Submitted by
RebBoy
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2004
Strengths: Stiff, Strong, and light frame with a very active and responsive rear suspension design. Little to no bob. Integrated headset + FAT headtube = stiff/strong steering. Thomson post. RockShox SID XC shock still same design today.
Weaknesses: Last year that DiamondBack used bushings in their top bikes (although lighter and no problems to date), and the stock fork's (MARS Elite) springs are too light and too little travel (80mm) for 3.5" to 4.25" rear suspension (only $25 extra for firm springs).
Bottom Line:
I was only looking for the frame, but I got this bike on a good deal on eBay. I dropped almost every part on it and replaced them with race-quality components. DiamondBack screwed up the XSL frame in '02 and '03, but went back this year to the longer top tube geometry this '01 has. Too bad I couldn't find an '04 frame, they got Easton tubing, sealed bearings at pivots, and are a bit lighter.
STOCK EQUIPPED, the only complain would be the front fork being too plush with the stock springs. 80mm also isn't on par with today's demands in dual suspension, but this is a 2001 setup. The whole front end, flat bar, thin Koski stem, and fork are way too light for anyone near or over my weight of 185lbs., but they are perfect for light riders or XC use.
As I have the bike now, it's near flawless. Lots of descend confidence with the better-matched 120mm fork (100mm best match in steering, but I prefer descent control). The rear suspension is very active when you need it, and there is hardly any bobbing on the climbs--no need for 3.5" setting, stick to the plushier 4.25" rear travel. This is a PROVEN suspension design. The SID XC shock is the same proven design still used in 2004, with +/- air chambers, not the plushiest, but very light and adjustable. I'm looking at a Cane Creek AD-12, Cloud 9, or a Manitou Swinger SPV (is there any more need for mechanically anti-bob frames now that this type of shock has been perfected?) for this summer.
Popular believe is this frame is a "copy" of the Specialized FSR. Unfortunately for the yuppie hyped MTB ca$h-money-bike-loving crowd DB was using this suspension design in their V-Links well before the FSR. Specialized TOOK the patent for the chainstay/droupout pivot, although word is Intense created it to begin with. However, Diamondback's XSL's higher pivot (at the seatstay/dropout junction) allows your riding to keep a more consistent chainline, so shifting is swifter when the suspension is active.
Bottom line... XSL's rock! If you're looking at a full-susp. bike that mechanically (i.e., I-Drive, NRS, etc.) or technologically (i.e., Epic's brainshock) won't bob, this won't be for you, spend hella ca$h and buy those other brands or stay on your hardtail. If you're looking for a proven active suspension design, a light and simple frame, and you want that sweet plush feeling at every bump and drop, and the descent geometry (longer top tube) that DB's are well-known for (they were in the beginning of downhill!), then get an XSL '01 or '04 and save your money for parts! Don't be fooled by DiamondBack's lack of materialist yuppie mtb fans, this company has stayed true to the sport of bicycling for decades.
Similar Products Used: Diamondback Apex '01/'02 and many other hardtails, SL Super '03/'04, X-Link '00 models, and a Giant NRS '04, Specialized FSR's and an Epic '03.
Bike Setup: '01 XSL, '04 Marzocchi Marathon SL 120mm, '04 FSA Team Pro Cranks, '04 FSA XC-300 Disc Wheelset, Profile Design Carbon riser bar, Avid 185mm Discs F&R, SRAM X.0 Rr & 9.0 Ft, PC-99 Hollow Pin Chain, 990/9.0 Cassette, 9.0SL Shifters & Brake Levers, Panaracer Fire XC 2.1 Ft & Trailblaster 2.1 Rr tires, Thomson Post & Stem.
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Submitted by
Alex Lai
a Racer
from Ft. Lauderdate, FL, Broward
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2004
Strengths: This is definetly one fun bike to ride. It handles ascends and descents excellently. Excellent value! XT/LX drivetrain for less than $1000.00 is a steal!
Weaknesses: Wheelsets are weak (seem to bend easily) because of the reduced number or spokes, but I still use them and have given me no problem even after 2 years! I have also replaced the spring on the fork to a stiffer kit becuase it was to soft for me even after putting 200 psi on it. I recommend this if you plan to jump 4+ feet drops!
Bottom Line:
Best value for the money. Don't think I will ever replace my bike since it has given me so much! I will simply upgrade parts as they break!
Bike Setup: Upgraded wheels to panaracer fire xc pro and better pedals.
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Submitted by
TJ
a Cross Country Rider
from Mesa, Arizona
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2002
Strengths: Awesome Component Mix for the price!!! Very fun bike to ride. Climbs very well, and little to no rear suspension bobbing.
Weaknesses: Pedals. The stock wellgo pedals have been a major annoyance for me. That is a very minor thing, though since you can switch them out easily enough.
