2013 Diamondback Peak MTB Review | $567

Diamondback Peak

Diamondback Peak feature all that we learned from the development of our new trail frames, but they are designed around a smaller travel fork for the rider that want to use their bike for everything from the local singletrack to the ride to work. The Peak mtb brings you top brand name components from Shimano, Schwalbe, Suntour and Tektro.

First Look ara  that this diamondback peak  is much higher equipped than the bulk of bikes at this value. The frame is nicely designed, the drivetrain is good, the disc brakes ar hydraulic, the wheels ar powerful and therefore the tyres are better than usual for a sub $500 bike.

As usual at this value, it’s the fork that compromises overall path performance, however it wasn’t as unhealthy as some we’ve tested at this value.

Frame and Equipment :

Diamondback use hydroformed tube profiles throughout to attain a spread of shapes that incorporate reinforcements in any respect crucial points while not excess weight. the highest tube standover clearance is generous, there’s many mud space round the huge tyres and therefore the pure mathematics could be a smart balance of neutral handling and an honest high tube stretch for economical pedalling.

There’s several adjustment potential within the stem, saddle and seatpost however we have a tendency to were stunned at the dearth of baggage rack bosses on the seat stays. There’s one set of bottle bosses.

The fork encompasses a tight resistance on high of the right-hand leg moreover as a preload dial on high of the left leg thus you’ll be able to on paper fine-tune the spring stiffness to fit your weight or ride preferences… however it didn’t build abundant distinction.

The compression across jarring tract is sticky and therefore the rebound to full extension is harsh, to a degree wherever you wish to hold on tight if you’re confronting a series of hard-edged bumps. we have a tendency to at first achieved regarding 70mm (2.8in) of the listed 100mm (3.9in) of travel however had to strip and repair the fork once the primary wet ride.

The wheelset could be a highlight on the height, in the main attributable to the tyres – two.25in Schwalbe speedy Rons square measure correct cross-country treads with an enormous enough profile to significantly boost comfort moreover as providing tight grip in most conditions and, because the name suggests, a speedy roll owing to their low knob profile. The build of the wheels is sweet too, and therefore the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes square measure nice once a trifle initial bedding-in time for the pads.

The Shimano Altus twenty four gears square measure slick and precise, though the SR Suntour crankset isn’t as sleek in shifting because the Shimano alternatives that often seem on bikes at this worth. Most riders likeable the 26in high-rise bar, and therefore the stem, seatpost and saddle square measure all smart quality diamondback rattlesnake own-brand offerings.

Ride and Handling :

The Peak’s poor fork performance detracts from Associate in Nursing otherwise assured ride. The stiff spring action, even on minimum preload, conspires with a good little bit of stiction in compression to make a bouncy ride instead of a shock absorbent one. Running the tyres at low pressures helps, in terms of boosting comfort, traction and shock absorption, however a softer spring within the fork would facilitate a lot of.

Check production bikes within the outlets tho’, as a result of the performance of Suntour’s low budget forks will appear to vary plenty. we have a tendency to had no moans regarding the handling, and therefore the affordable weight (13.8kg / 30.4lb) makes the height feel livelier than plenty of different bikes at this value.

Specification


Wheel size:26 inch Wheel
Gender:Mens
Material:Alloy
Gearset:24 speed Shimano Altus with Suntour XCT cranks 42/42/22T
Brakeset:Tektro HDC-300 hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors for extra control
Wheelset:Alloy Diamondback doublewall rims on Alloy quick release disc hubs with Schwalbe Rapid Rob tyres
Controls:Diamondback lo-rise Bar 680mm width and Oversized stem
Finishing kit:Diamondback Trail saddle with Diamondback micro adjust seatpost
Frame:Alloy Vectra Hydroformed frame
Forks:Suntuor XCT 100mm with Mechanical Lockout

Image Credit © Diamondback

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