Kelly's 2020 Diverge Comp
Gravel riding has arrived and is here to stay. After racing a full 2019 season on dirt roads, I decided it was time to commit to a bike that was better suited for longer days in the saddle on gnarly ‘groads’ (yep i said it, GROADS).
So, the 2020 Diverge Comp is my bike of choice for this coming year, and I’m so excited!
See?! Much excitement!
Gravel, rocks, dirt, sand, forest… these roads have always been around, but have recently become quite popular. They’re fun, dynamic, add more adventures to the bike life, and are less trafficked by automobiles. Safer, quieter, and exciting terrain? That sounds pretty nice. But the standard road bikes can feel a bit harsh on bumpy roads. It used to be we would just have a “run what you ‘brung” attitude, but the industry has caught on that gravel riding is a thing, and out of that has come the “Gravel Bike”.
The Diverge is Specialized answer to riding the road less traveled. It has larger tire clearance, a Future Shock, and a frame geometry that really brings the “Smoother is Faster” statement to life. Compared to the Crux I was on, this bike has shorter chainstays, a lower bottom bracket, less fork rake, higher stack, and less reach. It’s a geometry that makes the bike feel grounded and snappy at the same time - capable of instilling confidence and control in a wide range of riding conditions. The frame is also Rider-First Engineered™ (just like the Venge, Tarmac, and Roubaix), which essentially gives the same ride experience on every single size of this bike; no chattery feelings on the smaller frames and no flexy feelings on the larger ones. It’s a whole different machine from the bike I was riding, and I can’t wait to take it on some new adventures.
Having the option of being able to ride up to a 42c tire makes this bike ready for a variety of rides, races, and events. At LandRun100 and the DirtyKanza, the tire of choice is usually a 38c, whereas at an event like GRUSK a 32c tire is perfect for their mixture of gravel and pavement. And if things get real gnarly, like for the Rockstar VA Gravel Route, it’s great to know that I could put 42c tires on there and be OK.
In addition to the tire clearance, I’m excited to be riding a bike with a Future Shock. The Future Shock adds a bit of suspension, damps vibrations, and makes it feel like you’re riding in a cloud with unicorns flying next to you. Ok, I may have exaggerated that statement, BUT it is such an incredibly smooth ride, all you’re going to do is smile when you’re on this bike.
I’m hoping to go on some new trips and adventures in 2020 and this is the bike that will be coming along. It’s going to be great!
2020 Diverge Comp Specs:
Frame: Specialized FACT 9r carbon, Open Road Geometry, 12x142mm thru-axle, Future Shock Progressive suspension, 20mm of travel, flat-mount disc, BB386
Fork: Specialized FACT carbon, flat-mount disc, 12x100mm thru-axle
Wheels: DT R470 Disc, sealed cartridge hubs
Tires: Specialized Pathfinder Pro 2BlissReady, 38c
Crankset: Praxis Zayante, 48/32 chainrings
Shift Levers: Shimano Ultegra Disc R8020
Brakes: Shimano Ultegra 8070, flat-mount disc
Front Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra R8000, braze-on
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra RX800, 11-speed
Cassette: Shimano Ultegra, 11-speed, 11-34t
Handlebar: Specialized Adventure Gear Hover, 103mm drop x 70mm reach x 12º flare
Seatpost: S-Works CG-R, FACT carbon fiber, single-bolt, 27.2mm
Kelly’s Additions/Changes:
Wheels: Roval Control SL, Carbon
Valves: Muc-Off Tubeless in PURPLE!
Seatpost: S-Works FACT carbon
Pedals: Shimano XTR
Cages: RibCage Composite - hold onto bottles really well
Saddle: Power Expert