the feel in the levers and noise they make when braking.
Up until now I've always either bought a used bike and rebuild it myself or simply build it from ground, so this was the first complete bike I've bought from an lbs. I've since regretted it, because I felt like I didn't "knew it" and it all just felt wrong and like I made the decision to buy it too fast.
I've learned some good things from owning the bike though:
- The geometry and fit was almost spot on, and just what I was looking for
- Wider tires on a road bike is definitely the way to go (I've kept the Panaracer Gravelking 32c file tread tires)
- The saddle was perfect (I've kept this too)
- The Tiagra 4700 group is nice
I've just recieved a confirmation on an order for a All-City Macho Man frameset (the black/white/blue version), which I will build up with selected parts, the way I like it. It's a more no-nonsense frame with a BSA bottom bracket, canti studs, external cable routing and of course real steel (and I love the colors).
I hope this will be the best of the Diverge combined with the way I know I like my bikes.
The brakes were one of the main reasons I went with this model, but I didn't like them. They were underpowered, even after upgrading the pads to Kool Stop, and I don't like the feel in the levers and noise they make when braking.
Up until now I've always either bought a used bike and rebuild it myself or simply build it from ground, so this was the first complete bike I've bought from an lbs. I've since regretted it, because I felt like I didn't "knew it" and it all just felt wrong and like I made the decision to buy it too fast.
I've learned some good things from owning the bike though:
- The geometry and fit was almost spot on, and just what I was looking for
- Wider tires on a road bike is definitely the way to go (I've kept the Panaracer Gravelking 32c file tread tires)
- The saddle was perfect (I've kept this too)
- The Tiagra 4700 group is nice
I've just recieved a confirmation on an order for a All-City Macho Man frameset (the black/white/blue version), which I will build up with selected parts, the way I like it. It's a more no-nonsense frame with a BSA bottom bracket, canti studs, external cable routing and of course real steel (and I love the colors).
I hope this will be the best of the Diverge combined with the way I know I like my bikes.
#42
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It happens
For reference, about the brakes being underpowered, are you on the heavy side, if you don't mind me asking? The brakes on mine are different (SRAM Force 1), and I'm fairly light-weight (145lbs or less), so they have always worked great for me. Although, I'm one of those who've always been 100% satisfied with Ultegra rim brakes, so what do I know
All the best,
Geoff
For reference, about the brakes being underpowered, are you on the heavy side, if you don't mind me asking? The brakes on mine are different (SRAM Force 1), and I'm fairly light-weight (145lbs or less), so they have always worked great for me. Although, I'm one of those who've always been 100% satisfied with Ultegra rim brakes, so what do I know
All the best,
Geoff
#43
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I'm about 80 kg, so nothing extreme. I think the brakes worked as intended, my expectations where just higher I guess. I had my lbs swap the pads and adjust them a couple of times, but they kept feeling underpowered.
The feel and sound of rim brakes just appeal a lot more to me, they appear smoother and honestly my regular V-brake setup on my commuter has so much better modulation, and power, than the Spyres on the Diverge, so that's why I'm going to give mini v's a shot with the Macho Man. If that doesnt work out for some reason, I know cantis can be great too, they're just a pain in the ass to set up.
The feel and sound of rim brakes just appeal a lot more to me, they appear smoother and honestly my regular V-brake setup on my commuter has so much better modulation, and power, than the Spyres on the Diverge, so that's why I'm going to give mini v's a shot with the Macho Man. If that doesnt work out for some reason, I know cantis can be great too, they're just a pain in the ass to set up.
#44
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@masterchief
You are me in reverse. I bought a Macho Man, in bright orange, wanting a fun steel utility bike with disc brakes. I really really tried to love it—there's always a special place for classic steel bikes—but in the end of the day that thing was an overbuilt tank... very stiff and heavy. Not trying to dampen your anticipation for your order... many people seem to love their Macho Men! It just wasn't for me. I sold it and bought a Diverge, in bright orange, which weighed about 6 pounds less. Less weight = more fun.
Question though: about the brakes, couldn't you have just upgraded them? I'm not impressed by the Spyres either, but have you checked out Shimano's hydraulic discs? Those are in a completely different league. I have them on my other road bike and they're absolutely incredible, no rim brake even comes remotely close.
You are me in reverse. I bought a Macho Man, in bright orange, wanting a fun steel utility bike with disc brakes. I really really tried to love it—there's always a special place for classic steel bikes—but in the end of the day that thing was an overbuilt tank... very stiff and heavy. Not trying to dampen your anticipation for your order... many people seem to love their Macho Men! It just wasn't for me. I sold it and bought a Diverge, in bright orange, which weighed about 6 pounds less. Less weight = more fun.
Question though: about the brakes, couldn't you have just upgraded them? I'm not impressed by the Spyres either, but have you checked out Shimano's hydraulic discs? Those are in a completely different league. I have them on my other road bike and they're absolutely incredible, no rim brake even comes remotely close.
