Diamondback Master
 

http://http://a67.tinypic.com/2jez0gn.jpgI am very new to road biking and did a lot of searching and research on bikes for a budget of around $500. I know that isn't much, but I have never even been on one before, so...

Anyway, I was not happy with the idea of ordering online because of the intangibles, so I went to my lbs and found an older model Diamondback Master for a reasonable price. I had read a little about the brand and components this one has, so I got it. The problem is that I know NOTHING about this bike and can't seem to find any information on it. It is in pretty goood shape other than a few minor flaws. The guy knows how to service a bike well, so he has taken care of it.

I'm not sure how to post a picture (new to the site), but it is black, silver, and red.
Shimano STI shifters
105 components
Says 7005 on the frame
Aluminum body with carbon forks

Can anyone help me with more information on this one? Thanks!

Probably an early 2000s model. Entry to mid level aluminum road bike. Shimano 105 components are very good and reliable components. If the STI shifters function and the bike is in good shape, it's worth riding. How much is he selling it for?

$450 is his price. Everything looks to be in great shape other than the usual wear. Nice after market seat. No dry rot on the grips. I rode it up and down the sidewalk and it shifts fine. Looks like a new set of tires are all it needs to be ready for the road.

He said it is an upper tier model, but I haven't found anything on it. Like, nothing, except one website that didn't have a picture. It said the last year they produced this bike was 2002 and that it retailed for around $1,200. But other than that, I have no info.

Try...

https://knowyourbike.com/diamondback/master

I can't speak to that model but, for $500, I would think that you'd be able to find something, possibly new, but close-out would be a better value, at an LBS. Why not start there?

The bike with the Shimano 105 components was made in either 2000 or 2002 (Silver/Black for 2002). 2002 Diamondback Master - BikePedia It had an MSRP of $1,200 back then. If the bike was well maintained, it could be a reasonable price. $500 these days gets you a new bike with entry level components and Shimano 105 is middle level. It's my preferred choice for replacements because they work well, last a long time, and aren't astronomically expensive like Dura-Ace or Ultegra. I have bikes a decade older than that one and still function perfectly well.

Thanks! I went ahead and pulled the trigger on it. I think it's going to be a good bike that will last for a good while longer. It needs new tires and probably some new cables before long, but I am surprised at how good a shape it is in.

Diamondback
 

My riding partner has a similar Diamondback
he rides on our Urban Assault missions. It has been a bomb of a bike,
thru some pretty grand wipeouts and still trucking. It weighs over 35 pounds though. We are nearly equal riders now, I'd be screwed if he ever upgraded to a lighter frame. His was built up by a mechanic at REI. All XT and some nice aftermarket rims. I think he paid a similar price. Has at least 8000 miles on it with no major problems after he got it used. So enjoy it and let it take you to new places and people.