Diamonds don’t shine. They sparkle all around. Diamondback bikes intend to bring a sparkle into your life and excite your soul.
If you have never ridden a Diamondback before and hoping to join the club, we will review the bikes from Diamondback to help you find the right bike for your cycling needs.
Best Diamondback Mountain Bikes for 2021
B1. Diamondback Overdrive
Specs
- Fork: 100 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 29”
- Frame Size: SM, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum/Carbon
- MTB Type: Hardtail XC bike
The Diamondback Overdrive is amongst the best budget-friendly bikes you can buy. It’s an entry-level bike that comes in five variants, Overdrive 1, Overdrive 2, Overdrive 3, Overdrive 2X, and Overdrive C1 Carbon.
Deep down, I feel like the bike should have been named Override because it’s pretty fast and stable.
The bike comes with average-level components, and for a hardtail of its type and the price, it’s worth buying. This is a bike you will not be able to ditch due to the joy it brings to ride on it.
The Overdrive has a T6 butted frame, which is super light alloy, yet it’s reliable and robust to withstand a hard impact in case of a crash.
There are no many bikes in that category with butted aluminum frames going for such a low price.
Indeed, Diamondback is more determined to fulfill your needs without draining out your bank account.
Overdrive is the kind of bike you need if you ride on lighter trails or looking for a bike to take you around town or a camping bike.
The Suntour fork that comes with the Overdrive 1, which is the most affordable, is a light performer, but if you want a better one, you can go for the Overdrive 3, which comes with a RockShox Air fork that can absorb the shocks way better.
2. Diamondback Mason
Specs
- Fork: 120 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”+
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- MTB Type: Hardtail XC bike
Diamondback’s most popular 27.5” wheeler is the Mason. The model is renowned for its wider tires. Mason offers excellent traction with its tires to offer you the smoothest ride, even on a loose trail.
The bike is just a few inches away from becoming a fat bike. If you don’t have a full-suspension bike to tackle the most extreme trails, then the Mason will do the job.
The aggressive tires will not let you down in your quest to cross the most unforgiving terrains.
What’s more, the 120 mm fork travel will cushion all the heavy hits on the road to make your rides smoother. Both Mason models feature a 1x drivetrain to ease you up on gear selections.
Both bikes come with light aluminum, and so they are light in weight. Mason is a head turner and gets immense love from those who ride it.
It’s suitable for beginners and those riders who want a bike that can accommodate wider tires but on a budget.
If you are a rider who loves riding on complicated trails and can ride fast, this is the right bike for you.
However, Mason remains a Hardtail XC or trail bike and without the rear suspension. Without one, it would be abusive to ride it over rocks and jumps.
For the longevity of the bike, ride only on trails with fewer elements.
3. Diamondback Synch’r
Specs
- Fork: 80 mm/140 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 24”/27.5”/29”
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- MTB Type: Hardtail Trail Bike
The Synch’r is another hardtail line from Diamondback. Don’t confuse the bike with Diamondbacks Sync, which was discontinued due to reasons only known by the company.
However, they were more considerate with the Synch’r by extending the luxury hardtails to the kids.
There are three Diamondback Synch’rs, one being a 24” wheel kids bike with an SR Suntour XCT forks and disk brakes.
There are also two other models for trail-ready adults who love invading the wild.
If you are looking for a versatile bike capable of hitting all types of terrains, it would be wise to start with the Synch’r and test your limits as you find the most suitable riding style.
With its adaptive and progressive geometry, this bike can adapt to any riding, whether you are riding downtown or long travel, and it’s also gifted in climbing.
With a RockShox Recon or SR Suntour XCR air shock for the cheaper option, this bike will create fantastic riding experiences and memories.
The dirt road to the mines out of town has nothing against you when you have the Swiss Army knife, the Synch’r, which is also available in a carbon 29er.
One thing about the bike is that it despises hard jumps and running over roots and rocks.
You may not understand it until you try it and have a terrible experience. Such terrains are not suitable for hardtails.
