Diamondback Release 3 - Review
My ongoing search for performance trail bikes that won't break the bank led me to Diamondback’s Release 3, which sports an aluminum frame, contemporary geometry, and DB's sharp-pedaling Level-link suspension. We took a look at this bike back in 2016 when it was first released, but it now carries a $2,850 MSRP, and with the popularity of shorter-travel all-mountain bikes on the rise, it made sense to include it as part of our affordable trail bike series. This mid-travel shredder can run with big-name competitors that cost much more.
The Release 3 has a 130-millimeter-travel chassis built around 27.5-inch wheels and a capable, 150-millimeter-travel RockShox Pike RCT3 fork. Geometry is a just-right balance between flow-trail playful and natural-trail purposeful, and the heart of
The Release 3 has a 130-millimeter-travel chassis built around 27.5-inch wheels and a capable, 150-millimeter-travel RockShox Pike RCT3 fork. Geometry is a just-right balance between flow-trail playful and natural-trail purposeful, and the heart of
Diamondback Release 3
• Intended use: trail / all-mountain
• Travel: 130mm rear / 150mm front
• Wheel size: 27.5"
• Frame construction: Aluminum / Level Link suspension
• Head angle: 66º
• Chainstay length: 425mm
• Colors: Black
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight: 30.05 lb (13.66 kg) - size medium, w/o pedals
• Price: $2,849.99 USD (*May 2018 )
• More info: Diamondback
• Intended use: trail / all-mountain
• Travel: 130mm rear / 150mm front
• Wheel size: 27.5"
• Frame construction: Aluminum / Level Link suspension
• Head angle: 66º
• Chainstay length: 425mm
• Colors: Black
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight: 30.05 lb (13.66 kg) - size medium, w/o pedals
• Price: $2,849.99 USD (*May 2018 )
• More info: Diamondback
 | There always seems to be a little handling in reserve to ease you out of a risky situation. You'll run out of suspension long before you'll run out of confidence. |
Diamondback's Level Link rear suspension is a derivative of the Santa Cruz VPP design in that its rocker links counter-rotate. The horizontal lower link a key difference.
Construction and Features
Diamondback designed the Release for accomplished riders who need one bike that can thrive in every kind of terrain and handle any feature that lies within the realms of cross-country-trail and all-mountain tech. Weighing in at 30 pounds (size medium), it’s light enough to inspire reasonably fit riders to tackle alpine-style ascents, and it has enough meat on its aluminum bones to withstand considerable abuse under strong descenders.
Some may balk at its moderate, 130 millimeters of rear-wheel travel, but Diamondback chose that figure because they wanted the Release to feel energetic under power. Perhaps more important to its mission statement, they also wanted it to shine on jump-park-style trails, where deep rear-suspension travel often conflicts with timing and preloading the bike.
![Diamondback Release 3 review]()
![Diamondback Release 3 review]()
![Diamondback Release 3 review]()
I was impressed by the quality of the frame construction. The welding is well done, and the linkage rockers and bearings run smoothly. The chassis is stiff without feeling dead and it rolls silently, which is always a good thing, a threaded bottom bracket shell and ISCG 05 bosses are also a plus, but I'm going to ding Diamondback's designers for their busy-looking external hose and cable routing, and for nearly making room for a water bottle on the down tube, but putting the bosses underneath it where your bottle is guaranteed to be funkified — or lost. That said, I'd trade the convenience of a down tube bottle for the extra performance of the Release 3's RockShox Monarch Plus reservoir shock - which, according to DB, is why they didn't put a bottle there in the first place.
Diamondback designed the Release for accomplished riders who need one bike that can thrive in every kind of terrain and handle any feature that lies within the realms of cross-country-trail and all-mountain tech. Weighing in at 30 pounds (size medium), it’s light enough to inspire reasonably fit riders to tackle alpine-style ascents, and it has enough meat on its aluminum bones to withstand considerable abuse under strong descenders.
