bigrider

Hi

Does anyone have a history of the Diamondback mountain bikes? I've seen bits and pieces about them, but not too much of their earlier history, models, etc. Thanks

xlntRider79

(To the best of my knowledge)
Diamondback used to be a part of Derby Cycle Corporation, which included other once popular brands such as Raleigh USA, Nishiki, and Univega, CyclePro (accessories) and Avenir(components) until they went bankrupt in ~2001. In the mid 90's diamondback produced some truly awesome american made cross country hardtails in their DBR line (diamondback racing), including the "WCF" series which used carbon fiber tubes in the main triangle bonded to a welded chromoly head tube and rear triangle. (I still race on one of these frames because it fits and performs flawlessly.) Emerging from bankruptcy required a massive reorganization effort which included moving all production to southeast asia and focusing on low-end MTBs and hybrids. Recently Diamondback has brought DBR back, but the 06 line seems to be almost entirely road-focused, with only two mediocre mountain bikes.

Tequila Joe

Derby bought Raliegh in 1987. Diamondback was aquired by Derby/Raliegh in 1999.

Diamondback made some great mouintain bikes in the mid 1990's but as the mountain bike market shrunk, so did thier market share. I think it was because they started to make some cheapo bikes low end bikes and it hurt thier market perception. They ran into financial difficulties in the late 90's and Raliegh bailed them out but kept Diamondback in the low to mid market. I ride with a guy that has a Moto and it seems really nice. Good bike for the money.

T.J.

LowCel 

Wow, great information guys. I still have fond memories of my 1991 (or 1992) Diamond Back Ascent EX. That bike was great. Full rigid with a biopace crank. I couldn't believe how light that bike was.

jz19

Their 06 website shows over 20 different models of mountain bikes and they have well specd bikes like the Axis: URL=https://www.diamondback.com/items.asp?deptid=13&itemid=169]https://www.diamondback.com/items.asp?deptid=13&itemid=169[/URL]

Rear Shock Manitou Skarab Elite L/O 100mm air spring, TPC lockout damping, external air, rebound, lockout adjustment, hollow long skirt crown, alloy steerer

Headset WTB Zero Stack 1-1/8

Bottom Bracket Truvativ Giga X Pipe

F. Derailleur Shimano XT 31.8 TP

R. Derailleur Scram X-9

Shift Lever Scram X-9 9spd trigger

Cog Set Scram PG-970 11-34T 9spd

Chain KMC Z9000

Hubset (F) Shimano LX Center Lock Disc 32h (R) Shimano LX Center Lock Disc 32h

Spokes 14g Stainless

Rims WTB Dual Duty XC double wall 32H w/ eyelets, machined sidewalls

Tires WTB Exiwolf Team XC 26 X 2.1 w/ Folding DNA

Brakes Avid Single Digit w/ cartridge pads

Brake Levers Avid Speed Dial 7

Pedals Shimano 520 clipless

Handlebar Truvativ XR

Grips WTB DOT

Stem Truvativ XR

Seatpost Truvativ XR

Saddle WTB Shadow V Race

Extras Clear coat, owner’s manual, H20 bottle mounts

bigrider

Thanks for all the replies. I am not a mountain biker, but have run into more than one of what appears to be older vintage diamondback mountain bikes. Being on the heavy side and looking to get exercise, and on a limited budget, I was looking into used mountain bikes that would support my current size and budget, and get me started. So I was cruising thrift stores, craigslist, etc. These older Diamondbacks seem to appear quite often. Also, since I am new to biking, I was hoping that some older Diamondbacks might provide a decent level of quality and still fit the budget. It seems as though the Popular brands like Specialized and Trek seem to carry their prices pretty high, even in the used market. I looked at the Diamondback site, but it does not carry information on older bikes. And, doing searches on the web didn't come up with much either. The most recent DB bike I saw looked to be a hybrid of some sort, called an Approach (?). Had older style stenciling, like it might have come out of the 60's or 70's. Kind of like an old Schwinn Le Tour road bike. No fancy paint, just a silver paint with grip shifters and higher rise handlebars. Seemed good quality to me.
Is there a source out there that has the models by year and descriptions. I appreciate all the info. and the time taken to respond.

cegrover

Just for reference, it looked ot me like the previous poster was saying the DBR line was primarily road-focused. The Strike (downhill bike) is the only current model badged fully as a DBR. The Axis has Diamondback on the downtube and a small DBR sticker, as well. Compared to the "glory days" (1997-1999), this is a small lineup.

Glad to hear the WCF is still on the trail!

Cheers...

JIB

I remember when Diamondback was still two words! Turbo, anyone? But since this isn't the BMX forum, I'll leave that alone. When I went shopping for a new bike last year, I ended up with the Topanga Comp. 7005 frame, LX derailleurs and Hayes discs for a bit over five bills. Nothing in the price range came close. I'm thinking about getting one of the new road bikes as well. Diamondback doesn't carry the prestige or name recognition of the bigger brands, but I think they have found a niche and fill it very well. Quality bikes with decent spec for those of us on a PBR budget.

ltspd

In 1998 I bought a used DBR WCF Vertex....I think it was about 3 years old at the time. It was a carbon fiber hardtail, very light, and a great handling bike. I've since replaced it with a full suspension frame, but I was always impressed with the Vertex, and despite my concerns about the carbon fiber, it was tough as nails.