Submitted by
dubinjs
a Cross Country Rider
from Boyds, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2011
Strengths: Eats up the DH! Hammerschmidt is king. Not sure that I would ever buy another bike without this crank or something similar. Great BB clearance, even on a SM frame.
Weaknesses: a bit heavy. Not the best in the flats or climbing and you need to keep the Pro Pedal on for these sections or you feel the drag.
Bottom Line:
A great bike that can tear up anything that you throw at it. Once you dile in your riding style and make the appropriate upgrades and adjustments, the bike becomes part of you. i usually have a little trouble keeping up with people on the climbs, but make up for it on the DH quickly. It climbs well, you just need to work a little harder. I love this rig!!
Similar Products Used: none. Other bike for 7 years was a HT Klien Attitude.
Bike Setup: hammerschmidt crank, Easton Haven wheels, Easton haven 55mm stem, Easton Haven 177mm low rise carbon bar, rockshox Reverb hydraulic seat post, WTB Rocket V SLT, Shimano XT pedals, Maxxis Ardent 2.4 up front and 2.25 in rear(Tubeless set up), Ergon Grips, Avid disc, Fox Rp23 rear, Fox Talas 160 Front
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Submitted by
cyber96
a Cross Country Rider
from Hatfield, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2011
Strengths: Weight to suspension ratio, Truvativ hammerschmit AM crank, Elixer CR5 brakes
Weaknesses: Weight (34lbs for Lg frame), Weight of the crank, paint job.
Bottom Line:
After riding my KONA (which is a AM frame) for XC I decided to actually go with an AM bike that came in 1/2lbs under my Kona. My search was as follows: I wanted a AM bike, lighter then 34.5lbs that had fantastic components. I mainly ride XC, I weight in at 179lbs and am 6'1. The Lg was a great fit for me. As the bike stands for XC, the tires are to big (2.5 front and 2.3 rear), the forks do not have adjustable travel so with the 160mm front climbing is interesting.
Overall, I love the bike. I was a DB hater until I got this bike. They still make great high end products. Just watch out for comments on the trails.
Similar Products Used: Custom build Kona Dawg Deluxe, Scott Spark 29er, Schwinn Rocket 1
Bike Setup: Stock besides ODI Rogue grips, Nite Rider MiNewt 300 light, Shimano pedals
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Submitted by
Twisted1
a Downhiller
from Seattle Washington
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2011
Strengths: Looks, low bb height, strength, product list
Weaknesses: None... Well frame sizes are not really correct
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is this bike is awesome. Yes you do need to change out some of the factory parts to be able to fit your riding style, but once it's all built up.... Ready to bomb down the mountain! I used to have that dumb ass mentality that if the bike isn't this name brand or cost this much it was junk. Sh1tttt diamond back got it goin on now. Yes it isn't really fair to compare the session to the mission, but the mission can hold on it's own. I have raced light dh track against my buddies stinky and handled every hit, huck, rock garden that he did on the "glorious" kona. Only real gripe I have is the frame sizes are kinda off. The 17 med frame with db is kinda big. It feels like a trek 18.
People if your looking for great platform to build nice freeride bike then look no further!
Similar Products Used: Trek session 8, yeti 575, Kona stinky
Bike Setup: Marz am sl2 fork, dhx 5.0 air rear, race face atlus cranks, truativ hussenfelt bars, sixpack raptor x stem, shwalbe big Betty tires, Hayes hfx 9 hd brakes, Halo freedom wheel,
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Submitted by
rlrocks04
a Weekend Warrior
from Westchester NY
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2011
Strengths: Climbs like a mountain goat, descends like a mountain goat. The Hammerschmit is the most amazing invention known to mankind and while it adds some weight to the bike I will never have to worry about shifting again. No chain slipping when it doesn't like the ratio i'm in. Feels completely rock solid. Fox suspension is smoooooothe as butter
Weaknesses: little on the heavy side
Bottom Line:
don't be pushed away by the thought of this bike being too heavy. it frickin rocks.
Bike Setup: 2010 mission 3. full fox float. truvativ hammershmidt cranks, x9 shifters and derailleurs, elixer cr brakes...
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Submitted by
Radam77
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2011
Strengths: Blue anodized finish nice and no two look alike.
