[oneill112]

So last week I mail ordered a MTB from Dick's Sporting Goods. That bike is the 2014 Diamondback Overdrive Sport with 29" wheels. I spent $700 on this bike, and that is a huge investment for me. As of now I don't own a bike, so I was looking to get into biking as a hobby, and for the exercise. I researched the bike a little before ordering, but recently I have been finding lots of websites, and threads that say Diamondback is a poor brand. I wanted an entry level MTB for mostly riding on pavement, and moderate trails. So my overall question is did I make a good choice? And if not what should I look for next time?

As a side note I'm not sure if I'm posting this thread in the appropriate area.

 

[Burt4x4]

Here is the specs for Overdrive SPort
Bike SpecsSizes 16" Small 18" Medium 20" Large 22" XLarge
Frame Overdrive 29" Butted 6061-T6 Aluminum w/ Formed Top / Down Tube, machined headtube, forged drop outs w/replaceable hanger, disc only
Fork SR Suntour XCR-LO 29 100mm travel, 30mm stanchions, Speed Lock, Magnesium Lower, Alloy Crown
Rear Shock N/A
Cranks SR Suntour XCR w/ replaceable rings, 44/32/22t
Bottom Bracket Sealed Cartridge
F. Derailleur Shimano Acera dual pull, top swing 34.9
R. Derailleur Shimano Acera 8spd
Shifter Shimano SL-M310 8spd Rapidfire
Brake Levers Shimano BR-M395 Hydraulic
Brakes Shimano BR-M395 Hydraulic Disc w/180mm frt / 160mm rear Rotors
Cassette SRAM PG-820 8spd Cassette (11-32t)
Rims 32h Diamondback SL-7 Doublewall
Tires WTB Wolverine Comp 29x2.2
Pedals Wellgo Alloy forged, CNC MTB
Handlebar DB Lazer Series 31.8mm low rise
Stem DB AL6061 Ahead 7° 31.8mm
Seatpost DB Lazer Series Micro Adjust 30.9mm
Seat DB Race saddle
Headset Integrated FSA Drop-in ACB upper, Zero Stack lower internal cup and cartridge bearing, 1 1/8"
Colors Blue
Chain KMC-Z82
Hubset (F) 32h SL-7 Alloy w/ CNC Disc Mount (R) 32h SL-7 Alloy Cassette w/ CNC Disc mount
Spokes Black 14g Stainless Steel
Grips DB4L 135mm Kraton
Extras DB Key Chain, Owner’s manual, H20 bottle mounts, Clear Coat, 3 extra inches of wheel diameter!
Note Specifications Subject to Change

 

[Gregon2wheels]

The Diamondback itself looks reasonable at that price point. The biggest concerns I would have at any big box store bike are fit/sizing and quality of assembly. Wherever you buy your first bike, an employee should take the time to size you: seat height and reach to the handlebars. The second concern is quality of assembly. After you take delivery make sure everything is tight - no loose screws, headset, quick releases, etc.

There are good bikes at local bike shops at $700 in any brand - the key is getting one that is the right size for you and assembled in a way that is safe to ride. If your Dick's offers this - some big box stores have good employees - then you're good.

 

[Banjopickin]

If your goal was to purchase a bicycle to ride around on pavement, in your neighborhood, greenways etc. you made a decent choice. $700 doesnt get you alot in terms of a "mountain" bike if your buying new. You can have a really good time on that bike riding paved/gravel greenways or even on easy trail.

If your goal was to buy a bike that will handle thrashing with jumps, drops, and technical (steep, rocky, rooty) trail then you made a poor decision. Doesnt sound like you will be doing any of that so I wouldnt sweat it. Just ride it and enjoy the benefits that come from riding your bike.

Remember that even the best bike in the world needs periodic maintenance, so keep your chain lubed, wheels true, and take care of your bike. Make friends with your local bike shop and they will be happy to keep your pedaling for many years.

If you find yourself riding more aggressive trail and really ripping, you may want to upgrade to a nicer, more durable bike, suited to your riding style.

Have fun on your new bike!

 

[kragu]

I'm not familiar with the specific bike you're referencing, but at that price point, you're not going to get much. I always tell people with that kind of budget to buy used...you can get twice the bike that way and you're more likely to get something worth upgrading. I still have my first real bike - a HT Fisher - which I bought used for $900 and have upgraded here and there.

That said, if it's too late to back out, any bike that gets you riding is a good one. Just don't take it past its limits, for your own safety. Id stick to paved paths and smooth fire roads.

 

[Billy Mumphry]

Reviews here and on Amazon seem to indicate you bought a fine bike, particularly given your use-case.

 

[oneill112]

Thanks for the all the replies. I have another quick question. I purchased the 22" frame, because I'm 6'2", and my inseam is 33". My question being if that is an appropriate size given my measurements?

 

[Burt4x4]

Yeah, you are XL area. I am 6foot flat and ride a L (19")

 

[Fleas]

That bike is fine for whatever you want to do with it.

If you develop skilz and style and start to feel like the bike is not up to the task or to your preference, then think about a new one. Until then - like in about 2 or 3 years - have a ball!

And actually, if you keep it long enough, your new skills will allow you to get more performance out of less bike.

-F

 

[eric1971]

I buddy of mine is getting back into ridding and just picked up a 2013 of this model for a pretty good price. So far, he likes it. I think it is a solid beginner bike.

 

[gregnash]

Think that everyone has pretty much nailed it on the head. For your purpose of getting out and getting some exercise with mild trails it will suit you fine. However, if you do get into the mtb scene and start to feel that the bike is not suiting you past the normal maintenance items (new chain, true wheels, new brake pads, new tires... of course all when needed) then that is when you want to save your pennies for the next bike. This bike is a good beginner but not something I would necessarily spend the money on upgrading.

