Specialized Diverge Smartweld
 

I'm looking into the Smartweld version of the Diverge (2015) or DSW version (2016). Who here has one and can share their opinion on performance.

Hi Brandon, I cannot respond to your PM as I do not have enough posts. Mine is not for sale.....I love the bike, it is my first dropbar but it is really comfortable and quick ( at least to my slow old self!!!!!) I have no regrets with the bike.

Hi Brandon, I made the post below last year after riding the Smartweld and Carbon back to back. I came close to buying the 2015 Diverge Smartweld a couple times but ultimately chose to wait and get a Carbon since the lateral stiffness is quite a bit higher when pedaling. A couple things I didn't like about the 2015 Smartweld was the utilitarian color and the disgustingly crude welds. I was just at a bike shop yesterday looking again and they had a ton of Diverge including a 2016 DSW Comp in the aluminum color. The welds are thankfully cleaned up for the 2016 model year and the colors are far better as well (imo). Do note the price decrease as well as spec downgrades between the 2015 and 2016 Comp DSW. The price went down by $300 but they also removed the CG-R seatpost and downspec'd the crankset from Praxis Turn Zayante to FSA Gossamer. There's also an Elite DSW that has Tiagra components. If you get a 2016 I highly recommend adding the CG-R as it's a large part of the way the bike rides.

You won't go wrong that frame. Specialized leaped ahead of everyone in aluminum when they released the Smartweld frames.
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I rode the Comp Smartweld and Comp Carbon back to back this afternoon. The results are very interesting. All in all, they are VERY close to each other.

Surpisingly the Smartweld is better on the road. The tuning on this bike is unbelievable. There is zero buzz. Zero. It is truly the smoothest bike on the road I have ever ridden. Even more so than the carbon frame.

The best I could do around the LBS for broken surfaces was curbs and breaks where sidewalk slabs were lifted. The Smartweld wasn't too much harsher, but the carbon frame definitely took the edge off a bit more. In sharper impacts it came through more, but in some rough areas it was again smoother than the carbon. I'm in a dilemma now because I'm not sure which will end up being smoother in the trails I ride.

Carbon feels a bit more responsive. Smartweld feels a bit more stable. Interesting since the geometries are identical.

I did a pretty detailed review under the Gravel/Cx section- Also just added some details about my switch to non-SCS wheels. In short - love the bike! I have a 2016 DSW Elite.

Thanks Bill, not a problem hope you enjoy it!

Thanks for the info! I do like the gray and yellow scheme on the 2015, but in some photos it looks green. But I do appreciate the aluminum look on the new 2016's. I did notice the price difference, and was a little surprised they have the other DSW model that retails for $1500, very reasonable. Almost to the point where that would be the bike to buy, and do a few mods, but I prefer to buy one loaded and not worry about changing things out. Also being 5'8ish, I hear the sizing is odd on the Diverge, am I a 54 or 56?

Make sure you do ride one before purchasing. Opinions differ obviously, but personally while I found the Diverge fine for absorbing vibrations and stuff, I rode the carbon last year and found the ride pretty boring feeling. I personally would not want to invest a bunch of money in the bike - again, it's like choosing a car color, different people have very different opinions, just make sure to take a test ride and that you don't feel the way I do about it. :-)

I'm guessing at 5'8" you would be in between 52cm and 54cm... I'm the same height (short legs) and that's where I am.

The red Comp DSW is also very nice. It has a lot of depth to the finish like a multi-layer paint job. Yea I'm not sure if there's $900 in Tigra to 105, mechanical to hydraulic brakes, tires and seatpost. I'm also not fond of changing out the components when it's still new. The only reason would be if you particularly like one of the Elite DSW paint schemes.

I am 5'11 and fit correctly on a 56. Like San Pedro said I would guess 52 or 54.

Btw, if you're looking at the Comp DSW be aware that from March 1-21 the Comp Carbon is on sale from Specialized, from 3200 to 2700. For $300 you'd get a carbon frame, much better crankset and CG-R seatpost. It'd be hard (impossible) to justify the DSW at 2400 with the Comp Carbon at that price.

Just offered a 2015 Smartweld band new out the door for $1700-1800, which is alot for a bike. Wish I would find one used! Also there was a 2016 DSW Elite in the aluminum and red paint job used for $1800, but as bad as I want one of these... its a lot of dam money for a bike!!! So given the reduction in prices from 15/16, the 2015 Smartweld is still better over the 2016 DSW Elite?

1700-1800 is a steal for a 2015 Smartweld.

I think you are meaning Comp DSW, which is the one that comes with those color schemes. Spec wise and used vs. new the 2015 still comes out ahead. Like I said, 2015 to 2016 on that model lost the CG-R seatpost ($150+ used on ebay) and downgraded the crankset from Praxis to FSA Gossamer (big downgrade). If you can live with the shabby welds on the 2015 that's certainly the one to get.

Wait another year or so if this price range is too high. Or look at other bikes with lower spec.

Hi All,
New rider here,
I have put down a deposit for the Diverge DSW Comp 2016(Size 56) last week at a local bike shop. Have done a lot of reading on this forum before taking the plunge on this particular bike.Also it suits my riding style as well since it seems to be able to go "off-road".
The bike will be ready for pick up in two weeks time.
It comes with Shimano 105 groupset but does not come with the CG-R seatpost. Is it a good idea to upgrade this item before it goes out the door?
Also what accessories should I be getting with this bike?. This is my fist upgrade in a very long time. Had a MTB before this upgrade.
Many thanks.