Regarding cycling, Specialized is one of the industry’s most respected and trusted names.
Specialized offers a wide range of bikes, from mountain bikes to road bikes, each designed to meet the needs of different riders. Two of their most popular models are the Specialized Diverge and the Specialized Roubaix.
Both are great options for riders looking for a reliable and efficient ride, but they are designed for different types of cycling. In this article, we will compare the two bikes to help you decide which is best.
What Are Specialized Diverge Bikes?
Whether you’re looking for a bike to get you around town or to tackle gravel roads, Specialized has a Diverge bike to fit your needs. Specialized Diverge bikes are designed to take you further than ever before.
With a lightweight frame, fast-rolling wheels, and stable geometry, Diverge bikes are the perfect choice for exploring new roads and trails.
Whether you’re looking to tackle gravel roads, commute to work, or simply explore the roads less traveled, Specialized Diverge bikes have you covered. If you’re looking for a bike that can take you further than ever, look no further than Specialized Diverge bikes.
What Are Specialized Roubaix Bikes?
Whether you’re a road cyclist, triathlete, or commuter, the Specialized Roubaix is an excellent choice. Specialized Roubaix bikes are designed for comfort and speed. They are lightweight yet durable and feature an ergonomic design that allows riders to stay in the saddle for long periods without feeling fatigued.
The Specialized Roubaix is popular for road cyclists, triathletes, and commuters. The Specialized Roubaix is equipped with a wide range of components, including Shimano and SRAM components, as well as a range of wheel sizes.
The bike has various gearing options, allowing riders to tailor it to their needs. The Specialized Roubaix is a great choice for riders looking for a comfortable, efficient, fast road bike.
Specialized Diverge And Roubaix Bikes – Key Differences
Frame & Fork
Specialized Diverge Bikes frames are made from lightweight and durable materials like aluminum or carbon fiber. They have different grades of carbon fiber for higher-end models to optimize weight, stiffness, and compliance.
The frame geometry provides stability and comfort for long rides on various surfaces. It has provisions for mounting racks, fenders, multiple bottle cages, and clearance for wider tires, including gravel-specific or mountain bike tires.
It features carbon fiber or aluminum forks optimized for off-road riding with responsive handling and vibration dampening for added comfort. Certain models may offer a suspension fork for improved performance on rough terrain, with a lockout feature to switch between rigid and suspension modes.
Remember that frame and fork specifications can vary across different models and years within the Diverge lineup. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, it’s recommended to visit the Specialized website or consult a Specialized dealer directly.
Specialized Roubaix Bikes frames are typically made from lightweight and durable materials, such as carbon fiber. Specialized utilizes advanced carbon layup techniques to optimize the frame’s strength, stiffness, and compliance.
The frame geometry is designed for endurance riding, prioritizing comfort and stability over long distances. The Roubaix frames often feature technologies such as Specialized’s Future Shock system, a suspension system located in the head tube that helps absorb road vibrations and impacts, enhancing rider comfort.
The frame may also have provisions for mounting accessories like racks and fenders.
The fork on the Specialized Roubaix bikes is typically constructed from carbon fiber. The fork design is specifically engineered to complement the frame’s endurance-focused characteristics. It helps dampen road vibrations and provides responsive handling, contributing to a smooth and comfortable ride.
Specialized may incorporate additional features in the fork, such as thru-axles for enhanced stiffness and disc brake compatibility for consistent and reliable stopping power.
Components & Drivetrain
Specialized Diverge Bikes
- Components: The Diverge range of bikes from Specialized includes various features to suit different riding styles and needs. These components include Shimano drivetrains, hydraulic disc brakes, and Specialized’s proprietary features.
- Drivetrain: The drivetrain of the Diverge range of bikes is designed to provide smooth and responsive shifting. The drivetrain comprises Shimano components, including the derailleurs, shifters, and cranksets.
- The drivetrain is designed to provide reliable and smooth movement, even in the toughest conditions.
Specialized Roubaix Bikes
- Components: The Roubaix range of bikes from Specialized includes various parts to suit different riding styles and needs. These components include Shimano drivetrains, hydraulic disc brakes, and Specialized’s proprietary features.
- Drivetrain: The drivetrain of the Roubaix range of bikes is designed to provide smooth and responsive shifting. The drivetrain comprises Shimano components, including the derailleurs, shifters, and cranksets.
- The drivetrain is designed to provide reliable and smooth movement, even in the toughest conditions. The Roubaix range of bikes also features an electronic shifting system, which provides even smoother shifting.