In the meantime, ride it like you stole it and enjoy every minute. Let it take you places you have never been before and revel in the experience and reward!

 

[eb1888]

You can almost always find a better deal if you have been around awhile compared to coming in at the beginning. I don't suggest that bike to friends, especially for that price because then they wouldn't be able to ride with me.
That bike has low level but good drive components and a low quality simple coil fork(max 225lbs) limited to bike paths by the lack of adjustable rebound damping. The size is possibly too big, but wider bars and a shorter stem can offer some cockpit adjustment range. 20 would be more likely to fit. It is probably returnable at a local Dick's if you decide it isn't for you.
On ebay currently are some 2013 Marin Bobcat Trail 29s with good medium quality Raidon air forks(can handle more weight) with sealed oil damper(no maintenance) and adjustably rebound damping. The minute you ride on bumpy terrain you would notice the difference. Once you have a bike capable of handling trail riding you would be surprised how fast that type of terrain becomes your first choice for fun.
REI has a similar bike with the Raidon fork if you want to try it out. Novara Ponderosa.

2013 Marin Bobcat Trail 29er 20 5 MTB Hardtail Bike Shimano 9 Hydraulic Disc New | eBay

The brakes could be upgraded to near top quality Deore M615s which use the same pad as XT/XTR.
Have Jenson price match(call) the Ribble price of 96.23 when they are back in stock.
Shimano Deore M615 Brake Lvrs + Post Mount Calipers (set), Brakes, BRAKES MTB
Shimano Deore M615 mountain bike disc brakes review - BikeRadar

 

[tehllama]

For pavement, gravel, and smooth singletrack the DB Overdrives are great bikes. I got one of them, and for somebody my size (240#) and for the aggressive riding I was doing, it was a poor choice. I do bring up the question of overall weight since you're my height (though I'm all legs by comparison), because the Suntour fork lacks a lot of adjustment for heavier riders, and the crank won't stand up to really abusive levels of torque, other than that it's a much better spec, the Shimano Hydro brakes alone are a huge step up.

 

[Bird]

You were looking for a beginner bike and did well IMO.
My first bike was a $300 steel Trek without suspension.

Mtnbiking turned into a passion which triggered many bike purchases over the years.

Ride that Overdrive til your ready to upgrade or break it

 

[Flamingtaco]

Thanks for the all the replies. I have another quick question. I purchased the 22" frame, because I'm 6'2", and my inseam is 33". My question being if that is an appropriate size given my measurements?

Depends. No two mfg's frames are exact in their dimensions with the same declared size. If you were purchasing a Giant, I'd say you are one inch short for an XL frame... you just have to get on the frame and see how it fits.

My only concern with your size, you might not have much room to reign in the reach if your riding position proves to be too extended. With a Large frame you'll have more options with extended stems and setback seatposts.

I echo the idea of more bike for a lot less with used. Unless the bike comes with an outstanding, no questions asked warranty, I'd go for a slightly used bike. Find that one mom whose husband thought she'd love biking, and !bingo! $1000 bike for $500.

Good luck, and good riding!

 

[time229er]

So last week I mail ordered a MTB from Dick's Sporting Goods. That bike is the 2014 Diamondback Overdrive Sport with 29" wheels. I spent $700 on this bike, and that is a huge investment for me. As of now I don't own a bike, so I was looking to get into biking as a hobby, and for the exercise. I researched the bike a little before ordering, but recently I have been finding lots of websites, and threads that say Diamondback is a poor brand. I wanted an entry level MTB for mostly riding on pavement, and moderate trails. So my overall question is did I make a good choice? And if not what should I look for next time?

As a side note I'm not sure if I'm posting this thread in the appropriate area.

there is no such thing as a "bad bike"...kids and dogs are bad. Bikes not so very much... :nono:

 

[Max24]

Reviews here and on Amazon seem to indicate you bought a fine bike, particularly given your use-case.

Online reviews can really be misleading but to be honest Diamondback is a great bike.

 

[Rev. 14]

Look I used to own a DB Overdrive comp. It had a little better components and I switched out the fork with a Rockshox Recon Gold. It was my first bike that was mostly used for mountain but I did a little pavement with it. However, I did pay less for it than what you paid but I will say this. It worked great. I became a better rider and to be honest, it climbed really really well.

I've said this before, DB for some reason does have a stigma about it for some reason of which I don't understand. Perhaps because it is sold at D#cks. However I will also say I have seen at the D#cks in Chattanooga prices ranging from $400 to $4,000 with Sorties on the floor. From what I have gathered they used to be an outstanding BMX company then sold to who knows who in China. Then the brand declined and they left the BMX buisness, what I have heard. Then they got into MBT business and then was purchased by Raleigh and is making serious MTB's. Their bikes don't seem to be crap and their FS lineup seems to get good reviews. SO I think you made a great choice for the price. Later, if you out grow it, you can buy a dream bike. As for now, ride the sucker and enjoy it and have fun. Be safe...

 

[cjsb]

no buyer's remorse allowed-just start riding...If you decide you enjoy mountain biking you'll start looking and learning like the rest of us and buying a more capable bike. As others have said, used is a good option, but you can be at a real info. Disadvantage buying used, if you go that route you have to do more homework. Internet purchases can have great value. The link below is to a bike probably targetted for you given what you just bought, but you also have to do more homework and you don't get to try the fit:
Airborne Bicycles. Guardian 2.0

 

[kjlued]

The Overdrive was my first mountain bike and the best thing that happened to me with it was crashing it in to a tree and bending the frame. It wasn't even a hard crash but the frame crumpled like a tin can.

For road and light trail it may be fine. Just not the bike I would be jumping and doing drops with. I wouldn't sink any money in to it either.