Submitted by
Dave C.
a Cross Country Rider
from Merrimack NH USA
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2003
Strengths: Huge ammounts of buttery smooth travel.
Weaknesses: None yet.
Bottom Line:
I used to own a Diamondback V-Link 1.1 and it was an absolutely perfect rig. I was on my third fork and my third shock and could not have been happier until early August when I noticed a series of cracks in the rear triangle. They offered me a new frame (which was not nearly as nice as the old one) or $200.oo off any bike @ my local bike shop. In a back corner covered with dust was a 2001 XTS-3 for $900.oo minus the $200.00 warantee. I picked it up last Wednesday, switched the pedals and took it out for about a 10 mile easy woods ride to get acquainted. This morning was the first REAL ride and it was beyond belief. The suspension is incredibly smooth and the bike is perfectly balanced and easy to loft the front end. I'm not a frerider but a hard cross country rider, 6-feet, 185-lbs, 40 years old and I bought the large frame. On down hills it's easy to get a lot of air off of small ledges and when you hit the ground the bike sucks it up and plants itself back on the trail without complaint or any scary rebound. It even climbs nicely. The last month and a half I have been riding my son's Giant Warp DS1 which weighs about 35 lbs so I was used to the weight increase over the old V-Link. I have seen a few reviews on the XTS with various weights but my bike weighs an honest 34-lbs (V-Link 29-lbs.) I'll eventually knock a pound off with a pair of Panaracer Fire XC pro tires but the weight doesn't bother me at all. If you can still find one somewhere for the right price, buy it you will love it.
Favorite Trail: Bear Brook and Bear notch rd. Trails in The White Mountains
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At: Benson's in Derry
Similar Products Used: Diamondback V-Link 1.1, Giant Warp DS-1
Bike Setup: All original except for my Time pedals and my old Specialized seat.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
J. Pedersen
a Weekend Warrior
from Lake Stevens, Wa, usa
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2002
Strengths: Great Price! Fork is ezcellent, and the brakes do an awesome job also. the frame is everything it needs to be, but not really to much out of the ordinary for that type of bike.
Weaknesses: Wheels are very flexy. Cranks and Bottom bracket really suck at times. Requires tightening often. Pedals = who puts clipless pedals on a bike that is supposed to be a freerider?
Bottom Line:
I worked at a bike store for six years, and rode just about every brand out there except diamondack. Once I went over to the otherside, and stopped getting a discount, I started to really evaluate what was important in a bike. I could not really afford to be picky with this freerider, because I already had a $4000.00 XC bike that all my $ was tied up in. I dumped out of that and used the money to buy what I could. The bike is GREAT for the price, and not many people will ever excede the bikes abilities. I would highly recommend the bike because it has functioned well, and is pretty darn tough. The spring in the rear is a little soft for me ( 185 lbs) so I think it will need to be upgraded. Have a great day and enjoy riding.
Similar Products Used: SC Bullit, Kona Stinky, Norco Launch, Rocky Mountain RM6, S-works team bike.
Bike Setup: Totally stock except for a pair of platform pedals
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Moreland
a Downhiller
from Kent, WA USA
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2001
Strengths: The frame, very stiff
Weaknesses: very chessy components
Bottom Line:
I really only wanted the frame, but could not find that alone. Soooo, stripped all the parts from my old bike (Deore XT splined, Pyslo SL Tulio, Hayes, Mavics, platform pedals, etc, etc.) I am very impressed with the performance of this frame. laterally stiff and rather plush. I have a Fox Float RC to put on but the Rockshox deluxe is soo plush I'll ride that until it blows. Almost as plush as my Bullit. No troubles as of yet, but nothing over 5'-0", so far. Climbs very well for 28lbs. No noticable bob. I know this bike has zero snob factor, but that's not why I bought it. All the performance at half the price!
Bike Setup: Only thing left stock is the frame,handlebars,and rear derailer.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
otannato
a Weekend Warrior
from ann arbor
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2001
Strengths: Stiff frame, FSR linkage
Weaknesses: Wheelset are not intended for freeride. My front tire came off the rim once when I nose landed on a jump. Upgrade to better wheelset if you have extra greens.
Bottom Line:
I probably gonna end up with stock frame with everything else upgraded. Stock parts seem to be okay and can take moderate amount of hammering and jumping but if you want to make this bike a solid freeride rig, you probably gonna spend a lil bit more, especially on wheelset, crank, front and rear shock. If you're new into freeride or a lil bit of DH, this bike would be the best bet for money.
