Why a Gravel Bike From Specialized?
A pioneer is someone who blazes trails in a particular field, and Specialized perfectly fits this description in the realm of gravel bikes. Back in 1989, the US manufacturer launched a bike on the market that was very similar to today's gravel racing bikes: the Specialized Skirt Combo was a 26 inch steel bike with 40 millimetre tires and a drop bar. This made it look confusingly similar to today's gravel bikes.
While the Skirt Combo was a single model that disappeared from the market during the mountain bike boom of the 1990s, 35 years later gravel bikes have become the bikes of the hour. Almost every company in the sporty segment now has a gravel bike in its range. Specialized also plays a leading role here. Not only as an innovator in terms of technology, but also as a sponsor of numerous athletes and events. It is this commitment - together with the early pioneering work in gravel sports - that makes Specialized an interesting manufacturer if you want to buy a new gravel bike.
The Specialized Gravel Bikes at a Glance
Today, the Specialized gravel bike range consists of a total of four model families, many of which are subdivided into the Sport, Comp, Pro, Expert, Elite and S-Work equipment variants. The four main families are: Diverge, Diverge STR, Crux and Turbo Creo SL EVO. Below we explain the differences between the individual models. This should make it easier for you to find the perfect Specialized gravel bike for your purposes.
Specialized Diverge
The Specialized Diverge is the classic in the Specialized gravel range. First introduced in 2014, the Diverge offers an excellent mix of road bike and off-road performance. It is therefore aimed at riders who want to mix the best of both worlds. In typical Specialized fashion, the Diverge is characterized by numerous technical refinements. One of these is the Future Shock system in the steerer, which provides 20 millimetres of travel at the front and thus noticeably increases comfort. The internal SWAT box in the carbon frame is exciting. This is a clever storage system that is integrated into the down tube of the bike and offers additional storage space. The Diverge is currently available in 13 equipment variants in various price categories from entry-level to high-end.
Specialized Diverge STR
The Specialized Diverge STR is the latest version of the Specialized Diverge. It was presented to the public in autumn 2022 and caused astonishment in the gravel community. Because in a way, this is a gravel bike. This is again thanks to the Future Shock system, which is integrated into both the steerer (20 millimetres of travel) and the rear (30 millimetres of travel) of the Specialized Diverge STR. Nevertheless, the bike is very agile and light, offering a full suspension feel but without the weight, delayed pedal response and loss of power of conventional full-suspension bikes. The target group for this bike is riders who are looking for the ultimate in gravel bike technology and who also enjoy riding on more difficult gravel terrain. All three equipment variants currently available are in the high-end range.
Specialized Crux
Now it's getting easy. The Specialized Crux is the mountain goat among the Specialized gravel bikes. In its high-end version, this road bike for gravel weighs just 7.3 kilograms. This makes it one of the lightest gravel e-bikes on the market. The Crux is therefore aimed at racers who like to ride at maximum speed and for whom a gravel bike cannot be light enough. The Crux also features the Future Shock system in the steerer, which provides 20 millimetres of travel at the front. There are currently nine equipment variants available in the medium and high price segments.
Specialized Turbo Creo SL EVO
The Specialized Turbo Creo SL EVO rounds off the Specialized gravel bike range. However, this is not a classic gravel bike, but an e-gravel bike. The Turbo Creo SL EVO therefore has a drive that supports you up to a speed of 25 kilometers per hour. Together with the 340 watt-hour battery and a Fact 11r frame made of carbon, longer off-road excursions are also possible. The Specialized Turbo Creo SL EVO is available in three equipment variants, all of which are priced in the high-end segment.
Buy Gravel Bikes From Specialized Online
Whether you're looking for a versatile adventure bike, a lightweight bike for gravel trails or a powerful gravel e-bike version: Specialized offers a wide selection for every need with its gravel bike range. From the versatility of the Diverge, to the light and fast Crux, to the technologically advanced Diverge STR and the electrically assisted Turbo Creo SL EVO. Specialized has the right gravel bike for every preference and every terrain. With the many years of experience and technical innovation of the US manufacturer, which can certainly be considered a gravel bike pioneer, you are well equipped for all terrains. Fall in love with your new Specialized gravel bike now and set off on your next adventure!