Diverge 2018
08-02-17, 01:21 PM
#326
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Tried the 2018 Diverge E5 Comp and the Carbon Comp at my LBS yesterday and I really liked how the bike handled. I tried both 54 and 56 sized frames and I think I could fit into either one with a few adjustments.
I liked how the 54 felt a little more nimble, but I did have a bit of toe overlap if my foot was slightly forward and I turned real slow. Not sure of how much of an issue that is or if it's a common thing. I didn't feel too cramped, but maybe the bike fit could be lengthened a wee bit.
The 56 I felt more stretched out and felt more pressure in my hands and neck when looking up. Again with a few adjustments I could probably ride this as well. The bike didn't feel quite as nimble in this configuration, but wasn't too bad. Definitely could feel the difference between the two sizes.
The carbon frame felt a little smoother than the E5 alloy frame, but it also had a CGR post and even bigger tires. I didn't get a chance to try this one out in a 56 as well, but the fit from 54 to 54 seemed pretty similar even though the bike had a riser bar and slightly different geometry than the alloy.
I'm a little stuck between going a model up from the E5 (Sport) with a carbon frame and Tiagra because of the smoother ride (but doesn't have CGR seatpost) and getting the E5 with CGR seat post either right away or down the road. The front of the frame seemed to ride pretty similar because of the future shock so that wasn't an issue. I'm also wondering if it's preferable to have a more stable bike riding a road bike or having a bit of a smaller bike. This would be my first road bike and I'm coming from a hardtail mountain bike which is why I think I liked this bike when I took it out.
Anyone else try out these bikes or have suggestions based on their experience? Any other considerations between the difference in the carbon and E5 frames? They seem to be slightly different from the specs and what I've read through here.
Thanks!
I liked how the 54 felt a little more nimble, but I did have a bit of toe overlap if my foot was slightly forward and I turned real slow. Not sure of how much of an issue that is or if it's a common thing. I didn't feel too cramped, but maybe the bike fit could be lengthened a wee bit.
The 56 I felt more stretched out and felt more pressure in my hands and neck when looking up. Again with a few adjustments I could probably ride this as well. The bike didn't feel quite as nimble in this configuration, but wasn't too bad. Definitely could feel the difference between the two sizes.
The carbon frame felt a little smoother than the E5 alloy frame, but it also had a CGR post and even bigger tires. I didn't get a chance to try this one out in a 56 as well, but the fit from 54 to 54 seemed pretty similar even though the bike had a riser bar and slightly different geometry than the alloy.
I'm a little stuck between going a model up from the E5 (Sport) with a carbon frame and Tiagra because of the smoother ride (but doesn't have CGR seatpost) and getting the E5 with CGR seat post either right away or down the road. The front of the frame seemed to ride pretty similar because of the future shock so that wasn't an issue. I'm also wondering if it's preferable to have a more stable bike riding a road bike or having a bit of a smaller bike. This would be my first road bike and I'm coming from a hardtail mountain bike which is why I think I liked this bike when I took it out.
Anyone else try out these bikes or have suggestions based on their experience? Any other considerations between the difference in the carbon and E5 frames? They seem to be slightly different from the specs and what I've read through here.
Thanks!
08-02-17, 06:44 PM
#327
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I'm 5' 9.5" (176.53cm according to Google.) I can't seem to find their 2018 size chart. I found some older ones, but the frame is quite a bit different. Generally from most size charts I look at I'm smack dab in the middle of two sizes, 54/56. I just wrote to specialized to get their opinion and also the sizing chart.
I should ask my shop if they have some similar policy if I get a size I really end up not agreeing with. Thanks for the advice!
I should ask my shop if they have some similar policy if I get a size I really end up not agreeing with. Thanks for the advice!
haha, I'm not sure if the shop I got my bike from officially has that policy as it took some convincing to get them to exchange it.
08-02-17, 07:37 PM
#328
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Tried the 2018 Diverge E5 Comp and the Carbon Comp at my LBS yesterday and I really liked how the bike handled. I tried both 54 and 56 sized frames and I think I could fit into either one with a few adjustments.
I liked how the 54 felt a little more nimble, but I did have a bit of toe overlap if my foot was slightly forward and I turned real slow. Not sure of how much of an issue that is or if it's a common thing. I didn't feel too cramped, but maybe the bike fit could be lengthened a wee bit.
