I have been riding this bike for over 6 months now and overall I'm pleased with it! I take her mostly on single track intermediate level trails mostly, occasionally going to the actual mountains or riding through some black diamonds and the overdrive handles them well, provided you know the limitations of the components and the frame. i.e. I'm not hucking her off 6' drops or blasting though rock gardens.
I upgraded the rear derailleur from the shimano tourney to the alivio (only about a $10 increase btwn the two) and the performance is night and day better. I had to replace the seatpost as well but that was because I landed hard on a jump with my seat up to high and I bent it. (I'm a 6'2" 230lb guy who rides hard so it was bound to happen)
The frame is solid, wish the rear was a thru axle instead of QR for added stiffness through higher G-force turns.
This is a great bike for anyone who wants to seriously look into MTB'ing or who needs a solid commuter bike (add a set slick tires and a luggage rack on back and you're good to go.)
If you have the $$$ and are REALLY serious about MTB, I'd spring for the "Comp" model, you get a 2x10 Deore drive train, Rock Shox XC30 Fork, hydraulic disk brakes, and a 1.5" tapered headtube for added strength/control.
Pros Frame strength 6061 Aluminium
Frame Geometry
Low Cost upfront and long term
tires (came with Schwalbes)
Cons coil spring Fork
Drive Train
Maintenance of low-level components
Good bike, love the components on the Comp I have two friends that also bought Overdrives collectively we have the expert, sport, and mine the comp and there is a big difference from the expert, and a noticeable difference from the sport, I am happy with the bike
The top frame rail arcs up and kind of makes it uncomfortable to stand over. It is a 20 inch frame and I am 6'2" with a 33" inseam and it about an inch to tall.
I might end up changing the derailleurs and maybe the shifters. For $519 shipped it is an awsome first mountain bike.
I purchased the bike new at Performance Bikes for $549. I rated it a 4 because it would be nice to get better derailleurs at this price point. Overall I chose the bike because of how maneuverable it is and because the components screamed "trail ready" more than any other bike in this price range. The salesman at the bike store also assured me that it's a good platform to build on.
With a little bread and some time this bike can be a pretty descent ride only problem is once you put in the money you could of just bought the 'sport' version that has the exact same frame but with the crappy parts upgraded...
Pros Solid frame
Built tough
Upgrade-able to disc brakes
If you are just getting into biking it isn't the bike I'd recommend. Friendlier geometry can be found at the same price. Instead I'd say it is a good budget backup/commuter bike.
Pros It is a good basic bike. Double wall rims and reasonable set up for entry level with room to grow.
Cons Nothing special at all. The geometry isn't really up to modern specs. Too steep for comfortable handling. Otherwise it is a passable bike.
I am 6' 5" tall and 280lbs, I have been riding a 29'er for about 5 years now. Mostly XC with some technical mountain stuff thrown in. I was looking to upgrade my 4 year old Marin, but could not afford to go full XC Race (wanted to stay around 1000.00). This bike does fit the bill. The drivetrain components are great, and I took several upgrades from the Marin (stuff purchased over the last 4 years) and put them on the DB. The first was the Handlebars (raceFace atlas riser) then the pedals (saints) the only upgrade I purchased was a set of avid BB7's.
The geometry of this bike was "different" then my old bike. Felt more like I was "IN" the bike instead of "ON" the bike. A great experience actually. Most of the trails I seem to pick have some decent climbs and it is a great platform for that (as any hardtail with a front lockout is) but what is a real improvement to me is the downhill and straights and curves, being IN the bike, helps with the handling.
Love this bike for the price, im in top 5 with this $375 bike at my local state park out 56 people. strong frame and wheelset, would recommend a different front tire considering the stock is very non aggressive. No problems shifting yet as well. overall a great bike, I went from a cannondale jeykll 26" full susp to this and couldn't be more pleased.
It's a great low end bike for someone starting out and/or stepping up to a 29er. I'm just getting back into MTB after a 12 year hiatus and I was able to get this for $250. Can't beat it at that price.
