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Diamondback First Look - Interbike 2011

Sep 18, 2011
by Richard Cunningham  
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Diamondback had the latest iteration of its DFS downhill racer on display, as well as a sweet looking all-mountain hardtail called the Dixon. Join us as product manager Jon Kennedy gives Pinkbike a tour of its 2012 lineup.


Jon Kennedy Takes PB through the Diamondback Line
Diamondback Bikes - Interbike 2011

by home-team
Views: 8,384    Faves: 12    Comments: 2

Dixon AM 2er Hardtail

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Diamondback's Dixon concept hardtail should be of great interest in the Northeast, where rigid 29ers with long-stroke forks are the technical trail go-to bike. Early adopters are popping up everywhere among the big-bike crowd, but so far, Pinkbike's 29er contingent has been reluctant to post about their unholy secret.

DFS Downhill Prototype

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Diamondback means business with its return to the performance market. The DFS downhill chassis was looking good. The proto shown at Interbike was a stage-two prototype and it looked competitive, with no-nonsense suspension and details like thread-in, turning stops for the fork stanchions, that come from pro rider input.

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A sliding forward shock mount reinforces the downtube and gives DFS owners two options for head angle and bottom-bracket-height.

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Race mechanics and privateers will appreciate that the DFS suspension pivot hardware and axles can be removed or serviced from the left side of the frame. No need to pull the crankset and roller guide to check the mech.

Get a look at Diamondback's growing AM and trail lineup and keep track of the DFS as it moves from development and final testing and into production.


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Reviews and Tech First Looks Diamondback Interbike


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Member since Mar 23, 2011
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89 Comments
  • 49 1
 A breath of fresh air for the affordable DH category,
  • 4 0
 how much do you reckon the DH bike will cost???
  • 18 5
 very nice dh bike! Bit of mix between 450 and commencal
  • 5 1
 true, but it looks very nice and clean..i like it
  • 6 0
 When I first saw it I thought it was a 450! it looks pretty nice. If it turns out to be fairly budget I think it will definitely compete with some of the much more well know brands out there. 29er looks amazing too. I really want to try one to see if the extra wheel size really makes a difference
  • 30 0
 DFS downhill bike? i wonder if it comes with 2 years 0% apr and is subject to a never-ending sale.
  • 4 1
 ^^LOVE IT
  • 5 0
 whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy didnt you show us the DJ bike it was like 5 feet away from the DH bike.
  • 2 4
 IT IS the old commencal suspension design since they now have a new one.
  • 2 0
 that's DF5, not DFS
  • 2 0
 @devinallan000x, www.pinkbike.com/photo/4340535
  • 2 0
 I do really like the DB DH rig, very cool design. I also really like the chrome finish. (well it looks like chrome...)
  • 1 0
 not chrome, looks like either brushed/polished alu or natural anodised alu
  • 1 0
 Im really impressed with that Diamondback DH rig... happy to see a big hitter like this company strive for what the customer wants, not just what seems economical for their bottom line.
  • 1 0
 @downhillbmxican thats the lower spec version of their DJ bike, the one in the picture behind the DH is the higher spec.
  • 1 1
 diamondback is just picking up norcos oldies
  • 1 0
 The suspension design isn't original, but that bike had a win under it's belt after its first race. There are only four or five significantly different DH suspension designs out there and a lot of different ways to tune each one. If only Commencial or Norco was willing to do this set up then you'd be stuck with one of their bikes. Not that they are bad, but each bike is different after all and you might find you like how this rides better. DB is a great company with great bikes. Trust them a little.
  • 1 0
 Who's says that the DFS will be cheap?
  • 1 0
 trailjunkie: who would buy a diamondback for the same price as a carbon v-10?
point made
  • 1 0
 agreed. But that build will definitely be costly.
  • 1 0
 that build would be, but that will be for their pro sponsored racers, i'll bet they'll be offering a lower specced, lower priced entry level model, like the saracen myst. Two years ago, would you have thought saracen were capable of producing a well made bike for £1-2k, and people actually buy it?
  • 13 0
 Oh my they look soooo good. I have never considered gettining a DB untill now.

Why are all these companies that used to be shit making a awesome comeback like Saracen. Next we'll see Halfords making real bikes?!
  • 4 0
 Boardman bikes are pretty unbeatable in their value categories across the board.
  • 4 0
 Because decent manufacturer's prices are going up and up, and there's a gap opening in the market for cheap downhill bikes.
  • 1 0
 yeap!! it looks good! i reckon DB to put on rear mud guard
  • 6 0
 DH bike is kinda similar to a transition tr450.( my oppinion) but still it looks good
  • 5 1
 So is nukeproof scalp, RM flatline, Dabomb Tsar.... Apparently it's good suspension design so why not use it if you can.
  • 15 0
 Single pivot with link-driven shock...that list goes on and on and on.... HOWEVER.... pivot placement makes a TON of difference. For instance, the TR450's is a bit forward of the BB. That's the difference. That will determine how it corners, pops off lips, chain growth... and the shock's placement on the link and that link's length...? Even though they're all bicycles, the only thing they have in common is 2 wheels, handlebars and pedals. It's all interpratation from there...
  • 2 0
 though it does look very similar to the tr-450 and the scalp
  • 1 5
flag downhill-jack FL (Sep 18, 2011 at 14:05) (Below Threshold)
 looks like a trek
  • 1 0
 good one
  • 1 0
 teehee! Might replace the "Looks flexy..."
  • 3 0
 I know the big story here seems to be the DH bike, and it is legit looking, but that Dixon 29r is the thing that caught my eye and I think it looks like a blast. Nice and slack unlike most hardtail 29rs and built sturdy. I would love to own one of those.
  • 2 0
 OMG people get your facts in line before your stupid comments!!! Diamondback USA and UK are two different companies!! The Sabbath is UK Raleigh never has been in US market!!!!! Jeeez The DH bike is totally inhouse designed and with help from Kyle Thomas who used to ride for Transition, The bike has many unique features and you can say it looks like whatever other company makes! I say, look at the Trek, looks like the DB, or the whatever. Christ! all you posters from other countries will not see the USA Diamondbacks for the most part, esp UK!!!!!!!!!!!!! So hate all you want.... Smile

