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Submitted by
kdub420
a Racer
from Indianapolis, IN, USADate Reviewed: October 25, 2011
Strengths: Frame frame frame. Really awesome, sturdy, lightweight frame. Very solid on the trails. Can definately feel flexing on the pavement, but that doesnt bother me. Great base to a bike.. Wheels are alright, came stock double wall rimsWeaknesses: Stock suspension (SR Suntour XCT) steerer tube bent the first time I hit a tree. Upgraded to Marzocchi DJ3. Wanted to keep it stalky and bulky to withstand slams. Also replaced the horrible stock headset, handlebars, added bar ends, neck, pedals and crank set/bottom bracket. All of these components stock were absolutely unreliable. This beauty is actually starting to show the possibilities I saw in it when I bought it.Bottom Line: The best bicycle purchase I have ever made. SO fun finding parts and taking the old ones off and installing the new ones. No greater feeling than a self-customized bike. Really awesome frame for a low-budget college student
Favorite Trail: Urban/Any Dirt will do
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At: Dick's
Similar Products Used: This is my first mountain bike. Used to ride 20s
Bike Setup: Azonic double wall handle bars
Azonic Shorty Deluxe Stem
Snafu gold bar ends
Lock gribs
Gold Odyssey platform pedals
Bontrager Howitzer Big Earl crank set
Howitzer Bottom bracket
howitzer bash guard
Animal conspiracy seat
Mazocchi DJ3 forks
Cane Creek low grade headset (hoping to get bmx headset on there)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Pakpal73
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, CanadaDate Reviewed: September 30, 2011
Strengths: Well built, strong, relative to price paid. Came stock with Rockshok Toras from the store.Weaknesses: Super Heavy front end.Bottom Line: Price paid should be $489 CAD not USD.
Great bike for the begginer with a small budget. Works as intended. The stock equipment that came on the bike work ok for a begginer and once you are more comfortable on the trails you can easily upgrade the parts as and when you need them. Depending on the store you get yours from take some time to check over the bike prior to a ride to make sure that everything is tight and not loose. The cassette was loose on mine before I rode it but thats an easy enough fix.
Favorite Trail: Various
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$489.00
Purchased At: Sport Chek
Similar Products Used: GT, Rocky Mountain, Giant
Bike Setup: Changed stock derailers ( Alivio ) to Deore and haven't looked back. Also changed stock wheels to Mavic Crossrides and shaved a lot of weight.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
frankie_boy
a Racer
from BaltimoreDate Reviewed: July 1, 2011
Strengths: Unbelievable PRICE! Regular MSRP is $750.00 but on sale for $349.00 it is a great platform to build a really great bike; solid, light, balanced, great welds, and easy to work on. Disk Brakes are rock solid and incredibly easy to dial in.Weaknesses: Heavy front suspension and heavy front end in general, I plan or rebuilding entire front-end probably with a Klein one piece headset and bars, as well as the inner bracket, and most likely a ridged Ritchie Pro-Logic fork. I think that alone would take 3-4 lbs off the total weight. The rear casset's bottom cog is a 14, fine for the trail but when I switch to slicks for city riding it seriously limits downhill speeds; with a 44 tooth outer ring unbalenced spinning begins in the low to mid 20ies. Running a 44 to 11 ratio you get up and over 30mph before that happens. So I simply plan on getting a new set of lighter wheels for the roadBottom Line: A great investment! As they say everything begins with a strong foundation and this frame is amazing for the price! Six or seven years ago you'd pay at least a grand for a similar frame.
It's a great starter bike for the trail and a cheap base for a fast reliable messenger bike or a mix of the two for an adrenalin seeking weekender.
Great for running high pressure 80-100lbs. of pressure in 1.25" or 1.5" slicks straight out of the box; coupled with the stiff aluminum frame the combo makes for hyper-fast riding on pavement; but traditionally the heavier & more flexible chrome-molly frames were the only frames that could take that type of beating for more than say 3000 to 6000 miles pending skills of riders, more dexterous riding skills can suck up the bumps & landings rather than the bike giving the frame a much longer life.
I think the thick welds will hold and not crack as easily as the lighter weight and thinner tubing and welds of the high end Aluminum frames like Cannondale's, Klein's etc. which most often crack at the bottom bracket or under the head-set after such riding. Luckily most of those frames are guaranteed for life.
It can't compete with the one to three grand racers but over time with the right replacement parts it will run with the best of them!