Some may balk at its moderate, 130 millimeters of rear-wheel travel, but Diamondback chose that figure because they wanted the Release to feel energetic under power. Perhaps more important to its mission statement, they also wanted it to shine on jump-park-style trails, where deep rear-suspension travel often conflicts with timing and preloading the bike.
A jog in the seat tube and offset swingarm pivots anticipate a derailleur comeback story that probably will never be written.
External housings and hoses, and a threaded bottom bracket.
Room for tires up to 2.6 inches, with short, 16.7-inch (425mm) chainstays.
I was impressed by the quality of the frame construction. The welding is well done, and the linkage rockers and bearings run smoothly. The chassis is stiff without feeling dead and it rolls silently, which is always a good thing, a threaded bottom bracket shell and ISCG 05 bosses are also a plus, but I'm going to ding Diamondback's designers for their busy-looking external hose and cable routing, and for nearly making room for a water bottle on the down tube, but putting the bosses underneath it where your bottle is guaranteed to be funkified — or lost. That said, I'd trade the convenience of a down tube bottle for the extra performance of the Release 3's RockShox Monarch Plus reservoir shock - which, according to DB, is why they didn't put a bottle there in the first place.
Geometry & Sizing
With the exception of the Release's 73-degree seat tube angle, Diamondback's choice of geometry is contemporary. Top tubes are relatively long across the four sizes (the medium size TT is 24"/610mm), so you can slam the seat forward on the rails to emulate a steeper seat angle without cramping the cockpit. The bottom bracket is low enough to enhance cornering without banging the pedals into rocks and roots, and the fore/aft weight distribution feels spot on. Basically, the Release is long, but not too long, and slack, but not too slack, which keeps it fun to ride on blue trails, but at the same time, it provides a comfortable margin of error that makes you want to push this minimal-travel trail bike to eleven on the downs.
![Diamondback Release 3 2018]()
With the exception of the Release's 73-degree seat tube angle, Diamondback's choice of geometry is contemporary. Top tubes are relatively long across the four sizes (the medium size TT is 24"/610mm), so you can slam the seat forward on the rails to emulate a steeper seat angle without cramping the cockpit. The bottom bracket is low enough to enhance cornering without banging the pedals into rocks and roots, and the fore/aft weight distribution feels spot on. Basically, the Release is long, but not too long, and slack, but not too slack, which keeps it fun to ride on blue trails, but at the same time, it provides a comfortable margin of error that makes you want to push this minimal-travel trail bike to eleven on the downs.
Suspension Design
Their Level-Link suspension system also played a key role in the decision to minimize the rear travel. Its linkage kinematics are designed to separate pedaling forces from the suspension action, which means that the Release can aggressively power up and over punchy climbs with its shock damping set wide open. In short, the rider can use all of the suspension travel all of the time, so the bike feels more capable than its numbers would suggest.
The basis of Level Link is that the lower rocker remains parallel to the chain as the suspension cycles, which isolates chain torque from affecting
Their Level-Link suspension system also played a key role in the decision to minimize the rear travel. Its linkage kinematics are designed to separate pedaling forces from the suspension action, which means that the Release can aggressively power up and over punchy climbs with its shock damping set wide open. In short, the rider can use all of the suspension travel all of the time, so the bike feels more capable than its numbers would suggest.
