Submitted by
R. COGburn
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: October 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Hydroformed top tube is sexy stiff and provides great standover. Knucklebox is amazing when combined with Fox RP23. Climbs smooth and descends effortlessly. decent weight for a six inch AM bike.
Weaknesses:
Some stock components blow (grips, pedals, etc) Rear tire clearance in mud with 2.5s is tight.
Stock 08 bike with Joplin seatpost, blackspire stinger dual chainguide, RS Pike 454
Bottom Line:
This bike is great for any All Mountain rider and light freeride use (see beginner's dirt jumps and urban assault). It can ride a few miles of road to the trailhead with no pedal bob, loop a few miles of technical ups and downs, then rail the long downhill back to road.
I find that I ride even longer and harder with the Joplin, but it has its wn set of reviews. The chainslap was a nightmare at first, but the chainguide fixes that. I'd love to ride the newer ones with the HammerSchmidt!
The low BB is great while descending and in tight turns, but watch your crank arms on the rocks. I've had to relearn my riding techniques with this bike, but I've gotten faster in the long run due to the confidence inspiring plush travel.
I hear the 2010 models are redesigned for an even stiffer feel, but I've never noticed any lateral drift.
Overall a sick ride for a great price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gorgeRide
a Cross Country Rider
from hood river, or Date Reviewed: September 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Post Canyon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
From the factory
Strengths:
Climbs great, descends even better. Suspension rocks, love the Hammerschmidt, great brakes, great wheels. I take this bike out and climb with the best of them. Then I drop the saddle and mop up on the downhill.
Weaknesses:
Ditched the pedals immediately. Grips don't seem to be holding up very well. Otherwise, I'm thrilled with this bike.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Slayer.
Bike Setup:
Stock with Time pedals.
Bottom Line:
I was confident that this bike would descend like a champ and handle the big drops with ease. I was surprised at how well the bike climbs. The combination of the KnuckleBox and ProPedal is outstanding. If you can only have one bike and you like to do it all, this is an excellent option.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kroniktap09
a Downhiller
from new york city Date Reviewed: July 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
tempest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
really lightweight, extremely manueverable
Weaknesses:
incompatibility with the bottom bracket because of the linkage. a nightmare if you want to install or take off parts such as bashgaurds or chainguides. stock parts suck and should be changed if you want to do any serious riding
Similar Products Used:
intense uzzi, ironhorse 7 point, trek session 88,
Bike Setup:
marz. bomber 66 front mavic rims, maxxis high roller, e-thirteen
Bottom Line:
amazing for any type of riding. i set the rebound on the dhx air through the roof, and now it can handle anything. its lightweight and low linkage makes it very easy to whip around, the only problems are the headset and bottom bracket parts. if you want to remove or replace them, you have to special order from diamondback and MAKE SURE all your parts fit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rarroyo
a Downhiller
from Oakland, CA US Date Reviewed: January 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Demo Santa Cruz
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Weight, Suspension Design, Quality of build, and of course great design.
Fortunately I have had the opportunity to purchase and ride a number of great bikes from boutique manufactures to industry giants. Every bike I have had has been great...well as excelled in one aspect or another but fell short of my ideal bike therefore they were sold...well enough about my experience lets get down to this bike.
Suspension: Due to its unique design the Mission 3 has the ability to climb like a hardtail...no exaggeration, this design is similar to the iDrive system not technology wise but feel and efficiency.
As for descending it basically flattens the trail, I would say I am an aggressive trail rider with the occasional chair assisted visit ie. N*... 3-4foot drops, rock gardens and roots are my friends and this bike gives you the confidence to ride faster and harder.
Build: Custom
Will post updated review as the season goes by...lucky for me I can ride year round.
