It’s great to notice too that the carbon fork takes a lot of the vibrations out of the road and you can really feel the saving in weight. High stack and shorter reach means an aggressive riding position and respectable handling, Wheelbase length is a good balance among bikes of this class, Slightly higher bottom bracket drop lends the bike a bit of off-road versatility. On the other hand, the Specialized Diverge has been developed with a more modern geometry. The lower-end, entry-level Diverge models have mechanical brakes, such as the Tektro Mira flat mount disc brake. Made for exploring new roads, commuting to class, and everything in between, the Diverge Comp E5 redefines how many functions one bike can fulfill. Just barely breaking into four figures, the Diverge E5 is the least expensive Diverge model available and near the lower end of the pricing scale for most Specialized bikes. Let's talk about the Diverge's different models and components, and then let's compare it other bikes of its class to sniff out key differences you'd want to know about before pulling to the trigger on this beast. As with the frame, the groupset you'll find on the Diverge varies based on the specific model. One thing the Diverge E5 has in common with the other bikes on the list is the type of brakes it uses. The stack on the Diverge E5 is higher than everything else in this group, which bike be a bit perplexing, since you’ll typically find higher stacks on bikes with more aggressive racing-style stances, and the E5 isn’t necessarily the most racing-centric bike in this bunch. For example, the Giant AnyRoad and the Diamondback Haanjo both have Shimano Sora derailleurs while the Trek 520 Disc has a Shimano Deore. Brakes also vary based on the model. Uh-huh. The E5 is an alloy frame, but features a carbon fork. The wheelbase measurement of the E5 is longer than other Specialized bikes in its class, although not by much, and 100cm could run as a very rough average wheelbase length. And with the constant goal to best meet your needs, we took your number one request into account—tyre clearance. The Dolce range is shorter and taller when compared to the Diverge which tends to better suit the proportions of women. Specialized's Diverge series is designed to be an adventure bike, meaning it can handle rides on uneven terrain and gravel but is equally at home on pavement. For sole off-road riding, the Specialized Diverge Comp E5 does appear more appealing in terms of its slacker geometry. Combine it with a short chainstay (421 mm) and you get a seriously fast bike. It basically still looks and feels brand new even after about 700 kilometres of riding. The Diverge Comp E5, Diverge Carbon, Diverge Sport Carbon, and both Diverge EVO models use the more straightforward Future Shock 1.5, which does not offer hydraulic damping or … Featuring a slacker, 72.5-degree head-angle, and 73.5-degree seat angle. Meanwhile, the top level model, the S-Works Diverge, offers the XTR Di2 M9050 11-speed derailleur, a top-of-the-line, digital shifter. The Diverge Comp E5 is the only aluminium model available in the XXL (64cm) size and can be purchased for US $1900. ", JE James Cycle had this to say about the bike: "It is very capable with its endurance geometry to serve as your winter road bike, be it fitting mudguards, larger volume tires or rear racks across the composite chassis. From the Sport to the Comp and onto the S-Works, a super lightweight FACT carbon frame is … With its off road capabilities and drop handlebars it would be easy to categorise the Diverge as a cyclo-cross bike, but Specialized is keen to stress that that’s where the similarity ends. In comparison, the Crossroads has a Shimano Tourney, which is a 7-speed derailleur (the Claris is 8-speed) and the Sirrus Sport has the Shimano Sora, a 9-speed derailleur that is one level up from the Claris. On the entry-level E5, you'll find entry-level parts, such as the Shimano 8-speed Claris derailleur. The Diverge writes an entirely new chapter in the gravel bike category, so you can dream up entirely new rides. It all comes down to the refined E5 Premium Aluminum frame, one of the lightest and reliable models that also comes at a fantastic cost. This price gets you a solid aluminum frame and a comfortable ride, as well as entry-level components. More capability to make more routes possible Our rating . Compare. Since the five bikes are at the lower end of the price spectrum, most of them are made of aluminum, except the Trek, which is made from steel. Specialized Diverge Comp is a carbon bike with a very massive PF30 bottom bracket area. The Diverge writes an entirely new chapter in the gravel bike category, so you can dream up entirely new rides. Still, in this group, which leans more toward racing performance, the E5 has a longer wheelbase and might not be as spry as the athletes we’re measuring it against here. Exclusive offers & discounts in your inbox! At only 450g or 1-pound of weight, it offers the chance to bring the bike around with so much ease that it will feel like it isn’t really a bike. The Diverge from Specialized is labelled as an ‘Adventure and Gravel Bike’ with the E5 Comp being the lowest-priced model that keeps the proprietary Future Shock technology. 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