2013 Diamondback Scapegoat Review

Built Like A Goat

The Scapegoat chassis is based around Diamondback's all-mountain platform, the Mission. A hydroformed 6061 aluminum tubeset maintains a traditional look while reinforcing critical stress points, and a tapered head tube joins up to a reinforced down tube. All other details are the same between both frames, including the 142x12mm rear axle, clean downtube cable routing, cable stops under down tube to support routing for a dropper seat post (not included in the stock build), a full-length seat tube, ISCG-05 tabs, and of course the Knuckle Box suspension design.


The Knuckle Box

Diamondback has been utilizing the Knuckle Box suspension linkage for several years now, and for good reason. A derivative of the linkage-driven single-pivot, Knuckle Box's bell crank link is regarded for providing efficient pedalling and supple small-bump compliance. Besides its acclaimed pedalling characteristics, the linkage is positioned just above the crankset to keep the bike's center of gravity low for neutralized handling. The low-leverage single-pivot reduces load on the frame, bearings, and linkage. A FOX DHX Air 5.0 shock, complete with Kashima coating to match the bike's 36 Float RC2 Fit 180mm fork, offers great tunability, along with a lockout for sustained uphill efforts.


Scapegoat Component Check

For riders that enjoy a custom build spec but don't want to take the time to build up a bike one piece at a time, the Scapegoat is ready straight off the showroom floor with an out-of-the-box, ready to rip, top-notch spec. Diamondback has clearly hand selected every component for it's strength to weight ratio. With a 180mm travel 36 Float RC2 Fit fork, Easton Havoc wheels and parts kit, and Shimano Saint brakes, it should be obvious what the bike is intended to do. However, in an effort to shave grams, Diamondback chose Shimano's XTR for shifting duty, a Gravity Light crankset, and single-ply Kenda Nevegal 2.5 tires. This spec puts the Scapegoat somewhere between capable climber and fully functional descender, with a definite emphasis on the latter.

Specifications Release Date 2013 Price $5999 Travel 152mm Rear Shock Fox DHX Air 5.0 w/ Kashima Fork FOX 36 Float RC2 FIT w/ Kashima Headset FSA Cassette Shimano HG980 XTR 10spd Cassette, 11-34t Crankarms Gravity Light Mega Exo DH single 34t alloy ring Chainguide Gravity RACE chainguide w/integrated bash Bottom Bracket Mega Exo BB Pedals DB Sound Alloy w/ replaceable traction pins Chain Shimano HG94 10spd Rear Derailleur Shimano XTR Short Cage Shadow Plus 10spd Shifter Pods Shimano XTR 10spd Handlebar Easton HAVOC 750mm width LowRise Stem Easton HAVOC Grips DB4L "Lock on" 135mm Kraton Brakes Shimano Saint w/ 203mm front, 185mm rear rotors Wheelset Easton HAVOC Tires Kenda Nevegal 2.5, w/STICK-E rubber compound, Folding Seat WTB Silverado Seatpost Easton Havoc Double bolt clamp 30.9mm Compare to other DH Bikes

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Riding the Scapegoat


Downhill

Gravity riders will feel right at home around names like Saint, Havoc, and... Gravity. It's nearly a given that the Scapegoat's parts kit assures confidence on the downhill. And with burly, reinforced aluminum frameset, we feel comfortable throwing the Scapegoat into every situation we encounter. Robust and stiff, the bike tracks impressively well for a 160mm travel air shock equipped frame. Pointed in a straight line down a mountain, the bike feels quite balanced, more like 170/170mm rather than 180/160mm, and the 17.3" chain stays keep Scapegoat feeling stable at speed. The 180mm fork makes for somewhat upright geometry that offers a comfortable body position that, while not feeling overly aggressive, is intuitive. Riders will want to prepare early for tight corners, as the tall fork may leave some with that off-the-back feeling. For park-like settings with high-speed berms, the Scapegoat attacks corners with confidence, just as intended.


When it comes to outright downhilling on serious terrain, the bike feels a bit under-gunned. The chassis feels stiff and strong, but the bike feels inherently light. While the World Cup DH scene struggles to figure out how to shave 100 grams, regular Joes like us feel more comfortable pinning it through rock chunder aboard a sturdier steed, especially in the tire department. Though the stiff frame compliments Scapegoat's limited travel in responding to square-edge hits, we pinch flatted the rear Nevegal single-ply tire numerous times.

