diamondback commuter

[hotrod]

Anyone familiar with diamondback products.
Looking at a diamondback (called a transporter)for commuting and light touring. It has a steel frame and fork 48-38-28 gearing. Mountain bike in design with 26" wheels, fenders, braze on for racks and two water bottles.
 

[ptaylor]

Hi Rod.

Not at all familiar with this bike, but I will give you my first impressions.

• 48-38-28 gearing sounds fine so long as the large cog on your freewheel has at least 30 teeth.
• Sounds like it has flat handlebars. Fine for commuting, but for touring, dropped handlebars are nice so you can cheat the headwinds.
• Two water bottles will not be adequate in hot weather rides in remote areas. But you can always carry an extra ration somewhere in your panniers. A lot of people use one of their water bottle cages to safely carry stove fuel.

Paul

[hotrod]

Paul
Thanks for the reply
The largest cog is a 32
It does have flat bars
are you familiar with the bianchi volpe

Gary

[Sailariel]

Hot Rod, Am familiar with the Bianchi Volpe. That is a very fine bike

[Sailariel]

Talked to our LBS since he deals Diamondback kids bikes. He says that the transporter is a good inexpensive commuter bike which would be OK for light touring. Since this is the new year, you might want to scrounge around some bike shops for a 2006 leftover. This is a good time of the year to make a deal on maybe a Trek or a Cannondale. Good luck. Alex

[hotrod]

I thank all of you for your replys
will check out suggestions and advise

again thanks

gary

[sptster1200]

The Diamondback Transporter has almost the same geometry as the Surly Long Haul Trucker upto the 20 inch frame.  The tubing is completely double butted chromoly steel and the fork is chromoly.  (I think the SLT is chromoly on the main triangle only but still an excellent tourer).  It has braze-ons for a low rider front rack and braze-ons for the rear rack.  It can also hold three water bottle mounts on the frame.  The rims are double wall Weinmann with 32 spokes.  36 spokes would be better.  The bike also comes equipped with fenders installed.  All-in-all this would be an excellent touring bike if the frame fits your body.