Overdrive 29erThe Overdrives big 29 inch wheels roll over stuff much easierThanThe smaller 26 inch wheels.There areTechnical explanations for whyThey do, but in plain english its just a lot of fun! Frame: Overdrive 29" Butted 6061-T6 Aluminum w/ FormedTop / DownTube, integrated Headtube, DB Snake Stays, replaceable hanger Fork: SR Suntour XCT MLO 100mmTravel; 28.6mm stanchions w/ mechanical lockout Components: SR Suntour XCT cranks; 22/32/42t Sealed Cartridge bottom bracket Shim
Weaknesses: Mid-range components- ample at the price.
Bottom Line:
After a couple weeks of daily riding, I'm liking this thing more and more every day. The fact that I only dropped 5 bills on it makes it that much sweeter. Less nimble than a 26, but almost luxury in the ride. It feels more like you are in the bike than on it and the control is great. Rolling over AZ rocky trails is near effortless- dare I say confidence inspiring? It is all one could expect from a $500 bike and much, much more. Completely pleased with this purchase. For a beginner or one who might be curious about a sturdy 29, you are in the bike affordably and I predict it will appeal to all but the most hardcore or downhillers. A great XC that carries smooth looks.
Submitted by
isra
a Weekend Warrior
from las cruces, nm, usa
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2011
Strengths: Strong all around bike
Weaknesses: None yet
Bottom Line:
Its a bad ass bike for the price if u can get ur hands on one do it had it for two years and haseny given me any problems I tide it two work 3-4 days out of the week and take it to the trails on the weekends repalced the brakes just cause I got them cheap not cause it needed. It get one and ride it like its ur last time rideing it can take a beating.
Bike Setup: Mostly stock just replaced the wire brakes for formula 1 hydraulic ones that will stop u on a dime with out hesitation
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
NinjaBkr
a Weekend Warrior
from Great Falls, VA, Fairfax
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2011
Strengths: Sturdy frame, good allround set-up, great price/benefit ratio
Weaknesses: seat slips a bit, bike is a bit "squeaky", lubricate it well
Bottom Line:
I am big dude: 6'1" and 270 lb. I was looking for a bike that I can throw around in the woods and on the local bike trails without worries. I ride for a long time but have taken a break. So, for me it was sort of a new start. I think this bike is a great "starter" bike and more. I think it's durable and rides well. Love the big wheels. I bought my wife the same - just a slightly smaller frame for the occasional bike trip together. Nothing has broken so far. My plan is to upgrade some of the components as they need replacement. I think the value is fantastic in the sub $500 price range.
Weaknesses: Bit heavy, but no heavier than models tested less than a grand.
Bottom Line:
Looked at many bikes and found this to be the best 29r for me. Many bikes I was shown were $1000 plus, but this does a beautiful job for $400. If your wanting to get into mountain riding and are not racing or bashing rocks, and want a bike that can carry a load in fishing or hunting this is a good choice. If you want to down hill and be very aggressive go past this and get a full suspension, lighter weight bike.
Submitted by
Johan van Zyl
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas (Garland)
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2011
Strengths: Price- best 29er value, great handling, great high speed cornering over bumpy terrain, stick so the trail like glue, good geometry and good fit, smooth ride, strong solid bike, gives the rider a feeling of confidence, fun to ride.
Weaknesses: Brakes are ok but could be better, a touch heavier than some of the other bikes but that goes with strength and reliability. Tires wear a little fast for my liking so I only ride dirt which makes them last much longer. Front brakes started screaming after a while due to residue but sanding the brake pads solved this problem.The seat post also slips if not very tight.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I have not had this much fun in a long time. I even got my wife one. Paying attention to the tuning of this bike makes a huge difference to the way that it rides. I would highly recommend lubricating the drive train and derailleurs with Tri Flow oil. Also oil the shifter cables and brake cables. Youtube has many handy videos showing you how to do it in about 10 minutes. It will make braking and shifting much smoother and reduce cable stretch which will reduce readjusting the shifters etc over time. I am 6' tall and weigh 210 pounds and this bike fits me like a glove. Tire pressure also makes a huge difference to the way these bikes handle. I have found that 35psi on the back tire is good all round pressure to prevent tire rollout from under the rim in turns and it also provides the perfect combination of rolling resistance and grip. I run my front tire at 15 psi which has a great effect on the way that the front wheel handles tight turns and bumpy terrain. The difference in tire pressure between the front and rear wheels equal out due to the fact that most of the weight of the rider is on the rear wheel. These bikes are awesome.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale, Felt, Raleigh and Trek
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
R Hands
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2011
Strengths: Cheap, lifetime warranty on frame
Weaknesses: Brand isnt respected, lower end parts
Bottom Line:
I ride trails about 40 miles a week
I am one of those people who does a stupid amount of research before purchasing stuff. My budget was $2K and I spent $400, that should say something. Compare Specialized and other brands at the lower end and you'll see the parts are EXACTLY the same as what is on here but the bikes will be $6-700.
For my area, I determined full suspension didnt make sense and 100mm travel is plenty. Even if some parts dont last quite as long as high end components will, replacing as they break w high end components will still put me out ahead financially and with a nicer bike than those with a 29er of any other brand.
Bike Setup: Stock except for some different pedals - for trails the stock pedals aren't cutting it
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
matt.bedsaul
a Weekend Warrior
from Bel Air, MD, US
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2011
Strengths: Solid, relatively light weight frame. Overall sturdy feel and good looks. Love the ability to lock out the forks. Seems like a great bike for the $$, and as others have said, worthy of future upgrades if needed.
