Specialized launched the fourth-generation Diverge this past September, and the updates took an already capable gravel bike even further. Before the official launch, our team got out for a test ride and video shoot—and our General Manager Steve was so impressed he immediately ordered a Diverge 4 Pro for himself. Naturally, he couldn’t resist making a few personal tweaks along the way. Let’s take a closer look.
Read More: A Bike to Do It All: Meet the New Specialized Diverge 4
Diverge 4 Pro Overview
Before we get into the parts Steve swapped out, let’s take a look at what he didn’t change. The Diverge 4 Pro is already an incredibly capable platform straight out of the box, built around a lightweight FACT 9r carbon frame and SRAM’s new Force AXS 13-speed deraileur.
The Force AXS setup gives you crisp, wireless shifting that just works, while the SRAM Force E1 brakes feel seriously good on the lever. The updated levers are slimmer and a bit more contoured, so your hands just sit naturally, even on long rides or rough gravel. Modulation is smooth so you’ve got plenty of power when you need it, but it’s easy to feather things in tricky spots.
Up front, the latest Future Shock 3.3 adds on-the-fly hydraulic damping control, letting riders fine-tune or lock out suspension without stopping—perfect for those rides that bounce between smooth roads and chunky gravel. It’s one of the standout upgrades on the latest Diverge, featured on select models only.
**Future Shock 3.2 has hydraulic damping but is pre-set and not adjustable while riding, where as Future Shock 3.1 is the base model and relies on a spring-based system with user-adjustable preload washers.
Steve's Bike
Starting with traction and stopping power, Steve's Diverge 4 Pro is equipped with SRAM Paceline 160mm rotors, providing strong, reliable braking with minimal noise. The stock 45c Tracer tires were upgraded to Specialized Tracer TLR 50c tan tires for improved grip and trail capabilities. Rolling on the Reserve 40/44 GR DT350 wheelset with Fillmore valves, the setup balances lightness and reliability.
Up front, the stock Roval Terra handlebars and Supacaz Super Sticky Kush tape were replaced with an Easton EC90 AX 42cm bar wrapped in ENVE 3.0 tape. The original Force E1 40t crankset was upgraded to a SRAM RED XPLR E1 Power Meter Crankset (42t, 170mm) for precise power measurement and performance.
At the rear, a Specialized Terra 0mm Offset seatpost paired with a Specialized Power Pro 143 saddle provides comfort without compromising pedaling efficiency.
Finishing touches include Santa Cruz carbon bottle cages with titanium bolts, a Ride Wrap Tailored Protection Kit to keep this stunning paint job safe and sound, Shimano XTR XC pedals for reliable foot retention, and a black Spurcycle bell for a clean, functional detail.
Specifications:
- Frame: Specialized Diverge FACT 9r Carbon, Size: 56
- Fork: Future Shock 3.3 w/ Smooth Boot
- Brakes: SRAM Force E1, SRAM Paceline 160mm Rotors
- Derailleur: SRAM Force AXS E1 XPLR 13-spd
- Crankset: SRAM RED XPLR E1 w/ Power Meter (42t, 170mm)
- Wheels: Reserve 40/44 GR DT350 w/ Fillmore Valves
- Tires: Specialized Tracer 50c
- Handlebar: Easton EX90 AX 420mm w/ ENVE 3.0 bar tape
- Seatpost: Specialized Terra 0mm Offset with Power Pro Saddle 143
-
Extras:
- Santa Cruz Carbon cages with Ti bolts
- Ride Wrap Tailored Protection Kit
- Shimano XTR XC pedals
- Spurcycle Bell Black
Watch the video below to learn more about the new Diverge 4 >>>
Leave a comment