The basis of Level Link is that the lower rocker remains parallel to the chain as the suspension cycles, which isolates chain torque from affecting
Specifications
![Diamondback Release 3 2018]()
![Diamondback Release 3 review]()
![Diamondback Release 3 review]()
![Diamondback Release 3 review]()
| Specifications | ||
| Release Date | 2018 | |
| Price | $2849 | |
| Travel | 130mm | |
| Rear Shock | RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 DebonAir | |
| Fork | RockShox Pike RCT3, 150mm Travel | |
| Headset | FSA | |
| Cassette | SRAM XG1150, 11 Speed, 10-42T | |
| Crankarms | Race Face Turbine, 30T Direct Mount | |
| Chainguide | NA | |
| Bottom Bracket | Race Face threaded | |
| Pedals | DB CNC flat | |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X1 X-Horizon, 11 Speed | |
| Chain | KMC | |
| Front Derailleur | NA | |
| Shifter Pods | SRAM X1 11 speed | |
| Handlebar | DB35 Alloy, 780mm Wide, 15mm Rise, 35mm Bar Bore | |
| Stem | DB35 Alloy, 40mm Reach, 35mm Bar | |
| Grips | DB4L "Lock on" 135mm Kraton | |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide RS, 180mm rotors F/R | |
| Wheelset | Diamondback build | |
| Hubs | DB Boost 148 R/110 F | |
| Spokes | 14g Stainless Steel | |
| Rim | DB Blanchard 28mm IW | |
| Tires | Schwalbe Hans Dampf 27.5" SnakeSkin 2.35" | |
| Seat | WTB Volt Pro | |
| Seatpost | KS LEV Integra Dropper, w/ SouthPaw Remote, 31.6mm | |
The Release 3's RockShox Pike RCT3 fork put on a good show. Schwalbe's Hans Dampf, however, was not the best choice for a front tire.
I forgot how stable SRAM's X1 11-speed shifting is.
Wide, 780mm x 35mm handlebar, and a short 40mm stem.
Guide RS brakes with 180mm rotors are solid mid-price performers.
Test Bike Setup
Diamondback's Release 3 comes ready to rock. The handlebar is 780-millimeters wide, the grips are comfortable and the shifting was spot on out of the box. The tires were set up tubeless, so all I needed was two air pumps - one to set the fork at 20-percent and the shock at 30-percent sag, and the other to air up the tires to 23psi in the rear and 20psi up front.
The shock's leverage curve feels very linear through the mid-stroke, with a mild ramp-up at the end. That creates a lot of support in the mid-stroke, but makes it easier to bottom the shock. It works for me, but I don't slam the bike around and I was pushing the O-ring to the end on the downs. I expect to be using full travel on a 130-millimeter-travel bike, but more aggressive riders might consider adding one or two volume spacers to boost the Monarch shock's end-stroke spring rate. Leave the fork alone, though, it was a near-perfect balance between supple and support — its 150-millimeter stroke is a good choice for the Release.
I had the Diamondback for an extended time, so it's seen a wider range of terrain and conditions than the loose gravel, cement-hard clay and embedded rocks that are Southern California's standard fare. It's enjoyed hero dirt, sloppy mud and everything else, except for Pacific Northwest loam - we don't have that here.
![Greg Lambert photo]()
Diamondback's Release 3 comes ready to rock. The handlebar is 780-millimeters wide, the grips are comfortable and the shifting was spot on out of the box. The tires were set up tubeless, so all I needed was two air pumps - one to set the fork at 20-percent and the shock at 30-percent sag, and the other to air up the tires to 23psi in the rear and 20psi up front.
The shock's leverage curve feels very linear through the mid-stroke, with a mild ramp-up at the end. That creates a lot of support in the mid-stroke, but makes it easier to bottom the shock. It works for me, but I don't slam the bike around and I was pushing the O-ring to the end on the downs. I expect to be using full travel on a 130-millimeter-travel bike, but more aggressive riders might consider adding one or two volume spacers to boost the Monarch shock's end-stroke spring rate. Leave the fork alone, though, it was a near-perfect balance between supple and support — its 150-millimeter stroke is a good choice for the Release.
