Submitted by
Nubuanbud2
a Weekend Warrior
from PA Date Reviewed: August 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
A Trail, Ft. Collins CO
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Uranium Bicycles
Strengths:
Suspension, Parts!
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Specialzed Enduro, K2 F/S
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I have ridden bikes all my life. From Huffy's to Custom. There has not been one of those bikes that I "wish I never sold". Still have the custome :0) Like others here , this bike does it all and does it all well. I had a chance to buy a Trek EX6 for the same price and passed. Plus, you never see another person with you bike on the trail!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
noosadave
a Weekend Warrior
from Noosa Queensland Australia Date Reviewed: May 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Bloodwood
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Venture Cycles
Strengths:
Quality componentry,great value "off the rack",pleasure to ride,floats over rocks & logs.
Weaknesses:
Maybee a touch heavy,but can handle heavy punishment so a fair trade.
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose Otero.
Bike Setup:
Factory.
Bottom Line:
Very happy,its a great allrounder,i mix my ridng a lot and this beast can perform well in all terrain. I can't justify having 3 or 4 different bikes.The Mission ticks all the boxes.
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Submitted by
btroberson1230
a Weekend Warrior
from chattanooga, tn Date Reviewed: May 2, 2009
Favorite Trail:
raccoon mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
dicks
Strengths:
fox shocks on front and rear
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
first full suspension bike
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
ive had it for about 3 weeks and it is a lot of fun to ride. got it cheap b/c it is an '08 model. i just moved up into the world of full suspension so i can't compare it to anything, but this bike seems really tough and for the setup the price cant be beat.
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Submitted by
DavidNeiles
a Cross Country Rider
from Chattanooga, TN Date Reviewed: April 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Raccoon MTN
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Dick's Sporting Good
Strengths:
This is a follow up review from the one below. (year later)
This bike is really amazing. I have been riding this bike for close to a year now and have been riding it every week since I got it. I have really fallen in love with the knuckle box design and the bike is bomb proof. I ride some rough trail here in Chattanooga and that is 95% of my riding, 5% urban riding. Very solid component group on it as well. The bike truly rocks and climbs very well. Really can be a versatile bike for XC or DH rides.
Weaknesses:
I honestly can say that there is not one to list.
Similar Products Used:
Listed below, plus I recently picked up a 09 DB Overdrive Pro which is my first 29er,LOVE IT!!
Bike Setup:
Stock parts except wheel set, tires, seat, grips, pedals.
Bottom Line:
Bottom Line: This is the best buy for your money, period. I have dozens of happy customers who love them as well. Just plain fun to ride and a feeling of bottomless travel. Great durablity and Even better Company(Diamondback). The new 2009 models kick a$$ and all models have fox suspension and even propedal adjustment. Mission 2 & 3 have 15qr!!
If the mission is just too much for your xc types, check out the new 5" sortie bike. Super nice and great price points. The Sortie black is really nice!!
Diamondback.com
If you live near Chattanooga TN, come see me at Dick's!! Missions and Sorties are waiting for YOU there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mtn_roadbiker
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: October 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Matthews/Winters Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Uranium Cycles, Moab
Strengths:
Great handling, good components, very durable. This is a well balanced design that begs you to lean back and forget the breaks! So far the new Stroker line of Hayes breaks are working well, despite Hayes' previous reputation.
Weaknesses:
So far no problems!
The SRAM X.7 rear derailleur is pretty low end - it's too bad the X.9 wasn't stock, much better component.
The off brand front hub has given me no trouble.
Similar Products Used:
---
Bike Setup:
All stock except Deore rear hub and WTB rear rim.
Bottom Line:
This is a tough bike that can take abuse! I was looking for a durable all mountain frame after my last one cracked. It seems that many manufacturers are finally starting to beef up their designs to account for rear wheel torque that cracks so many frames near the rear suspension joints.
A bit of history - I was in Moab for some biking and found a number of places selling their demo bikes after less than a season at a huge discount (~50%). That's how I got this bike. It is in great working order, besides a creak in the bottom bracket that I haven't lubed. As you can guess riders really beat these bikes up, and this one was crash scars all over hinting at all sorts of acrobatics (endos, slides, etc). At any rate, the paint job is still in good condition - it is very durable, despite what that other reviewer said. The parts are all in great working order and still look great. Even the rear derailleur shows plenty of scars but works fine for what it is. This is a beefy bike and can take a beating without batting an eye. Some of the other bikes, even the Konas, didn't look like they held up nearly as well. If you want a great bike that sacrifices some weight for durability then this is a great buy!
