Are Diamondback Bikes Any Good? The Verdict!
If you’ve already read my articles where I review the best road bikes under $1000 and affordable mountain bikes, you will have noticed that Diamondback bicycles are always on my list. Well, there is a good reason for that. Here’s what I think about Diamondback Bikes.
Are Diamondback Bikes Any Good?
Diamondback has a reputation as a brand that builds some of the most durable, high-quality, and at the same time, affordable gravel, road, and mountain bikes. The company started as a BMX bike manufacturer in 1977, but nowadays, they produce almost all bike types.
What else you need to know about Diamondback Bikes
Another different approach taken by Diamondback is the pricing of their products. Cyclists often view them as entry-level bike manufacturers, and many bikers know that a Diamondback bicycle is always the right choice for beginners.
Diamondback sells their bikes much cheaper than your local bike shop because they market online, which is more affordable than having a brick-and-mortar shop or chain of distribution.
The truth is that Diamondback is not precisely an entry-level bike manufacturer because they sell affordable mountain bikes and some $5000+ high-quality Superleggera road bikes for semi-pro cyclists, so they know things about cycling.
Of course, one of the biggest problems of buying a bicycle online is the sizing, but don’t panic. We have a helpful guide on bike sizes, so you can easily find your correct bike size.
One of the most important benefits of buying a Diamondback bike online is using high-quality components. The brand is known for that; even entry-level bikes are equipped with decent, durable components made by Shimano and SRAM. Today, a bike manufacturer makes only the frame, and third-party companies like Shimano make all other parts.
Another thing that I love about Diamondback is its excellent warranty system, which is implemented. If you don’t want to waste time reading it, I can confirm that it is a lifetime warranty on the frame.
Did you know that one of the first mountain bikes ever designed was Diamondback Ridge Runner?
Alek
Related: What Makes Full Suspension MTB’s So Expensive?
Diamondback Overdrive 29 1
- Lightweight, hand-built aluminum frame
- Suntour XCT fork with 100mm travel
- Tektro mechanical disc brakes
- Shimano Altus 2×8 drivetrain
Diamondback Overdrive 29er is one of our favorite mountain bikes on the market, and there is a good reason for that. It is a good, reliable, cheap bike that will serve you well for many years. The Overdrive reviewed here is the typical Diamondback mountain bike. They often go with a hardtail frame, which is a sound decision.
The hardtail frame used here is one of the best I have ever seen. It is made of 6061-T6 aluminum, and it is lightweight, durable, and very very reliable.
The overdrive 29er could be the best choice for anyone who wants to ride casually on the mountain or paved roads. This bike could be easily used as a first bike, even for cycling to college or carrying groceries.
Diamondback Bicycles Catch 2
- Ready for mountain bike trails and tough terrain
- Fox front and rear suspension
- Maxxis Minion DHF 27.5×2.8″ tires
- Shimano SLX 1×12 drivetrain
Diamondback Catch 2 is our pick for the best full-suspension mountain bike produced by Diamondback because of many factors. It’s a full suspension, high-quality mid-upper class mountain bike for everyone who wants to spend at least $2000.
This bike is fitted with excellent high-quality components, especially true for the suspension, frame, brakes, and tires. The bike comes with Diamondback’s functional level link suspension platform and front fork and rear suspension produced by Fox.
The tires used here differ from the standard cheap and rubbish mountain bike tires. Diamondback decided to fit the bike with the Maxxis Minion DHF 27.5×2.8″ EXO tires on Diamondback Blanchard 38R aluminum rims.
Another great thing about the Diamondback Catch 2, which I like a lot, is the aluminum frame. This makes the ride very smooth and comfortable for every rider, whether it’s heavy or not. The geometry of the tube and the overall design are just great.
Diamondback Catch 2 is a great all-rounder mountain bike that gives the rider a unique feel and emotions. If you can afford it, this bike is one of my best recommendations.
Diamondback Bicycles Century 2
- Butted aluminum frame with a relaxed geometry
- Shimano 105 drivetrain with 20 gears
- Michelin Dynamic Sport tires
- Carbon fork with alloy steerer
As Diamondback puts it very simply – Century 2 is at home on the road. It’s a road bike designed to be ridden by bike enthusiasts who love road cycling. The frame’s geometry is very aggressive, and with its slightly taller head tube, it’s made to help the rider maintain a more upright position.
All components used here are perfect and of high-quality materials. It uses Shimano Ultegra cranks, front and rear dérailleurs, and Shimano 105 cogset, which are all outstanding components, and you can feel that when you ride the bike. This gives the rider more comfort during the ride compared to other road bikes.
It’s a pleasure to shift gears on the Diamondback Century 2 because of its high-quality components. Diamondback Century 2 is excellent when we speak about stopping power. The road bike is suited with Shimano flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes.
The rotors are 160mm front / 140mm rear, giving the rider a comfortable and safe feeling. They are very reliable, and Century 2 stops very well in any condition.
