The drive train is simple and disc brakes are more stopping power than I need. The R&D folks really put their heads together and got it right with this model. I have ridden more on this bike than on my Roubaix or old aluminum MTB. I bought it as part of an adventure package from Kinetic Cycles in Sacramento. The Diverge alone was fine. I wanted a few fancy bits to make it my own. So I added a pair of ZIPP 303 Firecrest 650b wheels with 47mm WTB Byway tires. I swapped the seat post for the CG-R and changed out the saddle for the RominEVO. To save my knees I installed a 38T Rotor CX1 oval chain ring. This was in preparation for a 65 mile Lost and Found gravel ride in California. I had no problems with the terrain or elevation. I did end up swapping out the Byways for a set of Donnelley MSO with a more appropriate tread pattern for gravel. I put a 50mm in the front and 42mm in the rear. Yes 50mm!! The Diverge just rolled over everything! I am not the fastest but I don't need to be when riding gravel. You just go, go, go..When I get on the road I am, able to keep up with roadies on 700c 25mm/28mm setups. The Diverge expert is a do it all bike...oh wait, I already said that!!

I replaced a Trek road bike with the Diverge Expert, size 56. Ordered it through a local bike shop. Did a bit of research and came to the conclusion it was either this bike or a Domane SL6 disc. What was more appealing with the Diverge was the simpler drivetrain and the slightly more relaxed geometry. I replaced the original tires with the more road-friendly Roubaix pro 32 mm tires and the phenom saddle with the avatar gel saddle. Also replaced the aluminium hover handlebar with the carbon version. Had the local bike shop replace the original stem with a 24 degree stem for a more upright riding position and shorter reach. The bike is superb on paved roads (smooth and rough) although I haven't tested it on rough gravel roads. The gearing is good but as expected the 1x 11 system has larger jumps in the gears so sometimes finding the right gear is difficult . Not a big deal to me as I ride for exercise and recreation. The lowest gear is more than sufficient for climbing steep hills. After several 25-30 miles rides, I can say this is a very nice bike. It is light, comfortable and very stable. The drivetrain is also very quiet and the disc brakes are strong. The local bike shop installed the stiffest spring in the future shock and I may switch to the medium for harsher roads. I am still searching for a more comfortable saddle for longer rides. Overall, a very nice bike.

I'm generally a roadie and have mountain bikes too for true off road. But I needed a bike that would handle the miles of dirt roads in Vermont and my 23 tires just can't handle that. This gravel bike is perfect for the task and doesn't feel like a ""hybrid"". It handles dirt very well but is also fine for pavement----even with the 38 tires. I like the 1 by gearing for its simplicity and once used to it, the shifting is fine. My only gripe, and it doesn't really matter, is the silly built in carrying case for inner tube, CO2 cylinder, tireiron. First, it won't hold the larger inner tube required for these tires so it must have been designed for smaller tires on other specialized bikes. It's small, it's cheesy and basically non-functional. Took it off and threw it away.

I ride Blacktop, and Gravel 145 miles a week. I needed a bike that could withstand, and provide the comfort, and durability I was looking for with one bike. The Diverge fits that program for me.......

Perfect dirt,gravel, or pavement. Very comfortable, I am going to try some 650b wheels to see how that plays out. The statement of 700c x 42 with plenty of room for mud is misleading though. I have WTB resolute 700c x 42's and there is no clearance for mud. Actually just riding through a mud puddle ended up gouging the chain stays. Other than tire clearance I think the bike is as advertised and I would buy one again. Wish it had e-tap 1x12 and a lightweight set of 650b's.