I had the Diamondback for an extended time, so it's seen a wider range of terrain and conditions than the loose gravel, cement-hard clay and embedded rocks that are Southern California's standard fare. It's enjoyed hero dirt, sloppy mud and everything else, except for Pacific Northwest loam - we don't have that here.
| Diamondback intended the Release to be a do-everything ride, so they chose a 30-tooth chainring (instead of the typical 32) as morale booster... |
Climbing
Thirty pounds used to be the outer limit for a good trail bike, but enduro racing has pushed that number a few clicks higher and nobody seems to be complaining. I consider 30 to be the break point — below that number a good bike feels like it's "happy" to climb, and above that figure, "willing" to climb. The medium-sized Release 3's weight is right on the cusp, and it feels easy enough on the climbs to have become my go-to bike for all-mountain rides. I like that I can leave the rear suspension wide open for techy ascents, and depend upon the bike's moderate travel to maintain support. I get the best of both worlds: maximum traction, without any wallowing under power. It climbs smoothly, carries momentum at pace, and works its way up technical pitches without drama.
There is no ignoring that the Diamondback's wheels are on the heavier side of the spectrum, and that rotating mass creates a little lag in the pedal stroke when accelerating from a slow corner, or laying down a short burst of speed to get up and over a steep roller. It's noticeable, but rarely an issue because the overall feel of this machine is so enjoyable that it's easy to forgive its quirks. On that subject, Diamondback intended the Release to be a do-everything ride, so they chose a 30-tooth chainring (instead of the typical 32) as a morale booster for long grinders.
![Greg Lambert photo]()
Thirty pounds used to be the outer limit for a good trail bike, but enduro racing has pushed that number a few clicks higher and nobody seems to be complaining. I consider 30 to be the break point — below that number a good bike feels like it's "happy" to climb, and above that figure, "willing" to climb. The medium-sized Release 3's weight is right on the cusp, and it feels easy enough on the climbs to have become my go-to bike for all-mountain rides. I like that I can leave the rear suspension wide open for techy ascents, and depend upon the bike's moderate travel to maintain support. I get the best of both worlds: maximum traction, without any wallowing under power. It climbs smoothly, carries momentum at pace, and works its way up technical pitches without drama.
There is no ignoring that the Diamondback's wheels are on the heavier side of the spectrum, and that rotating mass creates a little lag in the pedal stroke when accelerating from a slow corner, or laying down a short burst of speed to get up and over a steep roller. It's noticeable, but rarely an issue because the overall feel of this machine is so enjoyable that it's easy to forgive its quirks. On that subject, Diamondback intended the Release to be a do-everything ride, so they chose a 30-tooth chainring (instead of the typical 32) as a morale booster for long grinders.
Descending
I first heard about the Release from Diamondback's Eric Porter, who has competed in just about every mountain bike venue. Porter said it was his perfect bike, because he could enjoy it anywhere — hit the dirt jumps with his friends, bust out an all-day trail ride, or play at the bike park. I'd have to agree. I had the same experience riding the carbon-framed Release 5C, and the good news is that the aluminum version is no less fun. There is a snappiness to the bike. You can push through the suspension and get a sense of where the ground is. Any substantial rock or bump in the trail becomes a launch ramp. No trail is boring. The Release keeps you searching for bonus lines that can become step-ups, mini wall rides and hucks to flat.
![Greg Lambert photo]()
The steering isn't so slack that I had to precede every tight corner with a sweeping counter-steer. It's reaction time is quicker, and that makes it easier to carry speed down unfamiliar trails. That said, there is enough straight-line stability to keep the rubber side down should you botch a steep chute or rock roll. What the Release doesn't do is lure you to the threshold of its handling and then leave you hanging after you make a mistake. There always seems to be a little handling in reserve to ease you out of a risky situation. You'll run out of suspension long before you'll run out of confidence.
Saving the best for last, I think the most rewarding attribute of the Release, and the better new-school mid-travel trail bikes in this class, is how solidly they turn corners. Less suspension translates to greater stability, because the chassis loads up evenly front-to-back and stays that way. Long-travel bikes squat and nose dive, which alters their geometry and weight distribution unless care is taken to set the bike up for the corner. By contrast, as long as you are somewhere near the middle of the Diamondback, it will rail turns like a boss... well almost. Unless you like drifting or live in Santa Cruz, California, where just about any tire will grip, you'll need to ditch the Hans Dampf tires for something with proper edging blocks.
