Specialized Diverge 4 Comp: Mail is here! The first 100 kilometres on the Diverge gravel bike

New season, new gravel bike. I've ordered the Specialized Diverge - in the Diverge 4 Comp Carbon variant for 4499 euros. I don't just want to commute the 18 kilometres to work with it, but also go on the odd bikepacking tour.

To put things in context, Specialized has three gravel bike models in its range and describes them as follows:

Crux: "The brand new S-Works Crux 5 is the fastest gravel race bike of all time. There is no other gravel bike that enables a shorter time to the finish. Ultra-light, aerodynamic and lightning fast off-road. If you want to be at the top of the podium, nothing will get you there faster." (from the Specialized website)

Diverge: "The competition-proven and adventure-ready Diverge is made for full-throttle cycling days and epic off-track rides. Ride towards the horizon - or ahead of your rivals - with the Diverge you can do both." (from the Specialized website)

Creo: "Road bike or gravel bike? Uphill or downhill? Suffering or smiling? The electric Creo 2 is a road bike and gravel bike in one - so you don't have to choose. Thanks to its outstanding performance, enormous range and Future Shock 3.0, it pushes boundaries and makes previously impossible rides possible." (from the Specialized website)

Unpacked - what stands out

There were two colours to choose from. Laurel Green Metallic and Dolomite Metallic - I opted for the latter - and I think the mix of subtle grey and the orange in the letters is a good combination.

The cockpit looks noticeably wide. I like the flare itself, the rise of the handlebars less so, at least visually. The Adventure model of the Diverge has a number of options for attaching bottle cages and bags.

The most important updates compared to its predecessor include greater tyre clearance of up to 50 millimetres, a more voluminous storage compartment in the down tube and the latest version of the in-house suspension system under the stem.

The Diverge was given the so-called Future Shock 3.0 in the last update. Suspension below the stem is supposed to offer 20 millimetres of travel. If you press on it when stationary, the concept seems coherent.

The Diverge 4 Comp comes with e-gear (Sram S1000 Eagle AXS). This does not mean that it can also run incorrectly and needs to be adjusted.

The scales show 10 kilos (without pedals) - that's rather heavy for a carbon gravel bike.

Did I choose the wrong size?

On the website, you can use your height and shin length to determine the right frame size. With a height of 1.78 metres and a shin length of 45 cm, the size chart gave me a frame size of 56 cm.

However, when I first sit on the bike, the riding position seems very stretched. Have I picked the wrong size? On my first commute home, I can clearly feel the pressure on my hands. Now I've moved the saddle forwards a bit, maybe I'll try out a shorter stem. It's currently 90 mm long.

The first tour - and the first insights

The Diverge rolls smoothly. The Tracer TLR All Terrain tyres make a good impression and roll well. I'll have to get used to the more stretched riding position or fit a shorter stem. The Future Shock 3.0 shock under the handlebars provides noticeable comfort on rough sections, but is less restrictive than a suspension fork - I liked the concept on my first ride.

Specialised Diverge: The most important facts

• Weight of complete wheel (carbon): 8.0 to 10.0 kilogrammes
• Weight of complete wheel (aluminium): 10.6 to 10.7 kilogrammes
• Frame weight (carbon): 1150 grammes
• Stack/Reach/STR: 610/400 millimetres/1.53
• Max. tyre clearance: 50 millimetres
• Frame sizes: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61
• Prices (carbon): 3499 to 9999 Euro
• Prices (aluminium): 2299 to 2799 Euro