I have rented a few over the course of the past few years to see what the hype was all about. Most of those rides were on unfamiliar bikes (duh ) on unfamiliar trails. I week or so ago I rented another at Alafia (near Tampa) for 2 hours. They are the ONLY rental place that has bikes anywhere near here. The suspension was set up properly and it made for the best rental yet. While those trails were new they were similar to other Florida trails I am used to. It took some getting used to the wider bars and 29 inch tires but overall a good experience.
So... the research mode had already kicked in over the past few months. There is s till a shortage of bikes and a lot of shops are out of stock. I was trying to find the best value for around $2500-3000. I was pretty much settled on a Polygon Siskiu T7. I cant find any bad reviews on it. However, they are out of stock also. Canyon are out of stock. Fezzari out of my price range for what I think I "need."
I bought my Jamis hardtail from JensonUSA and it was a great overall experience. They seem to be closing out Diamondback and are offering a 20% discount on what they have in stock. I did more research and Diamondback have their detractors after going direct sale on Amazon and Walmart. But I couldn't find any bad reviews on some of the mid grade full suspension bikes.
So today I ordered a Diamondback Release 29 3. Some in house parts on the bike including rims, bars and stem but the other components are top notch. Hopefully Jenson get its shipped quickly.
I have to justify the purchase to the SWMBO. So a couple watches may appear the sale corner in the next week or so. I did mange to sell a pistol to my Dad already. That really wasnt planned. I jut asked him the value of the pistol as he is a gun aficionado. He tells me the value and says I'll take it. EZ-PZ.
Here are a few specs and pics.
FEATURES
- Hydroformed aluminum frame with Level Link Suspension and Boost spacing
- Shimano XT drivetrain performs exceptionally well in demanding terrain
- Shimano XT hydraulic disc brakes provide superior stopping power
- Tubeless-ready rims and tires for a smoother ride, better traction, and fewer flats
- KS LEV Integra Dropper Post quickly lifts and lowers your saddle with the press of a lever
FRAME Hydroformed Aluminum
FORK Fox 34 Performance Float, 140mm Travel
REAR SHOCK Fox Performance Float DPX2 LV EVOL, 200 x 57mm
HEADSET FSA No.57 Sealed Cartridge
SHIFTERS Shimano XT M8100
FRONT DERAILLEUR Nope
REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano XT M8100 Shadow Plus SGS
CRANKSET Shimano XT, 32T
BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano BB-52
CHAIN Shimano XT M8100
CASSETTE Shimano XT, 10-51T
BRAKES Shimano XT M8100 Hydraulic Disc
WHEELSET Diamondback Blanchard 28R TR Rims, Aluminum Boost Hubs
TIRES Maxxis Minion DHF 2.3" EXO TLR, Minion DHR 2.3" EXO TLR
HANDLEBAR DB35 Aluminum, 760mm Wide, 15mm Rise
STEM DB35 Aluminum, 35mm Reach, 35mm Bore
GRIPS/BAR TAPE Ergon GE10 Evo Lock-On
SEATPOST KS LEV Integra Dropper w/ Westy Remote
SEATCLAMP Single-Bolt
SADDLE WTB Koda Race
INTENDED USE Trail, All-Mountain