Submitted by
JEM
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, NY USA Date Reviewed: July 22, 2009
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$599.00
Purchased At:
Dicks Sporting Goods
Strengths:
I have been riding this bike over 10 years now and the durability has been amazing. I am just now having to buy new wheels, having cracked the rear rim. The componets(lx, xt, mavic, avid) for the price.
Weaknesses:
The seat was bad(but I used it for 7 years before replacing it). Other than tires, chains, and brake pads I have not had to put anything major into it.
Similar Products Used:
None(first decent mountain bike I have owned)
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This bike owes me nothing. I still plan to use it as a winter commuter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bbonty
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville, MI Date Reviewed: November 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Egypt Valley
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Freewheeler II, Gree
Strengths:
Great Value, great components, owned this since new, would not ride another mountain bike
Weaknesses:
Goes through the brake pads when stock.
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose, Pacific
Bike Setup:
upgraded to cartridge style brake pads
Bottom Line:
I would recomend this to anybody that wants a serious bike, but does not have thousands of dollars.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MARLIN MAN
a Weekend Warrior
from MTHome ID USA Date Reviewed: October 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
DEVILS CRACK
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
the shox are great and the frame is strong and it performs great at hi speeds off and on road
Weaknesses:
im not sher if its stock but the crank(shimano STX)it is imposible to get off and breaks very easily.but that is the only suspected stock part(besides the fork whitch has an air ride system instaled)
Bike Setup:
when i got this bike we had moved from germany and it came with a box full of affter market componenents.as i looked through the box i relized it was all shimano stuff so i preatty utch rebuilt the bike from ground up i have a shimano rear derailer shimano brake and gear system.i also put a air ride system in the shox witch is absolutaly an awsome thing to have. i just got maxxis climbing tread tires whitch are just good all around tires for rock,mudd and dirt terrain.
Bottom Line:
the bike is an older bike and performs like it is brand new its a great bike. i will tell you when we got it in germany it was my step dads and when we moved we shiped it in a crate and it was mostly stock and it took forever to get here by that time i had gotten my own gary fisher marlin whitch i love and adore so i wasnt exsactly comfortable working on it i used to only take it to the local bike shop to get worked on so my step dad gave the ztec to work on and when it arrived i road it a total of 3 times noticer just minor damage and i rebuilt it for the next 4 months.BUT I RECOMEND THIS BIKE TO ANYBODY BEGINNER TO PRO ITS AN AWSOME ALL AROUND TRAIL BIKE I LOVE IT.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from California Date Reviewed: March 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
All over south lake tahoe
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Elmendorr AFB, BX/PX
Strengths:
Very ridged frame and solid during down hill events.
Weaknesses:
The stock seat needs replacement if your going for long rides. NO padding!!!
Similar Products Used:
TREK 4300
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Good bike over-all...just dont forget to lock it up real tight (goes for all bikes) or Mr. Pete$ells will take it and put it up for sale on eBay, like he did to my bike! DO NOT BUY FROM Pete$ells because it is probably stolen property...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Guensch
a Cross Country Rider
from Richland, WA USA Date Reviewed: October 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
devils gulch
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
big river
Strengths:
strong, stiff, good frame geometry (quick, light front end), light enough to race, high quality frame (design, machining and welds), very cheap
Weaknesses:
trashed one rim, but a stick was involved so can't really blame the wheel. titec stem looked weak. suspension seatpost eventually broke.
Similar Products Used:
kona cinder cone, diamonback axis, giant atx 780
Bike Setup:
mostly stock (judy, xt/lx) with upgraded stem, tires, seat and new rear rim
Bottom Line:
this bike rocks, especially for the money. it is a good all around bike that i've done everything with including: expert class xc races, 6+ hour tours in mountains, stickin (and sometimes casing) doubles and triples at bmx races, and bombing down singletrack with dropoffs and rocks. the judy shock is starting to get loose, but it's held up well so far. this bike is very light and race worthy compared to other bikes this price. for 3 times the price you would get a bike 3 lbs lighter and 5 times more likely to break. ps. i like the handlebar width. with bar ends it's perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Racer
from Provo, UT Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Blackhawk
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
used off a friend
Strengths:
Efficient frame desgin, steady handling
Weaknesses:
Fork, Wheels, seatpost
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
Mars, Thompson seatpost, King headset, Mavic 517/XT wheels, Panaracer xc fire pro tires, XT cranks, XTR
Bottom Line:
I love this frame, particularly for the fit. The 20 inch frame fits my tall body perfectly. The bike climbs well and feels solid on fast descents. I love the handling at high speeds. I have upgraded significantly and, unfortunately, this is a must. With the upgrades, the bike weighs just under 24 pounds--decent for a 20 inch frame. I feel confident at the starting line and am impressed with the frame's durability. I would give the frame five stars but must give the overall package only four. The 1999 is twice the bike the 2000 model is--the result of big-business buyout. Stay away from the 2000 model.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan
a Racer
from canada Date Reviewed: November 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
maymont
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
l.b.s.
