If you are a newbie looking for your first MTB, this product review is for you. You have probably come across the Diamondback brand already as you were doing your research. The Response 29er MTB is one of their best models, and you might want to consider this bike before you make a purchase.
Is the Diamondback Response 29er mountain bike worth buying? Yes. Especially if you are looking for your first bike, the Diamondback response 29er is a good option for you. It is affordable yet reliable and durable. Newbies enjoy the performance it delivers. The Diamondback response 29er will give you the best bang for your buck.
In this article, you will get the information you need about the features, specs, pros and cons, and upgrade suggestions for the Diamondback response 29er. Read on and find out why this mountain bike could be your next best buy.
Features
Solid Frame
Arguably, the frame is one of the most important components of a mountain bike. Frames determine the type of ride you’ll be having depending on its geometry. Diamondback Response’s frame is a hardtail and a sturdy one at that. It is perfect for light trail riding and as an entry for cross-country racing.
This bike’s frame is alloy and is lighter than its steel counterpart. It will be easier to climb steep ascents on this bike. It also has good welding works which helps it become more stiff and gives you a confident ride.
The Diamondback Response’s frame also has a wide room for a big 29er wheel. If you decide to soon change to a 27.5 or 26 wheel, you can easily swap the wheelset.
Large Wheels
Right off the bat, this bike has 29-inch wheels. While each wheel size has its own pros and cons, a 29er is an excellent wheel size for beginners and pros alike.
You can easily ride over large rocks, roots, and water crossings with these wheels. If you decide to bring your mountain bike for a long ride, you’ll also benefit from faster speeds due to its size.
Bigger wheel sizes are more stable and are excellent for long flowy trails and descends.
Excellent drivetrain
For its price, it’s amazing that the Diamondback Response already has a good drivetrain. Most affordable built bikes compromise their drivetrains. However, this bike has a 27-speed Shimano drivetrain. Its front derailleur is a Shimano TX50 dual pull and its rear derailleur is a Shimano Altus. Talk about value for money!
Its shifters are smooth and will always stay that way as long as you keep your drivetrain in tune. Shimano components are also known for its durability and serviceability.
Smooth riding over rough terrain
With its 29-inch wheels paired with a capable fork, you’ll be able to ride through gnarly trails with ease. The 100mm Suntour fork can take bumps and light jumps. It also has a good response which makes the rider feel more steady and in control of their ride.
Enhanced stopping power
This bike’s Promax mechanical brakes are capable of delivering heavy stopping power. With these brakes, you can speed through steep descends confidently.
Ready ride
The bikes are already assembled as they get delivered to you. This means you can immediately take it out for a ride the moment it arrives.
Specs
- 6061-T6 aluminum frame
- 29-inch wheels
- SR Suntour XCT 100mm travel suspension fork
- MTB alloy arm (24/32/42t) cranks
- 7-speed drivetrain
- Mechanical disc brake
- Sizes: small (16”), medium (18”), large (20”) and extra-large (22”)
- 15mm DB4L 135mm Kraton grips
Pros and Cons
Pros
Lightweight
Generally, affordable built bikes are on the heavier side of the spectrum with steel frame, forks, and other components. Since the bike’s major weight contributor, its frame, is made of aluminum alloy, it can be lightweight and still be durable.
Durable
Most of its components are of excellent quality and are made for trail riding. This mountain bike is designed for light to medium trail difficulty and can withstand abuse for a longer period of time.
Durability should also be one of the aspects you need to consider when purchasing a mountain bike. If your components easily break while you’re on the trails, it’s hard to look for replacement. Having reliable parts will force you to not depend on your co-riders for your repairs.
Value for money
If you build a bike with the same components as a Diamondback Response, the cost will most likely be higher than a built one.
This is due to the fact that manufacturers purchase components in bulk and therefore possibly get huge discounts without compromising its quality.
Cons
Pedals are plastic
Since pedals are one of the contact points of a mountain bike, it is important that you have a high quality one. While plastic can still be durable, especially if they’re made from hard industrial plastic, alloy pedals are still better.