Favorite Trail: Loch Raven
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At: Dicks
Similar Products Used: Specialized: Rock Hopper, Stump Jumper
Gary Fisher; Tassajera & Marlin
Cannondale
Bike Setup: A Fast City Road Bike with a quick switch to Trail
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jurell
a Downhiller
from Belmont, Nh, USADate Reviewed: June 7, 2011
Strengths: Everything but the pedals!Weaknesses: the pedals and the grips suck on hot days.Bottom Line: the best bike for under $400!!!
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At: Dicks Sportingoods
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
deadlung
a Weekend Warrior
from burbank caDate Reviewed: June 6, 2011
Strengths: amazing frame and is super fast even uphill .Weaknesses: i did have a problem with the derailuer but they replaced it from dimond back so no problem peddles also we horrible first thing i changedBottom Line: for the price the best hardtail iv seed thusfar hope i can get a foes oneday lol
Favorite Trail: n/a
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At: spotrs chalet
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
MannyV
a Weekend Warrior
from Lehigh Acres, Florida, Lee CountyDate Reviewed: May 31, 2011
Strengths: Great frame, decent entry level partsWeaknesses: Intergrated brake and shifter leversBottom Line: I got a great starter bike for what I paid. This entry level Diamondback goes on sale for most holidays and events at Dick's Sporting Goods.
Favorite Trail: Alva so far
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$279.00
Purchased At: Dick's Sporting Good
Similar Products Used: GT
Bike Setup: Stock right now. Pedals will be first upgrade. Down the road, new fork.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Littlefelt
a Weekend Warrior
from Cottonwood Heights, UT, USADate Reviewed: May 26, 2011
Strengths: Great frame with the higher end base components that should be the standard for riding. Perfect entry level bike to get serious into mountain/trail biking. No squeaking frame after a year of hard riding, and only the fork has worn out on me.Weaknesses: The stock Hayes MX-4 Disc Brakes were disappointing. The Spinner Edge Fork was a piece of junk that leaked black oil/grease within a few rides.Bottom Line: The best bike to get on and have a blast with friends on the weekend. It has an extremely sturdy frame! There have been no frame squeaks or any odd noises after a year of hard riding throughout the United States! The only way I can see problems happening to a bike as strong as this is if you don't take care of it. Other reviewers talk about chain problems and what not... Well... Lubricate your bike and take care of it properly! I am no bike specialist and I am more than pleased with this machine. It's an animal!
Favorite Trail: Slickrock (Moab UT) or The Wasatch Crest Region (Between Big Cottonwood and Millcreek Canyons)
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At: Sports Authority
Similar Products Used: Specialized Rockhopper
Bike Setup: '10 Model, Avid BB7 F&R Disc Brakes (185mm Front, 160mm Rear), Rock Shox Sector RL Suspension Fork, SRAM X-7 Drivetrain components, and mud fenders (for those muddy trails here in the Wasatch Range!)
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
DB ridr
a Racer
from murfreesboro,TnDate Reviewed: February 11, 2011
Strengths: tires frame handle bars and seatWeaknesses: rims gears brakes forks hub pedals and gripsBottom Line: if your a begginer at mtbing you should get this bike but if your a DH/FR/XC rider i highly dont recomend this bike to you
Favorite Trail: n/a
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At: dicks sporting goods
Similar Products Used: crappy walmart mongoose
Bike Setup: im more of a jumping person so the first time i ever really rode my bike i started hearing the gears clicking and the forks are crap and the pedals just broke so i just said f*** gears so i made it a single gear bike but so far that has been the only part of my bike that works the way it is suposed to and i think im just gonna go and buy some fox shox and never have to worry about the forks any longer also the bolts on the stem are stripped so now i have to go and buy a new stem
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Submitted by
Yeahcomp
a Cross Country Rider
from Buena Park, CADate Reviewed: November 28, 2010
Strengths: Fast bike,strong.Weaknesses: Shifter and brakes need some adjustment.Bottom Line: Bike is perfect for the price
Favorite Trail: Hidden Springs way
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At: Dick's
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
taletotell
a Weekend Warrior
from Binghamton, NY USADate Reviewed: November 17, 2010
Strengths: The 2011 frame is strong and the head tube fits a 1.5 so you could put an adjustable headtube in it to slacken the angle. Comes with a strong handlebar and stem.Weaknesses: The rest of this bike is crap. The fork is a Spinner which is hard to get parts for. The rest of the components are low end to keep the price down.Bottom Line: If you spend a little more and buy the comp model (2010 only if you want a good fork and good frame) your whole bike is a lot better. The Avid BB5 brakes are worth the time. The Rockshox Tora fork is good, adjustable, responsive and is backed by Rockshox. Sram x5 is still not great but it is deore level.
