The ALL-NEW Specialized Diverge STR.
Innovate or Die
How to keep riders comfortable and in control on rough roads while maintaining the quick acceleration and direct handling for which a rigid frame is renowned was the straightforward but devilishly difficult dilemma. The answer? Put the Rider on hold. Learn more about why it’s so effective and the journey that led Specialized to the Diverge STR.
Compliance Without Compromise
With front and rear Future Shock suspension, the new Specialized Diverge STR provides compliance without sacrificing performance. You will be able to ride farther and faster over rougher terrain than you ever thought possible because to Future Shock technology, which suspends the rider rather than the bike. And the Diverge STR accomplishes this with none of the bulk, slow pedal response, or inefficiency of alternative suspension systems.
Future Shock 2.0
Not only does the new Diverge feature stunning lines, but it also boasts flawless curves. 30mm of rear travel provided by Future Shock Rear is the perfect amount to smooth out bumpy roads. Without sacrificing fit or pedalling efficiency, it’s hydraulic damping controls reduce “bobbing” under power and make sure big hits never launch you off the saddle.
Rider weight, height, and riding style are all fully adjustable. At your fingers is the ability to modify instantly. For precise power transfer, the rear triangle keeps its rigidity. Also it is compatible with dropper posts, without any downsides.
Although Future Shock was founded to make bikes that excel on cobblestones, gravel is where it truly shines. With 20mm of front travel that is adjustable and damped, you can stay in command and on target while avoiding injuries to your hands, arms, and shoulders. Rapid and effective hydraulic dampening to absorb bumpy roads without “bobbling.” For precise, nimble handling, the fork maintains its rigidity.
Absurd Capability
More capability translates into greater confidence, which in turn leads to more rides, which leads to more enjoyment. It all starts at the contact patch. Tyre clearance is the key to unlocking potential, and we’re being kind. 2.1″ on a 650B wheel and 47mm on a 700C. The most enjoyable gravel bike they have ever produced, Diverge STR is also the most capable.
Everything you might need is in the inside SWAT compartment rather than dragging you down in your pockets. To build progressive gravel geometry that emphasises the confidence that Future Shock Technology offers, Specialized threw the status quo out the window.
Go Fast Everywhere
While adding only 100g to the S-Works Diverge frame, the STR Fact 11r carbon frame is more compliant than any drop bar bike they have ever produced. Never before have so few grammes added such power. Diverge STR performs everything faster and more smoothly without any extra luggage, whether you’re climbing it, racing it, or packing it full of bags and gear for the long run.
Eureka on Eureka
Specialized gained a large amount of rear end compliance with Roubaix and Diverge thanks to seat post deflection and a dropped seat post clamp. That kept riders strong and at ease in the saddle on uneven roads and cobblestones, but it had its limitations.
Riders are travelling further, moving quicker, and tackling increasingly difficult terrain. They required higher deflection and deflection in a very specific direction across extremely rough gravel and washboard. As the wheel travels over bumps, the movement of the saddle must be in opposition to it. This keeps riders in a stable position regardless of the terrain, allowing them to smoothly ride over bumps while maintaining control and power.
Although seat post deflection can give this ideal travel direction, as a bump is encountered and the seat post deflects, energy is stored. Even with its lowered clamp design, this is not a problem given the deflection levels we observe with Diverge or Roubaix. The seat post conserved a lot of energy to produce the greater level of travel they needed to take bigger impacts. The energy released after the bump has been absorbed is used to push the rider out of the way. Very poor, to put it mildly. They knew what needed to be done—increase rear travel along the ideal path—and they recognised the issues that needed to be fixed—manage the energy that travel generates.
They began working. They rode bicycles with eccentric bottom brackets for travel. They experimented with using air shocks in the down tube to control motion. They tested seat posts with built-in dampers and shocks. Despite being efficient and promising, these didn’t offer the functionality, ease of use, or lightweight that they knew riders required. Additionally, many of these ideas lacked flexibility, a crucial component. To ensure optimal performance for every rider of every size, travel and its management must be scalable.
The Final Product
The end result is the Diverge STR with front and rear Future Shock that you see today. Rear Future Shock as a whole offers up to 30mm of travel in the ideal curve, is completely adjustable for riders weighing 110 to 275 pounds, uses hydraulic damping to manage travel, and has three levels of adjustability in addition to rebound adjustment.
