Hit the trail hard, the Response Comp can take whatever the mountain throws your way with an Aluminum All Mountain Hard Tail Frame w/ “Strongbox” Top and Down Tubes, Marzocchi MZ-Comp Suspension Fork and Avid Avid BB5 Mechanical Disc Brakes.
6061 T-6 Aluminum All Mountain Hard Tail Frame w/ “Strongbox” Top / Down Tubes
Submitted by
TuDiablo
a Weekend Warrior
from NY,NY Date Reviewed: October 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Sprain Ridge
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Dicks Sporting
Strengths:
The frame is bomb proof, love the X-7 SRAM, Marzoch forks 120 mm is great for stock.
Weaknesses:
You must be hands on with this bike. you will find yourself adjust this bike after EVERY ride. That seems par for the course if your a true rider anyway. All bikes need adjusting after a ride.*****Besides the frame, anything that has DB on it sucks, horrible, heart breaker.
The bike comes fully loaded, and for the price its big bang for your buck. My buddy has a trek, and he is always asking to borrow my DB. I highly advise you to upgrade bars, stem, seat post, grips and pedals. With the money you save on this bike you can really customized this frame. I would highly recomend this bike to any rider, beginer or intermidiate.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cshenk
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia Beach, VA USA Date Reviewed: August 29, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Tonoo market to Sasebo Base
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Sasebo Japan
Strengths:
This is a workhorse bike and my model, bought in Japan is not identical to the USA versions. These last 20 years of daily use to get to and from work, in a land where only about 50% of the households have a car. It's heavy, steady and after 10 years, has minimal rust parked outdoors. Use was 7 miles a day for 6.5 years to get to and from work, plus shopping trips to the grocery. My Japan bought one has special added features that made the price higher such as side rear baskets for shopping, 4 front halogen head lights (1 pedal, 3 battery so you have light at the stops) and 1 rear halogen light (battery). 2 rear view mirrors in extra large size. Removable gel filled hand warmers (nuke about 1 min then use in winter). Attachment at rear to pull a small trailer for larger loads of supplies. Yes, the frame is sturdy enough to be used to haul a 250 lb load plus the rider with ease.
Weaknesses:
I'm suprized any would use this for racing or fancy offroad riding. It's a heavy frame. Also, mine isnt adjustable down enough for 5'1" person to have toes on the ground on both sides.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn, some no-name Japan brand used as a backup plus as husband's bike in our 7 years in Japan.
Bike Setup:
Special mods, not available stateside. Bought overseas in Japan. Have 2 sets of tires, one for snow/sleet/ice. Trainer at back that is removable, rated for 250 lbs. Yes, in Japan you can buy snow tires for a bicycle.
Bottom Line:
This is a very sturdy work bike to use to get to and from work for years. It will last forever if kept indoors when not in use, and 15-20 left outdoors. To keep it from being stolen, we decorated it with 'My Kitty' stuff and other kid like things (grin). That and a darn good lock!
My rating refers to *my* use of the product, not what a weekend rider or lighter use patron may find. Estimate 12,000 miles just to and from work in Japan, and added 12,000 just touring about (often hauling small child in back carrier until she was able to ride on her own or grocery loads up to 250 lbs- 125KG).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ScabFace
a Cross Country Rider
from Provo, UT Date Reviewed: August 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Bonneville Shoreline
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
custom build
Strengths:
I am reviewing just the frame because I have no experience with the stock set up. Not a single item bolted to the frame is stock.
Frame was selected as the base for a custom build because it is strong, rigid, and predictable. Practically same frame used on the 29er overdrive pro, as this is a solid platform. Never heard of the frame failing even with extreme abuse.
Weaknesses:
None, with stock setup is a little heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Haro, Specialized rockhopper.
Bike Setup:
Deore LX Derailleurs front and rear
Deore LX shifters
SRAM 9 Speed cassette
Avid Juicy 3 hydrolic brakes, rotors
Shimano drive 9 crank
WTB speed disk, seat, grips.
