Specialized is celebrating 50 years of bike design with an overhaul of its flagship gravel bike. It was the worst-kept secret of Unbound 2025, but there is much more to this line than the pro-level offerings. From suspension tech and integrated storage to geometry tuned for speed and confidence, the Diverge 4 is Specialized’s most adaptable drop-bar bike to date, and the tagline says it all: the ultimate getaway vehicle.
Specialized Deiverge – What’s New?
The biggest tech headline is the Future Shock 3.0 system. Sitting above the headtube, Future Shock delivers 20 mm of hydraulically damped travel, smoothing out gravel chatter before it reaches the rider. Specialized claims it reduces peak impacts by up to 53%. It can save up to 11 watts on rough surfaces.
The updated unit is also lighter and more adjustable than before. There are tune options that let riders decide how much support they want for racing, adventure, or all-day rides. The bike arrives with different options to tune your suspension journey. Paired with the new Roval Terra seatpost (with a claimed 18 mm of deflection), the Diverge 4 doubles down on Specialized’s “Suspend the Rider” philosophy—absorbing impacts at the contact points while keeping the frame stiff, efficient, and responsive.
A less flashy, but still totally needed update to the Diverge is the SRAM UDH. It seems odd, but this fourth iteration of the Diverge is the first with the SRAM UDH. So expect to see a full catalog of SRAM XPLR 13-speed offerings, ranging from Rival, Force, and RED groupsets.
Storage for the Long Haul – SWAT 4.0
The Diverge 4 also debuts SWAT 4.0, Specialized’s newest (and largest) take on in-frame storage. The door is larger, cleaner, and sits flush with the downtube. Specialized says it’s 10% bigger than before and easier to access—even gloved up or mid-ride. Riders can stash a full windbreaker, spares, food (burrito), and tools inside the downtube, eliminating the need for a bulging jersey or saddle bag.
Plus, SWAT is available on the alloy versions as well – a first for alloy. Note that the alloy frames get the previous SWAT 3.0 system, but it’s still an impressive upgrade. The alloy bikes also get the Futureshock 3.1 system, which makes both models an impressive value for the price.
Geometry: More Progressive, More Confidence
Specialized adjusted the Diverge’s geometry to reflect how gravel riding and racing have evolved. That means a bit more comfort for the rider, and as we know, a comfortable rider makes more watts. The main updates to the geometry are fairly basic and are assumed to be given where the gravel is going. A slacker head tube angle delivers stability in high-speed descents, while a longer reach opens up the cockpit for a balanced, modern fit and more predictable handling.
To enhance stability, Specialized lowered the bottom bracket by 5 mm, improving balance and providing riders with a planted feel when running larger tires. Add in increased trail, and you get steering that feels secure and sure-footed, even when the surface turns loose and sketchy.
The goal was to put riders in the bike, not on it. It creates a platform that feels stable when loaded, planted when descending, and still agile enough to dance up steep pitches.
More Room For Activities
Tire clearance has grown to a modern 50mm on 700c wheels, thats up to 2.2” with 650b setups. That means the Diverge 4 isn’t just a gravel race bike—it’s a rig you can load up for bikepacking, or throw into singletrack without flinching.
Carbon and Alloy Builds
The Diverge 4 will come in both FACT 9r carbon and E5 alloy frames. Both share the same geometry, Future Shock 3.0 compatibility, and SWAT storage. Higher-end builds will lean into Roval carbon wheels and wireless drivetrains. Meanwhile, alloy versions will bring the same tech into a much more affordable range.
Is this what the pros ride? Yes – Specialized tapped its Factory Off-Road Team for development feedback. The Diverge 4 has already been tested in the heat of competition (pictured with Sarah Sturm above at Unbound). Riders like Sofia Gomez Villafañe and Matt Beers have put it through its paces on Unbound (you can see their bikes in the link at the top of this article) and BWR. Villafañe called it “fast but forgiving in the best way.” In those long, punishing, gravel races, it boils down to who has the best legs, and a “forgiving” ride will preserve them for longer.
Specialized Diverge 4 – Models and Pricing
The Diverge is plentiful in builds and pricing to fit many differing appetites. The alloy E5 Sport build comes in at the most affordable, at $2099, paired with Shimano Cues, DT Swiss alloy wheels, and SWAT built-in frame storage. For those looking for professional treatment, you can get the same build as Matt Beers and Sofia Gomez Villafañe with the Pro LTD build. Topping out with SRAM Red AXS XPLR and all the trappings of speed. Though that will set you back a cool $10,500. Here’s how the lineup shakes out.
Diverge 4 Sport Alloy
The Comp Alloy brings Diverge DNA to a more rugged, budget-friendly package. The E5 alloy frame includes Future Shock 3.1 and SWAT storage, and comes with Shimano Cues paired with DT Swiss G540 wheels. At approximately 10.6 kg, it’s a rugged and dependable setup for riders who want adventure-bike technology without the carbon premium.
Price: $2,000.
Diverge 4 Comp Alloy
This model looks to be the same frame as the Sport with SWAT 3.0 and Futureshock 3.1, but it adds a SRAM Apex Eagle 1×12 mechanical drivetrain.
Price: $2,650
Diverge 4 Sport Carbon
If you’re after carbon without the price sting, the Sport Carbon delivers. It carries the same geometry and Future Shock tech as the upper builds. It ships with Shimano GRX 600 1×12 and DT Swiss G540 wheels. It’s not the lightest Diverge, but it’s a proper performance chassis with SWAT storage at a more approachable tier.
Price: $2,500.
Diverge 4 Comp Carbon
The Comp Carbon strikes a sweet balance between race-ready performance and all-day versatility. Built on a FACT 9r carbon frame with Future Shock 3.0, it’s smooth, light, and reactive over rough terrain. SRAM Apex AXS keeps the shifting wireless and straightforward, while DT Swiss G540 wheels give it a reliable, tubeless-ready punch. At just under 10 kg, this one feels as fast on race day as it does fully loaded for a long weekend ride.
Price: $3,500.
Diverge 4 Expert AXS
The Expert AXS is where the Diverge really wakes up. With SRAM Rival AXS XPLR, Roval Terra C carbon wheels, Future Shock 3.0, and SWAT 4.0 storage, it’s dialed for Unbound-style races or long gravel missions. At around 8.9 kg, it’s a light, fast, and forgiving setup for riders who want a pro-level experience without stepping all the way into flagship territory.
Price: $6,000.
Diverge 4 Expert Di2
Shimano fans get their own flavor in the Expert Di2, built with the latest GRX 800 Di2 1×12, Roval Terra C wheels, and the same Future Shock 3.0 / SWAT 4.0 package. It rides nearly identical to the SRAM version, just with the added precision of Di2 and the ruggedness of GRX. Expect the weight and price to mirror the Expert AXS.
Price: $6,500
Diverge 4 Pro
The Pro pushes the Diverge into serious race-bike territory. Equipped with Future Shock 3.3, SRAM Force AXS XPLR with a Quarq power meter, and Roval Terra CL II wheels, it weighs approximately 8.4 kg. This is a Diverge built for racing gravel at the highest level, with a cockpit and finishing kit to match.
Price: $7,999
Diverge 4 Pro LTD
The halo bike of the range, the Pro LTD, goes full gas with SRAM Red AXS XPLR and a Quarq power meter. It includes Roval Terra CLX II wheels with ceramic bearings. At 8.0 kg, it’s the lightest Diverge in the lineup, dressed in a Gloss Flow Red/Yellow paint job that screams fast. If you want the ultimate Diverge, this is it.
Price: $10,500
Wanna know how it rides? Check out our first ride review coming up.