4. Diamondback Line
Specs
- Fork: 120 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- MTB Type: Hardtail Trail Bike
Looking for a mountain bike to ride without spending too much? It seems like Diamondback is out here to make you speechless with so many great bikes yet so budget-friendly.
One of those bikes got to be the Diamondback Line. It’s such a fantastic bike that makes Diamondback a famous bike company.
The Line is the smaller sister to Sync’r, and the latest model is packed with the best features ever.
The first head-turner is the flawless 6061-T6 aluminum frame which makes the bike feather-light.
The bike also features great geometry qualities, such as the slack head tube angle and seat tube angle to make it more rideable on the trails.
You can take turns confidently at high speeds and manage your balance. The tubing in this particular bike is butted, and the suspension system is the SR Suntour XCR which delivers beyond our expectations.
Whatever challenges you experience on the trails, the fork will cushion everything and make your ride as smooth as it should.
The Diamondback Line is equipped with a 1x drivetrain, very common in all modern and expensive bikes, to make things less complicated and more superficial.
The hydraulic brakes are also Shimano specific to provide incredible stopping power to the 27.5” wheels of this bike.
The Line is the right bike for you if you love hitting trails and love the challenges. It’s not forgiving on descends, though.
5. Diamondback Lux
Specs
- Forks: 80 mm/100 mm/120 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- MTB Type: Hardtail Women’s XC and Trail Bike
Diamondback was sure not to forget those ladies that treasure every moment on the saddle. To appreciate them, the company built a specific bike for them, the Diamondback Lux.
The bikes range from beginner level to mid-range and feature quality components. You have the option of choosing any of the three Lux models, namely Lux 1, Lux 2, or Lux 3.
All Lux series bikes feature a lowered top tubes to make it easier for female riders to stand on the bike comfortably whenever they want to stop.
The advantage of the 27.5” wheels in these bikes is their clearance. The 650b wheels are the standard sizes for ladies. 29ers seem higher while 26” wheels are the new short. Most ladies would prefer a Lux because it’s specifically designed for them.
The bikes also differ in components, with Lux 3 coming with a SRAM drivetrain while the Lux 1 features a Shimano Altus and Acera parts.
The latter also has mechanical brakes, while Lux 3 has Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. You get to take a bike that does not go beyond your financial muscle.
That said, Lux is going to be one of your most treasured bikes, and as a lady, you’ll have a bike that is not unisex, thus a closer relationship with the bike.
You’ll be able to understand the mechanical issues more and make you knowledgeable about bikes.
If you love hitting the trails and want to catch up with your male buddies who like loading their life struggles on the pedal, don’t be left behind. Ride your Lux.
6. Diamondback El Oso
Specs
- Forks: 100mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”+
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum/Carbon
- MTB Type: Hardtail Fat Bike
If you love riding by the beach or desert rides and are obsessed with speed, come over here. I’m sure you love doing that with a fat bike, as it offers better traction even on snow.
Diamondback’s specific fat bike is the El Oso. El Oso is the Spanish word for a bear. You won’t help notice how beasty the bike is, and it melts so many hearts with its gigantic look. There are three El Oso series, namely the Uno, Dos, and Tres.
Tres comes with a front suspension, 100 mm travel Manitou fork in particular, to offer you the most comfortable ride ever.
The rest come with a rigid fork. While Uno and Tres are aluminum made, Dos is a full carbon model engineered to ride fast.
The carbon bike has hydraulic disc brakes, while the rest have mechanical ones. El Oso Dos is built for speed, unlike the rest of the bikes in the series.
Dos was designed around the idea of shading weight and making it the lightest fat bike globally. It also features thru-axles to facilitate faster and undistracted wheel rolling.
The geometry of the bike was also revised for more accuracy in steering. If you have ever ridden a fat bike, you already know that the large tires absorb shock, so you don’t need suspensions. Dos is for those who understand the benefits of a fat bike.
7. Diamondback Atroz
Specs
- Forks: 120 mm travel
- Shock: 120 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- MTB Type: Full Suspension XC Bike
The moment a bike becomes a full suspension, the price tends to shoot up by almost double. It’s not the case with Diamondback bikes.
