2011 Diamondback Scapegoat At Crankworx: A Closer Look

by Mike Levy
Aug 14, 2010

Diamondback is making a big push with their 6" travel Scapegoat, an aggressive all-mountain rig that looks to be ready for pretty much anything that you'll ever come across out on the hill. Inside you can see all the photos, as well as watch a video detailing this solid machine!

Read on...

Watch the video to learn more about Diamonback's Scapegoat!
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The 2011 Diamondback Scapegoat looks to be a solid package for the aggressive all-mountain rider or someone looking for a fun park bike. The component spec that you see here will differ slightly from the production version, but expect the long travel Fox 36 fork and HammerSchmidt crankset to come stock on the top tier model. Loving the digital camo graphics!
The 2011 Diamondback Scapegoat looks to be a solid package for the aggressive all-mountain rider or someone looking for a fun park bike. The component spec that you see here will differ slightly from the production version, but expect the long travel Fox 36 fork and HammerSchmidt crankset to come stock on the top tier model. Loving the digital camo graphics!

The heart of the Scapegoat is it's Knuckle Box suspension. Diamondback have been using this system for a few seasons now and have got it dialed. They also work with Fox to get the ideal tune for the bike's intentions.
The heart of the Scapegoat is it's Knuckle Box suspension. Diamondback have been using this system for a few seasons now and have got it dialed. They also work with Fox to get the ideal tune for the bike's intentions.

The Scapegoat is a clean package that uses sealed bearings and aluminum pivot hardware throughout. When it comes time to perform some maintenance on the Scapegoat, you'll be stoked to know that it's all easily accessible without having to remove your cranks.
The Scapegoat is a clean package that uses sealed bearings and aluminum pivot hardware throughout. When it comes time to perform some maintenance on the Scapegoat, you'll be stoked to know that it's all easily accessible without having to remove your cranks.

The Scapegoat features shapely hydroformed tubes and tons of stand over clearance so you don't have to worry about your boys when things get out of control.
The Scapegoat features shapely hydroformed tubes and tons of stand over clearance so you don't have to worry about your boys when things get out of control.

Diamondback uses a tapered headtube fitted with an integrated headset to keep the front end strong and low on the Scapegoat.
Diamondback uses a tapered headtube fitted with an integrated headset to keep the front end strong and low on the Scapegoat.

Diamondback's Jon Kennedy and the 2011 Scapegoat in Whistler, B.C.
Diamondback's Jon Kennedy and the 2011 Scapegoat in Whistler, B.C.


Head over to the Diamondback website to see their entire lineup.


Stay tuned for more Crankworx coverage!

Big thanks to Lens Rentals Canada as well for sending through some lens's that have allowed me to take some unique shots. In these photos I used a Canon 70-200mm 2.8 IS II, and a 24mm 1.4L II, two very nice lens's! Thanks again to them!
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119 Comments