The suspension linkage is a bell crank style and feels smooth as butta! Pikes Rule and everyone knows it! XT brakes and some super sticky stoppers! XT cranks are stiff and smooth. I like the Easton Post for it's hight marks, handy if you can't afford a auto dropper. XT cassette is the bomb, shifts soooo smooth and in two years I've replace it twice. Rear hub has a neat QR thru axle thats super stiff!
Weaknesses: Shimano XT shifting doesn't hold up well to the NW weather but Sram XO changed that. Shim chain did it's usual thing and blew up in less then three rides. Rear end is a little flexy. I've been on a Mission for a while now and have had three different stays. I will admit to being a big guy (230lbs) and I like to rail corners. Stock Tires where not my favorite. I live in a wet region so tire choice is key and very personal. Stock wheels where a little heavy. I had to be replaced after a year after they wouldn't hold a true.
Bottom Line:
This bike is an awesome value for an AM monster truck! I have put a ton of mileage on my Mission over two plus years and still look forward to riding it. All the rear ends I went through I was able to buy at a good discount through my local DB dealer. I wasn't mad about the rear ends because I understand that I'm a little heavier then the average user, plus I jump it a bit and ride a lot.
Similar Products Used: Scapegoat, DB Sortie, Trek Remedy, Trek Fuel EX, SC Heckler
Bike Setup: XT cranks 32/22 2X9 with bash and E13 DRS and short cage XO and 2 ring SLX front mech. RP23 going strong. Monkey Light mid rise, Gravity Light stem 70mm, Gravity Lock Ons, Original XT brakes, Sram XO rear mech and shifters, front SLX, Gravity Pedals, Fox 36 talas,
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Submitted by
Jeff
a Downhiller
from marin county, california
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2010
Strengths: Beefy frame, good geo, active suspension, very linear suspension, inexpensive.
Weaknesses: Rear end is slightly flexy.
Bottom Line:
The geometry on this bike feels spot on, A 68 degree head tube angle makes it climbable, and slap a Fox 36 up front and it just eats the rough downhills. I found the rear end to be slightly flexy, but it's really not a problem. I have also found the bike to jump remarkably well. My frame(2008) weighs about 7.5 lbs with a RP23 and fsa headset. I'm very happy with it so far and recommend it to anyone looking for a high performance, but inexpensive all mountain rig.
Bike Setup: Fox 36 Van, RaceFace cranks, Rhynolite rims, XT drivetrain, Juicy 5's, Fox RP23.
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Submitted by
R. COGburn
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2009
Strengths: Hydroformed top tube is sexy stiff and provides great standover. Knucklebox is amazing when combined with Fox RP23. Climbs smooth and descends effortlessly. decent weight for a six inch AM bike.
Weaknesses: Some stock components blow (grips, pedals, etc) Rear tire clearance in mud with 2.5s is tight.
Bottom Line:
This bike is great for any All Mountain rider and light freeride use (see beginner's dirt jumps and urban assault). It can ride a few miles of road to the trailhead with no pedal bob, loop a few miles of technical ups and downs, then rail the long downhill back to road.
I find that I ride even longer and harder with the Joplin, but it has its wn set of reviews. The chainslap was a nightmare at first, but the chainguide fixes that. I'd love to ride the newer ones with the HammerSchmidt!
The low BB is great while descending and in tight turns, but watch your crank arms on the rocks. I've had to relearn my riding techniques with this bike, but I've gotten faster in the long run due to the confidence inspiring plush travel.
I hear the 2010 models are redesigned for an even stiffer feel, but I've never noticed any lateral drift.
Similar Products Used: RM Slayer, Specialized Enduro, Jamis Dakar, Haro Xeon Werx, Norco Six
Bike Setup: Stock 08 bike with Joplin seatpost, blackspire stinger dual chainguide, RS Pike 454
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Submitted by
gorgeRide
a Cross Country Rider
from hood river, or
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2009
Strengths: Climbs great, descends even better. Suspension rocks, love the Hammerschmidt, great brakes, great wheels. I take this bike out and climb with the best of them. Then I drop the saddle and mop up on the downhill.
Weaknesses: Ditched the pedals immediately. Grips don't seem to be holding up very well. Otherwise, I'm thrilled with this bike.