I first heard about the Release from Diamondback's Eric Porter, who has competed in just about every mountain bike venue. Porter said it was his perfect bike, because he could enjoy it anywhere — hit the dirt jumps with his friends, bust out an all-day trail ride, or play at the bike park. I'd have to agree. I had the same experience riding the carbon-framed Release 5C, and the good news is that the aluminum version is no less fun. There is a snappiness to the bike. You can push through the suspension and get a sense of where the ground is. Any substantial rock or bump in the trail becomes a launch ramp. No trail is boring. The Release keeps you searching for bonus lines that can become step-ups, mini wall rides and hucks to flat.
The steering isn't so slack that I had to precede every tight corner with a sweeping counter-steer. It's reaction time is quicker, and that makes it easier to carry speed down unfamiliar trails. That said, there is enough straight-line stability to keep the rubber side down should you botch a steep chute or rock roll. What the Release doesn't do is lure you to the threshold of its handling and then leave you hanging after you make a mistake. There always seems to be a little handling in reserve to ease you out of a risky situation. You'll run out of suspension long before you'll run out of confidence.
Saving the best for last, I think the most rewarding attribute of the Release, and the better new-school mid-travel trail bikes in this class, is how solidly they turn corners. Less suspension translates to greater stability, because the chassis loads up evenly front-to-back and stays that way. Long-travel bikes squat and nose dive, which alters their geometry and weight distribution unless care is taken to set the bike up for the corner. By contrast, as long as you are somewhere near the middle of the Diamondback, it will rail turns like a boss... well almost. Unless you like drifting or live in Santa Cruz, California, where just about any tire will grip, you'll need to ditch the Hans Dampf tires for something with proper edging blocks.
Diamondback Release 5c
Diamondback Release 3
How does it compare?
Diamondback was on the vanguard of the mid-travel fun-based all-mountain revolution when it first launched the Release. At that time, there were few comparisons on the market, but that is not the case now. PB's reviewed impressive 120mm and 130mm AM/trail bikes from Rocky Mountain, Intense, Commencal, Transition, Trek, Kona, and the carbon version of the Release in recent times, and the ones we like most weigh under 30 pounds, have steep seat tube angles in the neighborhood of 75 degrees, and slack head tube angles near 66 degrees. Most of those were also upper-end carbon machines, sporting MSRPs, double that of our aluminum-framed review bike.
I'll compare apples to apples then, using Diamondback's carbon Release 5c that I reviewed earlier against its aluminum sibling. Both bikes come up short on the seat tube angle. Their 73-degree angle is ergonomically perfect for efficient power output on level-ground and moderate grades, but that's a rare occurrence in the all-mountain environment. Push the saddle forward a half inch and you get something close to 74 degrees, but you'll lose room in the cockpit. Both the Release 5c and the '3 squeeze by on the weight, with the Release 3 at 30 even, and the carbon framed '5c at 29 pounds. Seat angles aside, the rest of Diamondback's numbers are spot on.
Looking at the bottom lines, then: The Release 5c weighs 29 pounds and offers a carbon chassis, a SRAM XO1 12-speed Eagle drivetrain and Fox suspension (Float 36 FIT4 fork and DPX 2 reservoir shock), and real tires (Maxxis DHF and DHR) for $4800 (*new MSRP as of May 2018 ). The Release weighs only one pound more, features a SRAM 11-speed X1 drivetrain and RockShox suspension (Pike RCT3 fork and Monarch Plus RC3 shock) for $2849. So, if you upgrade to the carbon Release 5c, it will cost you about $1950 USD to get one extra gear, save one pound, enjoy slightly better suspension and get a real set of tires. That makes our Release 3 look like a pretty good deal, if you can live with an 11-speed transmission.
I used to think LEV meant "Least Evolved Version," but the last three KS posts have been golden.
SRAM's Guide RS brakes ran drag free for the duration of the review.