  • + 6
flag Edparn (Aug 14, 2010 at 4:27)
 Nice tight looking frame, neat linkage, Fox 36 180mm, HammerSchmidt. What's not to like?! I'd happily ride that all day. I'm glad GT and Diamondback are heading back towards the cutting edge
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag MrDiamondDave (Aug 14, 2010 at 8:32)
 The Diamondbacks in the USA are not the same in UK !! Two seperate companies, Raleigh Amercia own Diamondback in the USA, and UK version are not related!! The Knuckle box is solid, own a few of them, Sortie and Missions, Looks like a Meta but upon closer inspection they are very different. Just because it doesn't say Trek you guys knock the bike, DB is not or never has been a walmart bike, Some of you are uneducated fools Smile
  • + 1
flag sledshed (Aug 15, 2010 at 16:55)
 an excellent point. last i checked the local DB dealer their cheapest bike was $240. not only was that DB dealer not a wal-mart but that's not wal-mart pricing
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag ekho (Aug 14, 2010 at 2:48)
 I am after new frameset, there is a lot to choose from on the market. I like the DB look, i do not care whether it is similar to this or that or if it is a copy. If it rides well it is well designed and the price is right i am buying it!
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag panzer103 (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:44)
 I really like the graphics- blue is my favorite color. Whats the deal with his seat being so slammed? It look strange. Mountain Bike Action magazine gave the Knuckle Box linkage very high praise earlier this year. I'm sure this is a great bike.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag betsie Plus (Aug 14, 2010 at 12:42)
 I remember my diamondback DBR, Zetec Pro, was a beast of a hard tail back in the day.
Diamond back used to make real nice bikes and have been off the boil for some time.
Looks like they are back, stunning build spec on that bike and it appears they are using one of the best CAD packages around for modelling, simulating and FEA too.
  • + 1
flag shizzon (Aug 14, 2010 at 17:36)
 solidworks is pretty neat and intuitive to use, but from what ive been told and from personal experience Pro/Engineer is a little bit better on the analysis side of things, though it is a bit more difficult to use. alot of my friends swear by solidworks though..
  • + 1
flag betsie Plus (Aug 15, 2010 at 12:22)
 We use ProE where I work now (small engineering company), and having come from being a design engineer within Baker Hughes, who use Solid Works and came from Inventor. I have to say that Solid Works is the best package.
You have to buy lots of add ons for ProE for FEA, standard material analysis etc, also seems silly that with older versions you are character limited and can only use standard characters in import models (from for example a PCB package), you are also limited in the number of characters you can use, so limits naming structures. ProE limits our other packages, which sucks.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag superslushpuppy (Aug 14, 2010 at 20:53)
 Don't hate on the bikes if you've never ridden one. That's just being ignorant. I've been riding the crap out of my DB Scapegoat for the past 6 months and all I gotta say is...it's an awesome bike. The thing is dialed. I even took it up to Whistler a month ago and that thing ripped every trail there. I wouldn't want to give mine up for anything right now.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Academy (Aug 16, 2010 at 8:49)
 People can trash the talk this bike all the want. But the fact is the frame looks solid and the components look sick as well. Saint breaks, Fox fork and shox, mavic wheel set and hammershimt to me thats a good build. I would love to give this bike a test ride.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag keeferinoxiv (Aug 14, 2010 at 7:09)
 I've been riding a DB for a few years now any it really isn't too bad, especially for the price. Mongoose and wal-mart bikes aren't even in the same category.
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag richierocket (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:33)
 Whatever whatever whatever! Looks like a solid rig.
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag coop3422 (Aug 13, 2010 at 20:53)
 I really like this bike. Not a big DB fan but theres something about this bike I really like
  • + 2
flag rffr (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:00)
 DB has always been under rated. Many people always forget that they have always had a top end line throughout the years Smile Even some of their race bmx frames were good at one point. But yea, know what your saying. Always had this meh feeling towards em.
  • + 2
flag cyfa89 (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:38)
 i agree, their top end does excellent at what its meant to, just has its haters due to the cheap range they sell and where theyre stocked!
