hayes disc brakes* good drivetrain componets* manitou 130 mm slice fork* black is awesome color* alex rims are very tough stay true* wtb velorapitor tires
Cons:
spinner sus rear air shock which leaks air and cannot be rebuilt oh well should have known better
Time Used:
6 Months
Comments:
2005 diamonback xsl comp bought on ebay In short a go anywhere bike with smooth reliability after replacing rear shock to manitou swinger 3 way the bike floats over roots jumps logs and goes thru mud better than my hardtail climbs very good with very little pedal bob too. the bike is a copy on the specailized fsr design. best of all, great deals on ebay can be found!!!! customer service at diamondback is fine. called them to get spec for rearshock 7.5 x 2.0 highley recommended for general off trail not a free ride or down hill bike
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Harold - 8/23/2006 12:16:25 PM
Pros:
For my first full-suspension bike, great shocks(front & rear), great LX shimona parts all the way around & price (sale).
Cons:
A little wiggle on the rear of bike when going around sharp turns. Could be the tires, which I will replace for better ones.
Time Used:
3 Months
Comments:
Graduated from a hardtail; Raleigh M60 to Diamondback XSL Trail 05' model and what can one say; Fantastic!! I am a big rider; 5'7" 260pds and even though my new bike size is a 20" have not had any control issues, etc. So far, this bike in a full suspension format has lived up to it's potential! Great handling, suspension, shifting, etc. Much better than my hardtail bike. Only reason I have not given it 5 stars, have not had it long enough!
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Zcab911 - 5/1/2006 8:17:28 AM
Pros:
Pretty good/smooth ride.
Cons:
Weak Frame
Poor Service
Clicking in pivot
Time Used:
1 Year
Comments:
Bought this bike a year ago. I am a heavier rider, and definitely not extreme. From the pictures, the bike looked sturdy, but where it counts, the bike is flimsy. I have also heard that the tubes are very thin.
I rode this bike in several areas in the Bay Area, along trails, never off. In fact, I only had one crash. After 12 months (give or take), the frame broke around the cassette. Even though I bought the bike new, Diamondback/Raleigh would not honor the warrantee.
Do not buy from diamondback.
The weather here broke finally, and it's time to move on to a real bike manufacturer with real warrantees.
Rating:
Recommendation:
No I would not recommend it to a friend
Submitted by matt - 1/18/2006 5:27:06 PM
Pros:
Great bike. The hayes disc brekes and the sus rear air shock are awsome.Very tough bike I ride really hard and havent had a problem yet
Cons:
The stock deralluirs could be better. seat could be softer(had to go with a gel seat)
Time Used:
1 Year
Comments:
This is a 2005 xsl comp I have jumped this bike 4+ feet alot and still havent had any issues with it. I have upgraded all my components(now shimano xtr)and put a manitou minute 3 air fork on it and it now the smoothest bike I have ever riden.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Psybinaut - 1/18/2005 9:42:28 PM
Pros:
strong frame
Cons:
too heavy for XC racing
Time Used:
More than 2 years
Comments:
Bought it for all-around use. Took it on a trip to Big Bend over 4 July 03. At 30 lbs, it was really too heavy for the 65 mile of unmaintined doubletrack of River Road. Found myself at Silverton Mountain, CO the next weekend. It did me just fine there. After several endos I and my stead were unscathed. Plan to upgrade brakes this summer
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by jack - 11/5/2004 10:25:16 AM
Pros:
i thought it was strong and great then it broke on me
Cons:
weak frame weak welds and crappy components
Time Used:
1 Year
Comments:
i loved this when i got it then it failed on me and the weld split in half at the headset.what a piece of crap you are diamondback.
Rating:
Recommendation:
No I would not recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Paytonious - 10/17/2003 9:52:51 PM
Pros:
Light, Great rock Shocks front and rear. Compaired to my old Giant it was like riding a motorcycle with the full suspension. Upper end components make it pretty reliable.
Cons:
A little rattle in the head set coming from the wheel
Time Used:
3 Months
Comments:
It's a pretty solid bike. Handles great and hasn't let me down yet. Plus capable of handling a jumping 200 pound man with ease.
