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I’m about to purchase my first mountain bike. I’ve been looking at bikes online for a few months now, and I’ve narrowed down my choices to either the Diamondback Mason 1 or the Diamondback Hook. I’m leaning towards the Mason right now. Both bikes have all the features and functionality I’m looking for. I intend to use the bike primarily for trails (blue/black runs) and secondarily for greens/road with the wife and kids.
Anyhow, I’m looking for feedback on these two models and reasons I’d want to choose one over the other. They’re currently within $10 of each other price wise. Thanks!
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Of those two, I’d go with the Mason for the 10 gears versus the 8 gears on the Hook. Also, the + size tires are nice to have if you’re new to the sport because they’ll provide a bit more traction and help you roll over stuff easier.
But I’m no expert, so that’s just my look-at-some-of-the-specs-real-quick-and-offer-an-opinion opinion.
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After reading your first post more closely and seeing that you intend to do black runs….again, I’m no expert, but I’m not sure these are the bikes you want if you’re going for super-technical trails with features. I don’t think these bikes are bad, I’m just not sure they’d take that kind of abuse for long. I could be wrong.
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Thanks! I appreciate your feedback. I hear what you’re saying about the black runs. I don’t plan on ripping hard through any trails. I only mention blues and blacks because I have about 15 miles of trails within a mile of my house. Most of those are blues/blacks. But I’ll just take it easy on the rough ones. I’m in my early 40’s and I’m not getting any younger. 🙂
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“But I’ll just take it easy on the rough ones. I’m in my early 40’s and I’m not getting any younger. ”
Ha! Don’t kid yourself! I thought the same when I shifted from 30 to 40, then 40 to 50… and now I’m 58 and riding harder, longer, and way more technically and faster than ever. The bikes I ride (and need) today are far more capable than anything I ever needed when I was younger. I am by no means unusual. I see it all the time with others my age. In other words, when choosing a bike, give more weight to the trails you think you’ll frequent then what you think your capabilities are. Your capabilities will catch up to the trail despite your age, and you’ll need/want a bike to match.
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I’m in my early 40’s and I’m not getting any younger.
I’m in my mid 40s, so I hear what you’re saying, but I agree with FredCook’s post.
Mountain biking, if you really catch the bug, has a way of making you feel like you are getting younger! 😀
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If it helps, I found a youtube video of the trails near my house. This will give an idea of the terrain I’d be using the bike on.
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The Mason is a burlier platform and comes with a better/more appropriate spec. Put a dropper post on and tear it up.
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Well, they restocked the Mason and low and behold, the new 2019 model is out. Specs look the same with a couple minor changes, most noticeably color and tires. Pulled the trigger on it. We’ll see how she rolls.
I’m not too worried about the bike keeping up with me. If I eventually start riding more aggressively than the bike can handle, I’d be impressed – and upgrade. Til then, I think this will do. Really appreciate the feedback folks. Thanks!
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I currently have a Diamondback Hook sitting in my garage. It is my daughters. It is a solid bike and found a great price on someone selling it used. Personally a couple years ago when I was looking for myself the Diamondback Mason was on my top 3 list. I would lean towards the Mason but the Hook seems to be a very capable bike. Not really a bad choice either way. Win-win situation.
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Mason. My wife had the women’s rely. I was shocked at every feature it had. Really great bike. Make sure you get the thru axle version though.
Regarding trail grading. It is all relative. I’m sure Whistler black is different than local black. I’d you can ride it. Go for it.
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