New for 2021, the Specialized Diverge lineup includes new tech, fresh builds, and two different flat bar options for riders who aren’t sold on drop bars. Find all the details and photos here…

The Specialized Diverge lineup has seen some major updates for 2021. Their do-everything gravel bike sees a completely redesigned frame, updated geometry, a new Future Shock 2.0, and increased tire clearance for up to 700 x 47mm and 650B x 2.1″ rubber. In total, there are nine new models ranging from $1,600 to $10,000 USD, including two new flat bar models that we think are particularly interesting. Find some key highlights below, followed by details on the flat bar Diverge Expert E5 Evo.

  • 2021 Specialized Diverge
  • 2021 Specialized Diverge
  • 2021 Specialized Diverge
  • 2021 Specialized Diverge
  • 2021 Specialized Diverge
  • 2021 Specialized Diverge

Future Shock 2.0

As Specialized puts it, smoother is faster, and that’s where their Future Shock comes in. The new 2.0 version features 20mm of hydraulic-damped travel, building on the Future Shock 1.5 found on some of the more affordable Diverge models. The steerer-tube-housed suspension is designed to take some of the shock out of rough roads, and is now adjustable as well. The Future Shock 2.0 is a big upgrade from the previous model, which relied on different springs (soft, medium, and firm) to dial in the feel. You’ll find the new suspension specced on the Diverge Comp Carbon and above.

2021 Diverge Geometry and Updated Frame

The Specialized Diverge frame has also been totally redesigned for 2021. Specialized increased tire clearance without increasing the chainstay length by using a solid beam of carbon for the drive side chainstay. From the looks of it, it’s crazy thin, but we’ll leave it up to the engineers to figure that one out. The 2021 Diverge has also been tweaked for better off-road handling, including a more slack head tube angle, longer wheelbase, and a longer fork offset. It’s also received more mounts, including top tube bosses, rack mounts, and bottle cage mounts on the fork.

Specialized Diverge Expert E5 EVO

Although the entire 2021 Diverge line is impressive, the new flat bar models look quite appealing from a true do-everything standpoint. It’s hard to argue with the comfort and stability of a flat-bar setup, especially for newer riders, and the new flat bar builds look quite promising. There are two builds available: the Expert E5 EVO ($2,600 USD) and Comp E5 EVO ($1,600 USD)—find the Shimano XT 12-speed equipped Expert E5 EVO build kit below.

  • 2021 Specialized Diverge
  • 2021 Specialized Diverge
2021 Specialized Diverge
  • 2021 Specialized Diverge
  • 2021 Specialized Diverge
  • Frame: Specialized Diverge E5 Premium Aluminum
  • Fork: FACT Carbon with Future Shock 1.5
  • Crankset: Praxis Zayante carbon 1X, 40T
  • Shift Lever: Shimano XT M8100
  • Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT M8100, 12-speed
  • Cassette: Shimano XT, 12-speed, 10-45T
  • Chain: Shimano XT M8100
  • Brakes: Magura MT4 Flat Mount, hydraulic disc, 160mm rotors
  • Handlebars: Specialized Alloy Minirise, 10mm rise, 750mm, 31.8mm clamp
  • Stem: Future Stem
  • Seatpost: X-Fusion Manic Dropper, 50mm travel
  • Saddle: Specialized Power, hollow steel rails, 155/143mm
  • Bottom Bracket: Praxis 68-0201B, 68mm BSA
  • Rims: DT Swiss G540 rim, 24mm internal width
  • Spokes: DT Swiss Champion 14G stainless steel
  • Tires: Rhombus Pro, 700x42mm

We’re hoping to get our hands on one of the flat bar models to review, but until then, find the entire lineup at Specialized.com.

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