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Diamondback
Response Sport Bike
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Submitted by
responsefox09
a Weekend Warrior
from Muncie
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Westwood | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$479.00 | | Purchased At: | Goldman's | | Strengths: | The frame! Wheels will take a beating. I am 250lbs and after 3 months of trail riding the wheels are still true. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes, and the most horrible thing about this bike is the Edge Spinner fork. If you buy this bike plan on buying a new fork! | | Similar Products Used: | Iron Horse, Giant Boulder SE, Jamis XAM-1 | | Bike Setup: | Fox 36R fork, Avid bb7 disc, 20mm thru hub up front, Trigon carbon bars with integrated stem, shimano xt cranks, and shimano xtr F/R derailer and old school Shimano DX platform clip pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I have put a lot of upgrades on it of course but it's still a good starting point. This is the perfect bike for someone starting out. I believe it's the best bang for your buck when looking for an entry level bike. Rides like a dream with the fox 36r on the front of it! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CBDaugherty
a Weekend Warrior
from Fayetteville
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Pine Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$275.00 | | Purchased At: | Dicks Fayetteville G | | Strengths: | Super stiff frame, great brakes, very smooth shifting, 0 chain/derailer noise. | | Weaknesses: | None yet only have about 20 miles on the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Frontier GS | | Bike Setup: | 6061 T-6 Aluminum All-Mountain Hard Tail Frame, Easton Vice Stem, Rock Shox Frt Susp., Kenda Klaw Tires, Avid BB5 Mechanical Disc Brakes, Shimano Alivio derailleur, SRAM SX-5 9-spd Trigger Shifters, SRAM Derailleurs, Sun Ditch Witch Double Wall Rims, WTB Pure V Sport Saddle, | | Bottom Line: | Love the Bike, strong and silent. Great bike at a great price especially for weekend or beginner usage.
I bought the 2009 Response on clearance @ Dicks in Fayetteville GA, great Service Dept. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
vcortes
a Weekend Warrior
from San Juan, Puerto Rico
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Stop | | Strengths: | frame,brakes,crankset,rear derailleurs and shifters | | Weaknesses: | fork,pedals,tires | | Bike Setup: | Mavic Crossride,RockShock Recon SL, WTB Exiwolf folding tires, Shimano clip pedals, seat post race face, stem and handlebar trutaviv & Hayes brakelevels | | Bottom Line: | It's a good entry level bike for the price compare with other bikes @ same price. Stock bike is good but needs upgrade for xc purpose. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tony_tiger_35
a Cross Country Rider
from Castaic, CA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Placerita Cyn | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Reseda Bikes, Reseda | | Strengths: | Great bike for the money, strong and stiff frame (XL) for taller riders (I'm 6'4") and has the addition of disc brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Tires that came on it (Kenda Klaw) were horrible, washed out way too easily on almost every surface and had MANY flats. Replaced with some Velociraptors that work great. Pedals suck, replace with clipless right away. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with addition of LX Deore cranks, XT FD, and Velociraptor tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for accepting punishment and not complaining. I ride at least 30-45 miles/week on monstly firerode and single track and this bike has held in there with minimal upgrades. I suggest this bike for anyone looking to get into the sport but not yet sure if they will still be into it 1 year from now and want to test the waters before a large investment. I am now waiting on my new Sultan 29er, but will def. keep this bike in the roster for future rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
conceptnext
a Weekend Warrior
from Burlington
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Saxon Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great solid frame, great control on downhills. I have beeen using it on most intermediate trails in Vermont and Upstate Newyork and havn't had any problems after the first tune up. | | Weaknesses: | Stock pedals could be better, replaced them with clipless | | Similar Products Used: | Ironhourse Warrier | | Bike Setup: | All stock parts ( Shimano- midrange parts) | | Bottom Line: | Great bike on the market in for the price, not for those that want to launch off platforms, but for cross-country expeditions couldnt ask for much better than this. I ride almost every weekend and even when this bike was stock (other than pedals)never broke anything on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Savino
a Cross Country Rider
from NY,NY,US
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Dunkin Hill trails | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Dicks Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | Its a great bike. Has realy good suspention and has very strong disk brakes. The Tires are made strong and wide for off road and never had a flat yet. | | Weaknesses: | There is no Weaknesses | | Similar Products Used: | I use to have a mongus wich was also a good bike but it doesnt compare to this model. | | Bottom Line: | Its one of the best bikes i have been on and it is 100% worth the money. I had for a year and i use it every day and i still had no problems. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
