I've just bought a gravel/adventure bike today. I'm in the UK and I made a shortlist of a few bikes. My budget was not great, (£700), and with that money, I decided to buy something on the used market.
I wanted a bike that could take wider tyres, have eyelets for mudguards/rack, be very comfortable and be fairly light. This bike is to be used as my daily commuter (250km/week), aswell as for some Audax rides (I have another light fast bike if I'm worried about time and speed)
Specialized Diverge Comp was one that was high on my shortlist. I spent several days researching and Googling and I really like these Diverge bikes. Good reviews, but there are mixed feelings about the 'suspension system' in the handlebars ....I pondered about this and wondered how the bike would feel on steep hills when you are standing and pedalling, and the whole time the handlebar is operating like a jackhammer in slow motion? ...I never read bad reviews abouth this though, and if I was not comfortable with how it felt, I could change it
If I remember correctly, mudguards are another issue.... you have to use the specialized ones, but that did not bother me. I really like these Diverge bikes
However, I ended up buying a Whyte Suffolk today.... I will have a new wheelset built .... HED Belgium Plus rims (tubeless ready as I will use Tubeless tyres, Dynamo hub and Lighting, and a rear rack (most probably a Tubus Fly), I have a spare Brooks C17 Cambium Carved saddle) and thats it .... I only bought it today, have never ridden one yet so I hope that it's comfy
one thing to be very careful about, is the geometry. You may need to get one size smaller than what you normally use (I normally ride a 54, but I bought a 52 as the geometry is similar ... a 54 would be too big for me....
so, if you can get a good deal on a Diverge, buy it! I was searching for my size daily, and if one came up in good condition and whitin my budget, I would have snapped it up
here's my Whyte: (I paid £650 plus £30 shipping) ... I really like the Whyte Wessex (top of the range and carbon) which is waaaaay out of my budget, but if this one fits well, I may save up for the Wessex
this one weighs just under 10Kg as you see it, but the wheels are heavy
