I've been an avid rider since 1971. Over the years I've owned many bikes. Right now I have three bikes; An Italian brand carbon road bike, a Specialized Epic, and now this E5 Diverge in a size large. I switched out the tires to a handmade 35mm gravel tire, installed a longer stem, and installed the Specialized CG-R seat post and this rig fits like a dream and offers a very smooth ride. I wondered if the future shock would be bothersome on smooth asphalt when climbing a hill out of the saddle. The truth is, you don't even notice it. I never really notice it weather on gravel, pavement, or dirt. It just does its job in smoothing the ride. Point it down a steep gravel road and pedal with confidence. It goes where you want it to. It's absolutely amazing for the amount of money it costs. I love the Axis Elite wheels, and the Praxis cranks are stiff, shift great, and spin fast and smooth.They are quite impressive. The 48x32 chainring combo with the 11-34 cassette is also excellent. This bike is a blast! When I bought it, I also bought one for my wife, and she loves hers as well. They are miles of smiles no matter the road.

This is going to be a great bike with one caveat so far. With all the attention to detail with lowering the bottom bracket, slacking the head tube, and updating future shock...how does Specialized miss the opportunity to add the ability to purchase a SWAT box aftermarket and put it on this bike? It seems like a huge miss and a wasted opportunity to sell more Specialized products. Come on Specialized!!!

All around performance. Its great on the road and good in trail or gravel. If you're looking for an all around great cycle you will not be disappointed with this ride. I've used this commuting to work, paved and gravel trails I've even taken it out several times on not so crazy single track. There's nothing this bike can't do. Would recommend upgrading to a new wheelset if you plan on doing much trail riding.

If you ride long and adventure stirs your soul this is the bike for you. I've had my Diverge out on back to back days of over 300km with terrain varying from chip seal to gravel and then smooth highway verge and it eats it all up while taking care of me along the way. I'm upgrading the wheel set to something custom with a dynamo hub and getting ready for more adventures with my new best friend.

This is a comfy road bike, low 20's on weight. Future shock works without bobbing or you noticing- does knock on some bumps but makes it very comfy no hand stings on potholes, good geometry like a mountain/road bike hybrid geo. Had some internal cable rattling- shop put rubber tubing over insides to help. put better tires on and speed increased quite a lot. Not a racer but very good endurance comfort cycling

There's not a road or trail that I haven't been able to ride with this bike. It has completely replaced my road bike and has even ventured out in terrain I typically ride my hardtail on. The upright sitting position feels great. Paired with the Specialized Power saddle, endurance rides are much more comfortable than my road specific bike. I just ordered a set of 650b wheels and can't wait to take it out for more adventures.

Commuting to work, long weekend adventure rides and backcountry bike packing trips are all handled with ease, I have never ridden a bike that is so compliant. Looking forward to getting a set of 650B wheels when funds allow and running some 40mm tires on local Kangaroo Valley single track.