illwill88
a Downhiller
from Greenville, SC
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Paris Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Authority | | Strengths: | Great bike for beginners on trails. mine is a 2007 model not older than 1998. | | Weaknesses: | NOT for Jumping!!! the only reason i use mine for downhill is cause i am 16 and have hardly any money. front fork sucks i put a bomber44 140mm on front so its a little better. but saving up for Jamis parker 1 | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized hardrock 2007 | | Bike Setup: | upgrade to deore rear derailleur cause the acera didnt stand a chance against drops and snapped | | Bottom Line: | Beginner trail riders buy this bike. everyone else look away. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FroggyBiker
a Cross Country Rider
from pittsburgh pa usa
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Waldo canyon ( outside Manitou springs colorado) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Dicks | | Strengths: | one of the strongest aluminum frames made. I have built alot of custom bikes over the years (26 years to be exact) and the Response frame is one of my all time favotites. it is stiff but not overly so. can easily handel a longer travel fork than comes stock on it. and handels the tightest curves at high speed without beating you to death while doing it | | Weaknesses: | a frame of this quality deserves better componentry if you buy it upgrade the parts its well worth it! the only thing I did'nt cair for was that awful dirty kermie green on the 06 Green is my favorite color but that green YECH! the brown on the 09 is alot nicer!! | | Similar Products Used: | where should I start??? the closest rig frame wise was the SPECIALIZED Hardrock a great frame in it self however the Diamondback is a much nicer ride though based off the same design | | Bike Setup: | well mine was full custom when I finished it the only factory part left was the bottom bracket spindel | | Bottom Line: | BUY IT DUDE!!!! this rig rocks especialy for the price paid most folks would be happy whith the factory set up it is well worth upgrading the components if you desire a hardtail rig that can take whatever you throw at I used mine for everything including log hopping!!and this rig ate it up....I did things with this rig that has killed many of my past custom builds... the thing that killed mine was a car! well that and log hopping at hartwood a few days later... hey every bike has its limits!!!! I am planning on getting a 2009 when taxes come back and building it basicly like the last one I had ( it was a 2006) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
beowulf
a Cross Country Rider
from rhode island
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | weetamo woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | pedal power | | Strengths: | tough frame. looks gangsta. rides well over rocks and roots. while it may be a lil heavy, so am i, i broke my apex which was lighter. still i am comfortable with this bike.
| | Similar Products Used: | 06 diamondback apex | | Bike Setup: | xt front and rear derailleur. truvative firex cranks and xr handles. deore shifters and haynes mech. mx 2 brakes. cane creek headset. tora 302 front shocks. wtb speed disc rear w. xt hub and wheel works front. all w. kenda nevegal tomac stick-e 2.1. wtb seat and diamondback seat post. | | Bottom Line: | i am really pleased w. pedal power as they honored the warrantee on my olf frame and put together this bike w. old and new parts where the spec.s did not match. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
driver042003
a Downhiller
from Brooklyn ohio united states
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | bayvillage metroparks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | dick's | | Strengths: | awsome frame and major components no complications. | | Weaknesses: | stock rear deralior suck, but when changed is best. | | Similar Products Used: | trek and specialized, iron hourse | | Bike Setup: | front susp. and aftermarket disk brakes | | Bottom Line: | best bike for for the price and the prices i posted was after tax! so yea it is an awsome bike and i would highly recomend it to an biker looking to buy a mtb. when bought from dick's assembaly was horrible, i had to re-assemble the entire bike myself! but over-all GREAT bike
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Submitted by
biggymatt
a Cross Country Rider
from West Fargo, North Dakota, United States
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$446.00 | | Strengths: | Very Strong Frame, nice suspension, cruises well hanldes bumps easy...gives u a feeling that your "eating up the road" | | Weaknesses: | In 2 weeks ive probley put 50-80 miles on this bike and some of the peices dont seam to be able to hold up...i was using this on a dirt bmx track and the front suspension got kinda messed up...and i already bent the rear sespionsion o there wise theres no complaints...i would buy another in a heart beat | | Similar Products Used: | Mt.Storm and Harley Davidson ( no were near the same catogory) | | Bike Setup: | front suspension with disk brakes | | Bottom Line: | Bike handles very nice and is a very nice bike like i said ive had a few problems with it but it runs like a beast and is a animal...would get another one in a heartbeat | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shennen
