Submitted by
Jordan
a Weekend Warrior
from California, MD, USA Date Reviewed: April 22, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Mike's Bikes
Strengths:
This is a pretty good bike. I recieved it for my birthday 5 years ago, and it has held up very well. It has been everything that I expected it to be.
Weaknesses:
For the first 4.5 years I had this bike, I did some occasional rough trail riding, did some neighborhood crusing, rode to work for a while, and did all kinds of other riding. Now that I'm at college and I ride this bike all the time, it's suffered a lot of wear. I ride probably around 5 miles every weekday. The cassette is very worn. The crank and the bottom bracket are almost shot. I just bought a new chain to last me the final month of this semester, because I had and still have to some degree serious chain skipping problems. The rear derailluer is having some serious issues. I'm hearing some serious bearing grinding from the rear hub. The grips are falling apart. The components that came with this bike are not of the highest quality, but what do you expect from a $350 bike?
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. It has lasted me 5 years with no fatal problems. It has provided me with tons of fun. I don't know what I would have done without it. This bike has really contributed to my love for biking. It is a great beginners bike and I would recommend it to anyone that is new to the sport.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Laudahl
a Racer
from Mankato,MN usa Date Reviewed: April 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
sakatah singing hills, Red jacket
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
penn cycle
Strengths:
everything. Had to replace the grip shifters once bit everything is good i have had it for about five years and i have put it through alot of crap and it has held up. Usually there would have been at least one or two welding problems but not even a sound . the parts on this bike are excellent! the rims arent even bent and ive done some major off-roading and havent even replaced the rear tire and it is still excellent i have a 2.4 inch front tire and it reacts excellent to the bike. i am going to put front suspension on it. people who do want to do off- roading and want to put it through hell and back again and dont want to spend over $500 for it i would suggest this bike
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
magna's, gt's
Bike Setup:
26" non-suspension
Bottom Line:
it is the best bike ive ever had and i have had about 5 bikes over the years
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hamish F
a Weekend Warrior
from Bournemouth, United Kingdom Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$210.00
Purchased At:
Cycle King, Oxford
Strengths:
Frame
Weaknesses:
Pedals, failed after 5 months Front brake cable splitter, failed after 3 months bottom bracket needs replacing 8 months
Similar Products Used:
Raleigh Amazon (excellent bike)
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
A good begginners bike, except for the things that fail, I just use it at Uni for riding on the road, no more than 20km per week, i really dont expect componants to fail this quickly if at all, the pedals and cable splitters haven't failed again yet...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PAUL DECORLETO
a
from JACKSONVILLE.NC Date Reviewed: September 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
WON IN SWEEPSTAKES
Strengths:
1999 Diamondback Sorrento SE, mountain bike, front suspension, Shimano AceraX components, SR Suntour M-7500, 1.95" travel fork
Weaknesses:
NONE IS BRAND NEW HAS NEVER BEEN USED YET AT ALL, IT IS STILL BRAND NEW.
Bike Setup:
HAS BRAND NEW BIKE LOCK WITH IT.
Bottom Line:
ASKING 350.00, OR BEST OFFER
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Hesperia, CA USA Date Reviewed: April 12, 2001
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
I don't rememeber
Strengths:
My '94 sorrento has decent components for the price, at the time everything was shimano alivio, now who knows what it's got. great price for a first bike even for an intermediate rider. My steel frame is very comfortable.
Weaknesses:
a little heavy. Not setup for a serious racer
Similar Products Used:
cheapo brand mountain bike
Bike Setup:
stock, barends, water bottle, kryptonite lock
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike back in '95 it was a '94 model so i got it at a little bit of a discount. It has straight alivio components and no suspension fork, they weren't too good 6 years ago. The frame is super strong, it is one of the best steel frames at that price in my opinion. I don't know if the frame is still steel but it is much more comfortable that an aluminum frame that rattles your teeth out. I rode my sister's 98 sorrento and had a blast. It is a little lighter now and the new fork technologh is much better. If you want a bike that can last for 6 years this is a good one. I ride mine everywhere all I have done to it is buy new tires and change the chain a couple of times. A good buy for a first bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Burris
a Weekend Warrior
from Staunton, VA USA Date Reviewed: March 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
roads and dirt stuff
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Recycle
Strengths:
this bike has plenty of good parts to it such as the brakes and the derailers.
