Specialized Gravel Bikes
Specialized wasn't late to the gravel party, as the versatile and compliant Diverge represented one of the first full-spectrum gravel line-ups. As the pure gravel race category evolved, with team tactics, aero bars, and superlight bikes that could handle the stresses and vagaries of gravel terrain over long distances, the folks at Morgan Hill decided to re-conceive the Crux cyclocross frameset into an extremely capable, lightweight gravel model that could still be raced for cyclocross, but featured a geometry that was more stable and compliant for gravel racing, as well as gravel riding of any kind. The same CFD and FEA computer design systems, FACT Carbon grades, and rider-focused feedback used for all of the Specialized performance bikes has been applied to the development of the Diverge and Crux. Now Specialized has upped the ante with the Diverge STR with front and rear Future Shock systems that make the design the most capable, compliant, and exciting entry into a competitive market.
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Gravel > Key Models
Diverge STR
Building off the success of the Diverge, and a lengthy, inspired development process, Specialized has delivered one of the most innovative and perhaps the most effective integrated rear suspension system to the Diverge. Enter the 30mm of customizable travel STR (Suspend The Rider) Rear Future Shock system to complement and enhance the Future Shock 2.0 system up front. By allowing the frameset to maintain the proper wheel path and tire contact, and keeping the rider in proper relation to the pedals at all times, while properly defeating terrain impacts, the RFS keeps the rider moving at speed, in control, and much more comfortable despire rough surface riding. Keeping the 700x47 tire clearance, compatibility with an alloy dropper post, and an overall geometry that is very similar to the Diverge at the Diverge STR's modest frame weight increase, the engineers and design team at Specialized have truly created one of the most innovative fully suspended bikes ever offered, in any cycling discipline.
Diverge
Taking on the roads and surfaces less traveled means very different experiences to different people. While Diverge can surely be raced, and for the roughest courses, the average event rider would surely favor it over the Crux. It’s quite simply the fastest, most capable - and just maybe the most fun - bike Specialized has ever made, delivering a ride that’s quick and lively under power, but stable and confidence inspiring when the terrain gets rough. From Future Shock 2.0 and all-new gravel geometry, to internal storage and category leading tire clearance, the current Diverge represents everything the company learned over more than 40 years of riding road, gravel and dirt. From recreational rides, to a 200 mile event, as well as into the bikepacking/adventure realm, Diverge will carry you there and back.
Crux
For those who think speed first, race second, and daily 2-hour competitive training rides nothing beats the Crux. Not only is it light (725g Fact 12r S-Works, 825g 10r framesets) and fast, but it has the same 700x47 tire clearance as the Diverge. The geometry is nimble enough for cross racing, but optimized for gravel. In fact, if you could only have one bike for road, gravel and cross, it would be tough to find another design to compare it to. Nimble, supple and reactive, the compliance, handling and power transfer is amazing, and the carbon tubes and lay-up were derived from the safe process used to develop the incredible Aethos road design. It also represents Specialized's understanding of Clearance to Weight ratio. Nothing unlocks a gravel bike’s full potential like the combination of an ultra-lightweight frame with massive tire clearance. And, that comes with every build level in the Crux line.