Cheers,
Rafael
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gnarltastic
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ USA Date Reviewed: November 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Miligrosa
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Strengths:
Knucklebox frame design, fork and shock, true all mountain ride
Weaknesses:
low BB height, a few weaker components on a pricey bike
Similar Products Used:
01 Rocky Mountain Slayer built for freeride
Bike Setup:
All stock except shorter (60mm) stem
Bottom Line:
I love this bike! The frame design combined with the propedal and lockout option on the fork allow me to climb sections my slayer couldn't. However, drop the seatpost (which can practically disappear) and put on your pads for downhill like assaults. It suck up the baby heads and rails the corners. I've been slightly air born on trail and haven't had any control issues, can't wait to try a true dirt jump on it. Everyone who sees it says "My first bike was a Diamondback, but I didn't realize they were still making quality products".
The answer, they make awesome bikes, and this is my first Diamondback. Test ride one and you'll be grinning from ear to ear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
angry_beaver
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasadena, CA. United States Date Reviewed: August 22, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
The first thing you notice about the Mission 3 is it’s hooded hydroformed top tube which explains itself later on the ride. The main section of the DiamondBack Mission 3 frame is its Knuckle Box design. The Knuckle Box is what keeps everything stable, add in the Fox RP 23 rear shock with a three stage select tuning pro-pedal and a full open stage and you get 6 inches of plush travel which will also explain itself on the ride. Combine all this and you have your self an efficient climbing machine at a good price tag.
Weaknesses:
with it’s bottom bracket height at 348mm, combined that with it’s 6 inches of travel and you might hit a big rock or two when fully compressed. It took me about three hits to my pedals to adjust my riding stance.
Similar Products Used:
Giant-Reign & Reign X, Trek-Remedy
Bike Setup:
I built this bike up with a Nixon Elite 115/145 fork, Kore 90mm 5* rise stem,
Hellbent riser bars, ODI lock-on grips, Shimano XT 9spd shifters, Shimano XT levers to Shimano XT 4 piston calipers on a 180mm front disc and a 160mm rear, a SDG seat, Race Face XC ride cranks 2 rings with a bash guard, Shimano XT front and rear derailleur, Shimano 9 spd cassette, Shimano HG chain, Shimano XT
hubs laced to Mavics double walled beefy wheels, a Panaracer XC fire pro 2.1 rear
, a Kenda Blue Groove 2.3 front.
Bottom Line:
My ride went off with out a hitch and towards the end I started to purposely put the bike in stressful and awkward situations to see how well it would react and respond. The same thought kept popping into my head over and
over....... “STABLE”.
I finished my test ride with a pleasant sense of satisfaction. It happens from time to time that I will finish a test ride with a cheated sense or maybe a
some things missing feeling but, not this time. My experience with the DiamondBack Mission 3 was very pleasant, I adapted to it’s travel early on and after that it wasn’t an issue. Don’t let the name fool you, this is not your low end bike. The Mission 3 can hold it’s own against the pricier competition.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mort Goldmann
a
from PNW Date Reviewed: February 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Goat's Gulley
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Extremely versatile, great value, Low center of gravity, relaxed geometry
Weaknesses:
not anodized for 2008, stock wheels aren't great
Similar Products Used:
yeti 575, transition BR, IH 6point, 7 point
Bike Setup:
2x9, Saint, Fox 36, DHX air, big wheels, big tires, 50mm stem
Bottom Line:
Overall I've been very impressed with this bike. It's good to see diamondback putting out a solid product again. I have mine setup as more of a jumping/light freeride bike but it works great as a trail bike too! The stock setup is very solid - NEW XT, and the geometry is condusive to many types of trail riding. The March issue of Decline outlines a Mission conversion with similar parts. Excellent climber and an even better descender!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Dude
a Downhiller
from Seattle Date Reviewed: October 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
whistler
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
GHY Bikes
Strengths:
-Perfect Trail Bike Geometry. Suspension is amazing on the DH's and pedals well enough to get you to the top w/out to much fuss. -Low BB, Super Low COG, and 17" stays make this one of the best balanced bikes I have ever ridden. -Nice low standover. -Relatively stiff. -Sealed bearing pivots
Weaknesses:
Frame seems a bit portly haven't weighed it yet just a guess. Large TT is a bit short I am 6'2" and like short bikes, however fellas any taller or with long torso's might be cramped. 115 Stem on large?? Come on mang that's like 1993 shorten it up a bit.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized SX, K2 Tirade, GT I drive.
