GT grade 105 carbon or Specialized diverge carbon comp

[Goldenstar]

Hello

I am considering getting one of the above bikes and was looking for some recommendations or thoughts on how these compare.

I will be riding on Bridle ways and cyclepaths as well as a bit of road riding so looking for a good all rounder that is not too compromised on the road.

I have a MTB already for rougher stuff

I have a couple of test rides set up as well,

Links

https://www.evanscycles.com/specialized-diverge-comp-carbon-2016-adventure-road-bike-EV244932

https://www.evanscycles.com/gt-grade-carbon-105-2016-adventure-road-bike-EV240489

 

[Andrew_P]

I have the Grade it is great for winter as mudguards and discs. I run 30mm tubeless so can't really say it isn't a bit compromised on tarmac, it costs me about 1.5mph on my average time ot work.

It has been hit with the fugly stick but it has been perfect for what I wanted it to do.

It would be worth talking to a independent who deals with CSG the importer I got a 2016 Ultegra soon after launch with mudguards fitted and a pair of new turbeless tyres for £2200. The reason I wanted it was for the superior DT Swiss 240 hubs, wasn't fussed by the groupset.

 

[Dave7]

I like the Diverge and was thinking of trying one out. However I think the price for the carbon is stupid @ £2500.00.
The equivilent in Specialized Roubaix is £1600.00 (go figure??) and will confortably do cycle paths. I have just brought one home for a weeks trial.
I recently tried a Ridley Gravel......on a 30 miler.....excellent ride but the BIG tyres tended to drag.

 

[Kajjal]

Either would be fine it just depends which you prefer after seeing them and a test ride.

I have a diverge comp dsw which is fast on road and handles well off road until it gets rough. The benefit over a mountain bike is you can combine road and off road sections while exploring. On a mountain bike with big knobbly tyres the road sections can drag a bit. In the winter it works well as a road bike with rides of a few hours being comfortable and easy enough. The bigger and more knobbly tyres you fit the slower it goes on road but i foubd the tyres it came with good alrounders.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

I like the Diverge and was thinking of trying one out. However I think the price for the carbon is stupid @ £2500.00.
The equivilent in Specialized Roubaix is £1600.00 (go figure??) and will confortably do cycle paths. I have just brought one home for a weeks trial.
I recently tried a Ridley Gravel......on a 30 miler.....excellent ride but the BIG tyres tended to drag.

@Dave7

How did you find the Ridley? I have a dealer very near to me to try but would appreciate your opinion first.

I've been looking at the X-Trail Alloy 20 which @ £1500 looks like a nice bike and possibly an ideal replacement for my CX bike.

I'd switch the chubby 38mm tyres to something a little smaller eg 32mm marathon Supremes currently hanging on my garage wall!

 

[Dave7]

It was a really smooth, comfy ride.
I took it down some rough farm tracks........lots of potholes & loose gravel and felt it was impossible to lose control......it dealt so easily with everything.
The one I tried had 43mm tyres......dont know what it could go down to.
I have not discounted getting one but am trying a few others in my quest to find the perfect bike

 

[SpokeyDokey]

It was a really smooth, comfy ride.
I took it down some rough farm tracks........lots of potholes & loose gravel and felt it was impossible to lose control......it dealt so easily with everything.
The one I tried had 43mm tyres......dont know what it could go down to.
I have not discounted getting one but am trying a few others in my quest to find the perfect bike

@Dave7

The spec' I am looking at shows 38mm Challenge Gravel Grinders tyres - I mainly ride on roads so these are a bit chunky and 'tready' for what I need.

https://www.ridley-bikes.com/be/en/...lloy-20-xta-01bm-black-grey-white-orange.html

V.good spec' and looks nice to my eyes at least!