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Beginner Road Bike: Specialized vs Diamondback

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Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Beginner Road Bike: Specialized vs Diamondback

Old 04-22-13, 06:30 PM
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Beginner Road Bike: Specialized vs Diamondback

I'm looking to spend no more than 7-800$ on an entry level road bike. I previously owned a Specialized Dolce Sport Compact and sold it last year. Looking to get back into riding, so an entry level Specialized similar to the Dolce is my first choice. However, I get a significant discount (60% off retail, plus the possibility of an additional 20%) on Diamondback bikes via my employer. I am looking at the Podium 3/Podium 4, and W's Airen 3. As a BEGINNER rider, I will solely be commuting to work and doing the occasional ride (20-60 miles) every other weekend or so.

Do I opt for a full price entry level with a more reputable brand, or do I take advantage of this great deal on a Diamondback bike that may equally suffice until I choose to make the plunge on something more elite. Thanks for your advice!
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Old 04-22-13, 06:48 PM
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Almost full Ultegra for $700?? Sign me up for the D'Back.
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Old 04-22-13, 08:01 PM
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Bicycling Magazine recently gave a favorable review of a Diamondback, though that's not saying much. They love everything. I would agree with Tom. Even if you could prove a Specialized at the same price point was better, you're getting a much better set of components for the same money with the Diamondback.
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Old 04-22-13, 08:08 PM
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I would go for the Diamond Back.
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Old 04-22-13, 08:11 PM
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One more for the DB.
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Old 04-23-13, 12:50 AM
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Originally Posted by amanduhzilla
i'm looking to spend no more than 7-800$ on an entry level road bike. I previously owned a specialized dolce sport compact and sold it last year. Looking to get back into riding, so an entry level specialized similar to the dolce is my first choice. However, i get a significant discount (60% off retail, plus the possibility of an additional 20%) on diamondback bikes via my employer. I am looking at the podium 3/podium 4, and w's airen 3. As a beginner rider, i will solely be commuting to work and doing the occasional ride (20-60 miles) every other weekend or so.

Do i opt for a full price entry level with a more reputable brand, or do i take advantage of this great deal on a diamondback bike that may equally suffice until i choose to make the plunge on something more elite. Thanks for your advice!

db
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Old 04-23-13, 07:21 AM
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Diamondback for sure!
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Old 04-23-13, 07:41 AM
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DB here, too.

I enjoyed the ride of the podium 1 on sale @ Dicks for $400, but just dunno if I could live with those Sora Thumb Buttons. That bike with those Ultegra bits is almost like getting a free frame.

Just because Spec has better name recognition doesn't mean their bikes are necessarily better at any given price point, even if you were paying full price for both.
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Old 04-23-13, 07:44 AM
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Diamondback.

One thing you need to remember is at that price level, all bikes are Chinese mass-produced frames from the same small handful of factories. If it ever bothers you, get the it painted and tell everyone it's a custom frame. Seriously.
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Old 04-23-13, 08:00 AM
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Another side benefit of going with the Diamondback is that when you are actually ready to upgrade, the parts on the DB would well be worth moving to a new frame if they're still in good shape. An upgrade from that level of Specialized would entail a whole new bike. Again, more of a side note, but still.
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Old 04-23-13, 01:28 PM
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I have no idea who makes the cheaper Spesh aluminum frame, other than they're made in mainland China. It's entirely possible that both frames come off the same factory's assembly line. Spesh may be more of a stickler for QC. Or maybe not, as those frames don't cost the manufacturer very much, if they have to give you a warranty replacement.

Go for the better component group. Diamondback is coming out with some nice rides, as they're trying to shed their box store brand image.
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Old 04-23-13, 06:07 PM
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another plus for the diamond back.
like what the other said the ultegra parts are worth keeping, and has a better resell value

the hydroform tubing on some of the DB frames look really nice, cant say much about the welding tho.
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Old 04-23-13, 06:18 PM
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If you want a bike for commuting to work, please get a bike with rack mount capability. Carrying a backpack (esp. in the summer) gets old fast.
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Old 04-23-13, 07:15 PM
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Originally Posted by fstshrk
Carrying a backpack (esp. in the summer) gets old fast.
Personal preference - I'd rather have a backpack, even in the summer.
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Old 04-23-13, 07:23 PM
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DB here too
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