This was my second mountain bike and held up well over the years with little frame damage but at 15,000-20,000 miles it is starting to show its age.
In 2015 this became my daily ride because road bikes suck if you ride as hard as I like to in the streets!
Bought this December of '07 from Dicks. Hardly nothing left on it of the original components. I like the bomb-proof frame but it is heavy. The original fork was terrible, rockshox tora air fork was a huge upgrade. I added disk brakes, an XL bottom bracket and other goodies so its a whole different animal than when I plucked it off the shelf. 3500 miles all over the US and more soon in the DominicanRepublic...still ove it. But if you don't wanna go through the trouble of upgrading all the cheap parts, pony up $500 or a grand and get something nicer.ProsStrong frame, good geometryConsHeavy, stock components were cheap.
Bought this bike when I decided to get back into MTBing and didn't want to spend too much $$. Got this one for about $350 and have rode the crap out of it since. Love the bike and am very pleased with the puchase. the front shock is garbarge, but gets the job done. when it breaks I'll replace it. Would recommend if anyone asked.
Considering the fork and some other items were destined for quick replacement from the get-go, the bike was at a solid place to start as a beginner. The value is excellent and I hadn't busted my wallet getting the right components rigged for hard and frequent rides, and for the last year it has been perfect as my rigid 69er 1x9 city bike. The frame is cheaper aluminum and pretty clunky, but it's a great platform for entry level upgrades, and if you can get rid of that fork youll have a healthy bike by the time you need one. and put a chain stay guard on that thing because itll tonk like a cowbell.
Pros It turns out the BB, rims/tires, rotors and calipers have pulled through the last 4-5 years with little fuss. The frame is the real value here, however, even though it has that crappy tonk sound to it.
Cons Well, it's a department store bike. The stock fork was trash and is long gone, basically anything that will break has broken a long time ago.
if you have the chance to buy this bike. DO IT! probably one of the best bikes in its price range and is not cheap feeling, looking, or performance wise. overall a good bike!
Pros feels sturdy, light, looks sharp
Cons my handlebars are a little creaky probably just loose
Buy this for a first-time mountain biker. Great value, great features.
Pros Great bike and features for the price. The XE model that I bought has disk brakes. Needed the larger frame size (20") and it feels perfect so far.
Overall, this makes for a great first bike. The frame is a tank, and the overall component spec is enough to get someone started on begginer to intermediate cross country trails.ProsGreat set up for the price. Good for someone to get started into mountain biking.ConsThe fork can bottom out easy for heavy riders, or aggressive riders. The SRAM X4 drivetrain is only 24 gears
you get what you pay for,if your a rough rider on trails may not be bike for you...entry level urban rider may be good fitProslight aluminum frame, feels fast, smooth shifting, large frame sizes availableConsdidn't like fork, no options..weak travel & lock out, squeaky brakes
I am beginner but wanted an inexpensive bike I could slap better components on and stick with for awhile. 399 or an 2010 model at Performance. Its been a good bargain for me. I read the reviews here before purchasing.ProsSaddle, strong frame, 120mm travel on the fork, looks good, easy to adjust everything, your basic tank, brakes are effective.Consrear mech. is finicky, no lockout.
I have an '08. I have taken it on some very technical trails and done a little downhill. Even after a few bad spills the bike still keeps going. I'm very impressed by the quality of this bike for its price.
Pros Strong frame, good brakes, shifts smoothly, great price for the quality.
Great price for a bike that can be upgraded with better components later, as they break. ram is on point and thats what matters, wicked looks and geometry, superstrong bike that will get yo otthere and back!
Pros Wicked strong frame, good frame geometry, great price
Cons Cheap components, no adjustment on fork shock
This is a great starter bike for anyone who wants a super-STRONG frame and bike that if upgraded in the right places can and will handle anything you throw at it. I have upgraded just about all of the weak points on this bike and could not be happier!!! This frame kicks some serious freeride, AM, and with the right componenets, some DH A$$!!!
Pros Wicked-strong frame, price, looks good stock!
