Originally Posted by
Moe Zhoost
I reckon you're set on a new bike; however I'd advise doing whatever repairs are necessary on your Trek. ....... Riding what you already have for a while will give you the experience to better inform your ultimate decision. .
When I see someone considering two vastly different bikes, i can be pretty sure that person is new to cycling.
You are comparing a jeep and a sports car. Both are excellent bikes and both have excellent components. But they are not similar.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/al...ext=90020-4044
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/me...elite/p/129178
The Elite is likely to be quick-handling, stiff, responsive .... and possibly a little harsh over bumps. A great bike but not a bike which would reward\ lazy rides through the country. I am not sure how much rubber you could fit underneath it, but it comes with 25-mm tiers, which aren't bad at all, but are definitely tires designed for pavement and pretty much, pavement only.
The Diverge is more of a light SUV. it can fit 38-mm tires, which is suitable for just about any surfaces---serious gravel racers riding exclusively dirt and grave roads usually don't go much bigger.
The bike will be a little heavier, but a little more stable. it won't leap off the line when you accelerate---it might feel a little sluggish compared to the Allez. but, it also won't change lanes every time you sneeze.
As far as I can tell the Diverge is designed to carry a rack, which means you can use it to get groceries, run errands, commute, and you can go on epic rides where you need to bring spares, extra food and water, a variety of protective clothing (hat, warm jacket, rain cape, whatever) The Allez is not.
Allez riders probably stick a Cliff bar and a couple gels in their jersey pockets and since they are riding on roads, can stop at a convenience store if they need or want more.
No bike can do only one thing. You can maybe squeeze 28s on the Allez and wear a knapsack and use it for shopping and commuting. You could probably put skinnier tires on the Diverge and if you were strong enough, keep up on some group rides.
However .... it is always better to have the right tool for the job.
if you can do some riding before dropping ~$1800-$2000 on a new bike, you have a much better chance of buying a bike which is well-suited to the way you will use it.
Both the bikes you listed are good bikes. They have great parts kits (well, not sure about the Mira mech discs .... I have the best Tektro mech discs (Spyres) and they fall somewhere between 105 and Ultegra in stopping power----not sure what the Miras do. adequate, I am sure.) Both are very good bikes, which you would likely never outgrow unless you got Really serious about competition. Both would be great investments.
But ... don't buy a Camaro if you want a Jeep, and don't buy a Jeep if you want a Camaro, right?