Weaknesses: Curious how the SRAM shifter will hold up over time. So far, although pretty noisey, the brakes have solid stopping power, even when wet.
Bottom Line:
Was lucky enough to catch this bike on sale for $399 and with shipping to my local Performace Bike shop, paid no shipping. For just getting into riding for exercise and wanting to stay off of roads, my Overdrive seems like a great deal. If at the reg. price of $499, seems like one of the best deals out there.
Submitted by
aa240sx
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego , CA
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2011
Strengths: Purchased 2010 pro model - Great product mix for the price. Granted I got a smokin deal but to get a Rock Shox Reba at this level is unheard of. Avid bb5 mech brakes are very strong, Rolls smooth for a 29er.
Weaknesses: SRAM X5 is passable, definitely prefer a dual trigger mech. Weight can be an issue, WTB Prowlers a waayy too much tire for this bike.
Bottom Line:
To be perfectly honest, I bought the bike for it's parts to place on a much better frame. That said, I actually rode around on the bike for a few weeks and it grew on me. This is my first 29er rig and so far am very impressed with it. Definitely not as nimble as 26ers, but it does feel quicker. I got the XL model and with me at 6'00 tall, standover height is non-existent. Anyway, I posting this review up for anyone that is looking for a decent entry into the 29er market. I can't say there's a better bike out there and prices for these models are well under 800 discounted at many retail stores, like Sports Authority, Sport Chalet or in my case, Bass Pro Shops.
Bike Setup: Bone stock Overdrive Pro includes SRAM X5 drivetrain, Rock Shox Reba SL fork, WTB all terrain 29 inch rims, WTB prowler tires, Avenir seat, seatpost, stem and bar, KMC chain, Truvativ 5d power spline cranks, Avid bb5 mech brakes.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
MKennedy
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise, Id
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2010
Strengths: Price, components are comparable to entry level 29ers costing $900-1200. Good bike for larger rider.
Weaknesses: rear brake was squeaky for the 1st 300 miles after that it is good.
Bottom Line:
very nice bike for the money. The 29ers roll very well. When trail riding they flow over terain easier.
Submitted by
serpico317
a Cross Country Rider
from Helena,Montana
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2010
Strengths: It is not too heavy,good componet mix for the price.Everything works well and the bike is the first mountain bike that has fit me well.
Weaknesses: None,except seatpost slips unless clamp is very tight.
Bottom Line:
I didn't have a lot of cash to spend on a 29er but it rides very well and the bike is worthy of upgrades when parts wear out.
If you are looking to try a 29er that won't wipe out
bank account,this is it.
Bike Setup: All stock except,I swapped crank for a Race Face crank I had and the front derailleur.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
umarth
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2010
Strengths: Great price, good component mix and not too heavy. Diamondback was clever and saved money in good ways. The disc brakes have good bite and haven't required adjustment over the first couple hundred miles. Formula hubs are reliable, easy to service and should hold up well. Drivetrain is sram X4 8 speed with 11-30. I think 8 speed is more reliable, especially at a lower price point, than 9 speed, plus the parts are cheaper.
Weaknesses: The DART3 is heavy, but at least it works well. The seatpost slips and the saddle slides back.
Bottom Line:
I'm a student, so while I ride a lot, I can't afford a really nice bike. This bike gets me into a bike that I can ride hard and have everything function well. The geometry is spot on, the riding position is comfortable and the only drawback are a minor quibble about parts (which I don't mind- 20 second fixes while I wait for everyone to catch up) and the weight.
Sure you can buy a nicer bike. But you don't have to, the Diamondback is great for any rider.
Bike Setup: Stock, minus a handlebar/stem/lever swap, since I had them.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
owesyd
a Weekend Warrior
from Buffalo,NY USA
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2010
Strengths: disc brakes, solid frame, decent components for the price
Weaknesses: none so far
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike because I wasn't sure if I'd like a 9er or not& didn't want to drop alot of cash and not like it. It took 1 ride to hook me. I'm not going back to 26" wheels. This bike isn't too heavy, climbs like a beast & rolls over everything. Great bike if you're considering switching to a 9er.
Submitted by
boxerbear
a Cross Country Rider
from Algonac
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2010
Strengths: looks good, strong welds, nice forks, and handlebars
Weaknesses: both derailleurs
Bottom Line:
great bike for getting into mountain biking, but if your gonna take it on the trails you need to get a new derailleur. I had my bike for less then a month and the plastic peaces in the rear just fell apart.
Hello! My name is Chris, from Woodstock, GA and this is my first thread so just wanted introduce myself! Commence noob razzing... lol. My closest trails are Blankets Creek in Ca Read More »
There is a returned
Diamondback Overdrive Sport for $301.50 at nashbar. Size 18inch probably only one available. Jump on it if you have the chance. Read More »
Been shopping for a ride that actually fit me....was only looking to ride a few different bikes today, but fell in love with this one! Found it at my local Performance Bike. They h Read More »
[url=http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12194202&cp=4406646.4425420.12294726]Diamondback Overdrive V 29'er Mountain Bike 2012 - Dick's Sporting G Read More »
[url=http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12194202&cp=4406646.4425420.12294726]Diamondback Overdrive V 29'er Mountain Bike 2012 - Dick's Sporting G Read More »
