Hi, buying a new bike and I’m struggling to find any gravel style bikes used at decent prices. I did find one which seems very well priced, however I’m concerned it may be too much bike for commuting. If its raining/snowing I dont commute by bike, so it wont get as much abuse.
Heres the listing, priced at $1200
Specialized Diverge Expert
Year: 2020
Size: 54cm (TT: 530mm, ST: 480mm, HT: 110mm, STR: 40mm)
Material: Carbon
Groupset: SRAM Force 1×11 hydraulic disc brake
Shifters: SRAM Force 1x 11
Rear derailleur: SRAM Force 1x
Brake calipers: SRAM Force 22
Rotors: SRAM CLX 160mm (F: 1.9mm, R: 1.7mm)
Crankset: 172.5mm, 40T, Praxxis Carbon
Cassette: 11/42T SRAM GX
Handlebar: 42cm Specialized Adventure Hover Alloy
Stem: 100mm Specialized Future Comp
Seatpost: 27.2mm Specialized CG-R
Saddle: 160mm Brooks Swift
Wheelset: Roval C38 carbon tubeless, 38mm Terravail Rampart tubeless tires (25%)
Mechanic's notes: Minor paint imperfections on frameset and decals, scuffing on components, wear from typical use
My main concerns are the reliability/durability of carbon wheels and whether or not its a good idea to sell the wheels and get a cheaper set. And, is tubeless better for commuting? I always do tube-in with tire liner for thorns and such.
I appreciate any insight, thanks!
by 1lcvee
6 Comments
This would not be my choice for commuting, since it does not appear to have anywhere to mount a rear rack. Commuting with a backpack gets old pretty fast–you get a lot sweatier, and it’s much more tiring on your back. If it’s dedicated to commuting, finding a bike that is rack-compatible would be my priority
Seems like a great bike for the price! I’d go for it – the other commenter mentioned wanting to have a rack, I agree with that, but also at this point there are a ton of options for racks that connect to a carbon frame without mounting points. Probably don’t want more than 20lb on those things, but they are totally adequate for some basic work stuff.
IMO this is too nice for a commuter, but it’s totally up to you. It’s seems like a good deal for the bike. But if you’re worried about reliability/durability generally then I’d personally go with a steel or aluminum touring rig instead. If you’re wanting to go fast and have the aggressive drop bar posture on the commute then go for it.
Excellent price. You should get it. Just make sure you check for frame damage. Understand how to do coin tap test.
I bought used 2021 Trek Checkpoint SL 5 with Shimano 105 2×11 for the same price; only has aluminum rims. I didn’t use it for commute though. I used my aluminum bike for commute, and used the carbon bike for weekend recreational rides.
I cannot comment on carbon rims, because I don’t own one.
Between tubeless and inner tube, there is no better or worse. All depends on your preference and how often you have flats. Tubeless requires maintenance, which I do every 3 months in the garage. Inner tube will have higher chance of flat, which means repair on the road/trails.
I got around 3 punctures in around 5000 miles on inner tube. Not bad. So average around 1 puncture every 1600 miles.
I have ridden 2000 miles on tubeless and no punctures yet (or no big punctures that cannot be sealed).
This bike looks great.
People here are saying it’s too much bike or too nice for commuting….pfft.
Get the bike you want to ride.
I would agree that you’ll want something bike mounted to carry things, and not use a backpack.
While this may not take traditional racks, I use an Aeroe Spider rear rack/pannier setup on my carbon gravel bike…it just straps to the seat stays, and is solid as.
It does add some noticable weight at the rear of the bike when you lift it around..about 1.3kg…but having a light carbon bike in the first place means it’s not too heavy overall.
You won’t be loading so much weight on it that there should be any concern about frame integrity.
There are likely other similar options from other brands.
Even a seatpost mounted large saddle bag could work.
Or you could get a full frame bag, although it definitely won’t carry as much.
I have an aluminum diverge for commuting and a love it. I can grind to work just fine, or I can bomb down gravel roads when I get a chance.
Racks fit just fine in Diverge, they’re designed for bikepacking.
Carbon and wheels being a bit too nice… maybe, Is it locked up outside, or is it in your office/workplace?
Seeing as my Elite E5 was $1900 USD used… I’d kill to get that changed over to this Carbon.