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Submitted by
CJ
a Cross Country Rider
from Bike View Heaven
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Canyon - east of Atascadero | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunstorm Cyclery - Atascadero, CA | | Strengths: | Hi Dave,
Just saw your mtbr.com review that is linked from my web page. My DBR'97 V link has been great for nearly five years too.
Right now I am trying to get a warranty frame that is just as good or better, but it is not easy dealing with the DB retailers and DB, Inc. (Raleigh, Inc.)customer service and warranty dept.
If the present retailer working on the chainstay crack issue cannot come up with a great deal, your bike remodel friend might be the one who can manufacture a new chainstay for my polished aluminum frame. See my website: http://www.geocities.com/bikeviewheaven.geo/dbrvlink.htm
flyin' high | | Weaknesses: | aluminum frame cracks | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | see http://www.geocities.com/bikeviewheaven.geo/dbrvlink3.1specs.html | | Bottom Line: | There's a chainstay crack across the top near where it is bolted to itself and bolted to the bottom tubing just behind the bottom bracket. DiamondBack, Inc. and retailers have so far refused to warranty it with another similar V brake frame nor even with another recent DBR MtB such as the XTS'03. They want to only exchange it for the XSL'03 which is one of their Mtn. performance frames. In both frames only disc brakes and wheels are used which would cost me hundred$$$!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Amrich
a weekend warrior
from San Mateo CA (Bay Area)
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
As a new commuter, I did a lot of research (some on this site--thanks to all who have posted their experiences!) and test-rode bikes for about a month before I chose the Voyager I. I'd set my budget at $300, and the Voyager I goes for $400, but I got mine on sale for $340--and it was worth stretching my budget. This is a kick-ass city bike. After looking at all the comfort mountain bikes, I was *this close* to buying a Specialized Hardrock Classic--which is, admittedly, over $100 cheaper in retail price--but a number of things made the Voyager I worth it for me. First, death to triangles! The Voyager frame looks wonderfully unusual, and it's cool for once in my life to have a bike that gets double-takes (God knows they're not looking at my butt in spandex). Second, the components were above the Acera-X level I kept hitting at the $300 price point--Alivio front, STX rear. An all-aluminum frame let me stop asking How much of the frame is cromoly?, and since I have to hoist this puppy onto a train every day, weight was as important as strength to me. The linear pull brakes made me feel good--like I'd bought the latest thing, and a better mousetrap--especially since I was going to be reguarly darting in and out of San Francisco traffic, but I have to admit, they're almost too powerful for my riding; I've come close to flipping once or twice. The grip shifters are smooth, the Kenda K-831 tires offered the best road ride while still having some tread for when I eventually do take to the trails. The 2 raised handlebars, while undoubtedly loathed by serious riders, feel great to me, especially after riding a road bike for 10 years.The Ball Burnished model has a silver frame with a black fork--which aesthetically bugged me, so I went with Cherry, which is a deep red, almost maroon, on all parts but the handlebars (silver). Hell, I even like the bottle cage mounts--my wife bought a cage and couldn't install it with the factory screws on her Specialized Crossroads, so she stole two of mine.Wonky elements include the lycra grips and plastic Pedal. The seat is comfortable, but not quite as cozy as Specialized's equivalent. But if your biggest problems with a bike are the grips, Pedal, and seat, you don't have problems at all. Replace them and live a happy life. What can I say? I'm stoked. The Voyager I can tackle uneven pavement and other urban hazards with ease, and it's built well enough to leave the city on the weekends. It's a great commuter bike, my wife's jealous, and I'd buy it again. Consider this a 4.5 rating... | Overall Rating: |
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