[gimlilongbow]

Hey, all,
I'm cross-posting this from the Diamondback forum in case you guys have some suggestions. I'm looking at getting a Diamondback Overdrive 29er from Nashbar.com with their current 25% off promotion but the only one they have left in stock is the 16" size. I've tried out an 18" and it felt decent but a bit big for the short period of time I ran on it. What I don't know is how the bike would feel after more time on it, so my question to you all is should I go with the smaller size or wait for something in the 18" range?

Incidentally, I'm 5'10" with a 31" inseam and my previous bike was a Cannondale Killer V with a 19" frame that I definitely felt stretched out on. The top tube was roughly 23.5" if I remember correctly.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[cruiserman]

Previous thread.

 

[markaitch]

if you want your 25% discount on that thing i think you better hurry...doesn't that promo code expire today?

 

[gimlilongbow]

Ah, the bikes are all gone. I guess that takes care of that!

 

[markaitch]

you can still buy any size you want on the website & you can still use the 25% disco code mentioned elsewhere in the forums

 

[gimlilongbow]

Yeah, I heard that. However, when I asked them about expected restock times, they said October to December, roughly. And I've heard that orders can't be canceled with Nashbar, soooo...

 

[greenflash]

I just bought a Diamondback Overdrive from Nashbar; they are on sale too. I had the 25% code (see rretailmenot.com) working last night. Sale price was $499, before the discount. Free shipping is in effect till 8/2. I had planned on the 20" frame (I'm 5'11", 33" inseam) before talking to the tech line, they recommended the 18" frame instead. Both are in stock now apparently. I just don't see how I could have gotten into 29er riding any more economically! My other bike is a Kona Bear dee-lux FS; looking forward to riding and comparing. Very happy with the deal.

 

[gimlilongbow]

Nice! I just ordered one of the 2010 models last week with the 25% off coupon and finished putting it together on Tuesday. I picked up the 18" model and I'm quite happy with it. It's not a racer, but boy does it go great!

I think you definitely got the right size. I tried out the size smaller and while it was more agile, the toe overlap for me was a bit much. Besides which, the length is great.

Oh, and it definitely was a great deal! And I even like the paint job.

 

[greenflash]

Good for you!

I invested so much in my Kona, I didn't want to drop too much in a 2nd mtn bke. I sure hope that 18" frame for my 5'11" is correct. 19" was probably perfect but unlike Kona, DB jumps 2" per size. I do have long legs, 33" inseam. I kind of assumed that I might go for a 19-20" frame in a 26er bike, but for a 29er, perhaps a size smaller was appropriate. Sizing is one downside of mail order. Many years ago I ordered a K2 Beast one size too large; knew that as soon as I rode it, but I just changed the stem and lived with it for 4 years. I'll find out the key things soon; ie, not exceeding the seatpost extension and whether the bars are level with the seat. Definitely a killer deal and I think I'll even get used to a white bike!

 

[greenflash]

Final note. I'm happy I ordered the 18"/medium size. The standover height is rather limited toward the front and the 20" would have been too big. FL riding is very tight singletrack too.

For the $375 I paid before shipping I couldn't be happier. What a low cost entry into the 29er world! The RS Dart3 fork would be the first thing I replace, but I need to ride it longer before I get into that. The handling takes some getting used to; I was tucking the front end and running wide in turns at first. But I've adjusted; 29ers are way cool. No problems with the Tektro budget discs or the SRAM X4 shifters so far.

This is my Florida bike, and I think a HT is fine in FL. My FS Kona is used for desert/mountains in Nevada, UT, CA and it's happier out there (it told me so).