Bottom Line:
I was confident that this bike would descend like a champ and handle the big drops with ease. I was surprised at how well the bike climbs. The combination of the KnuckleBox and ProPedal is outstanding. If you can only have one bike and you like to do it all, this is an excellent option.
Weaknesses: incompatibility with the bottom bracket because of the linkage. a nightmare if you want to install or take off parts such as bashgaurds or chainguides. stock parts suck and should be changed if you want to do any serious riding
Bottom Line:
amazing for any type of riding. i set the rebound on the dhx air through the roof, and now it can handle anything. its lightweight and low linkage makes it very easy to whip around, the only problems are the headset and bottom bracket parts. if you want to remove or replace them, you have to special order from diamondback and MAKE SURE all your parts fit.
Similar Products Used: intense uzzi, ironhorse 7 point, trek session 88,
Bike Setup: marz. bomber 66 front mavic rims, maxxis high roller, e-thirteen
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Submitted by
rarroyo
a Downhiller
from Oakland, CA US
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2009
Strengths: Weight, Suspension Design, Quality of build, and of course great design.
Weaknesses: No Maxle in rear
Bottom Line:
Fortunately I have had the opportunity to purchase and ride a number of great bikes from boutique manufactures to industry giants. Every bike I have had has been great...well as excelled in one aspect or another but fell short of my ideal bike therefore they were sold...well enough about my experience lets get down to this bike.
Suspension: Due to its unique design the Mission 3 has the ability to climb like a hardtail...no exaggeration, this design is similar to the iDrive system not technology wise but feel and efficiency.
As for descending it basically flattens the trail, I would say I am an aggressive trail rider with the occasional chair assisted visit ie. N*... 3-4foot drops, rock gardens and roots are my friends and this bike gives you the confidence to ride faster and harder.
Build: Custom
Will post updated review as the season goes by...lucky for me I can ride year round.
Submitted by
Gnarltastic
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2008
Strengths: Knucklebox frame design, fork and shock, true all mountain ride
Weaknesses: low BB height, a few weaker components on a pricey bike
Bottom Line:
I love this bike! The frame design combined with the propedal and lockout option on the fork allow me to climb sections my slayer couldn't. However, drop the seatpost (which can practically disappear) and put on your pads for downhill like assaults. It suck up the baby heads and rails the corners. I've been slightly air born on trail and haven't had any control issues, can't wait to try a true dirt jump on it. Everyone who sees it says "My first bike was a Diamondback, but I didn't realize they were still making quality products".
The answer, they make awesome bikes, and this is my first Diamondback. Test ride one and you'll be grinning from ear to ear.
Similar Products Used: 01 Rocky Mountain Slayer built for freeride
Bike Setup: All stock except shorter (60mm) stem
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Submitted by
angry_beaver
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasadena, CA. United States
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2008
Strengths: The first thing you notice about the Mission 3 is it’s hooded hydroformed top tube which explains itself later on the ride. The main section of the DiamondBack Mission 3 frame is its Knuckle Box design. The Knuckle Box is what keeps everything stable, add in the Fox RP 23 rear shock with a three stage select tuning pro-pedal and a full open stage and you get 6 inches of plush travel which will also explain itself on the ride. Combine all this and you have your self an efficient climbing machine at a good price tag.
Weaknesses: with it’s bottom bracket height at 348mm, combined that with it’s 6 inches of travel and you might hit a big rock or two when fully compressed. It took me about three hits to my pedals to adjust my riding stance.
Bottom Line:
My ride went off with out a hitch and towards the end I started to purposely put the bike in stressful and awkward situations to see how well it would react and respond. The same thought kept popping into my head over and
over....... “STABLE”.
I finished my test ride with a pleasant sense of satisfaction. It happens from time to time that I will finish a test ride with a cheated sense or maybe a
some things missing feeling but, not this time. My experience with the DiamondBack Mission 3 was very pleasant, I adapted to it’s travel early on and after that it wasn’t an issue. Don’t let the name fool you, this is not your low end bike. The Mission 3 can hold it’s own against the pricier competition.