A short-travel downhill bike isn't such a bad idea given the right circumstances, and that's where the bike really shines. Trails with big compressions and terrain dips are devoured by the Scapegoat without that sinking sensation felt in bigger bikes. When precision maneuvers are required, it rises to the occasion with nimble and agile responsiveness. As Diamondback's pro slopestyle rider Kelly McGarry will attest, the Scapegoat lends especially well to jumping. The stiff 160mm rear end easily makes the most of any lip, and all but the flattest of drops are landed smoothly thanks to the progressive nature of the Knuckle Box and the DHX air shock. If we had to pick a single word to sum up the Scapegoat, 'playful' would be most fitting.



A Free Ride

The Scapegoat is clearly intended for rugged terrain, but what excites us most about the 'Goat is a spec suitable for remote access. Many of mountain biking's best kept secrets are kept that way because shuttling isn't an option. Weighing in at 32lb, a relatively svelte figure for a bike of the Scapegoat's intentions, it moderates the sufferfest that deters traffic in favor of those willing to earn their turns. Aside from the weight, the bike has a full-length seat tube, as well as fairly capable 34 x 11-34 gearing range. Those who live where the climbs point straight up may want to swap to either a smaller, 32 tooth ring or a larger spread, 11-36 tooth cassette, though.

Even with a fleet of condition-specific test rigs, we're big fans of versatility. We can't help but wonder what happened to all those 'freeride' bikes from a few years ago. It seems as though nearly every company had a 7" bike with a full-length seat tube and capable gearing for trail accessibility. Perhaps even with the basic necessities, riders couldn't stand to pedal those abominations uphill, so just like the cumbersome Laserdiscs of the 1990's, they phased out. Fortunately for Diamondback, the Scapegoat's Knuckle Box suspension is efficient enough to tame the often unruly pedalling characteristics of longer travel bikes, and when that isn't enough, the DHX Air shock offers a lockout lever. At the flip of a switch, the bike rejects rider input entirely. It's sure is a treat when the trail awaits atop a seven mile gravel climb.

Realistically this isn't the bike you'd choose for enduro racing, or if you plan to be first to the top. What the Scapegoat affords the rider is the capability to get to the top. With versatility comes compromise. Although the blue bike climbs efficiently and offers most of the amenities of a typical all-mountain steed, the tall fork tends to wander the uphills, and especially through tight switchbacks. On the steepest climbs, standing negates most of this effect, which is likely the position Scapegoat riders will be in anyways due to the 1:1 minimum stock gear ratio.



Component Selection

Seeing as how our shuttle opportunities are minimal, yet burly trails are abundant, we thrive on the practical parts spec Diamondback has equipped us with on the Scapegoat. 1x10 gearing consisting of a 34t ring and 11-34 cassette allows for manageable climbs, although we see no detriment from a 11-36t cassette and were surprised it wasn't the stock setup. Easton's Havoc parts are an ideal match for the Scapegoat's playful demeanor while keeping the weight down. Shimano's Saint stoppers offer the best in control when the going gets rough, while the XTR drivetrain is nearly silent thanks to the clutch-equipped rear derailleur and the Gravity chain guide. Overall, the Scapegoat's spec is likened to what you would find a pro slopestyle rider or freeride film performer using, and suits the intent of versatility with both durability and light weight in mind. The one change that we can see some 'Goat owners making is the addition of a dropper post. Yes, the bike is intended as a park and freeride rig, but a dropper post would go a long ways to adding even more versatility to the bike's performance.



Technical report

• Kenda's folding Nevegal tire is a good choice for all-mountain pursuits, but we were plagued with rear pinch flats on the Scapegoat. Consider upgrading to a meatier sidewall in the rear for aggressive riding.
• Shimano's XTR rear derailleur with clutch makes for a stealthy all terrain vehicle. This is one quiet bike.
• Although the suspension feels surprisingly balanced on this 180/160mm bike, the front end tended to wander on steep climbs and was slow to respond in tight corners. Installing a 10mm FOX travel spacer in the 36 Float to reduce it to 170mm would likely correct the tall-feeling front end without affecting downhill prowess.
• Saint brakes have always been a top choice for optimal braking control, with excellent power and modulation. Being a 2013 bike, we were surprised to not find the new Saint's spec'ed.
• Bonus points for cable routing for a height-adjust seat post. Many riders will immediately recognize the opportunity to enhance the bike's trail efficiency, as mentioned above.



Pinkbike's take:


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