Last Updated on 5 June 2024 by Cycloscope
Specialized Diverge E5 review!
High-Speed Gravel Bike for less than 1,300$
[Diverge E5 vs Comp E5 VS Elite E5 VS Expert E5]
Tire clearance, weight, drivetrain, geometry
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Fork: Carbon
- Wheel Size: 700c / 29″
- Max Tire Clearance: 38/42mm
- Weight: 9.3 kg
Back to the real stuff with one of the most popular gravel bikes around, the Specialized Diverge. Yes, you can get it for under 1,300$ if you go for the basic Specialized Diverge E5, mounting a Shimano Claris 8-speed groupset and Axis Sport Disc wheelset.
The Diverge by Specialized is a very sporty bike with a geometry slightly more compact than most competitors. It’s a responsive and agile bike that goes fast on tarmac and grinds the gravel pretty smoothly, with a max tire clearance of 47mm, improved for 2023 from 42mm.
You can think of the Diverge’s geometry as a road version of a modern trail bike. It cuts corners and skids on dirt quite playfully but keeps stiffness up enough to satisfy your inner racer.
To achieve this, Specialized lowered the bottom bracket (over a half-centimeter lower than the previous Diverge), slacked out the head tube angle, and shortened the chainstays and the overall wheelbase.
The aluminum frameset and carbon fiber fork are high quality, but for its geometry and general build, the Diverge is certainly not a bike meant to carry heavy loads.
One of the best gravel bikes for long day adventures on mixed surface or ultralight bikepacking trips
Specialized Diverge E5 – 2022 models compared in a nutshell
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How we write our reviews: most of our reviews are based on first-hand long-term use or short-term test by a member of our team. For some new models or build variations, we rely on our experience with similar models and our team's experience in understanding bike geometry and components.
| Diverge E5 | Diverge Elite E5 | Diverge Comp E5 | Diverge Expert E5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,300 | $2,000 | $2,500 | CA$4,199 |
| Frame | Aluminium | Aluminium | Aluminium | Aluminium |
| Fork | FACT carbon | FACT carbon | Specialized Future Shock 1.5 Carbon | Specialized Future Shock 1.5 Carbon |
| Wheel Size | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c |
| Brake Type | Mechanical Disc | Hydraulic Disc | Hydraulic Disc | Hydraulic Disc |
| Groupset | Claris | GRX 400, GRX 600 | Apex 1, Praxis | GX Eagle, Rival 1 |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 8 | 2 × 10 | 1 × 11 | 1 × 12 |
| Max Speed | 63 | 58 | 50 | 48 |
Specialized Diverge E5 vs Elite Vs Comp VS Expert Specs:
Frame and Build
| Diverge E5 | Diverge Elite E5 | Diverge Comp E5 | Diverge Expert E5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frame | Premium Aluminum | Premium Aluminum | Premium Aluminum Future Shock suspension | Premium Aluminum Future Shock suspension |
| Fork | FACT carbon, full carbon | FACT carbon, full carbon | Future Shock 1.5 w/Smooth Boot, FACT carbon | Future Shock 1.5 w/Smooth Boot, FACT carbon |
| BB | Shimano 68mm threaded | Shimano 68mm threaded | Praxis 68mm BSA | SRAM DUB BSA 68 Wide |
| Stem | Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise | Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise | Future Stem, Comp | Future Stem, Comp |
| Bars | Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp | Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp | Specialized Adventure Gear Hover, 103mm drop x 70mm reach x 12º flare | Specialized Alloy Minirise, 6.5mm rise, 750mm, 31.8mm clamp |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Bridge Saddle, steel rails | Body Geometry Bridge Saddle, steel rails | Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails | Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails |
| Seatpost | Alloy, 2-bolt Clamp, 12mm offset, 27.2mm, anti-corrosion hardware | Alloy, 2-bolt Clamp, 12mm offset, 27.2mm, anti-corrosion hardware | Alloy, 2-bolt Clamp, 12mm offset, 27.2mm, anti-corrosion hardware | TranzX Dropper, 27.2mm, 90mm travel |
Components