Similar Products Used: Giant-Reign & Reign X, Trek-Remedy
Bike Setup: I built this bike up with a Nixon Elite 115/145 fork, Kore 90mm 5* rise stem,
Hellbent riser bars, ODI lock-on grips, Shimano XT 9spd shifters, Shimano XT levers to Shimano XT 4 piston calipers on a 180mm front disc and a 160mm rear, a SDG seat, Race Face XC ride cranks 2 rings with a bash guard, Shimano XT front and rear derailleur, Shimano 9 spd cassette, Shimano HG chain, Shimano XT
hubs laced to Mavics double walled beefy wheels, a Panaracer XC fire pro 2.1 rear
, a Kenda Blue Groove 2.3 front.
Strengths: Extremely versatile, great value, Low center of gravity, relaxed geometry
Weaknesses: not anodized for 2008, stock wheels aren't great
Bottom Line:
Overall I've been very impressed with this bike. It's good to see diamondback putting out a solid product again. I have mine setup as more of a jumping/light freeride bike but it works great as a trail bike too! The stock setup is very solid - NEW XT, and the geometry is condusive to many types of trail riding. The March issue of Decline outlines a Mission conversion with similar parts. Excellent climber and an even better descender!
Strengths: -Perfect Trail Bike Geometry. Suspension is amazing on the DH's and pedals well enough to get you to the top w/out to much fuss. -Low BB, Super Low COG, and 17" stays make this one of the best balanced bikes I have ever ridden. -Nice low standover. -Relatively stiff. -Sealed bearing pivots
Weaknesses: Frame seems a bit portly haven't weighed it yet just a guess. Large TT is a bit short I am 6'2" and like short bikes, however fellas any taller or with long torso's might be cramped. 115 Stem on large?? Come on mang that's like 1993 shorten it up a bit.
Bottom Line:
Great Bike. I am a fast Semi pro/ Slow Pro DH'r and can't say enough about how well this bike performs. I also ride a new Turner DHR, a Specialized SX (4.2" one), a hand built chromo hardtail, and a Dedaccia Steel Fondriest Road bike. I like nice bikes, and while the Diamondback may not impress your high brow friends I guarantee it'll give you many pleasures.
Similar Products Used: Specialized SX, K2 Tirade, GT I drive.
Bike Setup: 90mm Stem FSA DH Carbon Bars, Singletraks on Ringle abbah's, E13 DRS, May put my Pike 454 on it as the Float 32 RL that came stock works great on the DH's but is too tall when climbing. I can drop the 454 uturn for the climbs. Definitely getting a Gravity dropper or Speedball for this, and racing a few super d's next summer.
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Submitted by
Georg Schacht
a Cross Country Rider
from Tigard,Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2007
Strengths: Finish, build - the RIDE -. The shaped tubing is a thing of beauty and the anodized finish is nice to have. All sealed bearings at suspension mounting points You cannot beat the price and the ride just has to be experienced to be believed.
Weaknesses: none.
Bottom Line:
Built it custom to fit my needs - I ride all mountain and it is the most neutal handling, plush riding bike I have ever owned. The unique rear suspension combined with the Fox RP23 provides a great ride - no need to even use the propedal setting unless you are going up some mighty vertical stuff and even then just stay seated and leave it in the open setting. The rear shock also provides great compression control (factory setting). The other issue of importance is the relatively low bottom bracket height for a 6 inch travel bike - I measure 13 3/8 inches with the continental tires - high enouth to keep the pedals from catching, low enough to provide a great ride when going downhill. No other bike can match that spec - due to the suspension design. Nothing touches it for the money.
I am looking to buy a 09 Mission 3. The problem is that its missing the Hammerschmidt crank that was used for the internal gears and has been changed to a single speed up front. Do Read More »
I am looking into buying a more freeride oriented air shock for my bike but I am not sure of the size shock I need. Does anyone know the size? Read More »
Hey all!
I am getting ready to start the build-up of a new 2010 DB Mission 3. The frame should be here thursday. I am looking at the X-Fusion Vengence HLR fork, But can't decide o Read More »
I don't want to take up all the space here regarding Missions, but please share if you happen to know where the best deals are at as I'm in the market for a Diamondback Mission! :D Read More »
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: Open for DH MTB again this weekend Dec 3 and 4, 2011
Only Lift Assisted DH MTB in the Northen Hemisphere!!
[URL="http://www.pinkbike.com/video/230242/" Read More »