4 value chili's because you are getting exactly what you pay for.
3 Flamin' chilis for a good frame with crappy compnents.
Duration Product Used: Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At: Dick's Sporting Good
Similar Products Used: Hard tails: Trek 4300, Nishiki Manitoba, Specialized Hardrock
Bike Setup: Stock, unfortunately
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
shorty324
a Racer
from danville vtDate Reviewed: October 17, 2010
Strengths: frame, brakesWeaknesses: fork, shifters, derailer, rims, seat post.Bottom Line: this bike has been the worst bike that i have ever owned, i have only had it for around 2 1/2 months and i have had to bring it into the shop 4 times or more. within the first week my gears were clicking, overshifting and popping out. also the chain would constantly fall off. then i pretzeled the rear rim by hitting a very small jump. (had to get it replaced). shortly after that i went to a skate park hit a jump and blew a fork seal. now the gears are completely gone and the bike goes like sh*t so the bottom line is its a P.O.S.
Favorite Trail: burke mountain pump track
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At: chucks bikes
Similar Products Used: kona explosif, cannondale m300
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Blupercio
a Downhiller
from San Diego, Ca, United StatesDate Reviewed: September 22, 2010
Strengths: Great Frame, Durable front stock suspension, Came with good Db product.Weaknesses: had to upgrade the pedals to alluminum bear claws. Chain and derailer sucked.Bottom Line: GREAT hardtail bike, this bike will mash up downhill believe or not. Before you invest into a 8inch travel bike get one of these. These test your skill level with a hardtail and learning whats below you. Unless you cheat and get a full suspension! But either way great trail bike and down hill. Took it to Big Bear and the only negative part was wishing i had hydraulic brakes! Buy any response after 08 and make sure its a sport. has a little better extra stuff
Favorite Trail: Los Pensquitos trails, Big Bear Mt summit
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At: craiglist
Similar Products Used: Konas,Iron Horse,GT
Bike Setup: Upgraded pedals, Grips WTB, AVID Rotors, Downhill Tubes, Derailur integra
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
sabbfreak90
a Weekend Warrior
from concord nc usaDate Reviewed: September 20, 2010
Strengths: great frame! great handleing in tight areas, takes abuse very well!Weaknesses: iv had to mess with the brakes a little but nothing out of the ordinary..and the pedals are garbage.Bottom Line: i love this bike! if you want to get into mtb the right way i would deff recomend this bike, i ride with quite a few people and some of them have very high dollar bikes and my diamond back keeps up with them any where we go! a great product!
Favorite Trail: beach springs
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At: dicks sporting goods
Similar Products Used: haro, iron horse
Bike Setup: stock ecxept for pedals, i replaced them with a better aluminum db pedal.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
joe fiedler
a Cross Country Rider
from highland MI USADate Reviewed: September 6, 2010
Strengths: frameWeaknesses: All the junk parts they put on it ! shifter crank derailer rear casetBottom Line: the frame is good ! but be ready to buy all new parts for it .I had mine for a month and a half and wore out all the teeth on the rear gears crank went replaced the chain front shock is blown out and replaced the derailer ! still waiting to get crank and front shock from manufacture its been 3 weeks ,and have heard nothing about why they are not in yet !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Favorite Trail: back roads
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At: dicks sporting goods
Similar Products Used: trek 6000
Bike Setup: stock
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
schristman
a Weekend Warrior
from Three Forks MontanaDate Reviewed: August 12, 2010
Strengths: Built to last. Handles well on trails, Good frame geometry, Tracks like a bullet on down hill runs. Disc Brakes, derailers and shifters. Tires and rimsWeaknesses: Weight, pedals, paint chips easilyBottom Line: Bike has been bullet proof. Bought it in 2006 and have rode the snot out of it. Would definatly buy another one. The bike has spent most of its life on fire roads in the woods of Montana and some tight trail riding. I like to go fast and this thing tracks like a bullet on fast desents in all kinds of dirt road conditions. I bought the 20 inch frame as the smaller one felt cramped even though I am only 5'10. Fork a pretty stiff have not noticed much in the way of adjustability from firm to soft I think the knob on the fork is there to make you feel better. Still waitning for something to break so I can upgrade. Basically if you are looking for a good bike that will last this is a very good choice. I like it better then any of the others I have owned.
Favorite Trail: Riding the Lewis and Clark State Park
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At: Round House
Similar Products Used: Hardrock, trek 3800, raliegh M-80
Bike Setup: Stock except the pedals.
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