halfrauds
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag oldsmith (Aug 14, 2010 at 10:08)
 This bike looks solid after seeing this and sam pilgrams prototype i have to say that diamondback is stepping it up deffently not walmart mart bikes for sure
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag bbtcjon (Aug 13, 2010 at 22:08)
 The Knuckle box suspension is designed in house by Diamondbacks exclusive engineer. It has nothing to do with Commencal although I can see where folks are drawing parallels in the way it looks.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag DhRtrPoland (Aug 15, 2010 at 14:31)
 5th photo: Use some kinda protection tape mate cause i feel sorry for ur fork
  • + 1
flag Chrisluvsbiking (Aug 15, 2010 at 14:48)
 yeah. i noticed that!
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag Southern (Aug 13, 2010 at 20:45)
 I wonder if they will sell this diamondback at sportchek
  • + 2
flag superslushpuppy (Aug 14, 2010 at 21:07)
 You might find Diamondbacks lower end models there but I doubt you will find the high end DB bikes there. Same goes with many other manufacturers.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag salmonarmbiker (Aug 13, 2010 at 20:47)
 looks like a slopestyle bike..... I like it!
  • + 1
flag sngltrkmnd (Aug 14, 2010 at 10:33)
 http://www.pinkbike.com/news/crankworx-diamondback-slopestyle-prototype.html
  • + 1
flag salmonarmbiker (Aug 15, 2010 at 10:21)
 i know that thats the slopestyle bike and its sweet, but im just saying that it looks like one
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag socalshreder (Aug 14, 2010 at 10:59)
 Its not bad. I think if they want sme respect from the industry they need to make a wide variety of bikes not just xc and allmountain bikes. They really should be making a big DH race or FR bike.
  • + 2
flag sngltrkmnd (Aug 14, 2010 at 17:15)
 while jon didn't mention it explicitly in his video seggie, a quick visit to the db website shows you that they make quite a few other bikes. be on the lookout for some 29ers and some hardtail xc whips that aren't knucklebox bikes.
and for what it's worth, i think this bike check clearly shows that the 'goat IS a FR bike.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag DH-DUNC (Aug 14, 2010 at 4:19)
 Just looks like a meta to me...
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag racerfacer (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:34)
 ...who stole the old Giant VT
  • + 1
flag sngltrkmnd (Aug 14, 2010 at 10:36)
 i've been thinking the same thing... and there is a German mnfr that also has a shock-behind-the-seattube frame that I have seen knocking about... looked just like the VT.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag shamrock1079 (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:37)
 trippy paint-job...kinda cool
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Ralfinger (Aug 14, 2010 at 4:37)
 way better presenter than that strange intense guy... and nice bike too diamond back is getting better and better...
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag patchy95 (Aug 14, 2010 at 9:20)
 reminds me of a commencal meta to be fair
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag wonder-kid (Aug 14, 2010 at 10:15)
 Really wish Diamondback Canada carried this bike..
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Joebohobo (Oct 25, 2010 at 12:07)
 well next year, but if the diamondback slope bike comes out then ill get that instead
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag nothingbetter (Aug 15, 2010 at 15:56)
 Its good to see so many of these companies coming back. More selection is a good thing.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag blueprrinttt (Aug 14, 2010 at 10:43)
 Got a 15 inch 2009 scapegoat frame (black) in the cellar. Might build it, might sell it?
Anybody interested?
  • + 1
flag harry-h (Aug 21, 2010 at 15:39)
 I'd buy it!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Rockurshoxoff95 (Aug 19, 2010 at 19:16)
 nice bike
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag audi0004 (Aug 14, 2010 at 9:08)
 Looks nice ;D
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Twisted1 (Jul 6, 2011 at 13:49)
 i love the scapegoats! hottest bike out!
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag NorCalikonaryder (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:19)
 either stole or they are giving them some of the profit because im not sure they patend their suspension.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag freddiehg (Aug 14, 2010 at 0:48)
 Looks even more pimpin then than last years
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag jv86416 Plus (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:14)
 looks dialed
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag devulge96 (Aug 13, 2010 at 20:51)