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Submitted by
David Neiles
a Cross Country Rider
from Chattanooga, TN Date Reviewed: May 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Raccoon Mtn
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Dick's Sporting Goods
Strengths:
Suspension designs and geometry are a perfect setup. Best buy for your money with Fox suspension front and rear. New Hayes Stroker Trail brakes are really nice and easy to setup w/ the speed dial lever reach. climbs very well. Goes downhill scary fast and handles like a dream. LOOKS!!! I purchased the 2008 mission 2, the smooth silver is sexy. Sram shifting is the @#$* !!
Weaknesses:
none really, It does come with platform pedals and DB grips, of course I put on my clipless pedals and some odi lock-ons.
Similar Products Used:
98 Schwinn moab 2, 98 Schwinn Homegrown Factory 4 banger, 97 Schwinn Homegrown Factory, 2001 Schwinn Homegrown, 2000 Schwinn Rocket 88 stage 2, 04 Tomac Eli, 06 Diamondback custom build coil ex and some other ancient bikes!!
Bike Setup:
Stock 08 mission setup with Shimano clipless pedals, odi lock-on grips, and I put my own Handbuilt wheels(xt hubs laced with 14G DT Swiss to Sun Ringle Rhyno Lites 32 hole), on it and took of the stock wheels. I love the sram x9 x7 group, shifts like butter!!!
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike I have owned hands down, I have had tons of older high end bikes and the new suspension designs have come a long way,(duh!) Rear supsension is plush and no pedal bob, thanks to the Fox Float R, yes it doesn't have a rear lock out but I think it is silly for a 6" travel ALL MTN bike but the propedal works and work well. The 08 Fox float RL is a beauty, and is silky smooth. But anyway, I have to say being a bike mechanic my self this bike just can't be beat for an all mountain bike at $2000 range. I am only 155lbs and do some real agresive downhilling, but mostly xc riding, for me I consider this my long travel xc rig, but have nothing but complete confidence in this bike railing it down some rough, tight, twisty single track; or hucking off big drops. I do sell this bike at my shop; Dick's Sporting Goods of Chattanooga, and have 2 '07's left for a mere 1799.97(17 and 19 inch frames). And we do sell an amazing extended 3 year warranty for 50 bucks. Covers all PARTS and LABOR and UNLIMITED repairs with 2 complete tune ups. THE BOTTOM LINE: buy this bike if you want to own 1 mtn bike for any riding conditions and can handle a mere 30lbs bike, it doesn't feel heavy when riding, it floats over any thing in your way. This bike truly rocks!!!!! Thanks Diamondback for making a bike that rides better than bikes costing twice as much. Go test ride one today.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fringefan
a Cross Country Rider
from Rapid City SD Date Reviewed: May 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1450.00
Purchased At:
IBikes
Strengths:
Great suspension design and they did a great job specing the bike out with solid parts except the hubs. Out of the bike it is ready to go with virtually no need for upgrades untill the parts start breaking. Fell in love with the bike after one test ride in Grand Junction.
Weaknesses:
The paint job is crap. If you nick this sucker even the slightest bit you have a scratch in the metal. After 6 month of riding which is only about 1 months worth due to the winter, family, and trying to get the wheel warrantied for over a month, this bike looks older than my homegrown factory which was 12 years old. I loved the way it looked when I bought it so the fact I have no interest in even washing it because it has so many large sratches down to the metal and I have not even had one decent crash on it that I could call a battle scar. I think I would have to wax the thing to even get close to the same shine it had when new.
The hubs are a no name junk hub that was shot after the first real riding I did on it in Moab. Since the bike was shipped to me DB said they would not warranty the hubs which in my opinion is crap. Any company that will not stand behind their product because it was shipped to a buyer looking for a large frame in another part of the country after the season in Nov, knows they are selling an inferior product. The fact that I worked in a shop for 6 years and the bike was technically assembled at the dealer so all I had to do was put on the wheels, seat, and handlebars they use this little clever excuse that is not in any warranty info they include with the bike to save a few bucks. At 33-34 pounds it is not the heaviest but man the snyper and yeti are starting to get me thinking.
Seat post seems to slip no matter how tight I get the collar. The price was right so I can't complain too much but this is exactly why pacific company bikes get a bad rap. I did call the shop I bought it from in CA and he said he would warranty the wheel.