Strengths:
great frame, shock post saves my back, wide range 9spd,super smooth fork, avid brakes
Weaknesses:
a bit heavy for racing, especially the fork.wheels are bad.
Similar Products Used:
rigid norco(not really similar at all)
Bike Setup:
flat bar, shorty bar ends, reversed stem(lowered), tioga slicks or knobs depending on conditions, WTB seat, rollamajig, XT 12-34 casette,torelli tubes,vetta computer, nashbar pedals
Bottom Line:
I got this bike on a semi-sponsorship deal, including uniform. If you don't like riser bars, put a flat one on. this makes it a very racy position. even with my handlebar position, this bike is a downhill machine, it climbs great too, once you learn how to ride the fork properly. theo suspension is great, but comes at the price of weight. I am considering upgrading to manitou. the wheels are the worst part. they kept coming loose until I rebuilt the whole thing with DT parts and locktited everything together. overall a great bike, raced to 2nd place in provence.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jim
a Weekend Warrior
from saginaw, mi Date Reviewed: March 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
shanty creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
good value i got mne for 499
Weaknesses:
wide handlebars
Similar Products Used:
cannondale
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
great bike for the money light enough for me im 5-11 240 so i need a strong bike and this fits the bill
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cody
a Racer
from Carlisle, PA Date Reviewed: January 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Except for the wheels this thing is Bombproof. I've crashed and had to scrap tree bark off of it and the frame is still straight.
Weaknesses:
The only thing I didn't like was the tioga tires, and the fact that my wheels are bent to hell. I blame my riding style for both of these.
Bike Setup:
I added bar ends, a Flite Gel Saddle, and new tires. I also have Spins on the way.
Bottom Line:
This is an update of my previous review. I love this bike even more. I used the extra legnth on the handlebars to add bar ends and still have plenty of room. I now have green Michelin Lite S tires front and rear, and I should get my Spin Wheels soon. all I can say is that after beating the living shit out of this bike it still performes great.
P.S. for those of you who complain about the bars being too wide, You should try a hacksaw. It works wonders.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a Downhiller
from Woodstock, GA Date Reviewed: December 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
the Chute
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
everything, especially when you add what i added
Weaknesses:
flexy bottom braket area, very easily chipped/scratched paint
Similar Products Used:
over priced pretty companies that begin with a Gary and end with a Fisher, guess...
Bike Setup:
MRP chain guide, 2.30 Nokian Gazzaloddis, Marzocchi Z1 Alloy 100m, Intense DH risers and stem, hayes hydraulic disks with brake Therapy adapter, Sun Mammoth rims, King hubs, Tioga DH seat, USE suspension post
Bottom Line:
to: JASON a Cross-Country Rider from MINESOTA The Marzocchi Drop-Off has 130mm of travel, not sure if you want to throw off your geometry by a good 2-3 inches higher crown, try a Z1 Alloy instead, IT has 100mm of travel, and for all you who are wondering, i have the Zetec Comp, and it is being used for downhill use at tha moment (chain guides, 2.30 Nokians, Marzocchi Z1 Alloy, Intense DH risers and stem, hayes hydraulic disks with brake Therapy adapter, Sun Mammoth rims, King hubs, Tioga DH seat, and thats about it...)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
spider
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond Va Date Reviewed: November 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Poor Farm
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Big Strong Frame Components Shimano wide bars not ment for midgets
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose Iboc Comp s/x Shwinn Homegrown Cannondale Hunk of junk
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Fast bike for a bigger guy it'll rip when you stand on it and suck up some of the edge out of the roots and rocks. I like the frame geometry alot and how well it responds to rider input, for the money a great rig plus I traded it in on the Mongoose and ripped them on the deal it was trashed so well worth the trade.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
javier
a Weekend Warrior
from cincinnati Date Reviewed: October 14, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
everybody saiys is a great bike for the price, and i'm agree, specially becauise i got it for 599 9 speed, pedals, stem and suspension
Weaknesses:
i weight 120 pounds, so the shock post is a piece of shit for me.
Similar Products Used:
none i just upgrade my bike from a GT talera to the zetec comp
Bike Setup:
brake boster, rockering (just because i like trials), azonic bar.
