What appears to be a new Specialized Diverge has appeared in the run-up to Unbound Gravel, which takes place this coming weekend.
Spotted in Specialized athlete Annika Langvad’s Instagram Stories, this Diverge gravel bike looks a lot like the current model.
But there are a few small changes that suggest this could be a new model, even if we have few details.
SRAM UDH and new mounts
The bike Langvad posted to Instagram has a SRAM UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger). The current Diverge can’t run SRAM Transmission but, with more gravel bikes adopting UDH, it’s no surprise to see Specialized using the hanger, especially because it allows riders to use the 13-speed SRAM Red XPLR.
Elsewhere, the bike has three mounting points on each fork blade. The current Diverge only has two mounts on the fork blades, but the additional mount will allow you to fit a carrying cage.
This detail could be borrowed from the Diverge STR. The bike launched three years ago and Specialized called it the “most capable Diverge ever”. Alongside its novel rear suspension system, the bike featured three mounts on its fork blades. The new Diverge also appears to have fender/mudguard mounts, another detail it shares with the STR.
The bike has also retained its Specialized Future Shock front suspension. The gravel racer and former MTB world champion Langvad’s posts show at least one externally routed cable, and the current Future Shock design prevents fully internal cable routing.
Another difference at the front end is the aero-profile handlebar. Although this could be a matter of rider preference or a minor modification to the Diverge’s specifications, it is another indication that Specialized has a new bike in the works.
There are few other discernible differences with the current Diverge, but the top tube slopes more dramatically and the fork crown appears to be wider, which suggests a greater tyre clearance on this bike. That'd align with the current trend for 50mm+ tyres in gravel races.
So what about the Crux and STR?
If you follow gravel racing tech, you’ll probably be asking about Specialized’s other gravel bikes at this point.
Specialized’s pro athletes often race on the Specialized Crux. Indeed, Langvad used the Crux at this year’s Traka 200 where she finished third.
The Diverge STR has also become a fixture at Unbound Gravel. In theory, the STR’s rear suspension provides an easier ride over Unbound’s long, demanding course. Geerike Schreurs finished second in the women’s race last year using the bike.
The fact that Langvad is trialling a different bike in the run-up to Unbound is another clue that this could be a new Diverge.
Unbound Gravel runs from May 29 to June 1. The flagship 200-mile event takes place on Saturday 31 May.