a Weekend Warrior
from Centereach, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Hither Hills, Stillwell Spagetti, Rocky Point | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$380.00 | | Purchased At: | Dicks' Sporting Good | | Strengths: | Solid constuction, strong frame, 24 speed, good brakes, strong shocks | | Weaknesses: | plastic pedals stock, brakes rub on disks..need to be broken in | | Similar Products Used: | bought a Mongoose(P.O.S.)! this is my first quality mtb | | Bike Setup: | other than a couple bottle cages, ergo grips and bar ends, alloy pedals, everything else is stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike at this price point. From the research I had done before choosing the response, it looks like this bike stands out over pretty much anything I could find for the price. In my opinion what I read was true, and this set up really takes a beating without any problems so far. Im not a small guy, 6ft, about 275 lbs, and I needed a bike that would'nt fall to pieces (Mongoose)... and this bike is perfect. I've taken it through some rough trails, mouguls, rocky downhills, gnarly roots, and with my weight on it, it holds smooth. Can't complain.
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Submitted by
JLHawk
a Weekend Warrior
from Round Lake, IL
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | Dick's | | Strengths: | Looks great in black, strong frame, good components for the price, beefy tires. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. Other than weight. But I'm 6'1, 230lbs and enjoy a heavier bike. I often ride with a weighted back pack. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | Very good bike for the money. Probably the best bike for the price. I returned my DB Sorrento for this and am glad I did. The paint is more durable as well. Disk brakes are a little difficult to align but need to be broken in.
Love the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeromy Bishop
a Weekend Warrior
from Cincinnati, Ohio U.S.
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Bass Pro Shops | | Strengths: | Great hardtail frame, well worth the money. The 24 spd gears give you all the range you could want. | | Weaknesses: | Poor quality parts on an incredible frame. | | Similar Products Used: | First "real mountain bike" | | Bike Setup: | Added some alloy pedals, and deore rear deraileur('08 version) | | Bottom Line: | If your looking for a great hardtail frame to work with this is an amazing bike. The low price makes up for the low end stock parts and the bike has lasted around 800miles so far for me and has only had a broken pedal and some deraileur issues. Good choice if you want a low budget weekend trail bike or it's also great for commuting around town. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Downhiller
from New York
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trail rideable | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$440.00 | | Purchased At: | Hollyloft Ski & Bike | | Strengths: | Strong frame, Nice stopping power. Good components. Tires have good grip. | | Weaknesses: | Should have medal pedals to start with. brakes do get loose after a lot of riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock Sport.my friend has the bike and the only differece is no disc brakes and different shifters. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a very good bike for its price. i can do pretty much anything on it i want to. i ride wheelies, do stoppies, and jump all the time and it is pretty good shape just needs a tune up soon. You should deffinitly buy this if you want a good bike for less that $1000.00. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Corley
a Weekend Warrior
from Frederick, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Gambrill State Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Dick's Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | Super solid frame, killer looks, decent components, nice price! | | Weaknesses: | Only decent components, stem, front SRSuntour derailleur! Other than that, nothing! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock Comp, Iron Horse Warrior 3.0, Iron Horse Maverick, …….etc | | Bike Setup: | Stock components, Easton Vice Stem and Easton EA70 Monkeybar handlebars. | | Bottom Line: | I always loved the look of this bike, but never would have bought it unless it was on sale! Lucky for me it was on sale at Dick’s for $300. I have only had it for a month, but I have ridden the hell out of it! Everything is holding up well to this point! The only real problem I had was changing out the stem and bars! The hex screws on the stem are very cheep and the head on all 4 screws were striped after on turn of the allen wrench. I ended up having to cut the threads with a grinder in order to remove the stem. Lame!
I will also be changing out some of the components, starting with the front derailleur. It is very low end! The rear Shimano Alivio derailleur will do the job for now!
