Diverge vs New Roubaix

[fourflys]

I know, I know, we're all about steel, Ti, special sauce bikes here, but..

With the new SL8 Roubaix having clearances for 40mm tires and some interesting "suspension" properties, I kind of wonder why someone wouldn't go with a Roubaix over a Diverge unless they are needing some chunky tires I suppose.. I would imagine the new Roubaix would cover most of anything I would ride.. Thoughts?

Anyone have the new SL8 yet? I'm considering either the Comp or Expert builds..

[Baron Blubba]

Diverge is for chunkier stuff, single trackish stuff, bikepacking. The Roubaix is an endurance road bike that can also be a fine gravel bike. Actual clearance is 42, if I recall correctly. I’m selling a Pro in your size if you want one.

[fourflys]

Thanks Baron!

For the collective-
Would be interested in your thoughts on the SL8 overall if you have one (or the SL7 I guess as the biggest difference is tire clearance).. I have a rim-brake SL4 and it really is a nice bike, just a bit on the long side at the 54cm size (54.8 tt, 380 reach), so would be looking at the 52 in the current iteration..

Also the differences between the Comp and Expert for around $1,200 difference in price..

Comp- 105 Di2, no power meter, DTSwiss G540 aluminum wheels
Expert- SRAM Rival AXS, single sided power, Roval Terra C (hooked) carbon wheels
-not much else of consequence different that I can see.. and I've never had e-shifting before..

I guess the question is if the drivetrain, power, and wheels are worth an extra $1,200.. for the record, if I got the Comp with no power, I would probably buy a pair of the Favero single-sided power pedals..

[catchourbreath]

I recall the Terra C was pretty hefty even compared to allo options.

[fourflys]

Originally Posted by catchourbreath

I recall the Terra C was pretty hefty even compared to allo options.

1610ish grams per Specialized, I think the DtSwiss are around 2000ish?

I guess the question would be how much more would it cost to get much lower than 1600 grams?

[Philster]

Although we’re talking pretty small amounts at this point, I think you could definitely get wheels that are below 1,600 grams for the $1,200 you could save by buying the cheaper model. Rival is a porker, also. Make sure both models have the same Future Shock.

I have a Diverge which I’m keeping, but I’ve thought of a Roubaix for all road duty. I’d love to hear some comments on the Geo of each bike from someone more knowledgeable than me. The one issue I have with the Diverge is that it feels like it needs a dropper on the super steep stuff.

[fourflys]

Originally Posted by Philster

Although we’re talking pretty small amounts at this point, I think you could definitely get wheels that are below 1,600 grams for the $1,200 you could save by buying the cheaper model. Rival is a porker, also. Make sure both models have the same Future Shock.

I have a Diverge which I’m keeping, but I’ve thought of a Roubaix for all road duty. I’d love to hear some comments on the Geo of each bike from someone more knowledgeable than me. The one issue I have with the Diverge is that it feels like it needs a dropper on the super steep stuff.

Thanks!

both bikes at that level have the middle Future Shock (3.2, hydro-damped, but not adjustable). the geo overlays on BikeInsights between the Roubaix and Diverge are pretty close.. except I might go with the 54 in Diverge.. but how they ride might be a whole different story.. I'm assuming the Roubaix will feel a bit quicker overall than the Diverge..

[zzy]

The question is do you want a road group or a gravel group (1 or 2x). The geometry is fairly different as the Diverge has a wider wheelbase and lower trail/more rake. It also has far more attachment points for gear and rides better with bags added to it (the downtube is massive). One is a hardpack trail only road bike with aero features. The other is a true all road rigid bike. I have a Diverge and love it. Figure out the kind of riding you're mostly likely to do and the question answers itself.

[Likes2ridefar]

I’d say if the 40mm tire is sufficient for anything you ride then it’s an easy choice. If you need more volume than 40mm then it’s also an easy choice.

Personally for my riding style and terrain a roubaix is a proper road bike while the diverge is a go anywhere more versatile bike that probably isn’t exciting in the same configuration as the roubaix (say 700x35mm)

[fourflys]

fair point all, thanks!

I think I'm most likely going to end up with the Roubaix.. now just have to decide on build level..

[Sarhog]

Originally Posted by fourflys

Also the differences between the Comp and Expert for around $1,200 difference in price..

Comp- 105 Di2, no power meter, DTSwiss G540 aluminum wheels
Expert- SRAM Rival AXS, single sided power, Roval Terra C (hooked) carbon wheels
-not much else of consequence different that I can see.. and I've never had e-shifting before..

I guess the question is if the drivetrain, power, and wheels are worth an extra $1,200.. for the record, if I got the Comp with no power, I would probably buy a pair of the Favero single-sided power pedals..

For me, I’d select the Expert for sure.

[fourflys]

Originally Posted by Sarhog

For me, I’d select the Expert for sure.

I think I'm leaning that way.. but my local shop has both, so I should be able to have a go on both of them..

[fourflys]

so, for the collective-

what other bikes should I be looking at with a stack of 566 and reach of 370 (size 52 Roubaix)? and the stack is probably a bit higher because of the future shock..

I just want to make sure I don't miss out on something..

[rice rocket]

How long do you plan on keeping it?

I wouldn't invest in future shock bikes, personally. Stop gap technology at it's fullest, especially when parts begin to disappear.

[merckx]

Originally Posted by rice rocket

How long do you plan on keeping it?

I wouldn't invest in future shock bikes, personally. Stop gap technology at it's fullest, especially when parts begin to disappear.

I couldn't agree more with this recommendation.