To pro MTB riders, Diamondback mountain bike is a trustworthy name. Being one of the top mountain bike manufacturers, Diamondback offers a wide variety of mountain bikes designed to out-perform its competitors. There are several bike series that are intended to achieve different biking purposes.
Whether you are looking for a high-end mountain bike for racing, or an entry-level bike to get used to with MTB terrain and trails, this article includes Diamondback mountain bike review, from which you will find your desired bike.
I went through a detailed digging about entry-level models, and here are the top 5 to choose from.
Top Diamondback Mountain Bike Comparison 2020
Last update on 2020-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Diamondback Mountain Bike Review 2020
As people have different preferences and choices, these 5 models will fit pretty much every requirement that makes a mountain bike worth considering buying.
Diamondback Bicycles Overdrive Hardtail Mountain Bike
Where most entry-level mountain bikes offer an attractive price tag by providing average and below-average components, this hardtail bike is an exception.
Diamondback implemented some good performing components in this bike that makes it very hard to ditch for the beginners.
This bike features a T6 aluminum alloy made frame, which feels lightweight and reliable to ride with.
You will not find an entry-level mountain bike at such a price range, offering an aluminum frame.
So, without spending much, you get the same frame that Diamondback uses in their mid to high-end bikes.
Its angular structured frame while eliminating unnecessary materials, make this bike to have stronger and even responsive riding experience.
The overdrive bike got SR sun tour XCT front fork suspension, which is really pleasing to see on bikes of this class.
No matter how rough the terrain is, it will minimize the bumps and provide you comfortable riding experience.
Even though this suspension fork is cheap, it still performs quite-well on beginner level bikes.
You will hardly find budget mountain bikes with disc brakes.
And, this the most exciting feature on this bike that it got Shimano hydraulic disc brakes that can handle whatever speed you throw on it.
If you decide to hit tough terrains, its high-end brake mechanism can stop you right when you pull the brakes as per the situation.
One more interesting component that Diamondback used in this bike is the SRAM NX drivetrain.
It’s a 3×8 speed single-ring drivetrain that allows you to change the gears smoothly without taking much time. In most situations, you will find this drivetrain more than enough.
For beginners, it’s recommended to stick to 27.5-inch wheels, and the manufacturer just did it right. These wheels will allow you to ride more easily.
No matter whether it’s an uphill or downhill ride, you will not die pedaling for sure.
PROS
CONS
Latest Review: Best Bike for Hilly Commute
Diamondback Bikes Sync’r 27.5 Hardtail Mountain Bike
If you are looking for an all-purpose hardtail mountain bike, you may like this one. It got impressive specs that are well optimized with both features and components to make sure you enjoy every moment of riding on this bike.
Sync’s features a 6065 aluminum frame that is perfect for pretty much all aggressive trails. The frame offers progressive geometry that allows you to take sharp and fast turns with ease.
In addition to that, its boost thru-axle will provide you more precise riding experience regardless of the trails.
This is Diamondback ’s one of those hardtail bikes that come with tubeless wheelset design. Unlike tubed ones, the traction in this bike is far better.
In addition to that, even if the tires have low pressure in them, you can still roll on the terrains without much risk. It also makes shock absorption much better.
When it’s about getting a mountain bike, you must ensure that the bike has an overall good performing suspension system regardless of your budget. Otherwise, riding on terrains and trails will become a nightmare for you.
Thankfully, Diamondback implemented RockShox Recon 13mm travel suspension fork that tackles all the roughness and bumps of the trail. It assures you of decently smooth riding experience.
More so, the bike features Shimano 1×11 drivetrain, which is teamed with cranks from Race Face Aeffect Cinch. With these components, you will be able to shift gears more swiftly.
No matter how the terrain condition is, it will provide you better control over the speed.
For such an amount of money, you can expect a hydraulic brake system from this ride.
Sync’r has Shimano’s hydraulic MT500 disc brakes that you can rely on. Its immediate stopping ability is quite impressive.
Whenever you feel like you need to level up the terrains a bit, this brake system will provide you enough support to endure whatever challenges the terrain throws at you.
PROS
CONS
Diamondback Bikes Line Hardtail Mountain Bike
If you want to push your mountain biking skill without spending much, take a look at what this one has to offer.
Being the little brother of Sync’r, this one also comes with specs and features that will make you feel tempting.
The line is equipped with a low-slug progressive 6061-T6 aluminum frame. Its low-slung geometry will come great to ride on trails.