Overall I would recommend this bike if you can find it on sale!!! If you have to pay the $400 to $429 original price, I would strongly recommend looking else were!
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Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Clearfield, Utah USA
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Bonneville Shoreline Layton | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$440.00 | | Purchased At: | 50 50 Bike and Skate | | Strengths: | Fairly lightweight, good gear range, tough as nails, looks cool, awesome on the dirt. | | Weaknesses: | The chain comes off sometimes and the rear disk brake sometimes rubs when the brakes arrent engaged. | | Similar Products Used: | Huffy Stalker FS which I rode to work on everyday for over 2 years and beat up to the point that its totalled. | | Bottom Line: | This is a smooth running bike on pavement and absolutely dirt worthy. Since I got this bike I havn't been able to stay off it. And when its too dark outside to ride, I look at websites like this one about mountainbiking. This bike is an exceptional value for someone who doesn't have over $1000.00 to spend on a bicycle. I wouldn't buy this bike if you are someone who needs a rear shock. I tried a bike with a rear shock the same day I bought this one. The rear shock created an annoying up and down movement when I would pedal hard. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Fast and Dry | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Dick's Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | So stiff, I wonder if it wasn't experimentally work hardened or something... maybe welded in extreme tension? Came with good stuff for the price back then. | | Weaknesses: | Almost too stiff - rattled the lower end parts right off the bike. Very poor Dick's service. | | Similar Products Used: | First MTB. Realize only now how good it was after riding high end bikes! | | Bike Setup: | Rigid fork, Alivio/next step up, Tioga Psycho Kevlar!?, random nice parts!? Strange stock setup. | | Bottom Line: | This was probably a 96' or 97'. From then on, the response was never as good. I would love to see one again, anyone have one? SEND PICS!!!
I was a 13 year old kid who wanted a shiny red full-susp. $375 Nishiki (yikes) for x-mas. My mom was kinda clueless and got me this brushed aluminum, NO SUSPENSION $400+ thing that seemed huge. I was kinda upset. After getting into real XC the follwing 2 years, I began to realize its major advantages over the junk FS bikes and stuff my friends had. I've thanked my mom many times. I sold it to a schmoozer friend who might still have it, and I'm e-mailing him about it as I type this.
Other Responses' that I have seen are cannon fodder crap compared to that weapon. I would honestly build it up with $2000 worht the parts today... getting ideas...
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Submitted by
Billy
a Weekend Warrior
from Bountiful, UT
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | Good intermediate components, strong frame | | Weaknesses: | maybe a tad heavy (if you're a wuss), Quadra 10 fork doesn't do much | | Similar Products Used: | diamond back Apex, db sorrento,db sorrento sport, schwinn homegrown, and lot's of other hardtails | | Bike Setup: | 100 % stock | | Bottom Line: | I'm trying to figure out which model year I have. It must be a 94 or 95 I figure. All Shimano STX components (above Alivio but below LX). A Rock Shox Quadra 10 elastomer fork for a good 20 mm of travel on it's best days is the only real bummer on this bike, but hey, I was still in High School and I made $4.00 an hour after work washing cars, I couldn't afford much more in a fork. I've been riding it off and on since I purchased it in 95 and it's held up perfectly. The paint is scratched up but every component is still stock and working really well. I ride it just as hard as my new Giant NRS 1 and honestly I think I got a much better value with my diamond back. It's just freakin bombproof and I hope it holds up for a long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed Litman
a Cross Country Rider
from Philly, Pa
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any tight singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Guy's | | Strengths: | double butted Tru-Temper chromoly tubing with even and clean welds | | Weaknesses: | None....this frame was entirely underrated by the industry and probably Diamondback itself. The narrower chainstay width only allows for 2.1 width tires unfortunately...I wanted to go wider. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale sx900, Vicious Metal Guru (I own both of these hardtails too) along with a Jekyll 1000 :)