Bottom Line:
I purchased this bike for $899, and it's dropped to $849 since. I don't think there is another bike out there that has such great components at such a low price. Sure, the "Diamondback" name threw me off at first, but I took a chance and it has paid off. I used to ride every other week or two, but since I got this bike I've been trail riding at least 2 times a week (I'm having a lot more fun); hard rocky trails, sandy river beds, smooth service roads, it has handled everything wonderfully with no problems.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale Jekyll 900SL, Bianchi Denali, Trek Y-5
Bike Setup: Added Easton Riser Bar and new grips, everything else is Stock. Mars Elite, Sid Rear, Thompson Elite Seatpost, XT Rear, LX front and Shifters, Shimano 535 wheelset, Truvativ Stylo Team Crank
Strengths: I've been riding this bad boy for about a year and have been pleasantly surprised. It's a great looking ride, good comp set-up. I like the MARS now that its broken in, and the SID on back is great now that they replaced it with one that doesn't leak all the air out. The wellgo pedals are cool looking, but are a pain, and aren't SPD compat.
Weaknesses: Heavy XC ride-28lbs, could lighten up the wheels and BB and Stem. Shimano wheels have a lot of lateral flex. Bottom pivot gets play in it often, loctite helps.
Bottom Line:
I've had a great time on this bike. I've won a few races on it, and placed in several. I decided not to drop a load on it and upgrade anything until it broke, and I'mm still pounding on it. This bike balances very well. Diamondback has done a great job with this one, adn would recommend it to anyone that is a semi serious rider. It does weigh a little more than a bike 500 more, but that's the beauty of a DBR you get all the components for 1/2 the price of a Fischer or Trek which are all overpriced...
Similar Products Used: DBR XR-4, DBR-X2, Sugar-1, Stumpjumper, Homegrown
Bike Setup: Changed out flat bars for risers, other than that I haven't broken anything yet.
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Submitted by
Victoria Deaton
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002
Strengths: Design, nice parts mix, dragon-slayer at this price
Weaknesses: Not a "premium brand" if that matters to you
Bottom Line:
Great spec at a great price--$800 to $1100 for an '01 on closeout if you can find one. The value is in the parts mix and how well they work together so make sure your dealer or previous owner hasn't downgraded parts--look closely before you buy. ~27 lbs. ~10 hours to break in Mars Elite & SID XC. Quick but smooth handling. Rewards a skilled rider; won't hide your flaws though. Can be set up plush but IMHO works better as a fast XC bike. Has 2-position rear link. Koski parts work well; Thompson Elite seat post is nice touch. Nanoraptor tires are fast but can be skittish on roots; experiment w/air pressure before you switch them out, though. Wellgo M8's are OK once dialed in until mud-spud cloggage catches up with them. Shimano wheels aren't disc-ready but go round & round just fine. Koski brakes are strong. ATI grips are hell on tender paws on long rides. The DB recall will net you a new splined BB from your dealer. A local rider netted 1st place in local race on this sleeper, dead stock out-of-the-box. Only bike I've ever bought and left stock. :-) Not as plush as the Enduro Pro but doesn't punish me on all-day rides either. National office was friendly/helpful when I called for information. I LOVE this bike and plan to race it.
Weaknesses: bushings at pivots, not cartridge bearings
Bottom Line:
bought frame only and built it up. its a nice frame, there isnt any flex on the rear end from braking and the travel can be set to either 3.75 or 4.25. needs bearings and not bushings. other than that, its a great bike that is really under rated by alot of people.
Bike Setup: chris king, lx/xt, marzocchi dj2,easton ct2 seatpost and bars
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Submitted by
Lauren
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville, NC
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2001
Strengths: Very good components (including Mars elite fork, Easton elite seatpost, Truevativ cranks and bottom bracket with ISIS, Cane Creek headset, Shimano WH-M535 wheelset, lots of Koski Engineering parts,(brakes/levers, stem, hadlebars, and seat), RockShox SID dual-air XC shock, wellgo clipless petals, WTB DNS Nano Raptor tires, XT rear derailleur, LX front derailleur and 9 sp RF shifters. Adjustable rear suspension and highly tunable shock. Very adjustable fork. Cool wheelset. Frame is nearly identical to a Intense Uzzi frame. Nice looking bike. Great price for component level.
Weaknesses: Handlebar creaked within two rides (easily fixable) Wellgo petals are terrible. Not only do they require special cleats but they are almost impossible to get in and out of. One of mine lost the screw plate within 2 rides and now have to be replaced. Lukily I am using the pedals from my old bike, anyway. My LBS are replacing them for free. Bottom bracket had to be replaced as they had reports of others with problems. This was done for free and in a few minutes. Negative air chamber on rear shock leaked and value core had to be replaced. Again for free.