If you want to master your local trail, it will surely keep you ahead of other bikers. You can take turns even faster with this bike.
Diamondback used butted tubing on this bike to make it even stronger without increasing the weight.
If the suspension system is what you are concerned about the most, it got a Sun tour XCR 120mm travel fork that can get you comfortable riding experience regardless of the roughness of the trail.
Even though it’s just front suspension, you will fairly notice the difference if you previously ride a full suspension bike.
Some riders want to keep it simple when it’s about shifting gears. This is one of those bikes with an impressive drivetrain component that doesn’t make things complicated.
Its single-ring drivetrain from Shimano comes with a chain guide that delivers you hassle-less performance pretty much in all situations.
Like most other bikes on the list, this one is also equipped with a Shimano hydraulic discs system that provides stunning performance when you need it to stop right at the moment.
You will find its 27.5-inch wheels stable enough even on toughest trails. It makes pedaling quite simple while providing you enough boost to hit corners even faster.
PROS
CONS
Related Guide: Best Cyclocross Bike Under $500
Diamondback Bicycles Atroz Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Your bike’s component ability will determine how hard you can push. If you are looking for a well-equipped bike to further enhance your riding skill, Atroz full suspension bike can be the right one to pick.
Equipped with a hand-built aluminum alloy frame, you will find this bike super strong to endure abuses. The sturdiness of this ride will support your intensive mountain biking sessions.
If you are pushing too hard on the terrains, you must ensure a proper suspension system to make things easier while riding.
RockShox is in charge of providing you a great suspension system without any compromise. The Atroz features RL 130 mm travel front fork and monarch R air shock at the other end of the bike.
No matter how rough and bumpy tracks are ahead, you can roll the wheels with great comfort.
Taking baby steps in mountain biking and rolling the wheels on terrain can be difficult.
There are danger spots and hard to get through corners that require your bike to have a good braking mechanism.
With that being said, Diamondback Atroz 3 got hydraulic disc brakes that are able to make your bike stop as soon as you pull the brakes. This allows you to ride on terrains with confidence.
Its reliable braking system is from the well-known bike accessories manufacturer Shimano that is equipped with 180mm front and rear rotors.
As a beginner, you need to keep gear shifting simple. A Complicated drivetrain will not enhance your skills; rather, it will make mastering mountain biking much harder for you.
Therefore, the manufacturer implemented SRAM 1×11 drivetrain that keeps shifting between gears much easier. Still, it offers you a wide range of gears to go with.
Another thing that will make uphill riding a lot easier is its 27.5 inches wheels. It makes pedaling easy and allows you to control handling regardless of the situation.
PROS
CONS
Diamondback Bicycles Hook 27.5 Hardtail Mountain Bike
Last but not least, another hardtail mountain bike on the list. Even though it comes at position 5, the bike is able to get you some thrilling riding experience down the terrain.
The frame is the part that tells you about the durability of any bike. This one has a hand-built aluminum hardtail frame.
Its progressive construction, along with low slung geometry, allows you to ride more aggressively, which will significantly add more to your skill.
As this model is designed specifically for an aggressive ride, its double-wall, 27.5-inch wheels add more to gain overall perfection while riding.
The size is perfect for beginners as well as pro riders for uphill biking. You will be able to take turns more efficiently in narrow areas.
To help you with gear changing, the hook got SRAM X3 1×8 drivetrain that allows you to shift between gears more swiftly without making this complicated.
No matter where you are rolling these 27.5-inch wheels, the drivetrain will make pedaling quite easier.
The ride also features a 120mm of travel suspension fork that tackles obstacles on the terrain smoothly.
As the mountain biking trails and terrains include bumps, having such a suspension system will ease your riding experience significantly.
All your previous models have hydraulic disc brakes; however, this one comes with Tetra Aries mechanical disc brakes.
Despite offering such a braking system, you will find it powerful enough to stop your ride immediately in most cases.
This bike suits best for experienced riders. But, beginners can still enjoy a seamless ride with this hook.
PROS
CONS
What to Look for Before Buying?
There are a few measurements and key factors that will ensure the bike fits your comfort as well as your riding style.
Size
The first and foremost thing to consider is your body size. Mountain bikes are found in small, medium, and large sizes. The frame and seat tube are the ones that are primarily determined by these sizes.
Consider your standover height as well as inside leg measurement. There will be a size chart from the manufacturer, which will show you size matches perfectly to your body height.