Love the new 2012 bikes. Look forward to getting a 29er Sortie! I love my 26 version and my Mission! Rock on DB
  • 1 0
 Yep. The DB line up for 2012 looks incredible. I wish I could upgrade. Still love my mission though.
  • 1 0
 They look like some very nice bikes. Not sure I'm ready to go 29-er yet but if I was these two bikes would be in the shortlist. The only thing I mind about the Sortie is that bridge on the stays. It looks a bit to close to the tire so no mud clearance. Although it could be the shot angle that makes it look that way.
  • 1 0
 it does at first sight look like a TR450, so why must all you people neg prop those who say that's what it looks like upon a first glance, when they're making a valid point. however, it has a way different linkage system, the top tube is too high, so there, both sides of it......
  • 1 0
 I'm not sure if it's a typo but above the picture Dixon 29er, it says Dixon 2er...? Just wondering if that's a typo or not & thought I would point that out...
On a side note though, I'm liking the look of the DFS
  • 2 0
 2 in wheels: the Next Big Thing
  • 2 0
 Wow just wow... Ive never tried a 29er but that Dixon wants to make me cash my college fund and buy it off the showroom floor!
  • 2 0
 The head angle on the Dixon looks surprisingly slacker than most 29ers. I am curious to know how the bike handles or if that geometry will actually reach production.
  • 1 1
 i think they are lacking the creative edge necessary, specialized and Giant, yeti, Lappierre have got the all round factors that are needed in my opinion. More thinking goes in..
  • 2 0
 The DB4L dfs downhil prototype looks really nice and solid!! Looking forward to know more about it.
  • 3 0
 "rigid 29ers with long-stroke forks" = oxymoron
  • 2 0
 I flipping love that 29er long travel hardtail, would make a great trail bike
  • 1 0
 Are they going to be making any bikes for 2012?......the bikes you want they aren't making maybe 2013 WTF.
  • 2 0
 I think the DFS looks good. Interested to hear how it rides though..
  • 1 0
 The DH bike is super sick to ride. It Handles extremely well and soaks up everything!
  • 1 0
 Not sure I'll ever buy another DB. I bought a mission and broke the front triangle about 3 months after I got it.
  • 3 0
 DB4L!
  • 2 0
 it's so comfy they named it after a sofa shop!
  • 2 0
 looks good,could use a flat top tube
  • 1 1
 Wait a new Diamondback DH bike, I remember reading about this like 10 years ago haha Well lets see how long this one lasts...
  • 2 1
 Its just a copy of the Nukeproof Scalp I think the rear shock mount and pivot areas are very similar.
  • 2 0
 The frame shape may look similar to the Scalp but the most obvious copying is from the commencal supreme DH v2, this uses the exact same linkage design and was first revealed just after commencal changed their suspension system to the v3.
  • 1 0
 I think people are forgetting how large pacific cycles is. They can sell a target bike, a walmart bike, and the can us what ever frame design they want because they have coin. Pc is building bikes for every market and they are going to get nothing but better from here on out. Im getting a 2012 mongoose boot'r and im so stoked, first dh bike and I have seen it prove itself to no end. Screw everyone that is rape'n consumers for the next big idea just because "r and d" has another idea. Ill probably stay with the affordable market. That db is a example of why.
  • 1 0
 What does that have to do with Diamondback?
  • 3 0
 I want that dixon 29er!
  • 1 0
 im glad i wasn't the only one thinking it looks lie a mix between a tr450 and commencal
  • 1 0
 Wheelbase on that 29er looks at least 2.143 miles long, I don't think I could ever go fast enough to benefit!
  • 2 0
 i wouldn't refer to the chain stay as "snappy". prob not the best word
  • 1 0
 Good for DB. Except it looks like a Turner DHR and a commecial wich also looks like a DHR. lol I like Turners.
  • 1 0
 It loooks like 2011 Noroco 's , so it looks like crap ! Smile TR450 is nice and not at all like this
  • 1 0
 that dj bike looks a dam site better than my diamond back bandito dj bike lol wonder if its the new bandito or closure
  • 1 0
 whats the fork travel on the dixon?
  • 2 0
 It's the new Fox 34, so it probably has 140mm of travel.
  • 1 0
 whats the travel on the dixon?
  • 2 0
 wheres the dreamliner?
  • 1 0
 It's there, and it looks good.
  • 1 0
 oh, is that gonna be out 2012 of 2013?
  • 1 0
 It's a 2012 bike.
  • 1 0
 What ever happened to the Diamondback Sabbath?
  • 1 0
 Love the look of that DHer Big Grin
  • 1 0
 im loving the Dixon it looks amazing
  • 1 0
 That Dixon is sweet! Maybe I'll have to open the quiver for a new ride?
  • 1 0
 Why didn't they show the new Roadie they came out with? Cry
  • 1 1
 it "looks" like a TR450, therefore it must ride exactly like one. Haha Diamondback, you lose.
  • 1 0
 really similar to transition TR.
  • 1 0
 show the assault
  • 1 0
 GI Joes all I gotta say
  • 1 0
 I like trains.
  • 1 2
 looks like a transition
  • 1 4
 thank god db is making a dh bike without a gear box
  • 1 0
 Smile )) hahahahha YES
  • 1 0
 whats with the neg props :O
  • 1 3
 cough tr450.
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