Submitted by
tony Q.
a Weekend Warrior
from pittsburg,ca,usa.
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2008
Strengths: in the short time i owned it i really enjoyed every ride . i would always tell people that it road like a caddy, so soft and smooth yet very strong and lite when it really matters.
Weaknesses: none that i ever noticed, except that it was such a great bike that it gained the attention of some bike theaves.and on day when i went out to a party they broke into my home and stold my beautiful 1996 v-link 1.0.
since then i have looked high and low for an EXACT replacement
Bottom Line:
the bottom line is that ia am looking for a 1996 diamondback v-link 1.0 . if anyone is selling one.
i would perfer one that was NOT stolen.
i do belive in karma.
when i saw the bike in 96 i started looking for on and found mine in san jose . i started puting payments on it and by the next summer i had payed it off.
and by 2 summers later it was gone .
Strengths: I have owned my Diamondback V link 1.0 for 13 years and only this year have I made and changes to it.The bike has proven to be capable and reliable and has taken everything I have thrown at it over the years both on and off road.It is still going stronge and I do not plan to change it for a new bike as I don't think I will gain anything by doing so if bying another bike within what would be now the same price range.
Weaknesses: The brake fitted to this bike when new was not all that great.
Bottom Line:
This is a worth while bike and would now make a good second hand purchase if you can find one.I have not seen another one in the 13 years I have owned mine.
Submitted by
Marquism1
a Cross Country Rider
from Costa Mesa, CA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2008
Strengths: This is for the '97 3.0 V-Link.
Simple but highly functional rear suspension design, overall quality of ride and handling.
Weaknesses: The stock rear shock is a joke.
Bottom Line:
I found this bike on Craig's List, being sold by someone who basically just wanted to dump it fast. I thought I couldn't go too far wrong for 100 bucks and boy was I ever right. I stripped the whole thing down and rebuilt it completely. I replaced the old Manitou FS Ti fork with a much lighter and more functional Mars Super, replaced the hideous stock shock with a Risse Racing shock, replaced stock seatpost and bars for carbon versions, and finally replaced the XT-gripshift setup with SRAM X9. The bike now weighs just under 25 lbs and rides a lot lighter than that. I could not be happier with the way this thing turned out. The ride quality, suspension, and handling are killer. For an older bike bolstered with a bunch of eBay-special parts, it's exceeded every expectation and continues to do so. It's so good that I've decided that my full-XTR Zaskar LE hardtail just ain't that much fun anymore, compared to the V-Link. I always thought I would hold on to a hardtail for heavy-duty climbing, but I give up almost nothing in climbing on the V-Link and for everything else the V-Link is as good or better than the Zaskar. It actually feels FASTER than the Zaskar, which I never would have believed. So the Zaskar will be stripped and sold, which I would have never even considered before this bike.
Favorite Trail: If I told you, you'd ride there and we can't have that...
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At: Craigslist
Similar Products Used: Dozens of other bikes
Bike Setup: Risse Racing rear shock, Manitou Mars Super fork, original XT hub-Mavic 221 wheels, XT crank & front der. & brakes, SRAM X9 rear der and shifters.
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Submitted by
CJ
a Cross Country Rider
from ATASCADERO, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2007
Strengths: Polished aluminum Frame and Components, i.e. brakes and shocks, have lasted since April 8, 1998
Weaknesses: chainstay attached at bottom bracket cracked at thin spot on forged aluminum where it is bolted.
Bottom Line:
Even tho' it was never warranteed for the chainstay crack, I have not welded the crack, nor broken it any further, so my DiamondBack Racing V-Link 3.1 still Flys like the Wind for more than 9 (nine) years!!!!!!!!! [that's 9 (nine) ejaculations, 'er exclamation points]. I'm gonna keep it because it is one of the best-built and best-looking mountain bikes ever! Thank You Jesus!
Similar Products Used: None, only hard-tail Schwinn High Plains MTB that was stolen at Kmart locally.
Bike Setup: Some upgrades: see my page for DBR'97 V-Link 3.1 specs on my Geocities-Yahoo Bike View Heaven Directory at http://www.geocities.com/bikeviewheaven.geo/BVHsitedirectory.htm
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Submitted by
Ty Hanks
a Cross Country Rider
from PHX
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2003
Strengths: Pretty light for what was out then for a full suspension bike.
Weaknesses: Didn't climb well
Bottom Line:
Was a great bike to begin serious trail riding and even a little downhill. I had the bike for 4 yrs and then tried my buddy's fuel 90 and realized how much better the newer technology (and proper size - my DB was a medium and the fuel was a lg) felt and finally decided to get a new bike. Just purchased a Fisher 293 and LOVE it.
The DB was a good bike for years - it broke down about every third ride but it was usually a component, not the frame. Good stuff for the bucks
Similar Products Used: Schwinn Hardtail was the only previous bike I had at the time
Bike Setup: Manitiou fork, specialized bg seat, mavic/deore wheels, Deore front derailer, XT rear, Deore cranks, profile handlebar
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Submitted by
CJ
a Cross Country Rider
from Atascadero, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2003
Strengths: overall design and style, v brakes, Shimano components.
