Specialized Diverge Pro

The Diverge is Specialized's gravel bike and it has quietly become one of their best sellers in the UK. As more riders discover that gravel riding is just road cycling with better scenery and fewer cars, the Diverge has been there waiting with open arms. It takes everything Specialized knows about road bikes and adds the tyre clearance and geometry to handle bridleways, towpaths, and fire roads.

Like the Roubaix, the Diverge features Future Shock suspension in the headset to take the edge off rough surfaces. On gravel, where the terrain is consistently rougher than tarmac, this feature earns its keep every single ride. The bike also takes up to 47mm tyres, which is enough rubber for most British off road conditions.

Gravel bikes have exploded on the used market as the initial wave of riders who bought in during lockdown start upgrading or decide gravel is not for them. This means there are plenty of nearly new Diverges available at good prices.

What it's like to ride

The Diverge feels planted and confident on loose surfaces. The wider tyres and relaxed geometry give you time to react to changing terrain, and the Future Shock keeps the front end composed over rough ground. On tarmac it rides like a slightly heavier, slightly more comfortable road bike. Switch to a gravel track and it transforms.

Climbing is respectable considering the extra weight over a road bike, and descending on loose ground is where the Diverge really shines. The low bottom bracket and slack head angle keep things stable when the surface gets sketchy. It is not a mountain bike though. Technical singletrack is pushing it.

Who it's for

Riders who want one bike for road and off road. Commuters who mix tarmac with towpaths and cycle paths. Adventure riders and bikepackers. Anyone who has looked at their local bridleway network and thought "I wish I could ride that on my road bike." Also great for winter training when you want to avoid busy roads.