Bottom Line:
I like the bike, i've been riding it for 3 months, with out any upgrade, i want to change some components, but is a great value. If you have the money go for it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Racer
from Hickory Date Reviewed: October 11, 1999
To further review my first impression 6 months ago, I've done a lot to this bike (upgrading). The weight is down around 24 pounds now, and it's awesome, and that's with the U.S.E. seatpost. Still working on different brakes, stem, and cranks to drop weight more. It rides awesomely. Took to Sugar Mountain and did cross-country course and downhill course in the same day. Handled everything well. Then can also be used for flat trails and long rides. I still love this bike!!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Binky Boy
a Weekend Warrior
from Arkansas Date Reviewed: October 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
one that says Blasting Zone
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
HUGE VALUE, I have seen these components on bikes costing upwards of $3000. I love every piece of this bike. And it doesnt break your ass.
Weaknesses:
at 26.5 pounds one might say that is heavy, I disagree, one needs the stability from such weight. Very little weakness to an incredible bike.
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose MGX D40
Bike Setup:
I use stock, u cant upgrade this bike any more.
Bottom Line:
If you want a great bike at the $900 price market you have to buy this one. I shopped around all state wide shops for months and concluded that the DBR Vetec Comp was the absolute best bike I could possibly get for less than $2000
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cody
a Racer
from carlisle, PA Date Reviewed: August 29, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
great bang for the buck
Weaknesses:
skinny little seat shock post has some major stiction
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike for a beginner to sport class racer. this is also one bike that you don't have to baby. it can be crashed horribly and still come out with just a few scratches. i don't know what else to say except this is a great bike and I look forward to riding it a lot.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Howard Riedl
a Cross-Country Rider
from Carson City, NV Date Reviewed: August 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Kings Canyon/Clear Creek Loop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Value, reliable, able, great on long climbs, a blast on .
Weaknesses:
Have not found one yet.
Bike Setup:
Right out of the shop.
Bottom Line:
The basin and range got the best of me and my ol ride, so I looked long and hard for a bike that would be kind to me and hungry for trials in the sage to cedar. I'm very happy with the Zetec Comp. It's fast, wonderful on the long climbs, and a kick going down. If your looking for a reliable bike with a racing feel, look for this one. Sure there is better, but for the price?!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan
a Cross-Country Rider
from blacksburg , VA Date Reviewed: August 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
haven't ridden here yet
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
great frame, nice components, no need to upgrade immediately
Weaknesses:
shock seatpost sticks
Similar Products Used:
raleigh m800, trek 7000
Bike Setup:
stock setup
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, its a good cross country bike and the frame is great should you want to upgrade the components you would have a race worthy machine.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
craig
a Weekend Warrior
from lutterbein Date Reviewed: August 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
haddock park st. albanes vermont
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
lx/xt compents cool seat post big bang for the buck
Weaknesses:
heavy needs a better shock
Similar Products Used:
rockhopper m50 m600 trek 6500-7000
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
this is a good bike for the money but it is heavy for a alummium bike.
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:
everything
Weaknesses:
seat is a tiny bit narrow
Similar Products Used:
cannondales fullsuspenion DBR SANTACRUZ super8 and more
Bike Setup:
average old thing
Bottom Line:
outstanding price for something so great. It has great components and is an easy ride!!! if you got the 900.00 get this beauty on fire,Cody if you can hear me, you go DBR
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruce Peterson
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, Tx Date Reviewed: August 7, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great components Smooth ride Easy shifting
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper GT Backwoods
Bike Setup:
Straight from the shop with Rock Shox Judy XC, Mavic rims, Tioga Factory tires, etc.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the money. It's pretty much spec'ed out for the weekend warrior and there's very little need to upgrade since it comes with all that you need. This bike climbs great and handles nicely. The only thing in the future I would change on the bike is get a shorter handlebar and some bar-ends. I'm a short guy and the bar is uncomfortable for me. Other than that, I would recommend this bike to anyone who wants to go out there and have fun without worrying if the bike can take all the abuse. I give the Zetec Comp 5 chilis!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bloomington, MN Date Reviewed: July 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Minnesota River Trail
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
COMPONENTS, BRAKES, GENERAL RIDE
Weaknesses:
BOY IS THAT SEAT NARROW!
Bike Setup:
STOCK
Bottom Line:
This bike is perfect for my use. I have a great trail close to my house and I ride this bike on the streets to the trail, and run it through everything on the trail. For the money, this was the best set-up I could afford. I can't see needing to upgrade anything for quite some time. I want to know where that other guy got it for $699??
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gary alger
a Cross-Country Rider
from rochester,new york Date Reviewed: July 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
seneca,trion,backwoods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
great climber,value for the money!!!!!!
