MikeOK

I took my nearly 5 year old DB Vlink 3.1 out of storage a couple weeks ago, and while upgrading the groupo, wheels, crankset, etc I noticed cracks on the swingarm, BUMMER!. This has been my favorite all-time bike too. Anyway, I called Diamondback, they sent me to T-Town bikes in Tulsa (the dealer who I bought it from is no longer a dealer). I dug around and found my original sales receipt and found I had bought it 4 years and 10 months ago, the frame is warranted for 5 years.

They sent me a new XLS frameset. And for FREE. No argue, no fussing, absolutely free. Wow. All I can say is that as long as DB is in business I will always look at their bikes first.

And if any of you are from the Tulsa area I can highly recommend T-Town Bikes.

Now my question. The frame they sent me was size large and my old was a medium. I have the new frame ready to go now and it fits, but just barely, as it is just a bit too big for me. What are your preferences for bike size in technical terrain? I've always been told to go smalller but this size feels pretty good to me. My seat is about level with the bars now, was about 2" above the bars on my old frame. I don't know about riding in tough stuff, but on level ground it feels pretty good to sit more upright. Any thoughts?

One more question. I would like to upgrade the rear shock, something with a lockout and I prefer an air shock, any suggestions?

Scooby Snax

as long as your stand over height is good, you can flip the stem over to drop it, if thats what you want...?

Rotifer

This is always nice to hear. I have also had good experiences with Fox nad Bontrager... Manitou stinks.