Cons HEAVY, cheap components, mechanical brakes, no REAL damping adjustments on stock shock.
had this bike for over a year now, basically its a great bike. its one you can put anyone on and have a good time, a little on the heavy side but a good trade off for being so indestructible. slowly start upgrading components as they break and you will have a great bike.
This is "the perfect beginner MTB". Cheap and reliable, I owned and rode mine for six years without any problems (02' MODEL). This is the bike that got me into this awesome sport and I would recommend it to anyone on a budget whose looking to buy their first genuine MTB.
I am a bike tech at a local shop that sells DB's so I have been around these bikes for 3 years now, and overall I rate this ride as a "best bang for your buck" bike!(I went with the 2009 model.) You'll probably want to upgrade components as you break/wear them out. I rode a trail recently that had lots of loose/large rocks and couldn't seem to get the front fork to give enough on the downhill - for my liking anyway...but, it climbed like a goat! Chain slap was annoying too so I would recommend a sleeve for your stays(and watch your tire pressure, I lowered mine and had an easier traverse over the bumpy stuff). Overall, I really like this bike, great for singletrack/XC type riding... Would buy it again!
Pros Burly frame,Geometry,great overall "bang for your buck".
I recomemded to the guys who wants to save $$$ and gets a good all around bike. Diamondback Response sport Great!..
Pros I liked this bike because of the frame its feels rugged and firm great for trails . its takes the beating , I had for 8 months and with the same components GREAT BIKE!!!
Cons the pedals, but I agree change the components after you wear them out ...
great old bike and great for upgrades
| ThankThis was my second mountain bike and held up well over the years with little frame damage but at 15,000-20,000 miles it is starting to show its age.
In 2015 this became my daily ride because road bikes suck if you ride as hard as I like to in the streets!
Pros
Strong frame, well built, very nimble
Cons
| ThankHeavy, bad front fork
Bought this December of '07 from Dicks. Hardly nothing left on it of the original components. I like the bomb-proof frame but it is heavy. The original fork was terrible, rockshox tora air fork was a huge upgrade. I added disk brakes, an XL bottom bracket and other goodies so its a whole different animal than when I plucked it off the shelf. 3500 miles all over the US and more soon in the DominicanRepublic...still ove it. But if you don't wanna go through the trouble of upgrading all the cheap parts, pony up $500 or a grand and get something nicer.ProsStrong frame, good geometryConsHeavy, stock components were cheap.
| ThankBought this bike when I decided to get back into MTBing and didn't want to spend too much $$. Got this one for about $350 and have rode the crap out of it since. Love the bike and am very pleased with the puchase. the front shock is garbarge, but gets the job done. when it breaks I'll replace it. Would recommend if anyone asked.
Pros
brakes, frame, handlebars, crankset, seat, price
Cons
| Thankgears slip, front shock (terrible - wish it would break)
Considering the fork and some other items were destined for quick replacement from the get-go, the bike was at a solid place to start as a beginner. The value is excellent and I hadn't busted my wallet getting the right components rigged for hard and frequent rides, and for the last year it has been perfect as my rigid 69er 1x9 city bike. The frame is cheaper aluminum and pretty clunky, but it's a great platform for entry level upgrades, and if you can get rid of that fork youll have a healthy bike by the time you need one. and put a chain stay guard on that thing because itll tonk like a cowbell.
Pros
It turns out the BB, rims/tires, rotors and calipers have pulled through the last 4-5 years with little fuss. The frame is the real value here, however, even though it has that crappy tonk sound to it.
Cons
| ThankWell, it's a department store bike. The stock fork was trash and is long gone, basically anything that will break has broken a long time ago.
if you have the chance to buy this bike. DO IT! probably one of the best bikes in its price range and is not cheap feeling, looking, or performance wise. overall a good bike!
Pros
feels sturdy, light, looks sharp
Cons
| Thankmy handlebars are a little creaky probably just loose
Buy this for a first-time mountain biker. Great value, great features.
Pros
Great bike and features for the price. The XE model that I bought has disk brakes. Needed the larger frame size (20") and it feels perfect so far.