As we already know, the tires are an essential component that gives the ride comfort and smoothness. You will not have any issues with the Michelin Dynamic Sport 700 x 25. They’re fast, comfortable, and durable road bike tires.
It looks good, rides exceptionally well, and has a positive overall impression. I don’t know of this bike’s downsides except for the price.
Usually, Century 2 is priced between $1600 and $2500, but very often, you can find excellent deals on Amazon. I recommend the Diamondback Century 2 if you are looking for a good road bike that you will often ride for many miles.
Diamondback Bicycles Century 1
- Affordable road bike
- Kenda K196 700x26c tires
- Integrated Shimano Claris shifters
- Aluminum alloy frame
Diamondback Century 1 has been crowned the best entry-level road bike on this list because it’s a perfect combination of relatively low price and still high-quality and reliable components that are put together flawlessly by Diamondback.
The aluminum frame is as reasonable as any Diamondback road bike, and the bike’s overall design in this beautiful blue color is outstanding. This bike weighs only 22 pounds, which is excellent for this price range.
Another cool feature of the Diamondback Century is that the shifters are integrated, which is rare for the cheapest bikes. You get the Shimano Claris integrated shifters, which are excellent and reliable.
The Kenda K196 700x26c tires are OK for beginners, and considering that this is an entry-level road bike, they are pretty good and deliver a nice and smooth ride overall. Of course, you can always upgrade the tires later if you want even better performance.
Diamondback El Oso De Acero
- Durable steel frame and fork
- 3×8 Shimano Alivio drivetrain
- Mechanical disc brakes
- Massive 26 x 4 in. tires
I was asked so many times to make a list of the best fat bikes on the market, and now this is the first mention of such a fat bike on Yes Cycling. I will admit that I was very skeptical about this strange trend in the cycling world, but recently I tried the Diamondback El Oso De Acero, and I was impressed.
First, let’s start with that cool name – El Oso De Acero. Does it translate to The Bear of Steel; how cool is that huh? The second thing you will probably notice is the look of this beast. It looks amazing! Diamondback El Oso De Acero is a sleek-looking fat bike that is perfect for everyone who wants to experiment.
Originally fat bikes were made for snow and mud, but today, they are used even in the cities, and this is because they look fantastic. This bike is equipped with Shimano components, which are rigid and reliable. The frame and the fork are made of solid steel.
The 3×8 Shimano Alivio drivetrain offers many gearing options for all terrains. Diamondback El Oso De Acero has fitted with massive 26 x 4. fat bike tires that float over sand, snow, or crazy-loose trail.
Of course, the stopping power of this beast is solid. Fitted with mechanical disk brakes, you won’t have any issues stopping in snow, mud, or paved roads. In conclusion, fat bikes are a lovely invention that gives a different perspective on cycling. Unfortunately, the bike is not very cheap and sells for around $800.
Let’s make some vs. comparisons for the mountain bike brands for example.
Diamondback Mountain Bikes Vs Giant Mountain Bikes
My readers often ask me which mountain bikes are better: Diamondback mountain bikes or Giant mountain bikes. Both brands are outstanding, and choosing between the two is formidable.
When we talk about the price range of $500 – $800, I will put them on the same level. But if your budget is $800+, then Diamondback mountain bikes are probably better because they are more valuable than the Giant ones.
Diamondback Mountain Bikes Vs Haro Mountain Bikes
Haro mountain bikes are a bit more high-quality in terms of components, but the difference is not very noticeable. Diamondback is catching up on all other brands, including Haro mountain bikes.
Haro is also making some excellent mountain bikes, which are relatively cheap and reliable. So between a Diamondback mountain bike and a Haro mountain bike, I choose the one that suits my needs better.
Diamondback Mountain Bikes Vs GT Mountain Bike
Six or seven years ago, I would choose the GT Mountain bikes, but Diamondback improved virtually every aspect of their bikes, as I mentioned before. They’ve got so much better with the years that today Diamondback mountain bikes are better than the GT ones. 1:0 for Diamondback here.
Diamondback Mountain Bikes Vs Mongoose Mountain Bikes
Mongoose mountain bikes are in a different league than the ones made by Diamondback. They are, of course, much more expensive and use only high-quality components. But in the entry-level models, Diamondback wins because of their prices. But overall, Mongoose mountain bikes are much better than Diamondback.
Who Owns Diamondback Bicycles
Diamondback Bicycles is owned by global private equity firm Regent, L.P. since August 2019. Regent also owns Mavic, Redline Bicycles, and others.
Last Words On Diamondback Bikes Reviews
I think you should go to your local bike shop for the final tweaks after the assembly of your new Diamondback bike purchased on Amazon. These bikes come mostly assembled, but some tiny tweaks must be made. For around $50, you will get your bike perfectly made and with all details in place.
They will also measure your height and make these final tweaks for you. I see many complaints online about Diamondback, all related to the poor assembly of the brakes or other details. If you don’t know what you are doing, please go to your local bike shop and invest those $50 in this essential thing.
Editors’ Recommendations:
