Diamondback bikes

[PecosHntr]

Not sure about Diamondback, but I have a Specialized 29er and I love it. I'm a big guy though.

[skeeter]

I remember when I was a kid I lusted for a Diamondback. I finally decided I was gonna get one. I started mowin yards, saving my money... Finally got enough cash to get one. The weekend came when Dad was gonna take me to get it and on the way we passed a jon boat w/ a troll motor for sale. Ended up gettin the boat AND a Team Murray bmx!

[Razorback01]

Bicycle

WCB, not to change the brand of bike. I wanted to upgrade mine prior to this years "H". I ended up with a Wal-Mart special.

29" Mongoose, already in olive-drab green. Slightly over two bills. I'm sure it's not going to be mistaken for a fancy bike, but it's all alum, disk brakes, etc.

It's not much of an upgrade over my old 26" on the roads, but I had it out camping at Joe Pool last weekend on the trails and I could tell a big difference with the suspension and the larger tires.

[In-Yo-Grill]

I'll second the notion on the components part. You may get lucky with an off the shelf bike as far as fit goes. Unless you are going on real technical rides with lots of rocks and terrain then most bikes will work for roads and compact dirt.

Unfortunately I think the natural progression of things is go work your way into it by buying a cheap bike first. My first MTB was a used Specialized. It was owned by a guy who worked at a bike shop and he tricked it out with quality components. The bike had a smooth ride. Months later I decided to upgrade and I was amazed at how much my old bike weighed. I was flying up hills that I normally struggled on.

2yrs ago I couldn't imagine spending $500+. The bottom line is that you have to start somewhere and get out and ride. If it's something you end up really liking then an upgrade will be a natural progression.

[Mojo]

I've got an older Diamond Back mountain bike, chromoly steel.. Back when bikes weighed 40 lbs...he he he...rock solid though... And it's seen real mountains as I bought it back when I was stationed at Holloman AFB. We would saddle up and peddle in Cloud Croft, Riudoso, Sun Spot and other mountain areas....