The stock Hans Dampf tires needed stronger edging blocks to keep pace with the Release. The good news is the 2018 Hans Dampfs will have them.
Technical Report
SRAM Guide RS brakes: RS-level Guide brakes modulate well, and are an excellent performance value, but they lack the precise bite-point of higher-end competitors.
Hans Dampf Tires: Schwalbe has re-designed its Hans Dampf with edging blocks similar to the Magic Mary, but the original version of the tire appears on both ends of the Diamondback. Considering how much more capable the Release is, that's a fail. Inside info says that Diamondback will be switching to more aggressive tires mid-season.
KS LEV dropper post: Good choice, now that KS has worked out the kinks, but a technically capable trail bike like this should come with a longer-stroke, 150mm post in the medium through XL sizes.
![Greg Lambert photo]()
SRAM Guide RS brakes: RS-level Guide brakes modulate well, and are an excellent performance value, but they lack the precise bite-point of higher-end competitors.
Hans Dampf Tires: Schwalbe has re-designed its Hans Dampf with edging blocks similar to the Magic Mary, but the original version of the tire appears on both ends of the Diamondback. Considering how much more capable the Release is, that's a fail. Inside info says that Diamondback will be switching to more aggressive tires mid-season.
KS LEV dropper post: Good choice, now that KS has worked out the kinks, but a technically capable trail bike like this should come with a longer-stroke, 150mm post in the medium through XL sizes.
Pros
+ This is what a trail bike should ride like
+ Contemporary geometry
+ Pedal-friendly suspension
Cons
- Needs more aggressive rubber
- Shock could use more bottom-out resistance
- Wishing for a down-tube bottle mount
Is this the bike for you?
Diamondback's aluminum Release may be more relevant today than when it first debuted. It's burlier than cross-country trail bikes that may share similar suspension travel, but probably won't hold up to the abuse that the Release is intended to thrive upon. This is a good choice for an accomplished all-mountain sender who wants to step down from an uber-capable squishy 160-millimeter enduro bike to a more playful, cross-country friendly machine, but still wants to go big on features. Cross-country trail riders, however, who want a lightweight climber with slacker geometry and extended technical capabilities should probably shop for another bike like Rocky Mountain's Thunderbolt , or the new Intense Sniper.
Diamondback's aluminum Release may be more relevant today than when it first debuted. It's burlier than cross-country trail bikes that may share similar suspension travel, but probably won't hold up to the abuse that the Release is intended to thrive upon. This is a good choice for an accomplished all-mountain sender who wants to step down from an uber-capable squishy 160-millimeter enduro bike to a more playful, cross-country friendly machine, but still wants to go big on features. Cross-country trail riders, however, who want a lightweight climber with slacker geometry and extended technical capabilities should probably shop for another bike like Rocky Mountain's Thunderbolt , or the new Intense Sniper.
Pinkbike's Take
| Diamondback's Release 3 is a good value for its $2849 asking price, and its range of performance is perfect for so many riders out there with pro-rider skills and entry-level jobs. The message is that good handling eclipses lots of suspension travel. Armed with a reasonably good skillset and a mid-travel trail bike like the Release, you'll enjoy almost every trail, not just the occasional ten-minute descent. |
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are a lot of fun to ride until your friends sees you on it.
They finally acquiesce and now I see people complaing that it’s too difficult and they want external.
I guess Spesh did it right though because running internal housing and cables is a breeze on the new Enduros and if the trend is to go back to external I hope they take a long time to follow.
*Everything's relative
The real winner to me is their custom carbon Release program- for $4,600 you get a carbon frame / Fox factory coil suspension / XT drivetrain & brakes / Fox dropper. That’s a good deal if you ask me.
More importantly, though, this:
"There always seems to be a little handling in reserve to ease you out of a risky situation. You'll run out of suspension long before you'll run out of confidence."