Similar Products Used: Any bike that can jump and do 3 to 5 feet drop.
Bike Setup: Mostly stock except Race Face crank and handelbar, Yeti grip, Stratos Helix Expert rear, Manitou X-Vert R front, Titec Berserkr, Wellgo DH platform pedal, KORE B52 stem, FSA Pro Pig DH headset and many more coming up and plus FOX 911 knee and shin protector and Bell X-Treme Skate Helmet and two gloves(specialized and race face) =)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Bothell, WA
This bike is excellent freeride machine. The Psylo soaks up the bumps, the stiff frame corners well and climbs well considering it's weight. A bargain for an all mountain bike.
Strengths: Pretty good setup for the price. The frame feels solid. Psylo's are nice and plush. 1st time using TruVativ cranks.. so far so good. The Magura brakes are sweet and strong(though they were leaking when I 1st got the bike - it wasn't installed properly - F*ck Frenchie's they blow).
Weaknesses: The wheelset isn't really for downhill.. but they are good for the price. Can't get the Deore front derailler set up right.. will prob upgrade.
Bottom Line:
It is a really good deal for the price. You don't really need to upgrade much, unless you are going huge. The headset may not last very long.. I hear it's pretty weak. If you can't blow $2500 on a custom downhill, grab this tasty ride.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Enduro, Cannondale hardtail.
Bike Setup: Mostly stock, Odyssey Triple Trap pedals, Specialized saddle, Yeti grips. Probably upgrade front Der.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Larry Lawrence
a Cross Country Rider
from Brownsburg, IN, USA
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2001
Strengths: Rock-solid frame, excellent handling on tight trails, strong brakes
Weaknesses: Weak wheels and seatpost, mixed component group (some good, some not so good)-- but isn't that the case with most bikes?
Bottom Line:
I got a smokin’ deal on this bike from a great dealership (run by serious mountain bikers) so I didn’t mind too much that I had to drop another couple of bills for upgrades almost immediately. Diamondback has an awesome little bike here. It’s strong enough for everyday freeriding, not too heavy (32 lbs. stock), a pretty good climber after you get the suspension stiffened up a bit (uses basically the same rear suspension design as FSRs). I’m a big rider and wanted reliability. The front WTB SpeedDisc wheel and the no-name seatpost both failed early on. Why Diamondback spec’d these wheels is a mystery. This bike is quick handling, great for tight singletrack. It handles well at high speed as well, but you have to be more precise with your riding. I went with the 85 lb. Rock Shox springs for the fork and a 950 lb. Mountainspeed spring for the Rock Shox Deluxe rear shock. While this took away some of the plushness of the stock springs, it helps the bike become a fairly efficient climber and keeps it from bottoming out on big hits. Probably will upgrade bottom bracket, crankset, hubs, and head set in the future. Great bike worthy of upgrades.
Favorite Trail: In Indiana: Nebo Ridge, Wapehani, Winona Lake
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At: Indy Cycle Specialist
Similar Products Used: Giant XTC NRS2, Specialized Enduro FSR
Bike Setup: Sun Ryno Lite wheels, Thomson Elite seatpost, Titec Berserker seat, stiffer Rock Shox springs for Psylo fork, Mountainspeed spring for rear shock
Strengths: It is realy fast on the downhills . Great for big drops. Holds the turns at fast speeds GREAT. Brakes are great.
Weaknesses: THE WHEELS are way to week. Had the bike 3 days and blew out the back one. Rear tire did not hold that well. Brake levers are not good. I think that it could use a better shox in the front i have hit bottem with that Psylo alot.
Bottom Line:
I REALY LOVE THE BIKE. THE PRICE IS GREAT. With a little money put in the bike it's kicken. I have given this bike hell, and with the mods i made it can take it alot better. This bike is good for someone starting out in down hill or free-ride. If you are loking for a bike just to ride with the kids this in NOT the bike for you. This bike is for someone who is looking to go big or go home.
