Submitted by
fewinhibitions
a Weekend Warrior
from SoCal Date Reviewed: August 9, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Sport Chalet on sale
Strengths:
A very solid frame set, good components except those listed below, and price/value. I have done a couple unneeded upgrades such as brakes, saddle, and bars.
Weaknesses:
Only a few, and these really boil down to preference rather than quality. A little bit heavy Truvativ cranks, DART3 fork that leaked from the get go - replaced immediately after leaking. eBayed the new replacement and got a REBA.
Similar Products Used:
None, first 9er.
Bike Setup:
21" frame, added Avid Elixers with 8" rotors, an Answer tapered riser bar, Forte Softail saddle, Kenda Klaw tires (they are good tires and amazingly inexpensive @ Jensen), and a set of street slicks for the few occasions a year I need a road fix or hit the bike paths.
Bottom Line:
This bike has played a major role in getting me back into riding after a 12 year absence. I probably should have done more research - I only rode 6 bikes when I decided to get the Overdrive. I didn't even take a test ride, I sat on it and rode around a few clothes racks in the store and I knew.
Back in the day on a 26" I was the wheelie king, but doing manuals and wheelies took a bit of a re-learning curve. Not a big deal in reality. Seriously, how much do you really need to wheelie?
The longer wheelbase definitely noticeable as soon as you throw your leg over. And steering can be a little strange at first, but both characteristics become unnoticeable after a couple of rides.
But the fact remains, a 29er isn't for everyone, either you dig them or you don't. I recommend one tries out as many bikes as possible, take a few weeks, even months to find the right bike.
That it was on sale didn't hurt either, however, it only helped a little. I would have bought it at the retail price if need be.
Perfect bike for larger/heavier riders (I was 290lbs when I bought it and now I'm down to 240 and on a slow but steady decline), and for those who want to test the 29er waters without having to sacrifice an extra $200-400 doing it. The price, it just can't be beat. As was posted before, Diamondback hit this one out the park - dead center field.
Enjoy!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GlueFactoryBJJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Memphis, TN, USA Date Reviewed: June 11, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Shelby Farms
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
Dick's Sporting Good
Strengths:
Well built bike, especially for a clydesdale like me.
Durable.
Rapidfire shifters (much better than grip shifts!)
Disc brakes!
Huge tires.
Silver color scheme.
Weaknesses:
No tires available at airfreetires.com
A "creaking" I haven't been able to identify (but I weigh 300+ lbs)
Similar Products Used:
Demo'd a Gary Fisher and a Specialized 29er.
Bike Setup:
Stock with seat upgrade.
Bottom Line:
Got this as a 2008 clearance bike. Over $250 off Dick's $650 retail price. Best value in a 29er out there with even close to the same components and that is at the $600 retail price point!
The 2009's have slightly better components and a different color scheme that I don't like as much. May not have the brand cachet of Gary Fisher or Specialized, but if you can focus on value, you won't be disappointed.
This bike is probably best for someone who wants a 29er (and knows why they want one over a standard 26"), but can't afford to pay another $200-300 for a Gary Fisher or Specialized 29er with equivalent componentry.
I really don't think there is an equivalent value AT THIS LEVEL and product quality out there. Diamondback really hit this one out of the park.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bannangains
a Cross Country Rider
from Little Rock, AR Date Reviewed: May 11, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Pfiefer Loop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
ReadyRiders
Strengths:
Great frame, Stern and Strong. Came with a Dart 3(2008 Model) which is a pretty good starting fork. Disk breaks
Weaknesses:
Heavy, Truvativ Crankset isnt the greatest(highly recommend upgrading that first). other than that i havnt had a problem with it yet
Bottom Line:
Great Starter bike. It got me back into mountain biking and its performed well with all its stock items. Of course i wasnt nesessarily doing insane things with the bike, like I said, its a beginners bike. Although, its a great bike to upgrade as you go( as you transend into a better biker). I highly recommend this bike if you wish to start really getting into mountain biking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chappie752
a Weekend Warrior
from Cheyenne, WY, USA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
The Sports Authority
Strengths:
Nice frame, pretty good components.
Weaknesses:
Frame could be about a half inch longer. I bought the 16" frame, and my toes hit the tire when I make a sharp turn. I wear a size 10 shoe so my feet arent that big.
Similar Products Used:
First 29er
Bike Setup:
FSA stem, and handlebars. Avid brake levers. The rest is stock.
Bottom Line:
Other than the frame length I love the bike. It handles really well, and the weight isn't too bad. At $500 you can't go wrong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KEVIN C
a Weekend Warrior
from Old Orchard Beach Date Reviewed: October 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Eastern Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$499.00
Purchased At:
Dick's Sporting Good
Strengths:
Value.
29er.
Looks and rides great.
Weaknesses:
Components are mid grade but work just fine.
Weight.
Similar Products Used:
None. Previously used other 26" mountain bikes.
Bike Setup:
Stock (for now)
Bottom Line:
My wife and I own a pair of these 2008 Diamondback Overdrive 29'ers. Loads of fun to ride and it's an incredible 29'er value for the money. One of the best deals anywhere... I know because I looked at all the major brands (Specialized, Cannondale, etc) when shopping for a 29'er. Nothing else new can touch it right now (2008) for the money... Period!
Components are mid grade for this model, but they work good. If you want higher end, replace the components over time (like I plan to do) or just jump straight to the Overdrive Pro. Nice thing is they both share the same awesome aluminum Diamondback frame.
You can't go wrong with this bike and if it's available, jump on it. You won't regret it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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