To me, that's the essence of a good trail bike in the one-bike-quiver sense. It's what I enjoy about my Process 111, it's why if looking at new bikes, it's probably why (to pick an example) I'd prefer a Smuggler over a Sentinel. Short/mid travel bikes have come a long way and are just ridiculously fun these days. Good times.
I would think I'd rather have a bit more suspension to get me out of a risky situation when my confidence runs out. Because if I'm in a risky situation, and think "oh feck, this was a baaaad idea", an extra inch of travel to regain control sure would be nice.
Maybe it's because I often ride out of my depth, but there's been more than a few times I've thought precisely that as I bash my way through a rock garden going way too fast... and thank Dog for all my fancy suspension.
We like riding Schwalbe's big-volume all-mountain tires, but have complained about the short life span and the small tread blocks of the lighter weight models we've tested. The Hans Dampf has silenced our criticisms about durability and set a high bar for how much traction one should expect from a 2.35-inch all-mountain/trail bike tire."
2018 "Hans Dampf Tires: Schwalbe has re-designed its Hans Dampf with edging blocks similar to the Magic Mary, but the original version of the tire appears on both ends of the Diamondback. Considering how much more capable the Release is, that's a fail. Inside info says that Diamondback will be switching to more aggressive tires mid-season."
For sure says a lot about how much better geo and suspension is today.
Youtube vloggers and lower price points.
Other reasons include: killer video promos and updated and current technology/geometry that appeals to most riders.
Fun!
Big props to DB for making a bike that a vast majority of riders would enjoy for a decent price. The $$/fun ratio of their bikes looks very impressive.
I bet they'd sell a lot more bikes than only having this offering and their burlier offering (which has dated geometry). Pleeeeeease DB....please?
Or the bike I own, more All Mountain - the 2018 Sight A3 - www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/all-mountain/sight-alu/sight-a3
HA 65.5
STA 76
CS 440
Reach 500 (L), 522 (XL)
150mm travel
BSA
1xbottle
It's British and it rocks.
www.bird.bike/aeris-am9
I'm on my second Bird now, started off with their HT Zero AM but needed an all purpose trail bike. Ordered the Aeris 120 frame kit and made a custom solution. Their geo is SPOT on with long reach combined with an 31mm stem. Just feels right...
Bird offers custom builds, as seen on their HP, so you can fav where you want to go all in on parts.
I'm 188cm and went for a Large 120 frame with 495 reach.
If I was taller and had to choose between a L frame and 50ish mm stem and XL frame with a 31mm stem I would go for the XL short stem.
Nailed on the head with that statement RC.
My Following has got my 160mm bike gathering much dust on the wall.
Seems all of 'em have very similar front triangles, and this one is a throwback to the old Blur [LT] he designed.
Bike is great though.
www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2358401
OK, I'm not being hyperbolic with that all-caps headline. What I found was pretty awful indeed. Just received my 2018 Release 3 direct from DB. Having my own small shop and being somewhat anal retentive, if not full on cynical, I disconnected the shock to see how smooth the rear was. I found that it had an almost spring loaded mid point that the upper link would get past, about mid-travel. It was severe, bizarre, and I knew it could not be correct. So I got down to taking it apart. First thing, the cone washers need a 5/16 allen, NOT an 8mm. Many people have discovered this but DB has not changed any of the info on the site or their videos. POOR FORM DB. Next thing is, expect to give a bit of torque with that 5/16 to have the cone washers give way. Almost feels like your snapping an alloy bolt, scary. But all good. Grease them when reinstalling.
Popped the bearing covers on the bottom links. Bearings were not dry, but close enough that a month of wet riding would probably render them toast. Injected some high quality grease and replaced the covered. All 4 bearings for the lowers felt pretty smooth, one was a tiny bit clicky.
Top two pivots were a nightmare. First thing is the lower of the two uppers (long axle), was very tough to remove the axle. Almost like it was slightly warped. Had to tap from the other side with a wooden dowel. Then a random metal spacer was behind the engineered bearing caps, on the drive side of this one (the longer axle set). I knew this couldn't be right, watched all the videos I could find, scoured the net. Yep, random substantial metal washer/spacer. Those bearing were both clicky. Needed lube.
