Diamondback mountain bikes are some of the most popular bikes in the market. The brand has dozens of series with different models in each one. With so many different models available at varying prices and sizes, choosing the right model for you can be tricky.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll share some of the best available options of the Diamondback mountain bikes. Our reviews give an in-depth look at the brand’s top 8 series. We’ll cover prices, features, pros/cons, and more, so you can make the most informed decision when you buy your Diamondback mountain bike.
1) Diamondback Overdrive
Diamondback’s Overdrive series features a diverse assortment of models. In this series, you’ll find bikes suited for beginners and enthusiasts. Prices for models in this series range from $570 to $2000.
The cheapest model in the Overdrive series has an entry-level Shimano drivetrain, an inferior fork, and mechanical disc brakes. The higher-end models have hydraulic brakes and better SRAM drivetrains. The forks on these models are sturdier and have more adjustability settings. The tires for the models in this series are 27.5″, which is the perfect balance between 26″ and 29″.
Overdrive bikes are optimal for rough terrain. The build quality of these bikes makes it ideal for traversing terrain smoothly and quickly.
Specs
- Overdrive 29 1 – aluminum frame, mechanical disc brakes
- Overdrive 29 3 – aluminum frame, hydraulic disc brakes
- Overdrive 29 2x – aluminum frame, hydraulic disc brakes
- Overdrive 29C 1 – carbon frame, hydraulic disc brakes
Pros
- Great overall series with options for everyone
- Lightweight
- Smooth riding
- Easy adjustability
Cons
- The quality difference shows across the price range
Verdict
In our Diamondback mountain bike reviews, we found this line would be best for new cyclists, commuters, or fitness enthusiasts. You could even ride these bikes cross country. Bikes from the Overdrive series are also great for enthusiasts who train often.
Ready for a bike that can keep up with your active lifestyle? Buy a bike from the Overdrive series here!
2) Diamondback Mission Series
The Mission series features two full-carbon, full-suspension models that are made for professional bikers. They’re built for expert riders who want to take their abilities to the next level. Prices for models in this series range from $4,000 to $5,000.
The differences between the two versions lie in the components. Both have 180mm of travel in the front and 160mm of travel in the back. The 1C has Yari suspension and Rockshox SuperDeluxe R, but the 2C combines Fox Float X2 & Fox 36. Mission 1C’s groupset is SRAM GX Eagle and Mission 2C’s is SRAM XO1 Eagle, which is the lighter of the two. Additionally, tires, rims, and hubs on the 2C model are better.
Even though there are a few differences between the two bikes, the 1C is still a fantastic model with many desirable features. Although, if it’s within your budget, opt for the 2C.
Specs
- Mission 1C
- Carbon frame by DB Laboratory
- Full suspension
- 27.5″ wheels
- Steep head tube angle of 64 degrees
- Groupset SRAM GX Eagle
- Mission 2C
- Carbon frame by DB Laboratory
- Full suspension
- 27.5″ wheels
- Steep head tube angle of 64 degrees
- Groupset SRA XO1 Eagle
Pros
- Some of Diamondback’s most luxurious options
- Ultra-durable frames
- Lightweight
Cons
- Very expensive
Verdict
This series is perfect for expert cyclists hitting rough terrain and steep slopes. While these two models look similar on the surface, the few differences in the features justify the price of the more expensive model.
Pro cyclists, get ready to take take a huge leap forward in your riding capabilities. Buy bikes from the Mission series here!
3) Diamondback Rely Line for Women
In the past, the Diamondback Rely Line featured several models, but now there is just the Rely 2. This is a mid-range model for riders who want to start upgrading their current equipment. Its wide tires are ideal for wet or muddy trails. The suspended fork on the Rely 2 makes it extra-durable. It also features 11 speeds that are powered by a SRAM NX rear derailleur. The SRAM hydraulic disc brakes make descents much smoother.
Specs
- 27.5″ tires
- Aluminum frame
- Rockshox suspended fork with 120mm of travel
- Air spring
- SRAM hydraulic disc brakes
- SRAM NX rear derailleur
Pros
- Made for a woman’s build
- Lightweight frame
- Males can use it too
Cons
- Limited models for a mid-range series
Verdict
The Rely 2 model by Diamondback is a great mid-range bike with an attractive design and many powerful features. Even though this bike is marketed toward women, male riders can use it, too, because of the adjustable geometry.