| | Bike Setup: | Did Mention that I set this bike up as a Single Speed? It's an awesome use for an older frame of this quality. Marzocchi Atom 80, Mustang rims w/ xt hubs, Sycros headset and seatpost, Titec Big Al stem and handlebar (blue), LX Hollowtech cranks with a 34/17 gear setup and a singulator, panaracer fire xc pros. | | Bottom Line: | I think this bike weighs in around 23 lbs without all that excess junk like derailleurs and shifters and chainrings. I plan on riding this bike all winter thru all the muck here in Pa. because there is not much to clean and its a heck of a lot of fun to ride. When you stand on it the rear wheel stays planted and the bike stays very linear up climbs. Anyone that has one of these frames hanging around in their garages should look into turning it into a single speed. In my case it was a great use for an underrated and underused frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Montreal Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Silentsports | | Strengths: | The diamondback response is a 97' I believe and It is unpainted 7005 aluminum tubing (jumbo downtube). Blue motif when I bought it, blue tires and bar grips +branding. Nice and light. cheap front sovos hub, Alivo components otherwise and SRAM gripshifters (good for winter shifting). | | Weaknesses: | Great frame to build on. I have rock shox now and slicks as I now ride in the city. This bike is tough, I pulled a 200 pound 3 person leather sofabed (heavy) with only a 2 wheel dolly and two bungee cords. It survived. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky mountain, | | Bike Setup: | hardtail X-country, uphill. Front rockshox and control tec barends. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price, excellent aluminum frame on this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray Skin
a Cross Country Rider
from Peterborough, U.K.
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | To be found! | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Westminster Cycles back in '94! | | Strengths: | One tough bike, its made from cro-mo and the parts are STX.
Panaracer smoke and dart tyres ensure grip! | | Weaknesses: | The hubs are alivio and are rubbish! The bike is heavy, but I added some slicks and it went like a rocket! | | Similar Products Used: | Except for my Dawes Freedom, it was my second mtb! | | Bike Setup: | Stx everything except alivio hubs! | | Bottom Line: | I just got a new custom build and was cleaning out the garage and found my old Diamondback Response Sport!
It was in really bad condition and I was gonna bin it but it kept on wimpering!
So I sand blasted and added 'wax-oil'. The frame was resprayed in black.
Added so far: LX rear mech, UN72 BB, FSA crank and 44T outer ring, titanium bars(also sitting garage), pig ahead set, Kona P2 xc rigid fork, mavic 521 rims shod in 1.75 slicks! Lx hubs and 9sp LX cassette and 1 shifter and V brakes.
The other parts such as front mech, 94'rockshox thingy all got binned!
Basically I had the idea of a single speeder but ended up building a commuter out of a old mtb which was a great bike in '94!
I'll wait till the frame fails (5yrs time!) and get a alloy replacement!
Had more fun rebuilding this than my new crosser!
It weighs a ton considering my new bike is <20 lbs!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron Bisbee
a Cross Country Rider
from Rapid City, SD
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Pikes Peak, Colorado | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Strong frame, Good price, Cool color (acid orange!), Velociraptors! | | Weaknesses: | Fairly heavy (20 in around 27lbs), Sugino crankset, weak shock, components won't last | | Similar Products Used: | Giants, Voodoos. | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi XC700, XT deraileurs, XTR cassette, LX cranks, LX shifters, Avid AR50's, clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike in '95. I was mostly concerned with a good frame. A year and a half later the STX deraileurs were falling off. I've upgraded everytime something breaks and the only things left are the headset, stem, bar, front wheel, and seatpost.