Weaknesses: aluminum frame cracks
Bottom Line:
There's a chainstay crack across the top above where it is bolted to itself and bolted to the bottom tubing just behind the bottom bracket. DiamondBack, Inc. and retailers have so far refused to warranty it with another similar V brake frame nor even with another recent DBR MtB such as the XTS'03. They want to only exchange it for the XSL'03 which is one of their Mtn. performance frames. In both frames only disc brakes and wheels are used which would cost me hundred$$$!!! But I might sell the parts if anyone needs them for an 18" polished aluminum V Link 3.1 dual suspension frame.
Bike Setup: see my DBR'97 specs: http://www.geocities.com/bikeviewheaven.geo/dbrvlink3.1specs.html
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Submitted by
Dave Commins
a Weekend Warrior
from Nh
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2003
Strengths: Just a nicely designed solid frame.
Weaknesses: The only company that still make a similar frame that I know of is Specialized but a little over three inches of travel is a joke and if you step up to the Enduro you might as well spend a few extra $$ and buy a Blur.
Bottom Line:
I have had this bike for over five years (97 v-link) and I only wish I could buy another frame just like it. The frame has a new link that my machinest friend made for me a couple of years ago (he designed it to match the link on his 98 diamondback frame)and it gives it another inch or so of travel and a 100 mm fork balances out the geometry. The spot where the link pivot connects to the bike has become ovalized and it needs to be welded which kind of sucks but this is a heavily modified bike with over 5,ooo miles on it and it has never once been anything other than predictable and 100% reliable in all conditions. I wish Diamondback would get their sh#t together and manufacture a simple frame like this again and lay off the heavy crappy designs of late. The KHS FXT frame is very similar but I think they are moving away from it too, I guess it's just not flashy enough anymore. What a great bike.
Bike Setup: Duke 100 mm fork, Cane Creek AD-12 shock.
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Submitted by
Murray Turley
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2002
Strengths: Relatively quick handling High speed handling very stable Very strong frame Very good all round bike
Weaknesses: Original equipment not very durable. My model is the 1.0, which explains that I guess.
Bottom Line:
I must confess that 4 years ago I reviewed this bike, (26/6/98) after owning it for about four months. I am still riding the same (1997 model V-link 1.0) for a very good reason. This is one good solid machine that does all that I ask of it, and comes back for more. With the upgraded gear on it now, it runs very reliably. With 3 inches of travel on the front and two and a half inches on the back, the travel would be called limited on todays standards. However, the ride is extremely well balanced which goes a long way towards compensating this. It is a quick handling, stable machine, and has no major faults. As a result, it is a bike that is worth while upgrading as parts wear out. I have often looked at new fs bikes, looked at the price and have come to the conclusion that it is not really worth while. Although it weighs approx 28lbs I can live with that. I still enjoy racing it, and it takes the rough stuff no sweat. A great bike, especially considering it's age. A great bike for both the learner and intermediate rider.
Bike Setup: Rear shock (Fastrax) is still the original! Rest of bike is now full LX. Front derailleur is XT. Riser bars. Sachs Power Shift changers. Rockshox Mag 21's on the front. Mavic rim on the front, Araya on the rear. WTB saddle.
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Submitted by
Scott Ruplinger
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2002
Strengths: No pogoing, acceptable weight, strong frame.
Weaknesses: Rear derailleur hanger bends because of aluminum, poor divetrain selection, horrible customer service.
Bottom Line:
A good buy back in the day, but if you want to ride hard and fast the raer derailleur hanger is a major problem otherwise nice entry level bike.
Bike Setup: Marzocchi bomber front with rock shox vanilla rx rear, icon clipless, dean seat post.
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Submitted by
Elvis
a Cross Country Rider
from Wellington, NZ
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2001
Strengths: Pretty tough and reliable
Weaknesses: Not indestructible
Bottom Line:
Found my earlier review of 14/10/97. I've had this bike for 4 years now and am sitting on 6700ks, still mainly off-road commuting. My riding style is much more conservative now, got a number of injuries, but I still manage the Karapoti Classic most years. I am only on my second DH Magic after 4 years, but about my forth rear tyre. On my 3rd XT rear deraileur. Changed the front sprockets to Black Spire, had alot of trouble with changing. Ditched my XLR front derailer for XT and all changing problems now solved due to the correct spacers being used! (I like 46T/32T combo, but needed 36T for middle) Although I have cracked frame links twice, the matter was so quickly resolved by the NZ agent I am convinced DB are onto a good thing here. My biggest complaint is simply maintenance compared to hard tail i.e. twice as much servicing and twice the cost of servicing. The Rock Shox rear shock should probably be something else. All shock adjustments get very stiff. Its just that I have spent on lot on servicing and expensive kits and stuff, but it only ever seems to run like a dream for about 2 weeks. The remaining 6 months are just "very good". You know that feeling when you've got a brand new bike? Can't beat it. Only other change might be to put DH bars on. LX V-brakes and gears still great. Have installed brake cartridges, creamed three rear rims and two front rims. I stick with my original 4 chillis.
