Opinions about this bike? I don't see it mentioned on this forum much at all (or I missed it) but I do notice that a google search seems to be carefully showing only what appear to be 'sponsored' links and not a lot of first hand experience by mortals. :-)

Diamondback Bicycles - Interval Carbon

Nice looking bike!

20lbs 8oz

Looks nice, light

Cons: it ain't much of a climber, the transmission is more for flat roads, and hills, no mountains.
I dont know whether you can fit bigger tyres, I prefer 700x35 instead of 28... but you may be fine with it.

Also I noticed that the cables are routed externally. Seems that at this price point the competing carbon frames route internally.

and no palm rests on the grips

On the plus side it is the only carbon flat bar frame that I know of that incorporates rack mounts. It that is important to you.

Not really. I use Revelate frame bags if I need to transport stuff.

What do you think about the rest of the components for this price range?

I think they are ok. But, for the same coin you can get a Giant Fastroad CoMax 1. It's a little lighter and has 11 speed 105's instead of the 10 speed Tiagra parts and internal cabling. see https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us...1/22178/83975/

Good luck on your choice. As the real fun begins when you own it....

HUH? 34 in front and a 30 in the rear is a 30 inch gear.... you can't climb anything with that? You could get off and walk faster.....Wimp!!

That is the rear brake hose. The derailleur cables are routed internally.

Thanks for the correction. Would be nice to find one locally. On the dealer map they show Dicks Sporting Goods and Sports Authority but browsing those web sites doesn't show this bike.

Diamondback Interval Carbon Flat Bar Road Bike - 2015 - Performance Exclusive

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...55_-1___400863

Keep in mind you aren't just buying the bike but rather, you are buying the services of the bike shop as well. On paper, the Diamondback looks like a nice, fairly light flat bar road bike. If this is what you are looking for, worth putting on the list. If your LBS doesn't carry the Diamondback, they probably carry something similar.

Agreed. The thing is I (I) don't really need a bike ;-) but I am now looking for something that would fit well with my significant other as well as something that could do a double duty for me or my kids with the emphasis that it would be fitted and it would have the looks that she approves. :-)

I'm not only looking at carbon bikes, however, I am also eyeing some older frames on craigslist or ebay that would fit the bill. This Diamondback is just one of the considerations.

Looks like a decent bike but priced a tad high. Interesting that Performance calls it a road bike. Diamondback is still a respectable brand and has been introducing some sweet looking rides lately.

It is built for the road. That gearing, and skinny tires aren't fit for much else

How so? It's light and got a compact crank and 12-30 cogset, way more gear than you'd need unless you're climbing mountains in Colorado or something.

Depends on ones location. In my area 30 GI would be marginal for many folks..... or at least so I'm often told when I mention that I ride a 65 lb, 8 speed Dutch bike with a low of 27 GI.

Could you perhaps cite bikes that have similar or better componentry costing less?

Thanks.

Well how about the Giant FastRoad CoMax 2. It is about the same bike for $300 less... The frame is better looking as well. The big plus is there are a lot more Giant outlets around than Performance stores. I have ridden both the CoMax1 and CoMax 2 they are great flat bar road bikes. I ended up purchasing the 1 though. Do ourself a favor and take a look at Giant's offering. Generally they offer a great bike at a very good price point.

Thanks. I have checked surrounding LBS stores but none had their in stock. I agree with you the Comax looks great. If the price is indeed matched or better for same quality of components then I would rather get the Comax.

However, I just purchased a used frame for Lemond Poprad. I will be building that up instead (hybrid style). I might start a thread on that when I get the frame at home.

Cheers.