I've been very tough on this bike (lots of fast downhills and sudden bail-outs), and it just keeps on going. Next upgrade will be a frame without the harsh alu. ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Rosa, Ca USA
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Awesome ride, handles every bump and branch no sweat. Light enough to hoist over anything that stands in my way, and fast as the wind! | | Weaknesses: | Derailleur falls out of adjustment after heavy abuse, pedal makes strange noise at high speeds. | | Similar Products Used: | DB Sorrento Sport | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike for the money, would highly recommend to anyone looking for a great entry-level bike in the under $500 category. 5 chilis all the way!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skip
a Weekend Warrior
from Dell Rapids, SD
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
any | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Extremely comfortable, incredibly durable, great price | | Weaknesses: |
NONE | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike, I own the 96 aluminum frame---climbs like a dream. I've already gotten 3 years of heavy riding out of it and it just keeps taking everything I throw at it. Easy to maintain and very reliable. I LOVE this bike---5 flamin' hot peppers for this bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren
a Cross-Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
MN river valley | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Nicely built frame. | | Weaknesses: |
A little heavy. No replaceable DR hanger. | | Similar Products Used: |
DB Topanga SE, Caloi Team XC. | | Bike Setup: |
14 frame. XT group, Marz. 700 XC fork, Giani sus. seatpost, WTB SST saddle, Sachs twist grip shifters. | | Bottom Line: | I switched to this bike for my little racing excursions after having a too big DB Topanga for my ride. After about half a year of racing in some XC events, I decided to slap on some XT stuff and switch the fork to the 700 XC. Upgraded the wheelset and all. Nice performer and pretty solid. I even raced the Chequamegon in WI (against Rishi Grewal - but that's another story. It has held up very well. This past winter I stripped the nice parts from this bike and slapped them on my new Caloi Team XC and plan to turn the DB into a single speed for around the town. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross-Country Rider
from MD
Date Reviewed: April 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Nice frame and sweet beginner ride! | | Weaknesses: |
Weight | | Bike Setup: |
Manitou Pro C front suspension | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great bedinner bike. One of the best values out there when i bought it two years ago. I have crashed and run into trees and done everything possible and it took it all with no problem. Now its time for me to move on so email me if you wanna buy this bike from me. $255 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lorenzo
a cross-country rider
from Acworth, NH
Date Reviewed: December 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great entry level bike. I bought the 96 and thrashed it for the past two years. It held up suprisingly well. I would definetly recommend this bike to anyone interested in a reasonably priced, well built bike. The weight is really the only drawback (26lbs. ish) and the shock isn't amazing either, but for the price and a first bike, the Diamback response se is a good choice. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Garner
a downhiller
from Utah
Date Reviewed: October 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I owned an older model (95 or 96). It was an awesome bike with great components. I used and heavily abused that bad boy for 3 years - never had to replace a thing. All though not to fast, it's an awesome downhill bike, climbs like Sly Stallone, and appeals to a wide range of skill levels... It was a real shame that it was stolen. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Diesel
a cross-country rider
from Worshington
Date Reviewed: August 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had the 94' version of this bike and it was blue, I found a stress fracture on the cr-mo on the junction of the seat tube and the bottom bracket, and was covered byt warranty, and I got the aluminum 7005 frame of the 96 RS, and I love it, it is awesome, a little heavy, but it begs to be ridden, it is a great bike, and the components and fork suck, so I have XT and Judy XC, 4 chilis! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a cross-country rider
from California
Date Reviewed: July 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a great introduction bike. This bike can take a major beating and still ride like it's new. My riding skills weren't that good starting out (probably still aren't!) but I bounced those wheels off every boulder on the trail and haven't had to true them in two years. I suggest two upgrades for a better ride, cranks and forks. If you've had one for over a year, replace the bottom bracket with something lighter. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Azer
a weekend warrior
from Gosford, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike about a month ago second hand for $350 and i love the thing. I never really rode before but since i got this beauty i ride all the time. I have changed the some minor stuff to the bike and am going to get some indy or judy shocks for and after that i think that it will be perfect. Over all 5 chillies! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Allen
a weekend warrior
from Glendora ,CA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a RS 6 1/2 years ago . It was a good starter bike but was too flexy when I got on the power. It was spec.ed with a cheap Rock shocks but I trashed those for a Mag 21. I also dumped the brakes for Maguras, when you need to stop you need to stop ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joshua j woodward
a
from vancouver washington
Date Reviewed: May 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
well I have a asualt ex and I like it alott well the only prob is finding components for instance well I have a preety good crank well concitering tahat in 220 lbs and I have broken alott of bikes just rideing them well one component has not fallen off yeat and its still in good condition well I cant find a diamond back 3 pice crank and thanks to my bike shop ill be able to get some v-brakes well if you have any Qustions Just mail me and dont get scared off by the name its not cool I know I need to change it well my mail address is my3boy9003@aol.com well talk to u later
Joshua | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Florida
a downhiller
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: May 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got the Diamond Back SE for my wife in 1996.Got a killer deal on it. It was $450 just because of the color (Acid Orange). Overall it was set up ok with STX components, rock shox quadra's, and an Aluminum frame. Before it could be rideable. We swapped the stock brakes for LX V-brakes (bought in Moab for luck). Got rid of the Rock Shox crap and replaced it with a Marzocchi Zokes pro fork. Then upgraded the handlebars to answer, and upgraded the STX rear derailleur to XT. I think I love the bike as much as my wife does. With the frame size at 13, it's a cool little bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Toby Hudon
a weekend warrior
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my response in fall 97 when I found the Zap motor I bought wouldn't fit on my Trek 720. I basically didn't have a choice in what bike I got, I had to get one that would fit the Zap and me (I'm 5'4) and not break my wallet. So I wound up with a 19 Response SE with slick tires that I can just get on comfortably with the seat all the way down. I think it's a great bike though. I ride it over twin peaks (900' vertical) about 4x per weekend, plus all over for doing shopping and stuff. It cost about $300 (for an aluminum frame bike!) when I got it. Too bad Diamondback has discontinued them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blake T.