Weaknesses:
haven't found any yet
Similar Products Used:
research dynamics coyote2
Bike Setup:
stock setup,trimmed handlebars.
Bottom Line:
excellant value for the money,nothing even comes close!! easily raceable,or upgraded.For $699.00 you can't go wrong!!!!!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JASON
a Cross-Country Rider
from MINESOTA Date Reviewed: June 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
HOLY SHOOT, MT KATO
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
WAIT, TORQUE, COMPONENT, SEAT POST
Weaknesses:
TORQUE, ALMOST TOO MUCH FOR US BIGGER GUY'S THE SADDLE
Similar Products Used:
VOO DOO, HOO DOO VOO DOO, BANTU BIANCHI?
Bike Setup:
STOCK
Bottom Line:
IM A BIKE MECHANIC AT A BIKE SHOP SO I GET TO RIDE ALOT ALOT OF DIFFERENT BIKES, BUT I ALSO DONT HAVE AN ACCOUNTANTS SALARY, SO I HAD TO LOOK FOR SOMETHING IN MY BUDGET. FOR THE PRICE OF THE BIKE ITS A NO BRAINNER ITS ONE HELL OF A BIKE THE COMPONENTRY IS AWSOME AND EASY TO MAINTAIN, I HAVE ADDED TEFLON CABLES, AND ADDED RAIN JACKETS AND YOU NAME IT TO SAVE THE CABLES. OTHER ADD ONS INCLUDE A SHIMANO COMPOSITE BRAKE BOOSTER IN THE REAR, AND A ROLLAMAGIG FOR THE REAR DE.. ONE OF THE MAIN COMPLAINTS IVE HEARD AND READ IS THAT THE HANDLEBARS ARE TOO WIDE, THERES ONE EASY REMEDY ITS CALLED A HACKSAW, THE HANDLEBARS WHEN I FIRST GOT, IT HAD A 27 SPAN NOW I HAVE A 22 SPAN WHICH I FEEL HAS BETTER HANDLING, AND IVE COMPLIMENTED THESE WITH SOME AMIBA BAR ENDS. FOR THE NINE SPEED I BELIEVE ITS A GREAT ADDITION FOR ANY BIKE, SOME PEOPLE SAY ITS FUSSY. WELL WHEN TUNING, EVERYTHING, ALL LIMITS MUST BE NEAR PERFECTION, BUT FOR ANY DRIVETRAIN IF YOU KEEP IT TITTED OUT IT WILL PERFORM LIKE YOU WANT. IM 6'2 220 POUNDS SO THERE ARE SOME CHANGES THAT WILL BE COMING SOON, THE JUDY C IS TOO SOFT FOR ME SO I PLAN ON PUTTING ON A MARZOCHI DROP OFF(100 MM OF TRAVEL BABY). AND UPGRADING THE BRAKES WITH THE NEW ARCH SUPREMES.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Racer
from Hickory, NC Date Reviewed: March 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Riverfront, Charlotte
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Color, weight
Weaknesses:
Handlebar is too wide
Similar Products Used:
Raleigh M-80
Bike Setup:
Manitou SX-ti
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up on my past review. I couldn't get a White Bros. fork so I went with the SX-ti. I've gotten the weight down to around 25 pounds. This bike has helped my climbing ability a lot. I can't wait to race with it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a racer
from Hickory, NC Date Reviewed: February 23, 1999
Bottom Line:
Well, I haven't had a chance to ride this bike yet, but I just bought it. I've compared weights, prices, component groups, etc. and found that this bike is the best bang for the buck. I put a White Bros. SC70UL fork on it instead of the Rock Shox and the weight is down to around 24 lbs. I'll tell more after I actually get to ride it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jade jenny
a racer
from usa vermont williston Date Reviewed: December 23, 1998
Bottom Line:
diamond back bikes are really great bikes. i am 12 years old and i race for diamondback.I tested this bike out as a demo bike for the company.this was a pretty good performing bike for its money. the new shimano 9speed was pretty good except for when you pedaled backwards in first gear. the shock was pretty good and nice and plush but within a 2 hour ride i bottomed the fork out about 4 time, considering i only weigh 95 pounds. the seatpost shock was very sticky but that might have been because i was riding in old weather. the handle bars were to long to wide and i got caught beetween trees a few times, but the bars probaly to wide to me because i am so small. the brakes were bad but for a $900 bike they were pretty good so it was something i would expect. the pedals were pretty nice and the frame was pretty flexy for an aluminum bike compared to there team issue which is really stiff. the bike was a little heavy for me because i am so small at 26.5 pounds it was ok. this was a great bike for the money.
Overall Rating:
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