Upgrade your ride with the Rely 2. Buy yours by clicking here!
4) Diamondback Lux Line for Women
Women’s builds are slightly different from men’s in terms of weight distribution, shoulders, and height clearance. Diamondback has many different models that accommodate these variations. The low top tubes are what make this collection suitable for women. The 27.5-inch wheels provide good standover clearance.
Models in this series cost anywhere from $530 to $1,100. The price between models varies as greatly as it does because of the components of the bikes. The cheaper models have Shimano parts and the more expensive models use SRAM parts. Also, on a cheaper model, you get mechanical disk brakes and a fork with 80mm of travel. On a more expensive model, you get 120mm of travel on the fork, a 1x drivetrain, and hydraulic disks. These features are sought after by experienced riders because they save weight.
Specs
- Diamondback Lux 1 – aluminum frame, low top tube, 27.5″, Shimano parts, 80 mm travel
- Diamondback Lux 2 – aluminum frame, low top tube, 27.5″, Shimano parts, 100 mm travel
- Diamondback Lux 3 – aluminum frame, low top tube, 27.5″, SRAM parts, 120 mm travel
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Made with a woman’s build in mind
Cons
- Basic features
Verdict
Models from the Lux Line are perfect for women who enjoy biking. Whether you’re a weekend rider or a cycling enthusiast, the Lux line has something for you.
Ready for a bike designed with you in mind? Buy a bike from the Lux Line here!
5) Diamondback Hook, Line, and Sync’r Series
There are currently three models in this series. They are designed for experienced riders or for inexperienced riders who want a bike that will help them achieve proficiency at a faster pace. These bikes cost anywhere from $700 to $3,000. Depending on the model, you’ll either get 8, 9, 11, or 12 speeds.
Specs
- Hook – 27.5″ 6061 aluminum frame, 2.3″ tires, 120 mm travel, SRAM parts, SRAM derailleur
- Line – 27.5″ 6061 aluminum frame, 2.3″ tires, 120 mm travel, Shimano parts, Shimano Acera derailleur
- Sync-R – 27.5″ 6061 carbon frame, 2.3″ tires, 140 mm travel, Shimano parts, SRAM X3 and GX
Pros
- Great for fast-learners
- Wide price range suitable for any budget
Cons
- Lower-end models nowhere near as powerful as the high-end models
Verdict
This series is made for riders who frequent rough terrains and enjoy a bumpy ride. If you’re an experienced rider, give one of these models a try.
Ready to hit the rough and bumpy trails? Buy a bike from this series here!
6) Diamondback Release
Diamondback Release, a series of seven models, is the largest collection by this manufacturer. All seven of the models are full-suspension bikes. Prices in this series range from $1,999 to $4,7999.
This series features a collection of high-end and mid-range models. Five of the models have forks with a travel of 150mm. On the 29ers – models “29 2,” and “29 3” – the travel is 140mm. “Release 1” has SR Suntour and the others have Rhythm 24 & 36.
Shimano Deore and SLX groupsets come with the “Release 1” and “Release 2” have, and GX Eagle and SRAM NX parts are on the more expensive models. All of these components will hold up well on a trail.
One unique feature of this series is that every one of these models has speeds of 10 to 12 and hydraulic disc brakes on 1x drivetrains.
Specs
- Release 1 – aluminum frame, 27.5″ tires, 150 mm travel, Shimano Deore and SLX groupsets
- Release 2 – aluminum frame, 27.5″ tires, 150 mm travel, Shimano Deore and SLX groupsets
- Release 29 2 – aluminum frame, 29″ tires, 140 mm travel, Shimano XT M8000
- Release 3 – aluminum frame, 27.5″ tires, 150 mm travel, Shimano XT M8000
- Release 29 3 – aluminum frame, 29″ tires, 140 mm travel, Shimano XT M8000
- Release 4C – carbon frame, 27.5″ tires, 150 mm travel, SRAM NX Eagle
- Release 5C – carbon frame, 27.5″ tires, 150 mm travel, SRAM NX Eagle
Pros
- Many budget-friendly options in this series
- High speeds
- Powerful brake system
Cons
- Higher-end models are quite expensive
Verdict
The Diamond back Release series is for cyclists who are serious about mountain biking. But they’ve also been designed with a range of budgets in mind. All models in this series are midi high-range.
