Strengths: Beefy frame, wont break, the components do the job (but they are a lil basic), everything works
Weaknesses: the x-5 rear shifter on mine broke relatively fast, but other than that, not much
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike that will not let you down. the frame will NEVER break, and the components are simple enought that they either will not break or will take like 5 mins to fix max. Great for all around freeride, and works great on downhill courses (i.e. keystone and winter park).
Weaknesses: wheels are soft, fork is very basic, rear shock is just ok, still pretty heavy
Bottom Line:
THIS REVIEW IS FOR A 2007 DIABLO
I bought this as an upgrade to my 2004 Brodie Thumper with a Jr T fork. I tend to ride up and down, so I was looking for a better climber than what I had, but also a bike that can take some pretty serious days on the Shore and Whistler. Surprisingly, this bike climbs pretty well. I love the 1.5" headset with single crown fork which lightens the front, but doesn't sacrifice stiffness. It is a great decender too.
My only issues with the bike are some of the components. The Rockshox Domain fork 302 is very basic and would be better if it were a higher model with U-Turn and Mission Control. The Alex Rims are way too soft and weak. I taco'd my front rim on a warmup run in Whistler and the shop tech who salvaged it said it is way too soft for that type of riding (took alarmingly little effort to straighten). The Nevagal tires are great for the Shore, but they are too weak for Whistler (I've had way too many flats for my liking).
I'm very happy with my Diablo; I just wish it had a few better components for my type of riding. My suggestion, if you have the extra cash, is to go for the Damian model. If this is all you can afford, then enjoy... I sure am.
Trails ridden: CBC, Corkscrew, Pingu, Pangor, Severed D, Neds, Whistler (all blues, blacks and some double blacks), Galbraith Mtn in Bellingham.
Strengths: The frame is very solid and doesnt flex. Takes a beating
Weaknesses: my diablo is an 03 so its kinda getting older. the bike is a little heavier than i would like.
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike that lets you huck big drops and fly down a downhill trail. By one and ride it like you stole and you wont have problems. if you ride xc dont buy it. if your a dirt jumper, this bike will work but theres better out there. this bike is for some downhilling and hardcore freeride. anyone looking to buy it in spring 2008? email me...
Similar Products Used: kona stinky, cannondale gemini dh, norco 63
Bike Setup: the bike has a woodman rear hub with an american racing rim, stock front hub with single track, junior t fork, fox vanilla R shock, with a nokian gazzi on the rear and a maxxis minnion dh r on the front
Submitted by
kevin
a Downhiller
from portland oregon usa
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2006
Strengths: EVERYTHING! This has been the meanest horse I have EVER mounted! Begs to be beaten...... Gets more stable the faster you bomb through technical sections.... eats big drops for breakfast lunch & dinner, once in a while a midnight snack!
Weaknesses: Did you read what I read above? If I HAD to pick something? Yeah, no, I really can't.
Oh, I just thought of one. THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH OF THESE IN THE U.S!!!
Bottom Line:
If you are ready to go from light FR to full on DH, and still have a bike to suck up the skinnies and ride on walls with relative ease, this bike is taunting you to beat it. BUY ARMOR.
YOUR RIDING STYLE WILL CHANGE, YOUR BALLS WILL GROW & PEOPLE WHO DO NOT RIDE WILL STARE AS YOU ROLL PAST WONDERING WHERE THE ENGINE WENT.
I gave it a 4 chili value rating if you can score one for under $1500.... but upgrade your fork to a shiver or similar!
Maybe old news to some but still it's sad to see you go:
[url=http://diablofreeridepark.com/index2.html]Diablo Mountain Bike Park- Tickets & Passes[/url] Read More »
I'm looking for a nice long encompassing route out at Diablo this Saturday. Given the recent rains, how rideable will things be (particularly the long steep climbs)?
I've scoured Read More »
i did about 14 miles in and around the diablo foothills this afternoon on another great 'winter' day in norcal. lots of hikers, bikers and equestrians out enjoying the sun, and eve Read More »
Just looked at stage 3 San Jose to Livermore. Going up Southgate down Northgate and into Clayton. I am assuming that to get to Livermore that they will have to go Marsh Creek to Read More »