Pros Price, value, frame
Cons Pull brakes, no fork lockout, basic components
Bought this bike from Sports Authority after looking at other 29ers from local bike shops. Same components as other base level 29ers from major brands but was $200 cheaper. Once I get more serious I'll turn to supporting the LBS and start buying higher end products from them.
Great bike! Gives you the "sitting 'in' the bike not 'on' the bike" feel because of the 29" wheels. Great beginner bike for XC riding.
Pros Very strong frame, much like the Response series of frames. Very easy "roll over everything" type of feel for a hardtail. Being a 29r bike will accomplish that well enough for you. Good beginners spec sheet. Enough to hit the local beginner to intermediate XC loops with.
Cons plastic pedals.
The bike could be lighter with more upgraded parts
You could easily get a new seat for quite cheap on amazon
Pros
Smooth shifting
Decently light
Great cornering
Cons
| ThankSeat is uncomfortable
Good bike for beginner-intermediate
Pros
29" wheels good for obstacles, good shocks, sturdy.
Cons
| Thankheavy, hard stock saddle, stiff shifting levers.
I have been riding this bike for over 6 months now and overall I'm pleased with it! I take her mostly on single track intermediate level trails mostly, occasionally going to the actual mountains or riding through some black diamonds and the overdrive handles them well, provided you know the limitations of the components and the frame. i.e. I'm not hucking her off 6' drops or blasting though rock gardens.
I upgraded the rear derailleur from the shimano tourney to the alivio (only about a $10 increase btwn the two) and the performance is night and day better. I had to replace the seatpost as well but that was because I landed hard on a jump with my seat up to high and I bent it. (I'm a 6'2" 230lb guy who rides hard so it was bound to happen)
The frame is solid, wish the rear was a thru axle instead of QR for added stiffness through higher G-force turns.
This is a great bike for anyone who wants to seriously look into MTB'ing or who needs a solid commuter bike (add a set slick tires and a luggage rack on back and you're good to go.)
If you have the $$$ and are REALLY serious about MTB, I'd spring for the "Comp" model, you get a 2x10 Deore drive train, Rock Shox XC30 Fork, hydraulic disk brakes, and a 1.5" tapered headtube for added strength/control.
Pros
Frame strength 6061 Aluminium
Frame Geometry
Low Cost upfront and long term
tires (came with Schwalbes)
Cons
| Thankcoil spring Fork
Drive Train
Maintenance of low-level components
Good bike, love the components on the Comp I have two friends that also bought Overdrives collectively we have the expert, sport, and mine the comp and there is a big difference from the expert, and a noticeable difference from the sport, I am happy with the bike
Pros
sturdy, shocks, components
Cons
| Thanklittle heavy, pedals, and saddle
Perfect beginner bike
Pros
Light weight fast
Cons
| ThankNone now far
The top frame rail arcs up and kind of makes it uncomfortable to stand over. It is a 20 inch frame and I am 6'2" with a 33" inseam and it about an inch to tall.
I might end up changing the derailleurs and maybe the shifters. For $519 shipped it is an awsome first mountain bike.
Pros
Price
Brakes
Weight
Wheels
Tires
Cons
| ThankFrame Size
Derailleurs
Shifters
I purchased the bike new at Performance Bikes for $549. I rated it a 4 because it would be nice to get better derailleurs at this price point. Overall I chose the bike because of how maneuverable it is and because the components screamed "trail ready" more than any other bike in this price range. The salesman at the bike store also assured me that it's a good platform to build on.
Pros
Light, maneuverable, good looks, 2.2" tires, hydraulic disc brakes, lockout suspension, aluminum pedals
Cons
| Thankfront and rear dearileur are shimano acera - used on bikes costing much less,
Bought steal pedals for better grip but now get very painful pedal slips. Over all great bike. In use now for a year and no problems yet
Pros
Great wheel base.
Cons
| ThankPlastic pedals
With a little bread and some time this bike can be a pretty descent ride only problem is once you put in the money you could of just bought the 'sport' version that has the exact same frame but with the crappy parts upgraded...