The 56 I felt more stretched out and felt more pressure in my hands and neck when looking up. Again with a few adjustments I could probably ride this as well. The bike didn't feel quite as nimble in this configuration, but wasn't too bad. Definitely could feel the difference between the two sizes.
The carbon frame felt a little smoother than the E5 alloy frame, but it also had a CGR post and even bigger tires. I didn't get a chance to try this one out in a 56 as well, but the fit from 54 to 54 seemed pretty similar even though the bike had a riser bar and slightly different geometry than the alloy.
I'm a little stuck between going a model up from the E5 (Sport) with a carbon frame and Tiagra because of the smoother ride (but doesn't have CGR seatpost) and getting the E5 with CGR seat post either right away or down the road. The front of the frame seemed to ride pretty similar because of the future shock so that wasn't an issue. I'm also wondering if it's preferable to have a more stable bike riding a road bike or having a bit of a smaller bike. This would be my first road bike and I'm coming from a hardtail mountain bike which is why I think I liked this bike when I took it out.
Anyone else try out these bikes or have suggestions based on their experience? Any other considerations between the difference in the carbon and E5 frames? They seem to be slightly different from the specs and what I've read through here.
Thanks!
I liked how the 54 felt a little more nimble, but I did have a bit of toe overlap if my foot was slightly forward and I turned real slow. Not sure of how much of an issue that is or if it's a common thing. I didn't feel too cramped, but maybe the bike fit could be lengthened a wee bit.
The 56 I felt more stretched out and felt more pressure in my hands and neck when looking up. Again with a few adjustments I could probably ride this as well. The bike didn't feel quite as nimble in this configuration, but wasn't too bad. Definitely could feel the difference between the two sizes.
The carbon frame felt a little smoother than the E5 alloy frame, but it also had a CGR post and even bigger tires. I didn't get a chance to try this one out in a 56 as well, but the fit from 54 to 54 seemed pretty similar even though the bike had a riser bar and slightly different geometry than the alloy.
I'm a little stuck between going a model up from the E5 (Sport) with a carbon frame and Tiagra because of the smoother ride (but doesn't have CGR seatpost) and getting the E5 with CGR seat post either right away or down the road. The front of the frame seemed to ride pretty similar because of the future shock so that wasn't an issue. I'm also wondering if it's preferable to have a more stable bike riding a road bike or having a bit of a smaller bike. This would be my first road bike and I'm coming from a hardtail mountain bike which is why I think I liked this bike when I took it out.
Anyone else try out these bikes or have suggestions based on their experience? Any other considerations between the difference in the carbon and E5 frames? They seem to be slightly different from the specs and what I've read through here.
Thanks!
08-02-17, 08:39 PM
#329
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Keep in mind the geometry is different between the aluminum and carbon frames. The carbon has a slightly shorter reach and a taller stack height. If you want a more aggressive position go with the 54. If you want a more upright position go with the 56. By all means make sure you test them with the saddle properly adjusted to your height.
The shop also did adjust the seat for me before going on each time so it should be within the ballpark of where I should be height wise. With the 54 I had my arms more relaxed and bent slightly and with the 56 my arms were closer to locked to get them up into position to brake and I felt like I was leaning forward more to get there. Curious how the carbon 56 with slightly shorter reach and slightly shorter stem would feel.
There was another shop that I tried a Domane at and they were flipping and swapping stems out for me to test. It just never felt quite as good as the Diverge geometry for me. I wonder if there is something in the Trek range comparable to the Diverge. I did like that I didn't even have to ask for them to suggest trying to make the bike fit. Maybe I can get this shop to do something similar for me so I can feel more confident that I'm getting the right size.
08-02-17, 09:32 PM
#330
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The difference between the two is not huge, so I doubt it is going to make a substantial difference, but it will make some. The stack being higher will raise the bars slightly. The saddle fore / aft position may have been the reason you felt more weight on your hands, or the reach on the 56 may have been a bit long. You could always go with the shorter stem if you like higher bars.
08-03-17, 04:06 AM
#331
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Hi,
I am currently considering which gravel bike to buy and saw the new Diverge - which has a lot of cool improvements, especially the larger tire clearance and the future shock which I really like.
Sadly not all models has future shock and I was wondering - can the FS be mounted onto cheaper model or there is some hardware difference to prevent this?
I am currently considering which gravel bike to buy and saw the new Diverge - which has a lot of cool improvements, especially the larger tire clearance and the future shock which I really like.
Sadly not all models has future shock and I was wondering - can the FS be mounted onto cheaper model or there is some hardware difference to prevent this?
