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Diamondback First Look - Interbike 2011

by Richard Cunningham
Sep 17, 2011 at 18:48



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
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Dixon AM 2er Hardtail

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

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.

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

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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89 Comments

  • + 48
flag mylespotter (Sep 18, 2011 at 0:31)
 A breath of fresh air for the affordable DH category,
  • + 4
flag anguswyatt (Sep 18, 2011 at 2:44)
 how much do you reckon the DH bike will cost???
  • + 13
flag Sackio (Sep 18, 2011 at 2:55)
 very nice dh bike! Bit of mix between 450 and commencal
  • + 4
flag pperini (Sep 18, 2011 at 3:02)
 true, but it looks very nice and clean..i like it
  • + 6
flag moongose (Sep 18, 2011 at 3:02)
 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
flag five-10 (Sep 18, 2011 at 4:15)
 DFS downhill bike? i wonder if it comes with 2 years 0% apr and is subject to a never-ending sale.
  • + 3
flag TheGoose (Sep 18, 2011 at 4:44)
 ^^LOVE IT
  • + 5
flag Devinallan000x (Sep 18, 2011 at 7:49)
 whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy didnt you show us the DJ bike it was like 5 feet away from the DH bike.
  • - 2
flag viatch (Sep 18, 2011 at 8:42)
 IT IS the old commencal suspension design since they now have a new one.
  • + 2
flag sam264 (Sep 18, 2011 at 11:03)
 that's DF5, not DFS
  • + 2
flag downhillbmxican (Sep 18, 2011 at 11:23)
 @devinallan000x, http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/4340535/
  • + 2
flag JamisJammer95 (Sep 18, 2011 at 11:34)
 I do really like the DB DH rig, very cool design. I also really like the chrome finish. (well it looks like chrome...)
  • + 1
flag sam264 (Sep 18, 2011 at 12:28)
 not chrome, looks like either brushed/polished alu or natural anodised alu
  • + 1
flag mph51 (Sep 18, 2011 at 17:17)
 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
flag swearmouth (Sep 18, 2011 at 22:03)
 @downhillbmxican thats the lower spec version of their DJ bike, the one in the picture behind the DH is the higher spec.
  • + 0
flag traildigger94 (Sep 18, 2011 at 22:25)
 diamondback is just picking up norcos oldies
  • + 1
flag taletotell (Sep 19, 2011 at 5:41)
 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
flag trailjunkie12897 (Sep 19, 2011 at 17:17)
 Who's says that the DFS will be cheap?
  • + 1
flag sam264 (Sep 19, 2011 at 17:41)
 trailjunkie: who would buy a diamondback for the same price as a carbon v-10?
point made
  • + 1
flag trailjunkie12897 (Sep 19, 2011 at 18:27)
 agreed. But that build will definitely be costly.
  • + 1
flag sam264 (Sep 20, 2011 at 6:07)
 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?
[Reply]
  • + 13
flag Budlee (Sep 18, 2011 at 2:10)
 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
flag continuity (Sep 18, 2011 at 4:20)
 Boardman bikes are pretty unbeatable in their value categories across the board.
  • + 4
flag 3lfd3wd (Sep 18, 2011 at 6:24)
 Because decent manufacturer's prices are going up and up, and there's a gap opening in the market for cheap downhill bikes.
  • + 1
flag cikudh (Sep 19, 2011 at 18:42)
 yeap!! it looks good! i reckon DB to put on rear mud guard
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag ninjatarian (Sep 18, 2011 at 5:06)
 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.
[Reply]
  • + 6
flag TheREDIREERF (Sep 18, 2011 at 1:00)
 DH bike is kinda similar to a transition tr450.( my oppinion) but still it looks good
  • + 4
flag winko (Sep 18, 2011 at 1:30)
 So is nukeproof scalp, RM flatline, Dabomb Tsar.... Apparently it's good suspension design so why not use it if you can.
  • + 15
flag dirteveryday (Sep 18, 2011 at 1:41)
 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
flag sam264 (Sep 18, 2011 at 10:58)
 though it does look very similar to the tr-450 and the scalp
  • - 4
flag downhill-jack (Sep 18, 2011 at 14:05) (Below Threshold) show comment
 looks like a trek
  • + 1
flag Bjammin (Sep 18, 2011 at 17:37)
 good one
  • + 1
flag dirteveryday (Sep 18, 2011 at 17:58)
 teehee! Might replace the "Looks flexy..."
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag MrDiamondDave (Sep 18, 2011 at 16:43)
 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
flag taletotell (Sep 19, 2011 at 5:44)
 Yep. The DB line up for 2012 looks incredible. I wish I could upgrade. Still love my mission though.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Kamba6 (Sep 18, 2011 at 10:15)
 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.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Camoguy1 (Sep 18, 2011 at 21:37)
 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......
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Konakid1324 (Sep 18, 2011 at 11:48)
 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
flag Bjammin (Sep 18, 2011 at 17:38)
 2 in wheels: the Next Big Thing
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag MTBsrock (Sep 18, 2011 at 12:08)
 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!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag alanworley (Sep 18, 2011 at 9:24)
 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.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag dwdw (Sep 18, 2011 at 7:49)
 "rigid 29ers with long-stroke forks" = oxymoron
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag dme25 (Sep 18, 2011 at 12:17)
 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..
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag razorbiker18 (Sep 18, 2011 at 0:12)