Truvativ bars
easton seat post, stem
Marizocchi MX pro front fork
Maxxis Monorail (suck)
Cane creak Headset
wellgo wam-d10 SPD pedals (Mangnisium)
Bottom Line:
I am only reviewing the frame here because not a single component on this bike is stock. Built with moderately good parts will provide a fun, capable bike that will give you years of use without problems. A good bike for the beginner who is not sure how much they will use the bike. Bike frame is aching for upgrades and will be there for you when your skills advance. Buy it as a beginner bike and upgrade as needed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Durka-Durka
a Downhiller
from Athens OH Date Reviewed: January 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
anything at Snowshoe
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$610.00
Purchased At:
The Pedaler and The
Strengths:
everything
you get way more than a XC bike
price
Weaknesses:
a wee bit hefty for an XC bike
Similar Products Used:
Denali
Bike Setup:
got some 2.3 K-Rads up front and out back. bb7's up front with 203mm rotor and speed dial 7 lever. home-made bash ring
Bottom Line:
this thing is a (bad word) tank! I've done downhill at Snowshoe (sore fingers after a whole day) but that's about it. I be hittin up the urban scene and some skate park action, great trail bike, kinda heavy for XC but you can suck it up. This thing WILL NOT DIE on me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
drockdude
a Downhiller
from Spokane, WA, US Date Reviewed: January 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Silver MT
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Wheel Sport South
Strengths:
Im around 250lbs and the bike has held up great. The components are pretty good for the money. The MZ Comp fork has taken a beating and is lasting. Solid frame. The tires are good enough
Weaknesses:
Heavy. This bike has horrible stock handlebars and grips. The Avid 5 brakes have to constantly be adjusted. Both sun ditch witch rims have had to be trued at least 2 times a piece. Weak SRAM derailleur hanger. Pedals are nothing special. Seat bent easily.
Bike Setup:
Diamond back pedals, handlebars, and grips. Kenda Klaw XT tires. Marzocchi comp forks. SRAM gearing & shifters. Avid BB5 brakes. WTB seat. Sun Ditch Witch rims. Truvativ cranks.
Bottom Line:
I am a bigger guy and the bike is pretty much what I paid for. I was an entry level rider and have advanced a lot within the year. Most of the bike components have had to be changed out or repaired inside of 6 months. The frame is great, yet the bike is heavy. Although I have ran into many problems with the bike, I still recommend it to entry level riders. Riding Silver Mountain in Idaho put most of the beating on my bike (not a downhill bike!!) and should not be ridden on hardcore downhill courses. This is probably the main reason the bike got so beat up. Other than that, I rode the bike on streets to and from work, up and down hills and it was great. It is an all around good entry level bike and should not be ridden on downhill courses or jumps.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dbbiker
a Weekend Warrior
from chicago, IL, USA Date Reviewed: January 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Palos Hills
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
dicks sporting goods
Strengths:
good components for the price. if you compare compotent to more expensive bikes the comp is comparable. tough. this bike can take a beating.
Weaknesses:
heavy. dicks sporting goods mechanics
Similar Products Used:
trek 4300
Bike Setup:
clip-ins
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike for the weekend warrior who rides 1-3 times a week, is not dropping in off drop and jumping big gaps. if you like to ride single track, hit the occational 3 foot jump, and don't want to spend a ton, this is the bike for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CrimsonFox
a Weekend Warrior
from Aurora, CO Date Reviewed: December 4, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
Dick's employee deal
Strengths:
Rock Shox Tora Fork, Strongbox frame looks great and is strong, SRAM x-5 derailers work well, Sun Ditch witch double wall rims are sturdy.
Weaknesses:
Avid BB5 brakes need constant adjustment, Kenda Klaw tires are thin and pick up thorns easily.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4300; Iron Horse Warrior; DB Response Sport; POS Schwinn Ranger I've been riding since 2005.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
The 2009 DB Response Comp is the best bike I've has since my 90s Rockhopper. It handles XC trails well. The Kenda Klaw tires are adequate for climbing and they have good traction in corners. The frame is very strong and the Rock Shox handles small (less than 2'-3')jumps and drops easily. I'm 5'5" and I ride a 16" frame. I'd rate this bike as being a good entry to intermediate level bike. The frame and fork are strong and have handled the bumps, rocks, small jumps, small drops, and hills well.
Compared to the Sport model, the upgraded Rock Shox Tora fork is more durable. I was able to bottom out the shock on the Sport model several times and I've yet to bottom out the Tora Shock. The SRAM X-5, 27 speed derailers perform well, however, I do adjust them after each ride to keep them in perfect working order.
