Specialized Diverge STR test: The Specialized Diverge STR surprises with a new type of saddle suspension that is supposed to bring a lot of comfort with great effort. Velomotion was extensively on the road in the Bavarian Forest with the new gravel bike and thoroughly tried out the extended "Future Shock" system.
The Specialized Diverge is a well-known bike – it has been on the market for eight years and is therefore a real gravel veteran, and has also been equipped with the “Future Shock” suspension under the stem for five years. The main focus during the test rides with the new Specialized Diverge STR was definitely the newly developed "Future Shock" system on the rear triangle, which Specialized promises first-class comfort in the seating area. And indeed, in connection with the tried and tested stem suspension, the result is an extremely pleasant driving experience, combined with lots of driving fun. Since the Specialized Diverge STR is blessed with a rather sporty geometry, stepping on the gas is the order of the day.
Elastic insert in the seat tube Specialized Diverge STR
How does Future Shock work on the rear end? Very different from the front, where the handlebars have real suspension. The rear system consists of the damper in the top tube and an insert hidden in the seat tube called "Frame Post", which is available in nine different degrees of hardness. Each frame post can also be mounted in two positions and is then correspondingly harder or softer. For this purpose, Specialized includes a second frame post with a different degree of hardness with every bike. The frame post, in turn, houses the seatpost, which isn't a dedicated component - any 27,2mm diameter post will fit, although the manufacturer recommends a less flexing post to allow for controlled travel from the "Future Shock" system.
Road bumps acting through the rear wheel are compensated by the frame post with a backward/down movement, whereby the system offers up to 30 mm of travel. The damper in the top tube ensures that the movement is controlled so that the rider is not catapulted forward by rebounding too quickly, for example. Future Shock is not a chassis in the true sense, since only the mass of the driver is sprung; but this one can look forward to a very high level of comfort and adjustment options that no spring-loaded and flexing seat post offers: the compression level can be adjusted in three stages, with the suspension being almost blocked in the strongest stage; The rebound can also be adjusted with an Allen key.
Adjustable damper in the top tube
Of course, the system only works when you are seated and then very effectively dampens vibrations and bumps in the road. Thanks to the effective damping, the construction does not tend to teeter. The new Diverge STR feels extremely comfortable and pleases with full ground contact; On the other hand, if you get out of the saddle, you are almost knocked off the clipless pedals by the direct reaction of the bike, because power transmission and acceleration are at the top level. The geometry of the conventional Diverge has remained largely unchanged, which means that the new model, in contrast to some other gravel bikes designed for comfort, is very playful and also knows how to deal with technical passages. At the front, however, the bike can sometimes feel a bit spongy with activated suspension, for example when climbing over roots. Of course, the 20 mm of travel at the front leads to quite a lot of stack, especially in comparison to more sporty Gravellers; The top link, which is cranked upwards, also lifts the driver a little.
Comparatively high handlebars
As a sporty all-rounder with a lot of comfort, the Diverge STR proves itself on the mountain as well as on fast descents in rough terrain; You can also cover distances fairly quickly with the innovative wheel. The Diverge STR is also quite competent when it comes to bikepacking: fork mounts can be mounted, and a saddlebag is also compatible with the suspension. A mudguard can be mounted on the fork, but not on the rear end; A top tube bag can be screwed on for smaller items, and the Specialized also has a “secret compartment” called SWAT in the down tube, into which you can stuff a windbreaker, for example.
Only available with one chainring
Unlike the conventional Diverge, the STR is "one-by-only" - there is no provision for front derailleur assembly. Due to the suspension housed in the head tube, the brake lines must be routed externally; The classic BSA bottom bracket shell with screwed bearing shells is striking – Specialized said goodbye to the in-house OSBB standard and other pressed-in bottom brackets a few years ago.
What does the complex rear suspension have to be worth? The comparison with the identically equipped Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon, which costs 6.600 euros, is revealing – the “Future Shock” mechanism in the seat tube therefore costs 900 euros. (If you compare the frame sets, however, the surcharge is 2.450 euros.) The test bike comes with SRAM Rival AXS incl. "GX Eagle" rear derailleur and a Roval wheelset with 33 mm deep carbon rims, whose internal width of 25 mm is optimally tailored to wide tires is. Specialized specifies 42 mm wide tires and allows tires up to 47 mm wide
Of course, the wheel set is not particularly light, just like the complete bike with 9,75 kilos plus pedals weighs a lot. As is so often the case with gravel bikes, the weight does not stand in the way of riding fun, especially since the comfort plus of the Diverge STR represents a clear added value. With the twice as expensive top model S-Works Diverge STR with SRAM Red and ceramic bearings, this calculation is of course a little different.
Here is an overview of the new Specialized Diverge STR models.