Wheels & Tires
Specialized Diverge has wheels and tires to suit different terrain and riding styles. The standard wheelset is 700c, and the tires range from 28mm to 40mm wide, depending on the model.
The tires are designed to provide good grip and traction on gravel and dirt roads and improved handling on paved roads.
For those looking for even more performance, the Diverge Pro model has 650b wheels and tires. The 650b wheels improve handling on tight and technical terrain, while the wider tires provide better grip and traction.
Specialized Roubaix has wheels and tires to suit different terrain and riding styles. The standard wheelset is 700c, and the tires range from 28mm to 40mm wide, depending on the model.
The tires are designed to provide good grip and traction on paved roads and improve comfort and shock absorption.
The Roubaix Pro model comes with 650b wheels and tires for those looking for even more performance. The 650b wheels improve handling on tight and technical terrain, while the wider tires offer better grip and traction.
Brakes & Shifters
Specialized Diverge Bikes have hydraulic disc brakes, offering superior braking power and modulation. The brakes are paired with Shimano SLX shifters, providing smooth and reliable shifting.
The shifters are designed to be ergonomic and intuitive to use, making them perfect for long rides.
Specialized Roubaix Bikes have hydraulic disc brakes, offering superior braking power and modulation. The brakes are paired with Shimano Ultegra shifters, providing smooth and reliable shifting.
The shifters are designed to be lightweight and ergonomic, making them perfect for long rides. Additionally, the shifters feature a two-way release, allowing for easier shifting when climbing or descending.
Accessories & Extras
- Frame Bags: These bags are designed to fit the frame which provides extra storage for your ride. They come in a variety of sizes and colors to match your bike.
- Bottle Cages: These are designed to securely hold your water bottle while riding. They come in a variety of colors and styles to match your bike.
- Handlebar Tape: This tape is designed to provide extra grip and comfort while riding. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns to match your bike.
Sizing & Geometry
Specialized Diverge Bikes come in a range of sizes and geometries. The frame sizes range from 49 cm to 61cm, and the geometry is designed to provide a comfortable, stable, and efficient ride.
The wheelbase is longer than a road bike’s, and the bottom bracket is lower for increased stability. The head tube angle is slacker than a road bike’s, and the chainstay length is shorter for increased agility.
Specialized Roubaix Bikes come in a range of sizes and geometries. The frame sizes range from 51cm to 63cm, and the geometry is designed to provide a comfortable, stable, and efficient ride. The wheelbase is longer than a road bike’s, and the bottom bracket is lower for increased stability.
The head tube angle is slacker than a road bike’s, and the chainstay length is shorter for increased agility. The Roubaix also features a longer wheelbase than the Diverge, giving it a more comfortable ride.
Specialized Diverge Vs Roubaix Bikes – Similarities
The Specialized Diverge and the Specialized Roubaix come from the same manufacturer and share some similarities. Both bikes feature aluminum frames and high-end components.
Both bikes also come in various sizes, allowing riders to find the perfect fit for their body type. Either bikes feature hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping power in all conditions. These model bikes have various gearing options for different terrain and riding styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Specialized Diverge and Roubaix come in different frame materials?
Yes, both the Diverge and Roubaix are available in different frame materials. Typically, Specialized offers carbon fiber frames for higher-end models, providing a balance of weight, stiffness, and compliance.
Lower-priced models may feature aluminum frames, which offer durability at a more affordable price point.
What Type Of Terrain Is Best Suited For The Specialized Diverge Bike?
The Specialized Diverge bike is best suited for gravel and dirt roads and light off-road trails. It is designed to be a versatile bike that can handle a variety of terrain, from smooth highways to rough tracks.
The frame geometry and components are optimized for stability and comfort, making it a great choice for those exploring the outdoors.
Can I mount accessories like racks and fenders on the Specialized Diverge and Roubaix?
Yes, the Diverge and Roubaix frames typically have provisions for mounting racks, fenders, and other accessories. It allows riders to customize their bikes for commuting, touring, or adventures.
Final Words
Specialized Diverge and Roubaix bikes offer cyclists a wide range of options for different types of riding. The Diverge is an all-road adventure bike designed for gravel and mixed terrain, while the Roubaix is a performance road bike designed for longer rides and smoother roads.
Both bikes feature quality components and design features that make them ideal for different types of riding. Whether you’re looking for an all-road adventure bike or a performance road bike, Specialized has a bike to meet your needs.