Weaknesses:
the rims which bend, and the heavy frame
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
same as any basic DB
Bottom Line:
this is a fairly good priced bike and i have done lots with it. its perfect for people who like to do low grade trails and alot of road driving.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Conor Watkins
a
from Rolla, MO USA Date Reviewed: November 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Kaintuck & Berryman in MO
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Strengths:
The bike is solid and has held up well to my abuse. For a beginner bike, this one is pretty tough. If you are at all serious about biking, don't get a cheapo Wal-Mart type bike. Go ahead and get a Sorrento and you should be ok for all city use and some pretty decent offroading. When I bought this bike as a mountain bike, I intended to use it to its fullest. It has been on rough trails with plenty of rocks and roots. The stock tires are great for offroad, but not as good for the pavement. When riding mostly around town, I switch to tires with a nice center ridge for a better ride. The bike has great brakes and nice shifters. The drivetrain still shifts reasonably well even when wet and/or very dirty. This is a must on the trail.
Weaknesses:
The front shock not all that great. After two years of hard riding, it is somewhat worn out but was never great from the start. There is play in the shock and clunking noises can be heard when you hit a large bump. I plan on using the bike until it dies altogether and then get a whole new setup. After two years of hard riding, the bike is starting to feel like an old worn out car. It still runs and get you where you need to go reliably, but you start to hear noises that weren't there before.
I bought a Sorrento that was defective before it was exchanged for my current bike. The rear derraillur never shifted properly and the bike shop's service was horrid. They never actually rode the bike and told me that it shifted fine on the shop stand. In the end, the bike self destructed when the chain ended up in the rear spokes. This totalled out the entire drivetrain and bent the frame so badly that my back tire fell off. I am not sure what happened, I got an exchange and the new bike has been much better. This problem has to be blamed on the bike shop and not the bike.
Similar Products Used:
NONE
Bike Setup:
Stock everything except for the seat and sometimes the tires. I have a bike bag and carry the basic necessities to repair a broken chain, leaky tire, etc.
Bottom Line:
This bike is good for a person who is starting to get interested in mountain biking. It is good for the college student (like me) wanting to ride to campus and ride on some trails on the weekends. I have put my bike through hell and it keeps coming back for more abuse.
The frame isn't as light as some, but it is sturdy and not too rough on the body. The front shock isn't great, but it is better than nothing. For someone on a limited budget, this bike is a good choice. I would suggest something else for a pro and do plan on upgrading when I get my next bike. FOR THE BEGINNERS: Avoid Wal-Mart bikes at all cost. A buddy of mine bought a NEXT bike with front suspension. All he does is complain so I tell him that his NEXT bike is going to be something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob Berkeley
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs CO Date Reviewed: September 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Palmer Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Gart Sports
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
Frame, gears, weight.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
This bike can't take any abuse. I've broken a seat,damaged the shocks, and bent the frame. Very heavy bike. This bike is not for the serious off-roader. All the parts wear out quickly and are generally cheap. Don't get this bike if you intend to do any serious riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Colin
a Cross Country Rider
from Wellington, New Zealand Date Reviewed: July 9, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Almost everything except
Weaknesses:
The Suspension & Gears
Similar Products Used:
Other bikes around $500(US)
Bike Setup:
New Handle Bars, Pedals, Drink Bottle
Bottom Line:
This bike is perfect for city people who like to go off road a few times. But if your a weekend warrior or XC racer I would not recommened it. I've had one for 2 years (1 year raced). It does the job but not very well. If you have the money & going off road a lot buy something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate
a Cross Country Rider
from Springfield, OH, USA Date Reviewed: April 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Caesar Creek Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Strong frame...I took it to the Left Loop at Tsali and the frame took the jumps fine. The shox work just fine, although they can be sticky occasionally.
Weaknesses:
If anything, I'd say the derailers. Shimano Acera. They work even when caked with mud, but they hesitate more than I'd like. The tires are crap, though. Anything mildly slippery will cause this bike to fishtail off-road, and forget climbing on anything slightly damp. It doesn't.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
1998 Sorrento w/RST 281 shox, Shimano Acera derailers, Pro Max (???) brakes, SRAM shifters, 2 water bottles w/cages, pump, underseat bag
Bottom Line:
It's a halfway decent bicycle. It's a good first mountain bike while you're still learning the ropes, but once you get better and start trying new things, get a new bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kai Brinker
a Weekend Warrior
from Vestal, NY Date Reviewed: December 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Vestal Highlands Trails (Loose Dirt Trail)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
It is a all purpose bike, is great, etc.
Weaknesses:
Costly, but still worth it.
Similar Products Used:
'94 Outlook
Bike Setup:
Suntour front susp. (included) Post Modern post susp. ($60.00) I also bought a bike pump ($14.99), Gel pad ($19.99) Mirror ($2.99), Clock/Temp/Compass ($5.00), Water bottle w/ holder ($9.00), Kangaroo under seat bag ($9.99), and I'm looking for a digital tire pressure gauge, and a lighting system.
