Originally Posted by
velopig
Why the hate? The Diverge will take 700x42 or 650bx47. It has a proper gravel specific geometry and equipment spec. Check out the Roubaix or the Crux specs this is a totally different bike. No need for the bridges you are concerned about since the bike comes with a seat tube bracket for fenders and there is a threaded mounting point on the bottom bracket.
Sorry to hurt your feelings (on a months old post). Yes it seems the current crop of gravel bikes typically fit 700C by up to 42 tires. But other than that the geometry is different how? Do you need a "gravel" bike to ride gravel (only because for a decade plus the bike manufacturers told you the only road bike worth owning only fit max 25mm width tires)? Do you carry your "road" bike (e.g., Specialized Roubaix) across dirt even though the manufacture provides the pro peloton the same model to be ridden at Paris-Roubaix and Strada Bianca? How representative is the Diverge with respect to fender mounting on gravel bike? It seems the OP did not have a Diverge, which would apparently have solved his problem for only a few $$. To answer your question "why the hate". Well if you characterize it that way, its my opinion the bicycle manufacturers aren't investing in expanding the bicycling population in the US but only in selling more "niche" bikes that cost more to existing (fewer) enthusiasts (as documented in annual sales figures by the way). Same as I hate the Big 3 auto manufacturers telling their customers they need 500+ HP or a king cab 1 Ton Super Duty PU to commute to work and the kiddies' play date.
So lets pull up a chair, open a beer(S), and debate the current craze hitting the bike world (remember fixed gear, cyclo-cross, fat tire, etc.). Or is that last thing still a craze? So many questions so few honest answers.
Karl (on a Sunday night with nothing to do after a nice day of bicycling with the wife)