Bike Setup:
90mm Stem FSA DH Carbon Bars, Singletraks on Ringle abbah's, E13 DRS, May put my Pike 454 on it as the Float 32 RL that came stock works great on the DH's but is too tall when climbing. I can drop the 454 uturn for the climbs. Definitely getting a Gravity dropper or Speedball for this, and racing a few super d's next summer.
Bottom Line:
Great Bike. I am a fast Semi pro/ Slow Pro DH'r and can't say enough about how well this bike performs. I also ride a new Turner DHR, a Specialized SX (4.2" one), a hand built chromo hardtail, and a Dedaccia Steel Fondriest Road bike. I like nice bikes, and while the Diamondback may not impress your high brow friends I guarantee it'll give you many pleasures.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Georg Schacht
a Cross Country Rider
from Tigard,Oregon, USA Date Reviewed: September 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Finish, build - the RIDE -. The shaped tubing is a thing of beauty and the anodized finish is nice to have. All sealed bearings at suspension mounting points You cannot beat the price and the ride just has to be experienced to be believed.
Weaknesses:
none.
Similar Products Used:
1999 Diamondback DBR X6 with the 6 inch rear suspension option and Fox RP3 shock, Specialized Enduro Pro 130
Bike Setup:
XT Disk brakes, 160/180 rotors, XT dual control levers, 2008 XT Shadow rear derailleur, XT front derailleur, xt centerlock hubs, Mavic 819 UST rims, Continental Vertical 2.3 tubeless tires - 32/35 PSI, FSA non offset seatpost, Thompson stem, Azonic downhill bar, Specialized Rival (wide)seat, Fox float RL 140 fork.
Bottom Line:
Built it custom to fit my needs - I ride all mountain and it is the most neutal handling, plush riding bike I have ever owned. The unique rear suspension combined with the Fox RP23 provides a great ride - no need to even use the propedal setting unless you are going up some mighty vertical stuff and even then just stay seated and leave it in the open setting. The rear shock also provides great compression control (factory setting). The other issue of importance is the relatively low bottom bracket height for a 6 inch travel bike - I measure 13 3/8 inches with the continental tires - high enouth to keep the pedals from catching, low enough to provide a great ride when going downhill. No other bike can match that spec - due to the suspension design. Nothing touches it for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a
from boston, ma Date Reviewed: June 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
lynn woods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Cambridge Bicycle
Strengths:
-great pedaler (with lockout and propedal) -feels lighter than it is -goes up hill better than I had hoped for -Easton carbon bar -carbon hayes 9 levers feel amazing -Pike Fork -Fox rp23 rear suspension -WTB pure v saddle is one comfy saddle -Anodized frame -Super stable
Weaknesses:
-truvative stylo triple crank and BB -cheesy DB grips -super heavy DB platform pedals -deore front der. -WTB pure v "comp" saddle
One note, I feel like the bike should have come with a rock shock lyric or fox talas rc2 or float rc2. I feel like all bikes should have at least the same if not slightly more travel up front than out back and with the pike it has only 5.5 in the front and 6 in the back. I love the Pike fork, I am just noting this because DB advertises this as a 6 in bike, and really only half of the bike is 6 in.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Prophet 1000 test rode iron horse MK3 and six point six
Bike Setup:
Swapped big ring for an FSA polycarb. bashgaurd Swapped heavy platforms for crank bros candy sl's Going to swap Saddle for titanium version Going to swap grips to Oury Probably going to take off granny ring and front der/shifter. (never use it)
Bottom Line:
Amazing suspension, great pedaler (with lockout and propedal), feels lighter than it is, goes up hill better than I had hoped for. Light carbon bar, and the carbon hayes 9 levers feel amazing. Pike Fork was super easy to set up and feels buttery smooth. Fox rp23 rear suspension was also easy to set up and the propedal settings are amazing, still trying out a few different settings to find out which one will suit me the best. My only complaints are the few components that i feel are not up to the caliber of this bike, the pedals, saddle, and grips, are all super cheap and belong on a sub $1000 bike not one pushing 3k, I am only assuming DB assumes those will be swapped out for the riders choice so they don't use quality products there but the saddle is great it is just the super low end version, so now i gotta buy the nice one in attempts to lighten this thing up a bit. The deore front der. is also way out of place, which might not matter since i might go without a front der. I have heard nothing but bad reviews about the truvative stylo cranks and BB so i hope those hold up at least awhile, might have to replace with FSA or XT. All in all i love this bike and am trying to make as much time as possible to get out and ride it. Weight with current mods 32.4lbs probably a whole lb less than it would have been with the stock pedals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grant
a
from Cincinnati, Ohio Date Reviewed: May 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Ceasar's Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
West Chester Cyclery
Strengths:
Everything. Once they fixed that whole tubing fiasco, the frame seems bomb-proof. Also, it's fairly light for a 6 inch travel bike. Rear shock is extremely nice: tunable, smooth, and the propedal adjustments work great with this frame.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
Haro Xeon Werx, '06 Raleigh Phase 2
Bike Setup:
Stock. Easton EA70 handle bar. ODI lock-ons.