If you have pedal strikes during a ride, plastic pedals might break. Alloy pedals on the other hand will still take damage but will only have scratches and dents.
Saddle is not very comfortable
Another contact point you need to keep in mind when purchasing a mountain bike is your saddle. Kindly note that saddle comfortability depends on the rider and the shape of their buttocks.
Personally, I find the Diamondback Response 29er’s saddle uncomfortable and is not good for longer rides. You’re going to have to test it for yourself to find out whether or not its saddle is for you.
No kickstand
Beginner riders usually need kickstands to be able to position their bikes in a standing position properly to avoid scratches on the frame.
However, pro riders usually remove kickstands as they might unfasten from its cage and stand on its own during trail rides; which makes it dangerous and can cause accidents.
No water bottle holder
Water bottles are one of the essentials you need to bring when riding. You have to stay hydrated especially when you’re riding during hot weather.
The Diamondback Response 29er doesn’t come with a built in water bottle holder. However, you can purchase one from your local bike shop for a low price and attach it to your bike.
Gear require tuning
Transportation issues might be one of the causes for gears to detune out of the box. If you’re a beginner, it’s advisable to purchase your first mountain bike in a physical bike store where you can have a mechanic help you out in tuning your bike.
This bike is best for people who
Are new to MTB riding
If you’re looking for your first entry-level bike, the Diamondback Response is for you. It has easy to use components and is capable enough for trail use. In the future, when you do decide to upgrade, its parts are also compatible with higher end components.
Serviceability should also be looked at when deciding to buy your first bike. You don’t want to have components that need special tools to be repaired. Not only will it make your bike’s customizability harder, it will also be more costly to constantly have your bike serviced by mechanics. It’s good to learn how to repair your own bike because it makes you more knowledgeable about how your bike works.
Are looking for an affordable bike
There are a lot of affordable bikes out there but only a few remain to be of high quality. With the budget range of Diamondback Response 29er, you’ll be able to enjoy a good performing bike that will not break the bank.
There are other brands which offer lower-priced built bikes but are installed with components that would break easily especially for a mountain bike designed for the trails. When the inevitable time comes that these components break, you will have to spend more to purchase new parts for your bike and have it serviced.
It’s better to go with a mountain bike with decent parts and not have to spend more as time goes by as it will last you long, like the Diamondback Response 29er.
Do not want to compromise trail time
If you ride more trials than concrete, then this bike is for you. Everything about the Diamondback Response screams trail and can take roots, rocks, and other obstacles you throw its way.
Want to ride on difficult terrain
Rough terrains become easier when your bike has bigger wheels and a fork that can withstand heavy abuse. The Diamondback Response can provide both. You can confidently ride on your local trail and not have to worry whether your bike will still be intact.
Upgrade Suggestions
Brakes: Shimano Deore hydraulics
While the included mechanical brakes can give you a lot of stopping power it is still better to have hydraulic brakes installed in your bike. It’s easier to set-up in a single-finger braking position and has a lot more braking power for its price.
Image source: Amazon
Pedals: Wellgo V8 or V12
As mentioned above, plastic pedals can easily break and are not durable against pedal strikes. Better to upgrade to a longer lasting set of pedals than be stuck on the trail with broken pedals.
Saddle: WTB Rocket Race MTB Saddle
Personally, the WTB Rocket Race has a comfortable feel and can protect my buttocks well when riding tough terrain. Its cushioning technology is also better than the stock saddle on the Diamondback Response.
Image source: WTB
Conclusion
The Diamondback Response 29er provides value for money. With good performing components, you can ride it confidently on trails without breaking the bank. It’s rare to find all the features this bike has in this price range. No bike is perfect, and it will always come with compromises but its cons are easy to resolve, and can be upgraded whenever you can for an affordable price. Overall, this bike type is a good option especially for first timers who would like to have a bike that is made for the trails and can be serviced and upgraded easily.