Pros
Solid frame
Built tough
Upgrade-able to disc brakes
Cons
| ThankCheap fork, pedals, and V brakes
If you are just getting into biking it isn't the bike I'd recommend. Friendlier geometry can be found at the same price. Instead I'd say it is a good budget backup/commuter bike.
Pros
It is a good basic bike. Double wall rims and reasonable set up for entry level with room to grow.
Cons
| ThankNothing special at all. The geometry isn't really up to modern specs. Too steep for comfortable handling. Otherwise it is a passable bike.
I am 6' 5" tall and 280lbs, I have been riding a 29'er for about 5 years now. Mostly XC with some technical mountain stuff thrown in. I was looking to upgrade my 4 year old Marin, but could not afford to go full XC Race (wanted to stay around 1000.00). This bike does fit the bill. The drivetrain components are great, and I took several upgrades from the Marin (stuff purchased over the last 4 years) and put them on the DB. The first was the Handlebars (raceFace atlas riser) then the pedals (saints) the only upgrade I purchased was a set of avid BB7's.
The geometry of this bike was "different" then my old bike. Felt more like I was "IN" the bike instead of "ON" the bike. A great experience actually. Most of the trails I seem to pick have some decent climbs and it is a great platform for that (as any hardtail with a front lockout is) but what is a real improvement to me is the downhill and straights and curves, being IN the bike, helps with the handling.
Pros
Sram x5 components,Tapered Rock Shox fork, 6061 aluminum frame, price.
Cons
| ThankAvid Elixir 1 brakes, very narrow handlebar.
Love this bike for the price, im in top 5 with this $375 bike at my local state park out 56 people. strong frame and wheelset, would recommend a different front tire considering the stock is very non aggressive. No problems shifting yet as well. overall a great bike, I went from a cannondale jeykll 26" full susp to this and couldn't be more pleased.
Pros
great ride for $375
Cons
| Thanktires not aggressive
forks not great
Since mounts for disc brakes are available, forks and pedals are easily changed and the bike is solid and an amazing value. It's worth every penny.
Pros
• Huge value for a 29er
• Maybe not top notch, but quality parts
• Comfortable and natural feeling.
Cons
| Thank• No disc brakes
• Comes with plastic pedals
• SR Suntour Forks
It's a great low end bike for someone starting out and/or stepping up to a 29er. I'm just getting back into MTB after a 12 year hiatus and I was able to get this for $250. Can't beat it at that price.
Pros
Price, value, frame
Cons
| ThankPull brakes, no fork lockout, basic components
Bought this bike from Sports Authority after looking at other 29ers from local bike shops. Same components as other base level 29ers from major brands but was $200 cheaper. Once I get more serious I'll turn to supporting the LBS and start buying higher end products from them.
Pros
Price-Good overall feel
Cons
| ThankLow end components.
Pros
A lot for the price.
Cons
| ThankReplaced brakes and shifters
Great bike to really start getting into the 29r XC scene locally. This bike should be able to handle most XC trail terrain.
Pros
| Thankreally nice spec sheet. Light, yet strong bike. great "sitting 'in' the bike" feel due to the 29" wheels. Good cranks.
Great bike! Gives you the "sitting 'in' the bike not 'on' the bike" feel because of the 29" wheels. Great beginner bike for XC riding.
Pros
Very strong frame, much like the Response series of frames. Very easy "roll over everything" type of feel for a hardtail. Being a 29r bike will accomplish that well enough for you. Good beginners spec sheet. Enough to hit the local beginner to intermediate XC loops with.
Cons
| Thankplastic pedals.
The bike could be lighter with more upgraded parts
Great bike for the beginner looking to get into the 29er scene.
Pros
| ThankNice bike to get into the 29er game. Quality cranks and great value for the money.
i enjoyed the ride..smooth shift & long crank arms
Pros
better shock w/more options
color
enjoy the scram cranks & power transfer
Cons
| Thankseat uncomfortable but thats easy fir with pad cover