I just bought the Diamondback Insight RS from Performance Bike. I was looking for a cheap dedicated commuting bike and seeing it in the latest performance bike brochure, I couldn't resist it.

The closest performance bike didn't have one in stock so they are transferring it from another store and it will be here next saturday. I kinda bought it on a whim (more of an impulse buy really) so I'm questioning it right now. I hope it would make a good commuter. I'd appreciate if anyone ridden one share their experience.

Thanks,

I've been tempted by the same ad. I ride my mountain bike during winter/bad weather days and my road bike during nice weather. If I picked this bike up I could use it as my bad weather commuter (rain) and leave my mountain bike set up for winter.

A friend of mine at work commutes on a Diamondback mountain bike and hasn't had any major problems.

I would think it would have to suck pretty bad to not be worth $199. All I'd have to add would be some lights and a computer and I'd be in business.

So tempted...

It seems to be a decent mark down. The base model is in sale for $400.00 if I remember correctly.

Looks nice. Make sure it fits and is comfortable before heading out (Performance has good return policies so that won't be a problem). If it fits, it should be a capable commuter.

Thanks for the replies. It did look like a very good deal, but I was still wondering if I needed a third bike. The only disadvantage of a short commute: I'll have 11 weeks for it to pay itself off in gas cost of driving to work

That's easy, of course you do.

I noticed that bike also, and was going to start a thread titled "Budet Commuter Bike Deal of the Moment?" because it looked like such a good deal.

Let's hear some reviews from those who bought one. (or even looked one over in person)

I guessed I would get such an answer when I saw your signature photo

And I'm sitting here waiting for the UPS guy to arrive with yet another bike. I have a very understanding wife.

I have a two high end road bikes and was thinking about getting this bike as well.


At $200 I could use it for around town and not worry about locking it up.
I would still lock it but in NYC locks offer limited protection.

The upright riding position is not great but $200 for fenders and a rack seems like a deal.
I ordered one but it is on back order. If I pick it up at a store will it be assembled?

Per Performance web site "PLUS…Bikes "Shipped to Store" are assembled free and qualify for Lifetime Free Adjustments."

I used to sell the insight at the store I worked at. The insight was one of my favorite Diamondbacks and it comes with pretty standard middle of the line 21- or 24 speed depending. The weird grips are weird for me to get used to but A lot of customers loved them. It's a good bike for what it is especially at less than 300 dollars. They started off at like 429 or something. I doubt you will be disappointed for what you spent. Change out the pedals to something a little better (plasitc is garbage) and do the lights and cyclometer thing.

sold out

I think they are back ordered, you can still order them?

30-2627 is the item number and you get an extra 10% off this weekend.

Now this puts me in a dilema.Should I get this bike for a commuter even though I don't know when it will be in stock or get the Bikes Direct Windsor Tourist? Its $599.00 free shipping and in stock now but this Diamondback has pretty good looking geometry for me and its got nice long chainstays with relaxed geometry includes fenders.Seems like a great commuter and its 179.00 this weekend. As I stated though when would it be back in stock. MMMMMMM decisions decisions

Be careful, w/ Diamondback you could end up with the equivalent ladies bike the "Clarity one". I would call and ask before ordering if it's back ordered.

I picked it up yesterday but did not have a chance to ride it yet. I have lights, not the very good ones, but good to be seen, and good enough to see unless it is pitch black. The fenders are a bit on the flimsy side but they will do. I will swap the computer from the mountain bike to it shortly. The pedals : yuck!. Gotta get something better. I'll update this once I have a chance to ride it for some time.

Yeah, the pedals were the first thing I would snicker at whenever I saw those insights. I pretty much sold EVERYBODY who bought one a new set of pedals as well.

The pedals look like they have clips?

Gonna wait and get the Windsor from BD. I already have one hybrid I don't really need another one.

No they are all plastic flat as they come platforms. I'd think I'd have a tough time keeping my feet on the pedals when it's wet. I have a pair of older platforms I used before switching to clipless pedals. I will use them for a while because the priority is to get a dependable set of panniers so that I can carry my big laptop and all the rest when I commute. Of course, I could keep switching the clipless pedals back and forth between this one and the MTB, but with cargo space limited to a backpack for the next couple of weeks, I don't have the luxury of carrying extra set of boots with me.

For $200 it looks like a good deal. If you are not competent mechanic, get someone who is to look it over when you get it. Other than that, if it fits, ride it!

It is still on back order, they seem to think it should be in by the end of March.

+1 on having a real bike tech look it over before riding it. As i used to build these for work, I can tell you the Gears, and brakes, and angles will all be off slightly. Just have them fine tuned and you will be good to go.

Still waiting on mine.