a cross-country rider
from Renton, WA USA
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've put over 600 miles on my Response since I picked it up in August. I put a Marzocchi Bomber fork on it and LOVE this bike! I am saddened to hear that they have been discontinued by DB. I'm getting ready to slap some LX V-brakes on it now and have upgraded to Sun double wall rims. Someday I'll move up to full suspension, when I do it'll be a Diamondback! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Smith
a cross-country rider
from Utah
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought one just last month and am having a great time with it. The frame is light but firm. It handles great on rough terrain!!! I've tried it in some canyons by my home. I have had to get the rims trued, but that was because of the terrain I was on. P.S. Please send some info on the '98 Sorrento. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad
a racer
from Buffalo, NY
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Diamond Back Response March of 97'. Since then I have added the INDY C suspension fork. I love it. I have raced about 5 races and have had barely any trouble. Problems that I have had are mostly derailer problems. It is a great bike for beginners and better riders. I think that Diamond Back is a very good company that makes very good bikes for racing cross-country or anything else. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Haggard
a cross-country rider
from Lake Tahoe,CA
Date Reviewed: December 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had this bike for about a year now and still has not failed on me yet. The frame is very sturdy and even falling on it several times it just keeps on going. The only complaints I have is that the rim was out of true a few times but that is not a biggy. AWESOME BIKE! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graeme Robinson
a weekend warrior
from Australia, Sydney
Date Reviewed: November 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike in May '96 with a CroMo fork and didn't ride off-road until a friend got me into it. I've upgraded to an RST 381 front suspension unit. The frame has survived 19 months of weekend riding (including a few xc races) and thumping over gutters on my way to work on weekdays. The frame has put up with all of this, including being rear ended by a car (a week into ownership!). Componentry (Alivio) of course has not survived so well but hey, it's still hanging in there, noisy, bent but functional. Handling is very quick but sure - I confidently bash downhill on it and keep up mostly with my fully suspended riding mates. This bike has made me question moving to full suspension and I'm now looking hard at an Avalanche with a great groupset rather than a FS with crap components. (mtb's are expensive in Aust) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max OKane
a cross-country rider
from Wellington, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I get the feeling this page is probably for preaching to the converted. However. I bought my '97 Response as an entry level MTB, not wanting to be tagged all the gear - and no idea And I've been delighted. it does all I need, taking price into consideration. Have done some low key races and there's no better feeling than passing the guys who have thrown megabucks at their machine. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason martinez
a cross-country rider
from albuquerque nm
Date Reviewed: August 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had a '94 Response Sport for three years and beat the hell out of it with not a bit of trouble. For the price I paid this bike kicks. I started mtn biking on this bike and came to love the sport. Now I race this same bike and it definitly works. Yeah it's a little heavy and the components aren't top of the line but for the beginning mtn. biker it's awesome. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian Lopez
a weekend warrior
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: May 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a Diamond Back Response SE two weeks ago and I love it. Although I am having a little trouble with the derailleur falling out of adjustment after every long and hard ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Reid
a cross-country rider
from Russellville, AR
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought one of these bike fall of last year and I LOVE it. It has proved to be an exceptional bike with quality components and great riding qualities. It is light, stiff, and nimble. | | Overall Rating: |
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