The brakes are great when properly aligned. But, I've had to adjust the brakes several times. They absolutely need to be adjusted after every ride or wheel removal. I find that they start rubbing the pads. I've put 50-60 miles on the bike since I've had it. I'm hoping the brakes, break in after a while so I don't have to tinker so much to get them to work properly. Additionally, the brakes needed readjustment following an 8 mile ride, after being professionally serviced.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DB Herb
a Cross Country Rider
from LZ, IL, USA Date Reviewed: October 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Deer Grove
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
DSG
Strengths:
The frame looks and feels unbreakable, good for the extreme trails or the skate park. The 07 has decent components for the price and they have all held-up well so far.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, Breaks needed alot of tweaking, Rear Deraillur still isn't perfect, bottom bracket/crank/pedals are making some noise now after 600 miles.
Similar Products Used:
Ironhorse warrior
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I'm a Diamondback fan, so when it was time to upgrade I stuck with the brand I trust. It's not an expensive bike so you get what you pay for but it's upgradeable. The frame looks great and is sturdy. The only regret was that I bought it at a sporting goods store not a bike shop. Although Pedro at DSP did a decent set-up, expert techs are better at solving issues.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pegot
a Weekend Warrior
from NorCal Date Reviewed: August 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Strawberry to Twaine Harte
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Strong frame, most components are good
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy; poor grips, pedals, bottom bracket
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bike Setup:
Mostly stock - changed grips for Bontragers, swapped pedals for aluminum with toe cages. Looking to replace the cranks and bottom bracket.
Bottom Line:
This was my first bike in over ten years, so I wanted to get something beefy that will last a long time. While the frame is heavy, it is also stiff and I have no concern about it breaking. Most of the components are pretty good, but the bottom bracket has already needed to be replaced once. I am overhauling the rear hub this week because of noise. Overall have about 1,000 miles on the bike without major problems. Great bike for beginners, it really eats up the trails!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
munkyphartz
a Weekend Warrior
from greenville sc Date Reviewed: July 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Paris Mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike just over a year ago and have ridden the piss out of it, so I feel like I have adequate experience to give a proper review.. ok here we go..
The good:
It comes with some fairly decent components (Avid BB5 brakes and SRAM SX7 shift linkage) but is exactly what you pay for. The bike has a very aggressive stance and looks mean with its over sized burly frame. Out of the box the bike rolls very smooth and effortlessly and inspires you to get out there and tear up the trails. For a hardtail it rides very nice on smooth surfaces, but will beat the crap out of you when you start hitting rough terrain. The fork is relatively nice, very plush with some adjustability. It climbs well, but its weight can sometimes show itself..
The Bad:
After riding the bike for a year I have out grown its abilities. The bike makes you want to be a better rider, unfortunately it doesnt allow you to be. For very light trails and flat/smooth terrain this bike is great and does what its suppose to, but once you try to go big it gets scary. At high speeds the bike is shaky and feels a bit unstable, and in the air it can be hard to keep balanced. The derailleur's are very clunky especially under load, and make you feel like they are about to break off. The bike also makes TONS of noise which is not only annoying but makes you feel like its coming apart. The brakes squeak and rub, and the forks clang around when doing stunts or jumps.
The first thing I did once I got the bike was replace the grips, cause they suck. I bought some ODI Rogue's and i love them. A new saddle would also be a wise choice cause the WTB Pure V is pretty hard.
Absolute beginners should buy this bike. If you only ride light trails then buy this bike. But if you have any experience and like to ride hard then dont buy this bike. Dont get me wrong, i love mine and it has served its purpose, but after a year of riding its time to upgrade to a better more capable bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
soft_glass
a Weekend Warrior
from Silverdale,WA U.S.A. Date Reviewed: June 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Wherever I am at the time!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Silverdale Cyclery
Strengths:
Frame is strong and beefy.Components are good for the price.Gear shifts were fast and crisp even in uphill climbs. Curb hopping is a joy with this frame.
Weaknesses:
I am over 200 lbs. and it feels like the seat is violating me after a long ride, opt for a gel saddle if your big boned. And it could use better handle bars and some color options.Minor issues!
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn,Giant,Marin,Scott
Bike Setup:
Stock for now!
