First Look: New Specialized Diverge – “It’s the most versatile Diverge ever.”
Today Specialized released the Diverge 4. Dubbed the Ultimate Getaway Vehicle, we are told it’s designed for speed, tuned for confidence and loaded with innovation. Here’s a first look at the new gravel whip from the big S.
Diverge 4 has a new Future Shock that is positioned between the stem and headtube, providing 20mm of hydraulically damped travel. We are told the improvements to Future Shock 3.0 include more adjustability, more tunability and is designed to deliver full travel, to all riders.
To cushion the hits of the rear wheel, Specialized says the Roval Terra Seatpost deflects by as much as 18mm, keeping rider mass stable. Together with the Future Shock 3.0, this rearward arc of the seatpost effectively ‘suspends the rider in action’ creating a more efficient ride and smoother experience. Frame storage capacity has been improved and the alloy model now also has the brand’s Frame SWAT – that’s pretty cool! I think this is the only alloy gravel bike with frame storage. All models of Diverge 4 (carbon and alloy) have clearance for up to 50mm tyres.
Geometry changes include a slacker head tube, longer reach numbers across all frame sizes, a lower BB and longer chainstays. Those changes, when coupled with shorter stems should translate into a more stable ride. Interestingly the stack height appears to be unchanged – no doubt to keep the racey and aero rider position. Specialized also says the geometry numbers across the carbon and alloy frames, are identical.
Circling back to that new Future Shock, Specialized has provided us with White Papers from their testing that reveal a ‘53% reduction in peak impact’ through the bars. Seems impressive indeed. We haven’t been given more information like models, weights, pricing and sizing, but I’m pretty sure if you head over to specialized.com you’ll find details there. Stay tuned for a more in-depth review of how it rallies on SA soil. //