There was a time when a sub-$1000 mountain bike of any configuration was either wishful thinking or a bloated department store clunker disguised to look like a real off-road bicycle. If there is one good thing to be said for economy of scale, it’s that mountain bikes have been becoming steadily more affordable and these days a well spec’ed hardtail can be yours for just such an initial investment. Case in point, Diamondback’s Overdrive Comp 29er. Continue reading →
Submitted by
JW
a Downhiller
from Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2012
Strengths: Components are really stout, not used to SRAM but they are shift well and accurate. Weight on the bike was not as bad as I expected it to be. Gearing is wonderful with a SRAM 3X10 its all you need. Matt Silver is a nice look on the 2012 version. THought it had a clear to it but it is a mat silver, very nice. The WTB Wolverine 2.2 are very wide and get the job done quite nice. Lifetime frame replacement is a plus.
Weaknesses: INTEGRATED HEADSET! Not a fan of these because of the problems that usually come with them, but my first 29er I'll deal with it. Saddle is a bit stiff. Pedals are terrible but that is an easy replacement. DB Customer service is also terrible, so beware.
Bottom Line:
When you look at the big two, Trek and Specialized, they can't touch the price point Diamondback puts on the 2012 Overdrive comp. The upgraded components and front shock make this a really good bike. I've ridden this thing hard and it performs really well on the trail. I'm surprised how well it climbs, it climbs like a mountain goat. The tires corner very well too it takes rock gardens very well. The bike really gets it on going down hill. It could shed 3/4 lb when I go tubeless on this thing. May upgrade my saddle too. The lifetime warranty on the frame is also a plus. However, beware of the incompetent people answering the phones at Diamondback. The finish is a mat silver and Overdrive Pro gets a mat white. The regular Overdrive and Overdrive Sport get a gloss finish. It looks good though. This is where DB could do some work on. I'm really impressed how DB is stepping it up. You will too. Buy the comp and you'll be happy.