#45
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@masterchief
You are me in reverse. I bought a Macho Man, in bright orange, wanting a fun steel utility bike with disc brakes. I really really tried to love it—there's always a special place for classic steel bikes—but in the end of the day that thing was an overbuilt tank... very stiff and heavy. Not trying to dampen your anticipation for your order... many people seem to love their Macho Men! It just wasn't for me. I sold it and bought a Diverge, in bright orange, which weighed about 6 pounds less. Less weight = more fun.
Question though: about the brakes, couldn't you have just upgraded them? I'm not impressed by the Spyres either, but have you checked out Shimano's hydraulic discs? Those are in a completely different league. I have them on my other road bike and they're absolutely incredible, no rim brake even comes remotely close.
You are me in reverse. I bought a Macho Man, in bright orange, wanting a fun steel utility bike with disc brakes. I really really tried to love it—there's always a special place for classic steel bikes—but in the end of the day that thing was an overbuilt tank... very stiff and heavy. Not trying to dampen your anticipation for your order... many people seem to love their Macho Men! It just wasn't for me. I sold it and bought a Diverge, in bright orange, which weighed about 6 pounds less. Less weight = more fun.
Question though: about the brakes, couldn't you have just upgraded them? I'm not impressed by the Spyres either, but have you checked out Shimano's hydraulic discs? Those are in a completely different league. I have them on my other road bike and they're absolutely incredible, no rim brake even comes remotely close.
"Logically" the brake issues, and the press fit bottom bracket that started making ticking noises after 250 km (lbs did fix it, though) was the reasons I didnt want it, but "emotionally" it was just as much the fact that I serverely regretted not building my own bike from the bottom as I had always wanted to do, and thus didnt felt like I knew the Diverge inside out.
Well, enough about my former Diverge, it definitely shouldnt decourage others from buying it - it's a great bike if you're into disc brakes and the latest technologies.
#46
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Got the X1 this evening. Will finish putting it together tomorrow, Will post some pics, but well, you know what it looks like
Going to CF from AL is another world of care. Won't be able to clean my chain in situ with solvent, so going to get a wipperman connex and an ultrasonic I think. I commute on dirt/limestone trails/gravel, and the limestone powder is just awful on components. Been thinking about Ultrasonic cleaning and I guess this will push me over for that.
This is the first bike I have named. It is manbearpig, so I hope I like it- serially.
Going to CF from AL is another world of care. Won't be able to clean my chain in situ with solvent, so going to get a wipperman connex and an ultrasonic I think. I commute on dirt/limestone trails/gravel, and the limestone powder is just awful on components. Been thinking about Ultrasonic cleaning and I guess this will push me over for that.
This is the first bike I have named. It is manbearpig, so I hope I like it- serially.
#47
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Took it for a short 27 mi inauguration ride on the trails yesterday.
My biggest concern of the X1 was the 1x11 and how the gaps would affect me. Well I didn't even notice - it is not
like I am on a road racing, so... Brakes worked well. This my first SRAM group and I really like the double tap
and a 1 single shift lever - felt pretty natural; I love my Ultegra but these too. Fit of the 56 cm is just right for
me. The frame is stiff but just the right amount of plush IMO. I know some people hate the seat, but it is nice not
to get the seat rammed up your arse as bad when caught unawares. Look forward to commuting on the trails
with it come Tuesday.
My biggest concern of the X1 was the 1x11 and how the gaps would affect me. Well I didn't even notice - it is not
like I am on a road racing, so... Brakes worked well. This my first SRAM group and I really like the double tap
and a 1 single shift lever - felt pretty natural; I love my Ultegra but these too. Fit of the 56 cm is just right for
me. The frame is stiff but just the right amount of plush IMO. I know some people hate the seat, but it is nice not
to get the seat rammed up your arse as bad when caught unawares. Look forward to commuting on the trails
with it come Tuesday.
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#48
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Hey GeneO, good stuff!
By the way, I ended up replacing my tires with Specialized Trigger Pro 33mm, because I got 3 flats within 1 week of ownership :/
I was nervous about them affecting the ride, but so far I haven't noticed a difference and, more importantly, no more flats in 700+ miles
Geoff
By the way, I ended up replacing my tires with Specialized Trigger Pro 33mm, because I got 3 flats within 1 week of ownership :/
I was nervous about them affecting the ride, but so far I haven't noticed a difference and, more importantly, no more flats in 700+ miles
Geoff
#49
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Thanks for the heads up Goeff. Unfortunately I haven't been able to ride it since but for 10 mi because of a severe case of crotch rot! Grrrr.
#50
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You guys are making me sick reading this...I don't know why I want a diverge so badly.
If I'm happy on a 54 Roubaix, should I look at a 56 Diverge? Someone mentioned they ride a 54 road bike and felt a bit cramped on a 56 Diverge for some reason.
If I'm happy on a 54 Roubaix, should I look at a 56 Diverge? Someone mentioned they ride a 54 road bike and felt a bit cramped on a 56 Diverge for some reason.