 The DB4L dfs downhil prototype looks really nice and solid!! Looking forward to know more about it.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Trekalways (Sep 18, 2011 at 9:11)
 I flipping love that 29er long travel hardtail, would make a great trail bike
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag barbarosza (Sep 18, 2011 at 14:27)
 It loooks like 2011 Noroco 's , so it looks like crap ! Smile TR450 is nice and not at all like this
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag kevz0r (Sep 18, 2011 at 22:43)
 Not sure I'll ever buy another DB. I bought a mission and broke the front triangle about 3 months after I got it.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag gizmogunner (Sep 19, 2011 at 10:43)
 that dj bike looks a dam site better than my diamond back bandito dj bike lol wonder if its the new bandito or closure
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag socalshreder (Sep 18, 2011 at 11:42)
 Good for DB. Except it looks like a Turner DHR and a commecial wich also looks like a DHR. lol I like Turners.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag dom69foco (Sep 18, 2011 at 1:07)
 it's so comfy they named it after a sofa shop!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag matko-cro (Sep 18, 2011 at 1:34)
 looks good,could use a flat top tube
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag santacruzLOCal (Sep 18, 2011 at 10:21)
 i wouldn't refer to the chain stay as "snappy". prob not the best word
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Bigfoot94 (Sep 18, 2011 at 2:55)
 Its just a copy of the Nukeproof Scalp I think the rear shock mount and pivot areas are very similar.
  • + 2
flag AlexRob (Sep 18, 2011 at 3:51)
 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
flag mtbswindler (Sep 18, 2011 at 14:11)
 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
flag jason745 (Sep 19, 2011 at 0:07)
 What does that have to do with Diamondback?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Blooddonor (Sep 18, 2011 at 1:54)
 Are they going to be making any bikes for 2012?......the bikes you want they aren't making maybe 2013 WTF.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag DHmental (Sep 18, 2011 at 8:56)
 I want that dixon 29er!
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag skierdud89 (Sep 18, 2011 at 1:55)
 Wait a new Diamondback DH bike, I remember reading about this like 10 years ago haha
Well lets see how long this one lasts...
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag theg-man (Sep 18, 2011 at 0:05)
 DB4L!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag transitionrider19 (Sep 18, 2011 at 8:58)
 im glad i wasn't the only one thinking it looks lie a mix between a tr450 and commencal
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag cutamerc (Sep 18, 2011 at 9:55)
 Wheelbase on that 29er looks at least 2.143 miles long, I don't think I could ever go fast enough to benefit!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag alee891 (Sep 18, 2011 at 9:29)
 I think the DFS looks good. Interested to hear how it rides though..
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Refvem9DH (Sep 18, 2011 at 9:57)
 The DH bike is super sick to ride. It Handles extremely well and soaks up everything!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Joebohobo (Sep 18, 2011 at 0:12)
 wheres the dreamliner?
  • + 1
flag seraph (Sep 18, 2011 at 11:00)
 It's there, and it looks good.
  • + 1
flag Joebohobo (Sep 18, 2011 at 11:40)
 oh, is that gonna be out 2012 of 2013?
  • + 1
flag seraph (Sep 18, 2011 at 11:48)
 It's a 2012 bike.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ManikRider999 (Sep 18, 2011 at 14:53)
 whats the travel on the dixon?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag santiagoch (Sep 19, 2011 at 9:49)
 really similar to transition TR.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag JonwithoutaH (Sep 18, 2011 at 7:18)
 Love the look of that DHer Big Grin
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag hoolydooly (Sep 18, 2011 at 1:53)
 What ever happened to the Diamondback Sabbath?
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag guitarguy84 (Sep 18, 2011 at 19:26)
 it "looks" like a TR450, therefore it must ride exactly like one. Haha Diamondback, you lose.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag luli79 (Sep 18, 2011 at 9:16)
 That Dixon is sweet! Maybe I'll have to open the quiver for a new ride?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Tr011 (Sep 18, 2011 at 9:05)
 im loving the Dixon it looks amazing
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag kinetic-uk Plus (Sep 18, 2011 at 15:23)
 Why didn't they show the new Roadie they came out with? Cry
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ManikRider999 (Sep 18, 2011 at 10:58)
 whats the fork travel on the dixon?
  • + 2
flag Lehel-NS (Sep 18, 2011 at 11:25)
 It's the new Fox 34, so it probably has 140mm of travel.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag malvern (Sep 18, 2011 at 18:28)
 I like trains.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mtbrider106 (Sep 18, 2011 at 18:13)
 GI Joes all I gotta say
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag seattlefreeride13 (Sep 18, 2011 at 8:07)
 show the assault
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag skwirly1977 (Sep 18, 2011 at 16:16)
 Junk
[Reply]
  • - 2
flag Bikelover079 (Sep 18, 2011 at 9:35)
 cough tr450.
[Reply]
  • - 3
flag jakeaylward (Sep 18, 2011 at 0:32)
 thank god db is making a dh bike without a gear box
  • + 1
flag barbarosza (Sep 18, 2011 at 14:25)
 Smile)) hahahahha YES
  • + 1
flag jakeaylward (Sep 19, 2011 at 13:07)
 whats with the neg props :O
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag dhfabi (Sep 18, 2011 at 6:06)
 looks like a transition
[Reply]
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