Specialised says the Diverge 4 is the “final getaway automobile,” and the Knowledgeable AXS construct could be the lineup’s candy spot. Sitting beneath the Professional and Professional-LTD halo fashions, it delivers a FACT 9r carbon body, Future Shock 3.2, SWAT 4.0 storage, and Roval carbon wheels, all tied along with SRAM’s Rival AXS XPLR drivetrain. All that for $4,600 lower than the highest tier — and let me let you know, it’s a ripper on the chunky gravel.
Construct Breakdown: All Killer No Filler
The Diverge 4 Knowledgeable AXS comes spec’d well with all of the gear you’d need in a motorbike of this caliber, however nothing further “only for present”. It begins with the SRAM Rival AXS XPLR groupset. It’s a great-looking groupset and units off the gunmetal matte body properly. The crankset is certainly one of my favourite options, and it appears to be like nice on the brand new Diverge4.
Nevertheless, appears to be like aren’t every thing, so I need to point out that it shifts crisply, the brakes are leagues above the earlier model, and with the large 10-44T cassette, it feels completely at house on gravel epics while you run out of legs. The Roval Terra C carbon wheels add stiffness and drop some weight, and the DT-Swiss 370 hubs let you already know the wheels shall be round for some time. They arrive wrapped in 45mm Pathfinder Professional tubeless tires (a favourite of mine) that really feel quick on pavement however assured when the street dissolves into dust.
The construct strikes a pleasant steadiness, mild sufficient for racing, but strong sufficient for journey. The ending package is equally nicely thought out, that includes SWAT storage (a bag is included) that accommodates trip necessities and a cockpit designed for many completely different hand positions.
The Good, The Nice, and The Barely Bouncy
The standout tech of the brand new Diverge is Future Shock 3.2. Sitting above the headtube, it offers 20mm of journey that absorbs chatter earlier than it ever reaches your arms. On roots, damaged pavement, and chunky doubletrack, it’s nothing wanting sensible. It’s downright enjoyable while you get into the singletrack, however you will get into bother rapidly with the 45mm tires should you get too gnarly. In a nutshell, the system smooths out high-frequency vibration, takes the sting off sq. hits, and helps maintain traction when the street will get free.
The Specialised “droop the rider” method actually works; your legs and arms keep brisker on lengthy days, and it’s exhausting to not discover the lowered fatigue after three or 4 hours of gravel pounding, particularly on the shoulders (mine at the least). Descending quick on free terrain, the Diverge feels planted and assured, letting you give attention to line selection as an alternative of bracing for each bump. The journey permits the entrance finish to soak up the bumps and never skid out or bounce on washboards and wild terrain.
Adjustable Confidence
That mentioned, there’s a trade-off. On steep, punchy, barely rolling climbs, the Future Shock can really feel a bit “bouncy.” It’s not dramatic, however while you’re out of the saddle and actually stomping on the pedals, you discover the entrance finish transferring simply sufficient to remind you there’s a suspension system up there. Fortunately, it’s not pogo-stick mayhem (the damping retains issues composed), however you do lose a contact of that razor-sharp, road-bike really feel. Specialised contains completely different tuning springs to fine-tune the system for rider weight and terrain, and I’ll admit I barely scratched the floor of using them. With extra time, I’m assured I might clean out the feeling to match my type higher. Perhaps I’m simply hypersensitive from years of cursing forks that may bob on nasty climbs, however for me, it solely exhibits up while you’re standing, leaning ahead, and actually driving over the bars.
On the Street | Off the Map
On gravel, the Diverge 4 Knowledgeable AXS is in its component. The Future Shock and Pathfinder Professional combo retains pace excessive whereas muting the larger bumps of journey. The geometry seems like a mountain bike (sorta). The slacker head tube, longer attain, decrease BB—offers it the boldness of a contemporary path bike however with out dulling the fast dealing with you need in a race. It feels “in” the bike, not perched on prime, which interprets to descending confidence when the floor turns sketchy.
On pavement, the Diverge feels quick, however you’re reminded it’s a gravel-first machine. The 45mm tires hum barely, and the delicate front-end motion on difficult climbs is noticeable. Swap to a 38 mm slick, and the bike transforms right into a a lot sharper street weapon. That versatility is what makes the Diverge compelling; you may tune it to your trip type, terrain, and objectives.
Plus, it has mounts galore, and never simply the 3-pack ones, however fender mounts. Nevertheless, they don’t stick out like a sore thumb or want a “hidden bolt that may or may not have come along with your body” like another bikes I’ve had.
Room For Snacks & Extra
The brand new SWAT storage is big. Sure – the downtube is barely greater on the up to date Diverge 4, they usually crammed that house with… nothing. Nicely, extra particularly, a pleasant waterproof-ish, zippered bag of nothing with a really easy-to-grab tether.
You possibly can match loads of flat gear, a rain jacket, and extra within the new SWAT storage. It’s also possible to transfer your water bottle mounting bolts barely. All of the hoses are tucked properly inside, so there may be zero fear about snagging them.
Who’s It For?
The Diverge 4 Knowledgeable AXS is for the gravel racer who doesn’t wish to sacrifice journey functionality. It’s mild, stiff, and quick sufficient to take a seat within the entrance group at a gravel race, however the Future Shock, massive clearance, and SWAT storage make it a software for lengthy rides, bikepacking, or all-day mixed-surface exploring.
At $6,000, it’s not low cost, however in comparison with the Professional and LTD builds, it delivers a lot of the tech and trip high quality with out the flagship price ticket. In case you actually wished to make this bike a race-day machine, I’d take the $4,000 you didn’t spend on the LTD model and put money into a high-end set of wheels – although, realistically the included Roval Terra C carbon wheels are completely suited to the wants of this bike, and also you’re in all probability higher off saving that $4k for race entries and journey charges and simply go trip your bike.
Diverge 4 Knowledgeable AXS – Full Specs
Body & Fork
- Body: Specialised Diverge FACT 9r carbon, SWAT™ 4.0 inner storage, threaded BB, totally inner routing, 12×142 mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc, UDH dropout
- Fork: Future Shock 3.2 w/ Clean Boot, FACT Carbon, 12×100 mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc
- Shifters: SRAM Rival AXS E1 wi-fi
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM Rival AXS E1 XPLR
- Crankset: SRAM Rival E1 XPLR DUB Huge, 40T
- Cassette: SRAM Rival E1 XPLR, 10-46T, 13-speed
- Chain: SRAM Rival E1
- Backside Bracket: SRAM DUB BSA 68 Huge
- Wheels: Roval Terra C carbon rims, 25 mm inner width, 32 mm depth, 24h, tubeless-ready, DT for Roval 370 hubs
- Tires: Specialised Tracer 700×45, tan sidewall, tubeless-ready (entrance & rear)
- Stem: Future Stem Professional (90mm)
- Handlebars: Specialised Journey Gear Hover, 103 mm drop, 70 mm attain, 12º flare
- Saddle: Physique Geometry Energy Knowledgeable
- Seatpost: Roval Terra Carbon seatpost, 20 mm offset
- SWAT™ 4.0 downtube storage with an up to date, bigger opening
- Weight: 17.5
- Value: $6,000
Lasting Impressions
Although we’ve had little time on the Diverge 4 Knowledgeable AXS, the message is evident. This bike is for these trying to get pleasure from time on gravel. Whether or not that’s racing, adventuring, or underbiking, the Diverge excels.
It’s gonna take some extra time on the Future Shock to get it utterly dialed, but it surely’s far more of an asset than a disadvantage. Specialised actually nails the steadiness between pace and luxury on this one.