Bottom Line:
I had never considered a Diamondback. I really had narrowed my search down to two bikes: a Sugar 3 or Adept comp. I rode the Adept and although it is a beautiful bike I just didn't like the ride. It was just too stiff for me. I had really wanted to get a Sugar 3, anyway. I have always ridden Fishers and love them. I am a big rider (220) and can be tough on bikes. My first GF was a HK2 which is a great great bike. I then got a Aquila which is a lower end bike, but I never had a single problem with anypart of it. After many hundreds of miles a just recent broke a spoke. Not bad. I decided my riding stlyle warrented a FS platform so I started looking at GF. I had pretty much decided I would get one, but I wanted to test ride one first. My LBS had demo's available, so I took it out for a day to see what my new bike would be like. It is a great bike, but it wasn't a great bike for me. I can't put my finger on it, but I just didn't care for the ride. It felt too loose. The bike just wasn't as responsive as I like. So, I was bummed out and talked to my LBS. They mentioned before I took the demo that they had a 2001 Diamondback XSL Pro on sale. I looked at it and was really impressed by the frame and components and I knew that DB had a pretty good rep even thought it wasn't one of the big boys. The components were actually better than the Sugar 3+. So, I went out a test drove the XSL. What a world of difference! This bike climbs fast, is fairly light and incredibly responsive. A total joy to ride. The geomentry is perfect for me (I am 6'1"). It really just synchs up with the rider perfectly. I can't ask for any more than that. Not to mention it has rear adjustable travel, a great frame and a great fork that tunes very easily. I have had a few problems with the bike as mentioned above, but they were easily remedied. My only gripe is wiht the wellgo petals. I couldn't get in or out of them, no matter how I tried. I have heard complaints about the saddle, but I never had a problem with it and now that it is broken in I really like it. So, for the value I'm giving this puppy a 5...you would be hard pressed to beat it. Overall I'm giving the XSL Pro a 4 due to the few problems I have had.
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Sugar 3+, Klien Adept Comp and Mantra Comp
Bike Setup: All stock except for the Wellgo petals.
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Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Fernandina Beach
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2001
Strengths: Pretty light for the $, Strong frame, Jumps good, Handles great, good mix of componants
Weaknesses: No choice of paint skeam(I know its not about looks but it is nice to have options),I found the seat to be painfull
Bottom Line:
Love it. It rides better than any other bike I've riden and I haven had any problems out of it. No leaky seals, or bad shocks around hear! The only bike I would think to be better would be a Santa Crews Superlite and I'll be testing one of those shortly so keep on the look-out for another review. But one thing I've learned... its not the bike, its the rider. I've Smoked guys on bikes twice as much as mine only to be smoked later that day by guys on a bike half as much as mine. So just go ride, If you want to ride faster, start training and eat right!
Purchased At: Cycling & fittness Fernandina Beach, FL
Similar Products Used: Cannondale: SL900, M400, C400, and Jekyll. GT I drive 3.0, and Aggressor, Diamondback XR-4, and a few other rides
Bike Setup: Stock, exept for:Koobi saddle, ODI lock-on grips, WTB pedals, and Hutchingson Mosqueto 2.0s
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Submitted by
Jonathan R.
a Weekend Warrior
from Israel
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2001
Strengths: good components for the price
Weaknesses: well, I swaped the shimano wheels with mavic x517 rims, shimano XT hubs and dubble but' spokes wich was the right thing to do couse my rear wheel was bashed during the flight over. it would have ben very dificult to get replasment parts for the shimano wheels.
Bottom Line:
the rear shock couldent hold air for even 1 minut. what ternd out to be a pinched case o-ring. once that was replaced all work great (its ben holding the same pre' for a cup' of weeks). it takes a long time to dial the bike but that is part of the fun. dont like the welgo m8 peddals. give you better info later on.
Similar Products Used: Trek 6500 (the best middle class beginer bike)
Bike Setup: repalced the flat handelbar and seat. all the rest is stk
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Submitted by
ASUMBAWANNABEE
a Cross Country Rider
from Provo, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2001
Strengths: Lightened up the frame from last year. DB went back to the bread and butter V-link style. Easier switch in rear link, sealed bearings in bottom pivot, and great front shock. Mars Elite, Shimano Wheels are really cool looking, but weigh about the same a standard XC Wheelset, and have a lot of lateral flex, but hey I look cool right...
Weaknesses: Rear shock is a step down. You would think that Rock Shox would create a better product each year but this years SID Adjust is much weaker than last years. It has less feel and a poor dampening device. I've gone through 3 of them :( I switched out the straight Koski Hndl Bar for a Ringle Riser, it improved the descents quite a bit
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the a competent rider, not a race quality I'm afraid. You could change out a few things and make it a contender. Solid bike once you get it dialed in. It will take a while to do though. Plan on about 10 hours of hard riding before you feel like it's all smoothed out. Make sure you check your rear shock, the master seals have been faulty on the SID's. It's a great bike for the money.
