Specialized Diverge STR vs. Trek Checkpoint vs. others?
10-01-23, 01:03 PM
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Specialized Diverge STR vs. Trek Checkpoint vs. others?
I am trying to thread the needle and find a fun/"fast" gravel bike, but also looking for comfort for long and more technical days/light MTB trails. Tough, I know!
I am narrowing in on the Diverge STR and Checkpoint. I want a dropper post, so it limits me to the SL models of the Checkpoint. I am pretty sure all the flex with Isospeed is in the seat tube and not the seat post itself, so i'd assume I don't loose any comfort benefits with a dropper?
I also really like the downtube storage in each. I've looked at a few other options, but none seem to hit the mark. Anyone in a similar situation/have thoughts on these two or others to put into the mix?
I am narrowing in on the Diverge STR and Checkpoint. I want a dropper post, so it limits me to the SL models of the Checkpoint. I am pretty sure all the flex with Isospeed is in the seat tube and not the seat post itself, so i'd assume I don't loose any comfort benefits with a dropper?
I also really like the downtube storage in each. I've looked at a few other options, but none seem to hit the mark. Anyone in a similar situation/have thoughts on these two or others to put into the mix?
10-02-23, 04:04 PM
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Is that the Diverge with the weird rear shock thing? That'd arguably be more absorbing than the Isospeed of the Checkpoint. The Diverge STR is certainly billed as being more "racy" than most other gravel bikes.
Both would probably do you very well. Are you able to get into a shop and view or even test both?
Both would probably do you very well. Are you able to get into a shop and view or even test both?
10-02-23, 04:09 PM
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i really hated the idea of the diverge STR, but i threw a leg over one at my local shop and have to admit it was a pretty fun, lively ride, encouraging me to do things like ride over curbs and steps and rocks in a way that i wouldn't with my more rigid bikes. it didn't feel all squishy the way a full squish bike always does to me.
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10-03-23, 07:27 AM
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10-05-23, 12:21 AM
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I am trying to thread the needle and find a fun/"fast" gravel bike, but also looking for comfort for long and more technical days/light MTB trails. Tough, I know!
I am narrowing in on the Diverge STR and Checkpoint. I want a dropper post, so it limits me to the SL models of the Checkpoint. I am pretty sure all the flex with Isospeed is in the seat tube and not the seat post itself, so i'd assume I don't loose any comfort benefits with a dropper?
I also really like the downtube storage in each. I've looked at a few other options, but none seem to hit the mark. Anyone in a similar situation/have thoughts on these two or others to put into the mix?
I am narrowing in on the Diverge STR and Checkpoint. I want a dropper post, so it limits me to the SL models of the Checkpoint. I am pretty sure all the flex with Isospeed is in the seat tube and not the seat post itself, so i'd assume I don't loose any comfort benefits with a dropper?
I also really like the downtube storage in each. I've looked at a few other options, but none seem to hit the mark. Anyone in a similar situation/have thoughts on these two or others to put into the mix?
10-07-23, 09:34 AM
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Ive got a Checkpoint ALR5, and really like it. takes standard seatposts.
In terms of comfort though, its still a non suspension aluminium bike, so I find it rides quite harsh. The SL, especially with isospeed decoupler, would ride a lot more comfortable I imagine.
But tire choice and pressure is a big part of comfort as well... Im putting some 47 or 50C tires on mine soon.
Good luck!
01-02-24, 10:19 AM
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i really hated the idea of the diverge STR, but i threw a leg over one at my local shop and have to admit it was a pretty fun, lively ride, encouraging me to do things like ride over curbs and steps and rocks in a way that i wouldn't with my more rigid bikes. it didn't feel all squishy the way a full squish bike always does to me.
Shop let us demo the bike for the day and honestly blew us away. Fast and comfortable, with very little weight penalty. It does exactly what it was deigned to do. Give you a comfortable fast ride.
01-02-24, 07:03 PM
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Does the Diverge STR rear suspension give noticeably more flex than a Canyon VCLS 2.0 seat post?