Then the upper upper (with the short axle). After it unscrewed it would not come out. Took substantial tapping from the other side, way worse than the other one. Finally got it out. Bearing lubed as now usual. Both bearing really very clicky. Putting it back together I had to mallet the hell out of the axle to get it to reach the threads. I experimented and it seemed the bearing on the thread side was just a hair different inner diameter than the OD of the axle, which hung it up on removal and made it tough on install. Way more than just tapping, used a rawhide mallet to whack it good.
Torqued everything to spec and found the rear moved smoothly enough. No bizarre spring loaded mid point notch. But certainly not smooth the way my S-Works Enduro and other rigs are. I'm going to break it in and see if it smooths out, but I predict the bearings are shot/crap from install and will need replacement shortly.
That's as far as I got today. Going to remove the BB to inspect tomorrow, and maybe check the headset too. Any more fun discoveries and I'll update this.
UPDATE #3: Tuesday, May 22, I called at 7am PST as the website says they are available at that time. Nobody there. Turns out they are there at 8am PST. But at 8:10am, the online chat function was still indicating they were not open. Called. After a long wait, I got Cameron. He was super knowledgable and suggested that we either do a frame swap or a whole bike swap. Seemed like the safe thing was whole bike. He could not set it up for me, I had to do it through their warranty submission page. But he said I could note his name and extension in that form and he'd get it. However, upon filling it all out, uploading all the files, every time I hit submit I get "The website encountered an unexpected error. Please try again later." OK now I'm officially annoyed. I called Cameron back but got his voicemail. Left a message about what was going on. Even best case scenario I'm not riding anything for 2-3 weeks since they have to issue a tag, I have to pack the thing up and ship back. They have to receive and then they send one out. Debating just asking for a refund at this point, maybe go YT instead.
Replacement bike gone through with a fine tooth. Happy to report that it was basically perfect out of the box. Basically dissembled everything. Pivots moved smoothly, bearings had ample stock grease (though I added more just because), derailleur perfectly aligned, shifting was perfect, rims and rotors true, etc. Maybe the only thing is that the derailleur hanger is very soft: the bike fell over onto my wood floor and it bent really badly. No problem aligning again with the tool, but dang it's soft. Guess its a good thing they include a replacement. So I guess I really did win the anti-lottery with the first one. Gotta love a company that steps up when inevitable sh*t happens!
For those wanting to save some $, the clutch 2 and release are identical Geo wise and there are a few Diamond back Clutch 2 and older release bikes still out there on the internet on deep discount. Some labeled as a girl's bike but a smoking deal for under $2k.....
A shame it comes specced only with SRAM/RockShox. I'd like to see an equally specced Shimano/Fox version, but that's just me...
Still a solid bike/build for the $$$
Yup, DB is making the same as if it were sold to a 3rd party that then marks it up to an msrp $1000+ higher.
KS seems to have nailed it in the dropper arena, but they rarely come stock on bikes, so everyone ends up with a reverb...
I do not think acronyms work the way RC thinks they work. ;-)
Now... where can I find these trails in the photos?
Here's some source to compare marketing bs with reality :http://linkagedesign.blogspot.ca/search/label/Diamond%20Back
Just hoping some day someone at pinkbike will revise review before publication to correct those type of error who ruin the credibility of the site.
That with the factual error of spec in the review of the Terrene Tire past week, make me wonder why this guy still publish on the biggest website of mountain bike.
RC is in the mountain bike hall of Fame, is a former frame designer/bike company owner and former editor of Mountain Bike Action.
That’s as credible as you can be in the mtb world.
Not implying you should like the brand if you feel they don't support the sport. I personally don't have a tracking spreadsheet for the two dozen bike brands i support (more if we're talking all outdoor recreational activities) that rates their level of access support.