Race tested: $2,700 Specialized Diverge at Valley of Tears

The Specialized Diverge 4 Alloy Comp is a relatively reasonably priced gravel bike with some notable features like 2.2" tire clearance and a generous down tube storage port. The touch points are excellent, but there's no getting around the weight. I took the bike to Valley of Tears in Texas for a legit test, but first I made a couple of modifcations. -- Want to see what I'm testing and where? Follow me on Strava:   / strava   on Instagram:   / ben_delaney   -- The Ride is supported in 2026 by: BikeTiresDirect: https://tinyurl.com/yc7vxujh (save 10% with code 'RIDEWITHBEN') Castelli clothing: https://www.castelli-cycling.com/US/en/ Perc coffee: https://tinyurl.com/fjr7nurr (save 15% with code 'ride15') Feedback Sports stands & tools: https://bit.ly/3S9Dq8r Saris racks: https://saris.com/collections/racks# (save 15% with code 'ben15') Silca maintenance: https://silca.cc/ (save 10% with code 'theridewithbenjune2025') Lezyne radar & lights: https://tinyurl.com/4z5e3e9u The Cyclist Lawyer: https://www.thecyclist-lawyer.com/ Shimano shoes: http://tinyurl.com/ye274tep -- 0:00 intro 2:19 bike details 4:58 does Future Shock actually work? 7:02 comparisons 7:34 likes, loves and dislikes 10:08 race questions 11:00 Castelli goodness & jokes 12:42 race montage 14:35 post-race findings