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money with quality components that took a beating from a 200+lb. maniac! This bike has a solid feel and it rides nice on and off the street.If you not a big person you might get away with the Response Sport model for a little less money. I look forward to a great relationship with this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
austin frazier
a Weekend Warrior
from mapleton utah usa Date Reviewed: April 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
anywhere chalenging!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
pedersons
Strengths:
the head set it alright, the fact that its a a 27 speed, and the breaks are ok...
Weaknesses:
i broke my stock forks, i broke my stock handle bars 2 times, i broke my back derailer, the frame busted but that was understandable, and the back rim is bound to get beat up if your a little roughf on it.
Bike Setup:
not origionaly for dj or fr!`
Bottom Line:
its an ok beginer bike but if your planing on doing anything cool (big ass drops/big ass jumps, or even a 180 off a curb) something is going to go wrong with the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Camp Lejeune, NC Date Reviewed: March 11, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Marine Corps Exchange
Strengths:
Good frame, Marzocchi forks, SRAM components, disc brakes.
Weaknesses:
Stock WTB seat, cable routing
Similar Products Used:
1986 DB Outlook, 1993 DB Ascent, 1997 Cultech Monte Blanco (Japanese MTB)
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike! I've had it 24hrs. I bought it to replace my aging Cultech rig (look up my review of that bike). I saw this bike at the store a week ago and struggled for days trying not to fall to it's wily temptations... the Avid disk brakes, Marzocchi 120mm (that's ALOT of travel!) fork, SRAM components - mmmmmmmm! The first thing I did though was replace that WTB leather(?) seat... not enough padding for MY aging frame; I put an Avenir gel seat that's also got a sturdy nylon mesh material that I won't feel so bad about if it rips. I also had a minor issue with a squeeky dust boot riding against the rear brake rotor. That was a quick fix after a brief, yet puzzling search to identify the source of the noise (I thought it was a brake pad riding the rotor). This 18" bike seems ideal for tall folks (I'm 6 feet) and I can ride with a more up-right, comfortable posture than my old scoot. These days I'm getting started back into riding and so far I've just ridden this one to work and back (6 miles round trip). Keep in mind I live on Camp Lejeune, so I take the "Tank trails" - not just pavement; this is no sissy bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
aj gingras
a Weekend Warrior
from massachusetts Date Reviewed: February 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
everywhere
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
dicks sporting goods
Strengths:
great frame it holds up to dirt jumps and drops offs for me. Id say its great for the money...you can do alot on it such as just hit the trails(agressively) to hitting 10 ft gaps with no problem
Weaknesses:
breaks wear out easy, grips kill your hands after awhile,shocks are to plush
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
didn't change anything even though i mostly use my 07-08 haro backtrail x2
Bottom Line:
good bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a
from Maine, USA Date Reviewed: February 20, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Bike shop
Strengths:
Strong, stiff frame, decent fork for price range, speaking of which, decent bike for the price, great components (except bars), takes a beating pretty well.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy (32lbs+), paint scratches very easily. Stock handlebars are crap. Fork is heavy and a bit flexy.
Bottom Line:
Handles well, not too twitchy, definitely offers a smooth ride. Brakes good, shifters feel a little cheap but the X-7 derailleurs are nice.
Cable placement under the top tube ensures scratched paint if you put it on a trunk rack. Managed to get sand in the front wheel hub by riding through a puddle. Bent the handlebars off a 1.5-foot drop and I weigh 170lbs.
Great bike to get into more serious mountain biking. I've outgrown it, looking for a 6" travel fully I can ride everywhere (who isn't). Upgrade the bars, and this bike will take what you can give it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from San Luis Obipo, CA, USA Date Reviewed: October 24, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Sports Authority
Strengths:
Tough!, Nice fork, Quality components, not hard on the eyes
Weaknesses:
Sports Authority Assembly, thats about it
Similar Products Used:
Diamonbck Outlook (Older)
Bike Setup:
Added a chain slap guard, lights to ride at night, and a front mud flap
Bottom Line:
I am 6'3" and weigh about 210 and this bike is perfect. I have beaten on it pretty hard, and it through the Sports Authority Assembly all out of whack, but I took it to the local bike shop and got it tuned up proper. I got it for $400 including tax from Sports Authority since it was an 07 on clearance and it was also on 25% off sale. There are still a couple 07's out there if yu can find one. You might need to call around. The 07's also have X-7 components and on the 08's they use X-5 (cheaper). I highly recommend it! A very fun ride and hooked me back on mountainbiking!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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