Bike Setup: Judy DH, LX v-brakes and changers, XT deraileurs, 747 pedals, DH Magic front, On the Rocks rear
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Submitted by
Alex Przygoda
a Downhiller
from Oxnard, CA USA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001
Strengths: Overall great bike, nice frame geometry, good OEM spec's for beginner / mid-grade rider. I've heavily modified mine however. Had a Mech. Eng. major at Texas A&M mill me a new rear link, i get 5" travel in the rear now. RST Delta XXL front fork, original mavic rims are still running hard and true, quando hubs prolly need replacing, shimano DX v-brakes, and M636 pedals. Had missile tires on it but the sidewalls finally went after 2 years in a rocky environment and mis adjusted V-Brakes (still tread on the f-er's though)
Weaknesses: rear shock must GO!!! i hate that #$*(&#)(*&#$ thing.. i think Stratos makes a Helix shock for it..
Bottom Line:
i highly recommend the 3.0, but if you want extra travel without finding a machinist and doing design work, get the 3.1 for cheap and get the upgrade link. (3.0 uses slightly different link design) great bike for DH, XC, and a sport bike, hell, i won 3 DH races on the thing (sport class) i've prolly spent $5,000 over the life of the thing upgrading it and picking up tools.
Submitted by
Dustin
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati, Oh USA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2001
Strengths: This frame is amazing...mid 5 lbs for full suspension...not bad at all! Light, quick, cimbs well, great geometry, active suspension on downhills, no bob on climbs
Weaknesses: None so far, weak component selection stock
Bottom Line:
THis bike was my first true mountain bike, and truthfully, I am having a hard time giving it up. THe frame is still in excellent condition, so I see no reason to get rid of it. IT is truly the perfect fs bike for a cross-country rider who likes to go fast downhill, and still wants to hang with the hardtails on the climbs. When built up (in the process) this can become a serious xc fs bike, if not an all out racing machine. I would swap the rear shock in my particular year as i have done, it makes a world of difference. I new front fork would also be nice, but other than that no complaints from me.
Bike Setup: DBR v-link 3.0 frame, xt/mavic wheels, sram 7.0, bontrager cranks and saddle, titec stemm, bar,seatpost, manitou mach V comp xc with speed springs, stratos helix pro shock, all other parts XT, IRC notos tires
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Submitted by
Bryant Platt
a Downhiller
from North Fork
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001
Strengths: Speed!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This bick can handle prity good speeds...............
Weaknesses: Seat and seat Crank. The seat keeps comeing loose and the bolt is geting striped from me having to keep tightining it!!!!!!!!!!!! And thats after having to poot a Lock Nutt on it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike I've ever riden!!!!!!! It's capable of good speed (even thogh im no good at tricks). It handling isn't very good after awile. This bike is good for down Hill-Flat grownd riders (note that I dont know about tricks.) Not the best up-hill bike........................But good.
Weaknesses: none from me, but diamondback is known for poor service.
Bottom Line:
Stock, for the money you will love it! I have been riding this one for 3 years, no problems! Excellent design and no-bob. Even better with Cane Creek AD-10 and Bomber fork.
Bike Setup: was stock, now all XTR, bomber, cane creek, ect..
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Submitted by
Ian Hartley
a Racer
from Hilo Hawaii USA
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2000
Strengths: If this bike came before eve then adam would still be riding in the garden. Lite as Jimmy Hendrix, phat like the A-Team van and so tight. This bike will take anything you aim it at. Throw it in to corners hard as you please and she'll come back giggling.
Weaknesses: She can't have my childern
Bottom Line:
This bike is the best. I'm a freshman in college I ridden this bike for three years and for the last year I've riden EVERY SINGLE DAY, and not because I have to. I'm a very agressive rider and this bike has seen it all. I've ridden in Califorina (2 years), BC (summer vacation), Ontairo, and now Hawaii. Basicly it rides better then the General Lee on the fouth of July, she is so fast, super light (for the price and specs) and so versitile. It will ride anything and ride it sweet. This bike has just as much fun through singletrack as fireroads as superecnical climbs and just hammering through the city on a rainy night. THIS BIKE KICKS
Similar Products Used: I ridden everything out there from K2's,Kona's, FSR's, Treks, GT's. If you think your bike is good go to one of those huge shops with your credit card and licence, I do this every week and am happy to ride home on mine.
Bike Setup: Stock except 90% rebuild, Velocaraptor's, XT Derailers, Tange headset, ti skewers, Jagwire teflon coated cables. Tectro/XTR brakeset, Icon barends, just got a new bushing set from Diamondback.