Bottom Line:
I love this thing. It is great for what it is meant to do. You wanna rock bang, you can buy one of those $5000 bikes at your bike store, but If you rather spend the other $4600 for a computer, so you can write reviews like these, this bike is for you. It's also a head turner, if you like atention. Also, the speed is great down pavement, I've done 42.5 mph!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Downhiller
from Albany Date Reviewed: September 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Minnewaska State Park
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Bang for the Buck
Weaknesses:
Rims
Similar Products Used:
None
Bottom Line:
I've taken this bike up some crazy terrain in the Catskill Mountains and came down at a sick, frenzied pace and it held up quite well. My hands were cramped when I got to the bottom because I had to squeeze the brakes so hard. The control on the bike is very good and feels solid. This bike is great for the money...but I can't wait to upgrade to the DBR X2.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
don kohl
a Weekend Warrior
from chelmsford ma Date Reviewed: September 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
dam
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
good bike with ok shocks. nice shifters and deraliers good all around bike
Weaknesses:
a little bit of a heavy bike
Similar Products Used:
raliegh m40
Bike Setup:
srsuntourm7500
Bottom Line:
good bike for a person that is advanced or expert
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Helgeson
a Weekend Warrior
from Wrangell, AK Date Reviewed: September 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
none
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Good brakes and shifters
Weaknesses:
shocks are downgraded from the 98' model.A little heavy
Similar Products Used:
all DB's
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is a good buy over all. BiKer(the second guy on the list has absolutly no idea what he is talking about. This bike retails for 339.99. Tell me why someone who races for Specialized would buy a 340$ bike. (someone's full of sh*t!) I mean come on, You can't expect an FSR elite for this kind of price. The Sorrento SE is a good value.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john stiren
a Weekend Warrior
from harrisburg,pa Date Reviewed: August 11, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
it makes a nice paper wieght
Weaknesses:
the bike the bike oh yeh the bike
Similar Products Used:
cannondale superv400 the best bike ever buy that
Bottom Line:
JUNK ITS JUNK
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TERRY SANTOR
a Downhiller
from beverly hills ,ca Date Reviewed: August 11, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
lots, the bike maybe
Similar Products Used:
tons
Bike Setup:
just the bike
Bottom Line:
dont by it ,it was a serious disapointment when i bought it for my 16 year old son everything fell apart we bought it straight from diamond back so we got a replacement it did the same darn thing join me in a class action suite call (901)738-6572
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tres Pless
a Cross-Country Rider
from Carlisle Pa Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
anything deadly
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
ummmmmmm...
Weaknesses:
bad traction, not the best parts ok for a first bike but not at all impressive,bad rims, bit heavy you could save up a bit longer and get something that will actually last
Similar Products Used:
EVERYTHING IM A PRO
Bike Setup:
AVERAGE OLD HUNK A JUNK
Bottom Line:
LOOK AROUND YOU COULD FIND MUCH BETTER. A WHILE AGO I WAS RIDIN WITH A BUNCH OF FRIENDS AND RIGHT AWAY I KNEW WE WERE LOOKIN AT A PIECE OF GARBAGE ONE OF MY BUDDIES ROLLED UP THIS BUNDLE OF LAUGHS, AND THATS EXACTLY WHAT WE DID. WE TOOK OFF I LOOKED BEHIND AT THE GROUP OUR LITTLE SORRENTO FRIEND WAS NO WHERE TO BE SEEN. IT SEEM HE COULDNT MAKE THE JUMPS OR THE LOGS OR THE ROCKS OR THE TWIGS!!! SO WE KNOW HOW CRAZY PEOPLE CAN BE IF YOU GET THE BIKE STICK TO ROAD RIDES AND PLEASE DONT RIDE AT NIGHT GOD HELP IF YOU RAN OVER A CRACK OR ANY IMPERFECTION IN THE ROAD. GOOD FOR THE UNSKILLED AND UNEXPERIENCED
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kai Brinker
a Weekend Warrior
from Vestal, NY Date Reviewed: July 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Vestal Highlands Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
see below
Weaknesses:
see below
Similar Products Used:
see below
Bike Setup:
see below
Bottom Line:
I would just like to comment on the person below me's review. I don't know what he does with his bike, if he throws it off a cliff or something, but this bike is really great. Sure if you treat it bad, it will be bad. The purpose of this bike is not to be the meanest think on the trail. I will compare bikes to automobiles. Road/Race Bikes = Sports Cars Comfort Bikes = Sedans (normal cars) BMX = Stunt Cars Touring Bike = Coupe Front Susp. MTB's (like this one) = Car based SUV's such as the Honda CRV, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4. Meant for the road, and trail, however a bit restriced on the hard trails. Full Susp. MTB's = Truck Based SUV's such as Land Rovers, Hummers, Jeeps (except Grand Cherokee), etc. Meant for off-roading, not as comfortable on the road. Now I'm not trying to be mean to or at anyone, I'm just stating my opinion, and that is the this bike does what it is made to do, and is very comfortable riding to the local shopping mall. But it can also do some off-roading. Thank you for reading this.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ChRiS
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane Date Reviewed: July 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Mt.Warning
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Good brakes. Good brakes. That's about it.
