Bike Experts, could you tell me if this is a good bike?

Question

I'm getting a new bike for some mild riding (going around the campus/city and maybe a few off roads but nothing too extensive). Doees this seem like a good bike? Or atleast the right bike for my needs?

http://www.diamondback.com/items.asp?itemid=235

some of you guys are saying its not good for long distance? what exactly is long distance? 10 miles? 30? 200? im not a biker. i dont know. thanks for the help.

Answer 1

It looks like a good bike to go around campus, going to the market, getting around the neighborhood and things like that. However stay away from off roads. This bike is definetely NOT an offroad bike. It 's a hybrid with one thing in mind... Comfort.

When we talk about long distance we ussually mean power transfer efficiency though a distance of more than 10 miles. For example I would't ride more than 30 minutes on a hybrid (such as the one you desribe). If you are planning on doing rides of more that 30 minutes go with a bike with a little more performance capabilities.

PS: Stay away from Walmart!!

Answer 2

If I were working in a bike shop and you told me the above information, this is not the type of bike i would recommend first. This is really a hybrid with a suspension fork. based on what you said, i would suggest a mountain bike, not a hybrid. Campus bikes are often abused. They are ridden off curbs, over grass, and surfaces that are less than ideal. I'd suggest the easier to maneuver MTB rather than a hybrid. The added value here is that you could also use a MTB off road much more easily that a hybrid.

In terms of Diamondback, their quality has declined a lot since being introduced to big box stores. I'd go to a bike shop and comparison shop a bit. Remember, all bikes need service. Find a place with a free service plan for adjustments.

Answer 3

Aww Jay, I wish you wouldn't have said that....

The bike you chose is fine for what you want to do with it. Just like any manufacturer, Diamondback makes special models for some "big box" stores so what you buy in a bike shop might not be the same as what you see in a big box store- this is usually easily determined by the model of the bike.

By the way, the vast majority of bikes- Trek, Specialized, Kona, Iron Horse, K2, Mongoose, Schwinn, etc. are made in a handful of factories in Asia, not by specific factories. The difference in quality will be in the componentry and frame design, NOT the name.

Answer 4

I like it and think its fine but the pink diamond back looked better because there was no steel bar in the center and that can be very painful if you hit a bump and land on the bar. Always look for a style like that even if you don't get one. On a girl's bike you want the center bar to be low down like on the pink one
Wasalaam.

Answer 5

The web site says: "Practical utility and comfort. Great for trips around town, rides on the bike path or to class."

That seems honest enough.

Answer 6

For what you will be doing in your riding you described, this would be fine.

But if you ever want to do a lot more like tour or ride long distance, you may not like the bike for that.

Answer 7

kitty, it is ok. Bargain lot for the bike, do not pay more than $300 for it. tell them you can get it on ebay for that price
welcome to the wonderful world of biking!
carlos
www.bikingthings.com

Answer 8

for what you said it is a great bike but not for off road, maybe white trials but not more then that

Answer 9

I'd say it will be ok, for a non-serious rider...

Answer 10

It's OK, if your going to use it moderately and not abuse it... it should work.