Ready to release the pro cyclist in you? Buy yours here!
7) Diamondback El Oso
The El Oso collection features three models that are all in the signature El Oso style. What makes these bikes stand out is the extra-large wheels. These are the three models. Prices for a model from this series range from $750-$2,200, which makes this collection one of the more affordable ones on the list.
The first two models are rigid, but the third model uses a suspended fork with a travel of 100mm. The El Oso Uno is made entirely of steel, but the Dos and Tres are made from aluminum. The benefits of a steel bike are durability and comfort. The El Oso Tres has a Shimano XT groupset and the Uno and Dos have Shimano Acera and Shimano Deore.
Specs
- El Oso Uno- steel frame, mechanical disc brakes
- El Oso Dos – aluminum frame, mechanical disc brakes
- El Oso Tres – aluminum frame, hydraulic brake system
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Extra-large wheels
Cons
- Large wheels may not be ideal for all types of riders
Verdict
The El Oso bikes are strong, durable, and versatile biking machines that can handle terrain of any kind. The larger wheels offer great stability on uneven trails.
Ready to show those 4-wheelers what your bicycle can handle? Uno, dos, tres – buy yours here!
8) Diamondback Catch Line
These mid-range models are perfect for riders who want to upgrade their everyday bikes. In this series, there are two models. Both bikes have rebound forks, compression damping, and a 35mm stanchion. The first model has X-fusion 02 R, and the second model uses the new Fox Float DPS EVOL LV. Both of these bikes use 27.5×2.8” Maxxis Minion DHF tires, which means that they can be configured as tubeless.
Specs
- Catch 1 – RockShox fork, 130mm travel, Shimano Deore 10-speed rear derailleur, Shimano BR-M395 hydraulic brakes
- Catch 2 – RockShox fork, 130mm travel, SRAM GX X-Horizon 11-speed rear derailleur, SRAM Level discs with a 180mm rotor diameter
Pros
- Great for experienced riders
Cons
- Can’t be used on extreme terrain
If you are an experienced rider looking for a decent mid-grade bike, you should look into buying one of these models. They work well for rough terrain, but they shouldn’t be used for extreme mountain biking.
Ready to catch a great time on the trails? Click here to purchase!
Buyer’s Guide—Choosing the Best Mountain Bike
Choosing the best mountain bike for your skill level, riding style, and terrain all comes down to the parts. Each part—its construction and design—will impact your riding experience. Here are the parts of a mountain bike and how it can impact your performance:
Frame
The frame is what joins the parts of a mountain bike together. Mountain bikes are usually made from aluminum or carbon. Aluminum is the most popular because it is strong and lightweight. Frames have six parts: three tubes, one fork, and two stays.
Brakes
The brake system of a mountain bike has three main parts. The handlebar brake levers are connected to the brake discs and brake pads. Disc brakes are around the hub of your wheels. With a disc brake system, the pads are moved onto the disc rather than the rim of the wheel, like in a brake pad system.
Suspension
The suspension is the system that helps riders smooth over bumpy terrain. Mountain bikes usually come with either rear or front suspension. Front suspension is usually placed in the front fork. The rear suspension in the back is usually in the stays or the seat tube.
Derailleur
The derailleur shifts the chain from one wheel to the next. The derailleur on your Diamond mountain bike is usually controlled by the shift levels on your handlebar.
Final Thoughts
Diamondback mountain bikes are known for their durability. These bikes are extremely powerful and work great for experienced and new riders alike. With many different series and varying models, there is a reliable option for riders of every experience level and budget range.
We hope you found this Diamondback MTB review helpful. Check out some of our other reviews by clicking here. Click here to buy diamondback mountain bikes for sale!