Weaknesses:
Everything. The derailler hanger bent whithin th efirst 2 days, so that the shifting has not been the same since. Shocks are too easy too bottom out. far too heavy.
Similar Products Used:
cannondale kv700. Good bike (excellent bike sorry)
Bike Setup:
on the diamondback it had a cromolly frame which was heavy as and low grade componentry.Rst 280's.On the Dale i had fatty ultras, maguras, and high end xtr componentry
Bottom Line:
I guess it's great for the commuter looking to go offroad every now and again. Other wise steer clear..... well clear. It only got one star couse you cannot select 0.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Ogden, UT Date Reviewed: July 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Deer Valley
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
V-brakes grab and don't let go. very durable bike
Weaknesses:
Front shock is a little spongy.
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose something or other
Bike Setup:
Factory config, SR Suntour front suspension and some caged pedals
Bottom Line:
Great beginner bike!! I purchased this bike two days ago and yesterday I went on my second mountain biking excursion. This biek was able to handle Deer Valley ski area with no problems what-so-ever. I plan on doing some upgrades but this is a great bike for the money. Definitely most bang for the buck.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crazy D
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wrangell Alaska Date Reviewed: July 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
?
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
It is a good bike for the $. It handels like a champ and the brakes are sweet.
Weaknesses:
shox are not the best they could do
Similar Products Used:
98 sorrento se
Bike Setup:
rst mozo pro
Bottom Line:
It's a great bike
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kai Brinker
a Weekend Warrior
from Vestal, NY Date Reviewed: June 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Vestal Highlands Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great control, looks classy, great brakes.
Similar Products Used:
ummm I had an old '94 Outlook.
Bike Setup:
Rock-shock front susp. (included) Post Modern post susp. ($60.00) I also bought a bike pump ($14.99), Gel pad ($19.99) Mirror ($2.99), Clock/Temp/Compass ($5.00), Water bottle w/ holder ($9.00), Kangaroo under seat bag ($9.99), and I'm looking for a digital tire pressure gauge, and a lighting system.
Bottom Line:
Really great bike, and with the $60 post modern seat suspension and the included front ones, you hardly feel anything on bumpy trails, which really lets you beat out your friends. I've had my electric lime one for more than a month now. I was going down my favorite trail with my friend who was riding a '94 outlook with no shocks at all, and we were just about next to each other, when we came to the little downward bump. My front suspension soaked it up, he went flying. It is really great bike!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kai Brinker
a Weekend Warrior
from Vestal, NY Date Reviewed: May 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
My local shopping mall!
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
makes everything doable, tough on trails, smooth on roads.
Weaknesses:
no seat shocks, but you can buy those for pennies.
Similar Products Used:
Outlook
Bike Setup:
Trip Computer, kickstand, adding more soon!
Bottom Line:
Just bought this bike, and it rocks! It is great on the roads, but tough enough for off-road trails.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
STILL-DIZZY
a cross-country rider
from Bay Area, California Date Reviewed: February 4, 1999
Bottom Line:
Ok. I've been deciding between a DiamondBack Sorrento and a Specialized A1 HardRock. Looking at the price tag: HardRock: $500.00 Sorrento: $400.00I had to decide which one to purchase between the two. I haven't been in the Mountain Bike seen since 92' when I still had my Trek 9500 Dual-Suspension, Carbon Fiber which kicked ass! And also kicked my life savings. But now in 1999 I'm shocked by the advancement in Mountain Biking technology and the Price Tag. I also realized that I forgot how to Mountain Bike. So I've decided to spend the whole year riding a hardtail. Besides hardtails are hella fast and usually lighter than their Full-Suspension Counterparts. Anyways, enough of the babble. The DiamondBack Sorrento is what you expect of a hardtail. The brakes work very nice, the steering sharp and the price itself is affordable. Riding this bike on the trail would work, but I have doubts on the fork. So upgrading it would be nice. In the end I walked out of the LBS settling for the A1 HardRock, but also thinking the Sorrento isn't as bad as I originally thought. Therefore I give it 3 smokin' chillies to spice up my dinner.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aggie John
a weekend warrior
from College Station, TX Date Reviewed: January 23, 1999
Bottom Line:
C'mon now, this bike doesn't even claim to be a real mountain bike, and no one should expect it to perform like one. I bought a regular Sorrento for riding around campus (trail bike is a suped up Klein Attitude!). I like it. If you pump the tires up to about 50psi, it's pretty damn fast. The components work qite well and it looks cool enough. I hate it when people rag on bikes for things they are not supposed to do (actual trail riding). I give this bike five chilis because it does ITS job (pavement run-about) perfectly.GIG 'EM!
Overall Rating:
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