Wheel Size
Wheels are primarily found in 27.5 and 29 inches. Depending on your riding preference, you need to wisely determine the right wheel to go with.
For cross country, aggressive trail, downhill, and uphill format consider getting a bike with 27.5 wheel size.
29ers are bigger; thus, it makes pedaling a bit harder compared to the smaller sizes. People prefer getting 29 inches wheel size for mostly downhill.
Hardtail or Full Suspension
Full suspension bikes are the most advanced ones. Linkage, shock, bearings, other accessories of full-sus bikes influence the cost. If you are mostly concerned about your comfort, get one of these bikes.
However, spending the same amount of money, you can get better parts and specs on a hardtail bike compared to a full suspension one.
In addition to that, hardtail bikes require less maintenance, and there is not much that can go wrong with these bikes due to simple mechanisms.
Brake Mechanism
Mountain bikes come with either mechanical disc brakes or hydraulic disc brakes. Hydraulic brakes are more expensive, thus, allows the user to stop the bike on the spot immediately.
Mechanical brakes are less expensive, but it doesn’t have great stopping power compared to hydraulic ones.
Drivetrain
Don’t be so overwhelmed with the numbers of gears, shifters, cranksets, and chainrings. As long as you know what to do with the ride in different terrains, you are good to go. Too much of them will make things complicated.
If you are skilled and can make the most out of using various shifting and gearing combinations, go for higher.
For the beginners, it’s better to keep things less complicated. But, don’t go with too simple, or it will make pedaling difficult for you.
Diamondback Mountain Bikes vs Others
There are other mountain bike manufacturers other than Diamondback . Giant, Haro, GT, Mongoose, etc. are the most popular ones in this industry.
Diamondback vs Giant
If you are to compare Diamondback with Giant, bikes within the price range of $300 to $500 are pretty much the same.
However, for above $500, Diamondback mountain bikes provide greater value for money.
Diamondback vs Haro
Haro produces high-quality mountain bikes at exciting price ranges. The difference isn’t much distinguishable.
Some models from Diamondback have upper-hand over Haro bikes in terms of performance and reliability.
It’s up to your preference, get the one that suits your requirements the most. There is nothing much to compare between these two.
Diamondback vs GT
GT has been in the bike manufacturing industry for a long time. There was a time when very few companies produced quality mountain bikes; GT is one of them.
But, by the time, Diamondback came into the industry and released lots of good quality mountain bikes in terms of both performance and reliability.
Diamondback vs Mongoose
Mongoose bikes are well-familiar among the riders due to their top and high-end specs and components, which make their bikes a lot expensive. In terms of performance, Diamondback comes nowhere near to Mongoose.
But, when it’s about offering entry-level bikes at attractive price tags, Diamondback is the clear winner here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Diamondback bike cost?
Diamondback bikes start from over $300. Entry-level bikes cost $400 to $700. Bikes that are within the range of $700 to $1500 are for pro riders.
You can also go even higher for a bike with high-end components that cost over $2000.
Are Diamondback bikes any good?
Even though Diamondback offers bikes at a very competitive price, there is no reason to doubt their product quality.
Their bikes are made of top components, highly durable materials, and at a cheap price point because they sell their bikes online.
For this particular reason, Diamondback has become a trustworthy name for beginners.
Full suspension or hardtail, which one is good?
Full suspension is for those who don’t want any compromise with their comfort while riding; thus, it costs a higher amount of money. If you want to ride on more technical trails, go for one.
Hardtail mountain bikes come with a front suspension fork and are less expensive. You can get a hardtail bike with better components at the same price point that a full suspension bike with average components comes.
If you are on a budget and want to ride mostly on smoother trails, don’t pay extra money on a full-suspension bike.
Is a full suspension mountain bike worth it?
Bikes with a full suspension system will offer you better traction as well as handling. And of course, there will be fewer shocks due to bumps on the terrain. Moreover, the bike is easier to handle than other types.
Can a hardtail go downhill?
Although full-suspension bikes have clear advantages on downhill trails, hardtail ones also perform quite well. It’s just that you will not get tired riding an FS bike.
Hardtail bikes are still good for the downhill format, which will make you an overall expert rider over time.
Final Words
That was pretty much about our top recommendation for beginner level MTB riders. If this Diamondback mountain bike review makes you think that it fills all your requirements as well as your preferred riding style, it is sure to bring you great value for the money.