Most of their full-sussers are affordable, including the Atroz. Hardtails are a thrill to ride. Full-sus bikes are a thrill served with salad.
Would you need to sell a kidney to get one of those bikes? Nope! Diamondback Atroz will give you all the full-Susser comfort you need. The 27.5” wheeler is a great bike to ride cross country.
Regardless of the technicality of the terrain, Atroz will ride you through until you are exhausted to cycle. The bike features hard-built aluminum to absorb every impact from the jumps on the trails.
Therefore, you can ride confidently and trust the sturdiness of this bike and its endurance to abuse.
The worst thing a crash can do to the bike is peeling off some paint. There are three Atroz models namely Atroz 1, Atroz 2, and Atroz 3. Atroz 3 comes with RockShox forks, while the rest are packed with SR Suntour forks.
All the bikes use an R Air shock on the rear. This is a convenient bike for you if you want a 650b bike to hit trails and ride on the cross country.
It’s also a great beginner bike for riders who want to ride enduro and get a thrill of it. The bike does have an excellent braking mechanism, so you have less to worry about when descending from the top of a hill.
Atroz is also a great bike to take to the bike park.
8. Diamondback Release
Specs
- Fork: 140 mm/150 mm travel
- Shock: 130 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”/29”
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum/Carbon
- MTB Type: Full Suspension Enduro Bike
Diamondback Release is the most expensive bike the brand sells, and it’s also the largest MTB line with seven models and Diamondback’s quiver killer.
They include both mid-range and high-end endurance bikes under the Release flagship.
If you are an enduro rider or want a Diamondback bike capable of hitting the trails and competing with your mates in the bike park, there are a couple of Release models to choose from.
You get a lot of options here regarding wheel size, the frame material, and the components.
Release 1, 2, 3, 4C, and 5C come with 650b tires. 4C and 5C are carbon frame models. Then there are two models, Release 2 and 3, that have 29er wheels.
All 29” bikes come with 140 mm travel in the front, while 27.5”s come with 150 mm of travel to better cushion the obstacles. All models come with 1x drivetrains and hydraulic disc brakes.
All aluminum models are built with butted technology to make them lightweight and to improve performance.
If you would like to go tubeless, all Release models are tubeless-ready, and they also come with dropper posts.
The Release is the most popular Diamondback model to look out for, and it’s a bike you can show off with at the bike parks.
If your fellow cyclists organize an enduro event, show up with your Release. It’s the right bike for you, especially if you ride enduro and some bit of trail.
Diamondback Warranty
Diamondback warranty is only offered to the original owner of the bike who made the purchase.
The warranty is applicable in case of any issues with craftsmanship. Rigid bike frames get a lifetime warranty, while full suspensions get five years for the front triangle, and the swing arms get one year.
Or Diamondback branded forks, components, finishes and decals, shoes and clothing, suspension parts, and labor costs have a one-year warranty.
All the other components and forks that are not Diamondback branded also come with the manufacturer’s warranty.
After-Sales Service
The company also has an online team of customer care reps to help bike owners with any issues affecting them.
They will guide you through the bike registration process, offer assembly instructions, and send you an owner’s manual online.
History of Diamondback
Founded in 1977 as a BMX brand, Diamondback Bikes is based in Kent, Washington. The company put a mark on the cycling market by sponsoring legendary icons.
The company went into Derby Cycle Corporation’s hands in 1999, which also owned Raleigh Bicycle Company. Raleigh and Diamondback were merged later on.
Though they started with BMX bikes, Diamondback currently produces all bike types, including mountain bike models.
The company invented the Level Link suspension in 2016. The technology made it possible for trail bikes to climb more efficiently.
Final Remarks
Diamondback bikes are of good quality, no doubt. As you have read, they are also quite affordable.
If you are looking for a bike and on budget, check whether they have the right bike before you in the bike shop and grab a bargain. Contact us if you need any assistance.