08-03-17, 05:38 PM
#332
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Hi,
I am currently considering which gravel bike to buy and saw the new Diverge - which has a lot of cool improvements, especially the larger tire clearance and the future shock which I really like.
Sadly not all models has future shock and I was wondering - can the FS be mounted onto cheaper model or there is some hardware difference to prevent this?
I am currently considering which gravel bike to buy and saw the new Diverge - which has a lot of cool improvements, especially the larger tire clearance and the future shock which I really like.
Sadly not all models has future shock and I was wondering - can the FS be mounted onto cheaper model or there is some hardware difference to prevent this?
08-04-17, 06:48 AM
#333
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I'm 173cm and a 56 fits me perfectly. You should slap your dealer in the head and demand a properly sized bike
Originally Posted by wheelhot
my guess is cause we come from MTB where we're used with our bikes being smaller cause of less frame size choices), thankfully my dealer accepted to exchange it but 56 went out of stock and now he's sourcing around to get it.
08-04-17, 07:35 AM
#334
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56 in the Diverge or the Roubaix? I'm just slightly taller than you. Did you try a 54 too?
08-04-17, 10:37 AM
#335
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I own a 56 Roubaix (2015) and a 54 Sequoia (2017) and tried a 54 and a 56 Diverge (2018).
the 54 Sequoia is too damned short. Similarly, the 54 Diverge were too damned short, but the 56 Roubaix and 56 Diverge fit perfectly. The 54 is too low up front and too cramped. I really had a rough time getting comfortable in the drops, had to slide my butt way off the back of the seat on a road descent. FWIW i got a longer stem for the 54 Sequoia and it helped, but still not ideal.
Go with the 56. I wouldn't even consider a 54 for someone taller than me.
Last edited by sgtrobo; 08-04-17 at 03:27 PM.
08-06-17, 11:36 AM
#337
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I'm 5'9.5" (176.5 cm) with 33" inseam and I just test rode the E5 Comp in 56 yesterday, and it felt very comfortable, for what that's worth.
08-06-17, 08:17 PM
#338
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Anyone notice on the Specialized site that they have two different Diverge Experts? I see they have different CF frames and group set and seat posts. I understand offering a choice on the groupo, but they seem like very different bikes to both be called the Diverge Expert. I am new to the Specialized brand...what am I missing here?
08-06-17, 09:09 PM
#339
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Anyone notice on the Specialized site that they have two different Diverge Experts? I see they have different CF frames and group set and seat posts. I understand offering a choice on the groupo, but they seem like very different bikes to both be called the Diverge Expert. I am new to the Specialized brand...what am I missing here?
One is 2017 model and one is 2018 model.
08-07-17, 10:27 AM
#340
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08-09-17, 06:56 PM
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Follow-up
Heard from my LBS today. My 2018 "Expert" has shipped and should arrive early next week. I requested no changes other than setting tires up tubeless. I'll report back soon.
08-10-17, 06:38 AM
#344
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PICTURES! Lots of pictures, and don't forget the first ride report!
08-10-17, 01:28 PM
#345
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Anyone consider the Jamis Renegade before purchasing the Diverge? If so, what was the reason for doing so? Sorry if this was already brought up.
08-10-17, 07:23 PM
#346
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I have a 2016 Diverge and did consider Jamis and Niner, but got a good price on the Diverge, even though I wasn't thrilled with Specialized SCS. If I had to make the decision for the 2018 Diverge vs. others, I think future shock might win me over.
08-10-17, 07:31 PM
#347
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Thanks for the feedback! Yeah I'm torn between the two bikes... but it just seems to me that you get a little more for your money on the Jamis. Just wondering if the Specialized E5 frame is worth it.
08-10-17, 08:48 PM
#348
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I liked the Diverge a lot, just like the Exploit a little more.
08-11-17, 03:58 AM
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I'm looking at the same two bikes, along with the Sequoia. I've tested the two steel bikes (although not the Jamis in the right size), and the Exploit seems to be the better deal. I'll hop on the Diverge next week to see whether the Future Shock makes a big difference and whether I like the much more upright geometry.
08-11-17, 07:46 AM
#350
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I personally could not get comfortable on the Sequoia and love the geometry on the Exploit. But fit is a personal thing. I liked the Diverge a lot and if the Sport came with 105 rather than Tiagra I would have considered it more. But I'm more of a distance biker on country roads and really like the ride that steel bikes have, so in the end that's what led me to the Exploit.