| RD | Shimano Claris, 8-speed | Shimano GRX RX400, 10-speed | SRAM Apex 1, long cage, 11-speed | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FD | Shimano Claris, 8-speed, braze-on | Shimano GRX RX400, braze-on | ||
| Crank | Shimano Claris R200, 50/34T | Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30T | Praxis Alba, 40T | SRAM Rival 1 Wide, 38T |
| Shifters | Shimano Claris 2000, 8-speed | Shimano GRX RX400 hydraulic brake levers, 2×10 speed mechanical shifting | SRAM Apex, hydraulic | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Cassette | SunRace, 8-speed, 11-34t | Shimano CS-HG50-10, 10-Speed 11-36t | Sunrace, 11-speed, alloy spider, 11-42t | SRAM NX Eagle PG-1230, 12-speed, 11-50t |
| Chain | KMC X8 w/ Missing Linkâ„¢, 8-speed | KMC X10, 10-speed w/ reusable Missing Linkâ„¢ | KMC X11 Extra Lightweight, 11-speed | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Brakes | Tektro Mira, flat-mount, mechanical disc | Shimano GRX 810, Hydraulic disc | SRAM Apex, hydraulic disc, 160mm G2 CenterLine rotor | SRAM Level TLM, hydraulic disc, 160mm CenterLine rotor |
Wheels
| Rims | Front: AXIS Elite Disc, Rear: AXIS Elite Disc | Front: AXIS Elite Disc, Rear: AXIS Elite Disc | Front: AXIS Elite Disc, Rear: AXIS Elite Disc | Front: DT Swiss G540 Rear: DT Swiss G540 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tires | Specialized Pathfinder Sport, 700x38c | Specialized Pathfinder Sport, 700x38c | Specialized Pathfinder Sport, 700x38c | Rhombus Pro, 2Bliss Ready, 700x42mm |
Specialized Diverge 2022 E5 Budget/Cheap version: Full Specs:
| Frame | Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum, Open Road Geometry, threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
| Fork | Specialized FACT carbon, flat-mount disc, 12x100mm thru-axle |
| Bars | Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp |
| Brakes | Tektro Mira, flat-mount, mechanical disc |
| Speeds | 16 – Shimano Claris R200 46/34T / SunRace, 8-speed, 11-34t |
| Derailleurs | Shimano Claris, 8-speed |
| Shifters | Shimano Claris 2000, 8-speed |
| Rims | Axis Sport Disc |
| Tyres | Specialized Roadsport, 60TPI, wire bead, Flak Jacket protection, 700x35mm |
| Tyre Clearance | Max 42mm |
| Weight | 9.3kg (M-Size) |
Have a look at The Best Gravel Bikes for less than 1000/1500$
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How does the Specialized Diverge E5 perform on different terrains?
The Diverge excels on gravel and dirt roads thanks to its stable geometry, wide tire clearance, and vibration-damping properties of the carbon fork. The tire clearance allows riders to use wider, more comfortable, and grippier tires that enhance performance on loose surfaces. With the option to fit wider tires and the bike’s inherent stability, the Diverge E5 can handle rough terrain such as singletrack trails and forest paths. However, it is not a replacement for a full-suspension mountain bike and is best suited for moderate off-road conditions.
What are the key features of the Specialized Diverge E5?
Frame and Fork: The E5 model features a lightweight yet robust E5 Premium Aluminum frame and a carbon fork, which provides a good balance of durability and weight savings.
Geometry: The geometry of the Diverge E5 is optimized for stability and comfort over long distances and rough terrain. It often includes a slacker head tube angle and longer wheelbase compared to traditional road bikes.
Tire Clearance: The bike offers generous tire clearance, typically fitting tires up to 42mm wide, allowing for greater versatility and the ability to tackle rougher terrain.
Mounting Options: It includes multiple mounting points for racks, fenders, and bottle cages, making it suitable for bikepacking and long-distance touring.
What is the weight of the Specialized Diverge E5?
The weight of the Specialized Diverge E5 can vary slightly depending on the specific model and the components equipped. On average, the weight of the Diverge E5 is approximately 21-24 pounds (9.5-11 kg). This weight is for a medium-sized frame and can vary with different frame sizes and any customizations or accessories added.