Bottom Line:
This bike is very well set up for the price. It's a stout frame, has great components, and it's fairly light for an all mountain bike. This is a great bike for the rider that just wants to go out and have fun. You can still hammer on it, it's just a little more lethargic than an XC rig. This bike kicks ass!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Phillips
a Weekend Warrior
from Kennesaw, GA USA Date Reviewed: April 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
dicks
Strengths:
factory components. Tunablity
Weaknesses:
I little bit heavy for xc. I have herd the fox rp23 can lock down. I friend that i ride with had this problem with his fox shock an his specialized.
Similar Products Used:
Specialiezed FSR. Shwinn Rockett 88
Bike Setup:
Stock 2007 Mission 3
Bottom Line:
This bike is set up with over all good components. I am especially fond of the PIKE Fork and the Fox RP23. I am a true all mountain rider. I ride anything from downtown on concrete stairs drops etc. to epic cross country rides. This bike is extremely tunable and can be dialed in for whatever type of riding you like. I also love the Hayes hydraulic brakes with the carbon levers. With the stock Kenda tires this thing is a monster. I find myself able to pick rough lines and the bike tanks through the terrain with confidence inspiring stability. This bike is not for the hardcore full time free rider and it is not for the cross country racer. If you are an avid cyclist and you want a bike that is fit for all different riding than this is your ticket.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel
a Racer
from Littleton, CO Date Reviewed: April 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Deer Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
Hey man keep you hopes alive for the frame to return. I got mine last week and was in the same boat as you. Good luck. More to come once I ride the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Worth, TX Date Reviewed: January 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
Cycles, Inc. in College Station, TX
Strengths:
Good parts spec, Plush ride, Looks gorgeous
Weaknesses:
First run problems with the tube spec, new front triangle is taking forever
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Sugar 2, Yeti 575 Enduro
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This was one of the few bikes in my price range with the part spec that I wanted. I also considered the Yeti 575 and Giant Reign. I decided to take a chance on a new bike that I thought wouldn't be too common. I'm very happy with the way the bike rides. Coming from a sugar with 2 inches less travel, I was suprised by the climbing ability of a 6 inch travel single pivot design. Propedal really isn't necessary and I rarely touch the compression dial on the Pike. Despite that it can scamper up the hill with almost limitless traction and minimal bob even when out of the saddle.
In addition to an unexpected climbing ability, the way this bike smooths out downhills is refreshing. The best way to describe it calling it a couch with wheels, only the couch has confidence inspiring, predictable handling characteristics. Much of the credit for this goes to Kenda's outstanding Nevegal tires.
The only spot on this bike's record is the aforementioned tubing problem. On a small number of front triangles in the first batch, the top tube was made with thin-walled tubing, which could collapse after repeated drops. This led to a "voluntary callback." My bike has been gone since late November, and the arrival date has been continually pushed back, which is something I intend to have a word with Diamondback about.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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