Submitted by
mr meat angus
a Downhiller
from SAN JOSE,CA
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001
Strengths: PLUSH, NO LATERAL FLEX,CORNERS ON A RAIL,JUST A BLAST TO RIDE,CLIMBS A BIT HEAVY, BUT ITS WORTH THE XTRA WEIGHT ON THE DOWNHILL,BEEN 35 MILES + AND EXCEPT FOR BROKEN SPOKES, NO GRIPES,SINCE UPG TO RHINOLITES, & NO PROBS
Weaknesses: WEAK WHEELS,LOUSY BOTTOM BRACKET,TRUVATIV CRANKS STINK,AND MAGURA JULIE BRAKE PADS AINT CHEAP, THERE WAY OVERPRICED
Bottom Line:
ITS A GREAT BIKE WITH THE UPGRADES,I RECCOMEND IT HIGHLEY,GO GET ONE AND HAVE FUN
Weaknesses: hrmm head tube too long.. couldnt use my old shock till i ordered a new steerer
Bottom Line:
I'm really happy with what i got. old v-link had 4000 miles on it and some frame cracks.. DB warrantied it out for me and gave me the XTS-3... only spiff i have is that the frame didnt come with a rear shock. i was gonna trade it out anyway for a stratos. The head tube was also too long so i've got a stepped crown and a new steerer tube for my fork. havent ridden it offroad yet as i'm waitin on the new crown. hella stiffer than the v-link and plusher TOO!
Similar Products Used: V-link 3.0 (what i traded in for this XTS-3)
Bike Setup: stratos helix pro 6" travel, rst delta HL, avid mech disc's, LX der's, SRAM shorty rockets, DX pedals
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Brent
a Cross Country Rider
from G'Boro, NC
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2001
Strengths: Plush Travel, Magura Julie Disc(extremely powerful), Buttery smooth Psylo XC>80-125mm adjust. 2.4 WTB MotoRaptors, Solid Frame, Great for singletrack (in my area). Forget lines, just point and shoot!
Weaknesses: Wheel Flex- WTB speediscs should not be used for this bike. climbing-front is too high.
Bottom Line:
No major complaints. Wheel flex, to weak for a 31 pound bike. Need to put some Rhyno Lites on. Great disc brakes and tires. Rode in a snow storm (4inches) and the bike moved perfectly. Psylo works perfect at 125 mm, I'm only 180lbs. I haven't ridden any downhills or big drops but I'm sure it would ride well. Works great on local singletrack but doesn't climb like others I've ridden-the front end is too high. Definitely worth the money and you could still upgrade. Not necessarily a xc machine, but it has been on a few three hour rides. More of a fun bike...
Similar Products Used: Cdale superV, RM-6 (sweet ride), RM-9(wow)
Bike Setup: Stock> XT rear, deore front, shifters (work great), 2.4 motorapter tires (WTB), Magura Julie disc, Koski bar, stem, seat and post.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Downhiller
from Woonsocket, RI
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2001
Strengths: Frame is Very strong, And the bike is equipped with some good parts for the money. Truvitiv cranks rock. Brakes are OK,
Weaknesses: Weight,(It's too light, But im making it heavier), The Rock Shox rear shock, WTB wheelset stinks for freeriding. XC pedals??
Bottom Line:
You really cant complain about the bike your gettting for your money, Its a great bike for the person looking to start getting into freeriding. I made a few minor changes, and now im running the DH courses, So its definately worth spending a few more buck on the bike once you get it. But its been running flawlessly since I got it.
Submitted by
mark big daddy
a Weekend Warrior
from mishawaka indiana
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2001
Strengths: strong frame very plush suspension goes downhill like a rocket handles good in tight singletrack excellent all-around bike
Weaknesses: none yet ,maybe weight
Bottom Line:
this is a great all around bike.it handles very well and climbs better than i expected.the suspenion works great,i have a 2000 giant nrs i blew the frame apart on it last year got a new frame but bike just isnt plush enough for my 6-3 240lbs old ass.my d-back is not a feather-weight racer but neither am i.with my modifications the bike weighs 30.3lbs.not too bad for a bike with 5in. of travel.the magura disc brakes work very well so far.the last word is that tis bike is a blast to ride and should be bulletproof.
Similar Products Used: pro-flex 857 giant nrs full susp.
Bike Setup: xt frnt. - rear deral. xt.cranks monkey-lite carbon fiber bars thompson stem and seatpost fire cross panaracer tires
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew W.
a Weekend Warrior
from L.A. CA USA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001
Strengths: The super stiff frame and the parts are pretty good for the price
Weaknesses: The wheel's bearing was lose, and i am kind of worry about the bushing but for now is smooth. BB was defected
Bottom Line:
I work at a bike shop so i have test ride alot of bikes before. I am pretty sure they are much nicer looking or better soec bike than the XTS, but most of them handle as good or feel as comfortable at speed. The bike is a little on climbs but is not design for climbing. If was to get a new bike i would get the same bikr again.
