All-new! 2023 Specialized Diverge STR.

As always, it happened this time as well. In creating the Specialized Diverge STR, the manufacturer aimed to create a "game-changer" product rather than settling for mediocrity. The usual practice among manufacturers when releasing a new model involves making slight design changes, reducing a few grams, solving some nonexistent issues for cyclists, and moving forward to the sales department. But not for Specialized.

Although the history of gravel bikes is not very old, it can confidently be said that the development of technology and its unique application allow Specialized to increasingly stand out from the general mass of gravel bikes.

So, behold... A new and unique gravel bike that preserves your speed, comfort, and tackles rough terrain while providing you with the best emotions.

Philosophy.

Smoother is faster.

It's about speed, but from a different perspective. Guided by the "smoother is faster" philosophy, Specialized creates products that make us faster in long rides, training, or competitions due to the integration of shock absorbers on the bike.

Riding on rough terrain, we struggle with vibrations. Our hands, buttocks, back, core, shoulder girdle, and especially stabilizing muscles suffer. As they struggle, muscle tone decreases, we become slower, and this directly affects our speed and the ability to be alert during the final sprint. Ultimately, fatigue from vibrations reduces our average riding speed more than the additional weight of the shock absorber on the bike.

Objective.

Suspend the rider's shocks.

Everything is simple – we add shock absorbers. The more comfortable and stable we sit, the lighter and more secure the handling, the faster we can ride. This applies to mountains, rocky surfaces, rough asphalt, or gravel. However, shock absorption is effective only when we have not only that but also efficient power transfer to the wheels, sharp steering, and full control of the bike. Here, Specialized technologies are designed to eliminate shocks to the rider without stiffening the bike's forks and without losing power. Where power is transmitted, the bike is rigid and efficient.

Solution.

Front and rear shock absorbers - "Future Shock."

The technology that removes shocks from the rider is "Future Shock." It is a 20/30mm shock absorber protruding under the handlebars and located at the stem's headset.

The bottom part of the Specialized Diverge STR frame is rigid and efficient, so it withstands bumps, and power losses are minimal. As soon as you need to accelerate or stand up to climb a hill, you can confidently stand up and feel how the bike responds to each of your actions, while being comfortable, light, and stable at the same time.

Front "Future Shock."

A hydraulic shock absorber mounted on the frame, directly under the handlebars, has a 20mm travel and shock locking (compression and rebound adjustment).

When riding on rough terrain, the bike bounces up and down under the handlebars, while the handlebar itself remains steady and does not transfer shocks to your hands. This creates a sensation of smooth and even riding.

This technology reduces shocks experienced by the cyclist by 20%.

Rear "Future Shock."

The new Diverge is characterized not only by excellent design lines but also by excellent technical features. The "Rear Future Shock" provides 30mm of ideal travel, ensuring that shocks from the ground will never throw you off the saddle and allowing you to press the pedals with full force evenly. The shock absorber is fully adjustable for the cyclist's weight, height, and riding style.

With this shock absorber, you have comfort and a rigid rear fork that precisely transfers all pedal power to the rear wheel.

Simplicity of the shock absorption system.

The shock absorber consists of three parts that interact with each other:

Frame tube - acts as a flexible tube; Shock absorber capsule - controls the tube's deflection; Connection - connects the tube and the shock absorber.

Implementation process.

"Innovate or die."

The problem was clear and simple, but the implementation process for the manufacturer was a real challenge. How to provide comfort to the cyclist and at the same time ensure that the bike is stable, accelerates quickly, and is easily controllable? - Absorb the shocks for the cyclist.

Result.

Three powerful gravel bikes that can be yours:

S-Works Diverge STR - Top-of-the-line configuration - wireless top-tier Sram XX1 AXS gear system, lightweight Roval Terra CLX carbon fiber wheels with ceramic bearings, and the best components from SBC.

Specialized Diverge STR PRO - Very high configuration - wireless high-end Sram Force/X01 AXS gear system, mid-level Roval Terra CL carbon fiber wheels, high-level carbon fiber components from SBC.

Specialized Diverge STR Expert - High configuration - wireless mid-level Sram Rival/GX AXS gear system, entry-level Roval Terra C carbon fiber wheels, mid-level components from SBC, carbon fiber stem extension.