Cons
| ThankNothing so far
Overall, this makes for a great first bike. The frame is a tank, and the overall component spec is enough to get someone started on begginer to intermediate cross country trails.ProsGreat set up for the price. Good for someone to get started into mountain biking.ConsThe fork can bottom out easy for heavy riders, or aggressive riders. The SRAM X4 drivetrain is only 24 gears
| Thankyou get what you pay for,if your a rough rider on trails may not be bike for you...entry level urban rider may be good fitProslight aluminum frame, feels fast, smooth shifting, large frame sizes availableConsdidn't like fork, no options..weak travel & lock out, squeaky brakes
| ThankPony up another $500 and get a decent bike.
Pros
Lightweight aluminum frame
Cons
| ThankCheap components. Broke everything. Chain suck wore a hole in my chainstay
Great for a beginner like me, Kind of heavy though. I would recommend it.
Pros
strong bike... I got hit by a freakin car on this thing and still ride it.
Cons
| Thankbroke seat immediately. It needs a tune often, may just be the way that I ride.
This is a good starter bike for some one who do not want to spend a lot of money
Pros
| ThankThis is a very strong bike! It has great brakes too.
I am beginner but wanted an inexpensive bike I could slap better components on and stick with for awhile. 399 or an 2010 model at Performance. Its been a good bargain for me. I read the reviews here before purchasing.ProsSaddle, strong frame, 120mm travel on the fork, looks good, easy to adjust everything, your basic tank, brakes are effective.Consrear mech. is finicky, no lockout.
| ThankI have an '08. I have taken it on some very technical trails and done a little downhill. Even after a few bad spills the bike still keeps going. I'm very impressed by the quality of this bike for its price.
Pros
Strong frame, good brakes, shifts smoothly, great price for the quality.
Cons
| ThankLittle on the heavy side.
Great price for a bike that can be upgraded with better components later, as they break. ram is on point and thats what matters, wicked looks and geometry, superstrong bike that will get yo otthere and back!
Pros
Wicked strong frame, good frame geometry, great price
Cons
| ThankCheap components, no adjustment on fork shock
This is a great starter bike for anyone who wants a super-STRONG frame and bike that if upgraded in the right places can and will handle anything you throw at it. I have upgraded just about all of the weak points on this bike and could not be happier!!! This frame kicks some serious freeride, AM, and with the right componenets, some DH A$$!!!
Pros
Wicked-strong frame, price, looks good stock!
Cons
| ThankHEAVY, cheap components, mechanical brakes, no REAL damping adjustments on stock shock.
had this bike for over a year now, basically its a great bike. its one you can put anyone on and have a good time, a little on the heavy side but a good trade off for being so indestructible. slowly start upgrading components as they break and you will have a great bike.
Pros
Frame, geometry
Cons
| Thankpedals, thing is a TANK
This is "the perfect beginner MTB". Cheap and reliable, I owned and rode mine for six years without any problems (02' MODEL). This is the bike that got me into this awesome sport and I would recommend it to anyone on a budget whose looking to buy their first genuine MTB.
Pros
Value/Price, Reliability
Cons
| ThankWeight, Pedals
I am a bike tech at a local shop that sells DB's so I have been around these bikes for 3 years now, and overall I rate this ride as a "best bang for your buck" bike!(I went with the 2009 model.) You'll probably want to upgrade components as you break/wear them out. I rode a trail recently that had lots of loose/large rocks and couldn't seem to get the front fork to give enough on the downhill - for my liking anyway...but, it climbed like a goat! Chain slap was annoying too so I would recommend a sleeve for your stays(and watch your tire pressure, I lowered mine and had an easier traverse over the bumpy stuff). Overall, I really like this bike, great for singletrack/XC type riding... Would buy it again!
Pros
Burly frame,Geometry,great overall "bang for your buck".
Cons
| ThankBrakes-Hayes HMX4's, Forks-Spinner Edge AL-1 (120mm), plastic pedals.
I recomemded to the guys who wants to save $$$ and gets a good all around bike. Diamondback Response sport Great!..
Pros
I liked this bike because of the frame its feels rugged and firm great for trails . its takes the beating , I had for 8 months and with the same components GREAT BIKE!!!
Cons
| Thankthe pedals, but I agree change the components after you wear them out ...