diamondback bikes-opinion?

[mkidd]

Hi Everyone, I did the danskin and another sprint tri last year on an ancient Trek mtn bike, and I promised myself I'd get a road bike this year and am debating between a used C-dale Synapse or an entry level new Giant OCR 3 or maybe even stretching my budget up to a Trek 1.2 as my LBS suggested.

I saw this for sale locally for $200. Does it look worthwhile? He doesn't know what year, and he says he just got it tuned up and spent $100.

I would love a great bike, but I also don't mind a using decent used road bike for another year or two and saving for a really good one. Truthfully, anything will feel like a major upgrade after the mountain bike.

But I do want to make sure I'm getting something decent b/c I spent $100 on my used Trek mtn bike and in retrospect I feel I overspent.

Any help would be appreciated!

[breezy]

I put 1500 miles (in one year) on a 8 year old Diamondback hybrid and finished off that season with a century (5000ft of climbing). Never had a single problem. Crashed it once and it came through without a blemish. I would say that Diamondback makes a solid bike.

I did buy a Trek Pilot 5.0 after that season because, like you, I wanted a road bike.

[lauraelmore1033]

I put 1300 miles on my diamond back hybrid in one year as well. Had a problem with breaking spokes, but am a very heavy rider, so that was really above and beyond the call of duty for that poor rear wheel. I'd say Diamond back is a good solid bike. I had fewer problems with it than I did with my Raleigh. I must also say that was one forgiving drivetrain (now that I know better than to do the things I did to that bike...)

[elk]

How did it feel to ride it?

[Flybye]

About two years ago I was trying to make a decision between the Giant OCR 2 and a Diamondback. I researched reviews online of the particular Diamondback that I was considering and decided against it based on the reviews. I remember that there were a lot of troubles with the wheels staying true. I ended up with a Giant and was extremely happy.


That's my $.02 on the Diamondback.

[mkidd]

Hi guys, Thank for the feedback.

It's funny mention the Giant. I just called the LBS where the Diamondback owner said he had it tuned up and they could not confirm or deny--and they of course proceeded to to sell me a Giant OCR# over the phone.

I had actually been looking at them last week, but I'm conflicted b/c I don't know if I should spend $500-$600 on an entry level like an OCR 3 now, or buy a cheap used bike and get a much better bike after saving a year or two like an OCR 1 or a good C-dale or Trek or Specialized.

I live in NY on border of MA. The MA LBS last week (of course) thinks a higher quality bike really does make a big difference over the OCR3, and the NY LBS guy today thinks the OCR3 will keep me happy for several years.

Any thoughts?