freedomrider1

Looking at a Diamondback podium 4 road bike with full Ultegra and shimano rims aluminum frame, any thoughts on this bike.

stapfam

I can only tell you about the UK market but Diamond Back used to be big in Mountain bikes over here although the road bikes never quite made it. Some respectable bikes amongst them but they were never top end. Then a new owner and they went quiet for a few years and re-appeared at the cheaper end of the market with a lower quality product. The Diamondback of today is not the quality it used to be. I know I am looking at higher grade bikes nowadays- but there is only one way to check out a bike and that is test riding it.

And look at the components- Ultegra is OK but what grade of Shimano rims?---and on what hubs?. Same for the rest of the bike--what grade of components? A Test ride could tell you a lot.

freedomrider1

https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...d+Bike+11.aspx Here is a link to the bike,thanks for the input.

stapfam

To me- the only part outstanding on the bike is the Ultegra. Crankset is a downgrade and the Wheels- even if they are full shimano- is a low quality wheel. But at the price of $1250 would not be bad. I would not rate it as a $1700 bike though. The heart of the bike is always the frame and at this price I would not expect the wheels to be good- and components to be passable. That is what it is. Looked at The Giant site and for the money- you would not be getting much better.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/....1/9014/48853/

Lower grade groupset in 105 and the wheels are not top rate but it is a known quality of bike. Dare say Trek- Specialised or any other manufacturer would have bikes around the same spec and price and if given the choice- I would go for the "Known" product. AND- there is always the possibility of last years model or a bit of bartering to get the Price down a bit. So get a test ride on the Diamondback to check it is for you after comparing a similar price bike from other manufacturers.

Sorry to be a bit negative- but as I say- All the diamond back has going for it is that it has some Ultegra bits on it. 105 may be a bit heavier but is not much of a downgrade.

freedomrider1

Thanks stamfam,i agree that i would like a known product,also still kinda stuck on getting a triple crank which is very hard to find.Also no where to test ride the Diamondback.It would be a no ride deal.That brings up another point i guess i should make a thread on, how many shops stock bikes you would want to test ride.For example my shop sells Giant bikes to young kids and comfort bikes and trikes can order what Giant bike you want but doesn't stock high end stuff.He by the way is a excellant mechanic and many people bring their high end bikes to him.

ItsJustAHill

Trek and Specialized offer their demo days (not sure about Giant) where the factory reps bring a bunch of higher-end bikes that the LBS might not carry. That's how I first rode my Roubaix.

When I wasn't sure whether to get a Roubaix or Tarmac, the Specialized rep offered to bring a Tarmac to a demo day a couple of weeks later. I walked up to the trailer, he handed me a new Roubaix Pro, and said, "have fun." No supervision, no time limit, just handed me a $5K bike and let me rip some canyon roads to my heart's content. I was impressed.

freedomrider1

Take me along next time please...i know about the demo trucks,they really don't come around here much.I will have to look at their web page and check. thanks