Why not Diamondback?

[snh628]

I went to a bike store yesterday and he had me try out a few bikes, including a Diamondback. I don't really see people talk about them much - why is that?

Thanks! :)

[Nanci]

I've had one, for $200, and my daughter had two, maybe $200 and $300, and I think my ex had one. They were decent very entry-level bikes- certainly better than something you could buy at Walmart. That was about 10 years ago, so they probably cost more, but I had like one step and two steps up from the bottom level.

Nanci

[snh628]

Hi Nanci,

Thanks for replying! I think this was was about $290. Then there were also some Treks for about $300, so the difference wasn't that much. I wonder if it's better to go for the Trek? I've liked all the bikes I've tried, I think that's my problem!

Thanks again!

[Fredwina]

Part of may be is that RalieghUSA(DiamondBack's owner) uses DiamondBack as thier "Big Box" (i.e Sports Chalet, ****'s Sports, et al) brand and it may get overlooked by people used to going to a Local Bike Shop.

[snh628]

Part of may be is that RalieghUSA(DiamondBack's owner) uses DiamondBack as thier "Big Box" (i.e Sports Chalet, ****'s Sports, et al) brand and it may get overlooked by people used to going to a Local Bike Shop..

Thanks! I have fond memories of Raleigh because my first "big girl" bike was my mom's old Raleigh 3-speed from the 70s and then I had a Raleigh 10 speed as a girl....

[Nanci]

Just ride all the bikes in your price range, and pick the one that feels the best! I don't know how much difference there is in componetry at that level, but the bike shops can advise you about that. Look for nice smooth shifting and braking. If you still can't decide, consider which bike shop has the best follow-up, like free adjustments, etc. Or which bike shop is the most helpful, for later when you need them. When all else fails, pick the prettiest one :-)

Nanci

[mimitabby]

You can still buy Raleigh bikes. I was looking at a fine looking roadbike of theirs just the other day for less than $500. they have a full range of models and prices, so maybe check to see where they are sold near you if you love Raleigh.

Hey, I have one for sale myself!

[Tater]

I have a Raleigh mtb that I got new for $400 last year. I just put Armadillos on her and a pair of Crank Brothers Egg Beaters pedals. Now she has become my commuting machine. (Yes, she is a she! Her name is Tonya. :p )

[Deanna]

I have one of the "new" Raleigh road bikes. The 2005 Competition. I love it! I bought it to replace my Trek 2200, which was stolen. While I wish I could have sold the Trek to get this, I'm glad I got to replace it with a bike I like better.

[snh628]

Thanks guys! I'm such a newbie that I don't really know what Tater is saying, but I guess she customized her Raleigh??? LOL

[Geonz]

Let's see, mtb - mountain bike, Armadillos - I b'lieve industrial strength tires, egg beaters - pedals to clip your fancy shoes into (tho' they're called clipless).

[Tater]

Thanks guys! I'm such a newbie that I don't really know what Tater is saying, but I guess she customized her Raleigh??? LOL

Yes, I just swapped out the knobby tires that came with the bike originally and put Armadillo tires on it. Those tires are a thicker rubber and are more resistant to punctures. As for the Egg Bearters, those are four sided clipless pedals. I don't have to hunt for the correct side to clip into after stopping at a signal, just roll the pedal under the ball of my foot and it clips in. Hope that helps! :o

[snh628]

Thanks! It's good to get an idea of what is to come for me! I'm probably going to go pretty basic with this bike (I want to keep it under $400 total) but who knows, maybe I'll be like "oh yeah, that was my starter bike!" ;)

[Tater]

Thanks! It's good to get an idea of what is to come for me! I'm probably going to go pretty basic with this bike (I want to keep it under $400 total) but who knows, maybe I'll be like "oh yeah, that was my starter bike!" ;)

Whatever you end up with, just remember to have fun!!

[fatbottomedgurl]

I ride a chro-moly Diamondback mtb that cost me around $300 several years ago (however upgraded to clipless pedals/ Specialized racing saddle). I just started mtb'ing on her the last couple months. I really abuse her (cross country/ downhill) and she takes it fine. If I were in your position I would follow Nanci's advice regarding LBS support. Now I would probably choose a Gary Fisher or a Trek (same company/ different geometry). My next bike will cost me 6X $$$.

[farrellcollie]

I have a raleigh c40 hybrid that is my commuter bike. It is heavy - but very durable - I thik I have had it three yrs now. It was the replacement for a commuter bike that got stolen and it was my only bike for two yrs. Now I have a folder and a roadbike too.

[snh628]

Thanks everyone! It's helpful to read about everyone's experiences. I just moved to a new state so I'm hoping that having a bike will provide me a way to explore my new place :)