Similar Products Used:
Yeti 575, Cannondale Prophet, Home Grown Full Factory, Kona Coiler, Specialized Enduro
Bike Setup:
Stock except Thompson laid back seat post and Cane Creek Terros wheel set after the bearing in my old freehub went bad.
Bottom Line:
Love the design and like almost all of the parts it came with and for the price I paid it was a great deal. I have my doubts about how long the bike will last and the warranty issues should have been made clear in at least one piece of the warranty info. The paint really bums me out. I really like the way the bike rides but this is not a walmart bike so Pacific needs to stop running its highend bike companies the same.
You are gettting a very capable bike but keep in mind that every company trys to cut some costs and they cut costs on this bike with the wheel set and paint job. Also to note that I am 6'3 so this large frame runs bigger than my 21" schwinn homegrown.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johnny
a Cross Country Rider
from Chattanooga, TN, USA Date Reviewed: March 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Raccoon Mtn
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Dick's Sporting Goods
Strengths:
Great bike for the money. You get Fox suspension, with Sram x-9 and x-7 and hayes hydraulic brakes, sun rims, The ride is silkly smooth with 6 inches of rear travel that climbs like a goat and go downhill like a dh bike.
Weaknesses:
None, Have a 3 year warranty on all parts and labor with unlimited repairs and 2 free tune ups from Dick's Sporting Goods(cost only $ 50 extra).
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Homegrown factory, specialized stumpjumper, jamis dakar sport, many others
Bike Setup:
Fox Float RL fork and Fox Float R shock, x7 shifters and x9 rear der. deore front der. Truvativ FireX cranks, Hayes HFX 9 disc brakes w/ 7" front rotor, Easton stem, bar, seatpost. Kenda tires. 2.3
Bottom Line:
This is a sick bike for the money, it may not have top of the line everything; but Diamondback put there money where is matters most, suspension and frame design, Knuckle box linkage is one of my favorite designs for FS bikes, I have owned plenty over the years. This bike can be whatever you want, XC, freeride, DH. I plan on upgrading some drivetrain components whenever i wear out what i got, but great bike for under $2000. No other company is doing what DB is for the price and value. Go to Dick's Sporting Goods in Chattanooga and check one out, David is really awesome!! And buy a warranty for 50 bucks!! David; who I knows has more experence and know-how than some other yahoos at the local shops will give you expert info and bike setup you need.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a
from UK Date Reviewed: February 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This is a great frame for anything from agressive trail through any all mountain to light freeride. It decends amazingly with the performing amazingly when you get your weight back. Despite 6" of plush travel and no lock out (on the Fox Float R, Mission 3 has the RP23, probably worth it if you climb lots) the frame climbs pretty well, with your weight forward over the locked out forks there is virtually no bob at all. Despite the quite burly build (this is hard to apreciate from side on pictures) the frame is quite light and feels lighter than it is due to a low centre of gravity you can really throw it around.
Weaknesses:
Not quite light enough to race trails or xc, not quite burly enough for tough freeride.
Similar Products Used:
Various other 6 inch frames ..... this is by far the best yet.
Bike Setup:
Custom build; Diamondback Mission 2 frame, Pace RC40 forks, Shimano XT drivetrain, Sram X.9 mechs + shifters, Crank Bros 5050XX pedals ....... and so on.
Bottom Line:
If you want a do it all bike that can get you to the top of the mountain then allow you to let rip on the way down this is your bike!!! Climbs well enough to keep up with most of your xc mates, but isn't afraid to get it on out in chairlift country!! This bike for such a low price is a great buy, dont miss out!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yevgeny Y.
a Cross Country Rider
from Russia Date Reviewed: November 27, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great frame with long travel.
Weaknesses:
non yet
Bike Setup:
Custom setup based on this frame with Marzocchi AM SL 150mm fork.
Bottom Line:
This my first full suspension bike. Great difference with my cross country hardtail. Long travel suspension leads you to fun ride across the high heels, through the forest with no path and so on. You just can't ride on it by the road or any simple track, you need something extreme and interesting for the bike. Compare to my hardtail this bike is much heavier. As a result without lockout on Fox R rear shock it's much harder to ride on it uphill, flat roads/tracks. So if I want some fun and extreme I take Mission bike. Othewise (travels for example) I will ride hardtail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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