HI, looking to replace my sold Grail with a new Diverge , I plan to do 60/40 road to gravel riding, but will use this bike on vacations to do single track , fire roads adventures etc. Would love to hear from current owners of either bike, as well as any pros and cons.
my Options are: 1. 2021 S works Diverge Frame with GRX Di2 RD 11-34, 2x Ultegra (already own with power meter) CL32 wheels (already own) 2. 2021 S Works Diverge full bike SRAM AXS ( really don’t love the color)
There were some significant changes to the frame geometry between 2020 and 2021 you might want to test ride to see which you prefer. My understanding is that (obviously) both are gravel bikes, the 2020 is a bit more "roadie" and the 2021 is more singletrack friendly geo.
I've read that there were also changes to frame geo maybe c. 2017? I've a first gen 2015 (with rear SCS that I lucked out finding a discounted CLX64 wheel for, to mate with a CLX32 up front). I appreciate the the "more roadie" frame, as I ride 90% road. I modded the Ultegra 2x cassette by adding a 36t and eliminating the 11t. Found the 50/34 rings spread unnecessary, so tightened to a cross 36/46 duo that works well, as I don't exceed 30mph, and am ok with the 1:1 climbing. I added compliance via carbon handlebar and Canyon/Ergon and C'dale SAVE posts, and really appreciate the close middle gears that allow constant cadence. If I had to do it over again I'd STILL want the more roadie frame, but might countenance a 1x12 for simplification, as I'm getting sick of a front derailleur...even an easy 36 to 46 jump. I can't see a 1x11 offering enough middle gears. Spesh dealers claim buyers LOVE the compliant (20mm) front "suspension", but I haven't tried it, and am biased against because of weight. It's clear that even my early "roadie" Diverge is not as snappy as my Roubaix, but with extralight 38c (SOMA) tires and those stiff CLX wheels I'm pretty happy. Only on bumpy fast descents does it perhaps give up stability compared to the latest gen. But since it's my daily steed I prefer the roadie feel and all those gears. The Wave handlebar has added a 4th hand position too, as I suffer from hand numbness and pain. Would the compliant front end help? I dunno...thanks for comments
I know there's not much individual expression with choosing the biggest brand but having ridden the 2020 version of the Diverge with the damenpened steer tube, the geo and tire capacity... It's one hell of a gravel bike.
I really like my current ride but if I were in the market, I'd probably go with the big S hoards. A 2x di2 GRX would suit me well.
If you're going with elect shifting, I think 2x is that much more appealing. AXS front der don't have the clearance of GRX di2. The cost of those AXS rear der is crazy too. Easy to break them and a $700 replacement is too much.
Not a fan of the dampened steer tube. And there seem to be some issue with it holding up. They already did one recall on them a year ago and may people bringing them back into dealers to get them fixed after they deteriorate from regular use
I have one on my Roubaix roadie and my wife has one on her Diverge. Neither one of us has had an issue, but admittedly we’re not really stressing them. Seem to work ...ok.... certainly better than “Zerts”.🙄
They should have mounted it under the head tube, then they could have called it a “Headhsh....oh, never mind. 😉
Now if I could just figure out how to mount a Futureshock on the Lefty on my Slate, I’d be boinging all over the place.
I'm trying the Redshift compliant stem on my older Diverge. I use a 100mm/30deg anyway, which they make, but not in a lighter (upcoming) version. Initial calibration balancing comfort vs brake dive will have to await snow-free streets. When I set it up a bit stiff to thwart brake dive (80+70) it didn't seem to abate road buzz much, so I may go back to the suggested 80+60 resistance combo. I'm also tempted to drill holes in it to shed mass, as well chase cheap Ti bolts from AliBaba!
Not a fan of the dampened steer tube. And there seem to be some issue with it holding up. They already did one recall on them a year ago and may people bringing them back into dealers to get them fixed after they deteriorate from regular use
Seems like a real gimmick to me.
Jan Heine discusses unsprung weight In his book "The All-Road Bike Revolution" (pgs 109-113). Any suspension at the steer tube or stem has to deal with the considerable mass of the wheel, fork, and part of the frame. Something like the (expensive) Lauf Grit fork has compliance closer to the source of the disturbance and needs to manage only the mass of the wheel. https://www.laufcycling.com/product/lauf-grit
Agreed, but the elastomer compliance pucks in the Redshift system may be robust enough to withstand simple crushing pressures from the momentum. It's not rocket science at this level of mechanical engineering in a simple pivot with dampers. We'll see. If I can get a second extra body shell I might try drilling it out for kicks...!
stu wrote: Jan Heine discusses unsprung weight In his book "The All-Road Bike Revolution" (pgs 109-113). Any suspension at the steer tube or stem has to deal with the considerable mass of the wheel, fork, and part of the frame. Something like the (expensive) Lauf Grit fork has compliance closer to the source of the disturbance and needs to manage only the mass of the wheel. https://www.laufcycling.com/product/lauf-grit
While the Lauf is a better suspension system than the Redshift stem, it is also a pogo stick when you stand and hammer out of the saddle. At least any bouncing from your stem will not eat up your pedaling power.
The updated "future shock 2.0" on the new diverge has damping and is fully adustable and can be locked out on the fly. Both are features unavailable on the original. I would love to try one out.
If I were ever to go back to Carbon, the Diverge/Ekar model would probably be on my short list. Geo seems perfect for me, aside from the BB drop.
While the Lauf is a better suspension system than the Redshift stem, it is also a pogo stick when you stand and hammer out of the saddle. At least any bouncing from your stem will not eat up your pedaling power.
I haven't tried either but I suspect if you're out of the saddle and pulling on the bar then either system could bounce. My sister has a a different Specialized bike with some kind of springy stem, when I can travel again I might try that one and report back.
On second thought I think the suspension fork would be better for out-of-the-saddle hammering. At least you'd have a solid connection through the bar, stem, downtube, cranks, and pedals. If you can do the work with your arms and legs while keeping your body still you should be fine. But if the suspension is in the stem you lose that connection.
Agree---I have a Redshift stem shock and run 25-30 mm pressures on tubeless GK 38 mm tires on my 2018 diverge and have a soft, very responsive ride that I love. This is a very fast bike that is just about a go anywhere bike and is fast on the road and very capable on gravel/dirt.
Assuming you mean 25-30psi I've never tried my 38 Compass BPs and SOMA EX below 45psi. Maybe I will...thanks. Do you set up the Redshift to deflect slightly on "normal" surfaces, letting it hit the end-bump on big whacks or deep braking, or the next stiffer setting?