 Looks like a devinci frame. Can't remember the name of which one...
  • + 1
flag stevesav44 (Aug 13, 2010 at 20:53)
 hectik is probably the one your thinking of
  • + 1
flag devulge96 (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:26)
 That's exactly what I was thinking of, cheers bud.
  • + 1
flag stevesav44 (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:52)
 no problem man!
  • - 7
flag MarysvilleJack (Aug 13, 2010 at 23:01) (Below Threshold) show comment
 That's probably cause a company like Diamondback (there is alot of others who do it) chooses a frame out of a catalog and has it made.
  • + 2
flag almightybenners (Aug 14, 2010 at 6:12)
 evidence of Diamondback doing that please? and seeing as devinci bikes are all made in canada... i'm not really sure what your on about mate
  • - 4
flag MarysvilleJack (Aug 14, 2010 at 7:35) (Below Threshold) show comment
 I wasnt saying that Devinci does this. Sometimes over seas manufactures will buy the blueprints of popular frame designs. Haro did it with the old Intense frames and the evidense I have is I know alot of companies and I know how things work with Taiwan manufacturing.
  • + 8
flag bbtcjon (Aug 14, 2010 at 8:21)
 Actually, all of Diamondbacks Knucklebox frames are designed in house by our engineer Mark Landsaat.
  • + 1
flag elzorroinphilly (Aug 16, 2010 at 8:47)
 MarysvilleJack, you're a little correct, but manufacturers like DB would never put this much marketing into a prefab design. DB is giving this bike a lot of attention, but Asia-designed frames are usually used on low to mid level bikes and hence fly under the radar. I'm sure it's totally designed in-house and then built in Taiwan (where most high-end bikes are put together).
  • + 1
flag MarysvilleJack (Aug 16, 2010 at 9:29)
 Well, I stand corrected. I am pretty stoked that Diamondback is upping their game. I remember a time that if you went to the BMX track and didn't have a Diamondback you weren't cool.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ktbo (Aug 14, 2010 at 3:48)
 dont knock it till you try it
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag sngltrkmnd (Aug 14, 2010 at 10:38)
 wouldn't it be sweet with a matching digi-cam FOX fork? Wink
  • + 2
flag bbtcjon (Aug 15, 2010 at 7:53)
 Actually sngltrkmnd, we will have the digi camo print incorporated in the production version.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ruined534 (May 20, 2012 at 13:02)
 Can you put a coil on it? Anybody have one?
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag floody (Aug 14, 2010 at 0:51)
 Looks afflicted with standover issues due to shock position, for aggressive park riding and such...Probably not so bad for seat up AM riding though.
  • + 1
flag sngltrkmnd (Aug 14, 2010 at 10:37)
 give it a test ride!
  • + 1
flag floody (Aug 14, 2010 at 20:58)
 I'd love to but that isn't going to happen. Point is look how high the seat is, yet its slammed. Clearly theres no potential to build in more standover with the way the shock is mounted, likewise for a shorter seat tube with that brace in there. Going to compromise its usability for shorter riders too.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Joebohobo (Oct 25, 2010 at 12:06)
 when i comes out im thinking of getting it
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag djbruno (Aug 14, 2010 at 14:01)
 crazy paint job! i like it
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag norcalrider16 (Aug 14, 2010 at 23:04)
 "It still has the same pedal inefficiency as the Mission which is really ideal". . . . ???
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jimeg (Aug 13, 2010 at 20:59)
 Why not coil?
  • - 9
flag nosirrom (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:01) (Below Threshold) show comment
 Too heavy. Besides, only DH bikes are cool with coil.
  • + 2
flag cyfa89 (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:39)
 my bike looks ok with coil :s
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mossyriders (Aug 14, 2010 at 2:50)
 i love tht bike
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag Bollywoggle (Aug 19, 2010 at 12:14)
 isnt that a commencal?
  • + 0
flag Joebohobo (Oct 25, 2010 at 12:07)
 no, read the title
  • + 1
flag Bollywoggle (Oct 26, 2010 at 7:27)
 obviously sarcasm is above your iq
  • + 1
flag Joebohobo (Oct 26, 2010 at 10:00)
 no its not actually. its obviously not in yours.
[Reply]
  • - 3
flag goonrider (Aug 13, 2010 at 20:46)
 I tried to get one of these (2010 of course) but they dont exist in NZ.
  • + 1
flag sngltrkmnd (Aug 16, 2010 at 20:54)
 bummer! a Sortie would rock around Moke Lake!
[Reply]
  • - 2
flag atxdh (Aug 14, 2010 at 15:10)
 nice but does anyone else think it looks like the older commencal meta
  • + 3
flag sngltrkmnd (Aug 14, 2010 at 17:13)
 no, no one does. not here on this forum. no way. not a mention of it yet. glad you brought it up.
[Reply]
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