Diamondback Response XE 29er Review
Pros
Cons
The Diamondback Response XE 29er is an older model within the Diamondback MTB range, and if you do find a Diamondback Response XE for sale you should buy it as they are truly hard to come by (you’d probably get a 2nd hand model). However, Diamondback has brought out some enhanced versions based on the Response XE and you should definitely take a look at those as a comparison mountain bike model.
In the interests of full disclosure, I’ve been a fan of the Diamondback brand since my early days of BMX riding – and in those days the Diamondback brand was something to aspire to for a young kid looking for his first bike or even to upgrade from his first BMX. Diamondback has come a long way since those early BMX days, and now produces some promising entry level and mid-level mountain bikes.
So although I’ve been a big fan of Diamondback, I need to stress that at ProMountainBiker.com we try and be as objective as possible in our reviews. However, it goes without saying that all our reviews have that element of subjectivity and naturally represent mine (and more often that of the team’s) personal opinion about the mountain bikes that we review and test. So is the Diamondback one of the best mountain bikes for the money?
So let’s take a look at the Diamondback Response XE mountain bike. As an ideal all round starter bike, the Diamondback Response XE hardtail mountain bike fits the bill perfectly. Diamondback has pitched the Response series of mountain bikes as a value oriented bike that is build ready for new mountain bike riders and trail enthusiasts alike.
The Diamondback Response XE hardtail mountain bike was an exclusive model that was sold exclusively by Dicks Sporting Goods, however you may be able to pickup other models in the Response series that have the same or similar components as the Response XE. If you do find a Diamondback Response XE 29er for sale at another retailer – please feel free to message us below.
Diamondback has done nothing like the other manufactures to shorten stays on their 29ers like Giant, Fuji, and other mountain biking companies have. So one tip is that if you are a smaller guy looking for an entry level ride, the 26” is the way to go. However, for the taller blokes out there, say if you are taller than say 5’10”, then we would suggest going for the Diamondback Response XE 29er as it might be better for you.
The heart of each Diamondback Response XE bike – the 6061-T6 aluminum frame
At the core of each of the Diamondback Response series is the rugged Diamondback 6061-T6 aluminum frame with formed top and down tubes providing strength and style with clean lines. A machined headtube adds strength and style while forged drop outs with a replaceable hanger add the finer touches. In fact, 6061-T6 aluminum is commonly used in aircraft construction. Although primarily used in private rather than commercial aircraft, its strength-to-weight ratio is very high, making it ideal for large parts that need to be very light, such as the plane’s fuselage and wings. With its light weight, 6061-T6 aluminum makes for the best material for a strong and durable frame.
Diamondback Response XE components
We’ve spoken about the aluminum frame, but just as important is the Diamondback Response’s fork which provides 100mm travel via the SR Suntour XCT V2-LO fork. The front derailleur is a Shimano EF-51 75PD EZ-Fire Plus whereas the rear derailleur is Shimano Altus. An SRAM cog set provides 7speeds whilst the SRAM SX-3 trigger shifters allow for easy gear selection. The rims on the Diamondback Response XE are 32h Weinmann XC260 Doublewall rims, and for the 26″, the tires are Kenda Klaw XT large casing 26×2.1 tires.
The only thing that we didn’t really like about the Response XE is the seat, as its just your standard Diamondback All Mountain saddle but can be replaced quite easily. The grips on the bike are DB ILOD 130mm D2 Kraton grips, whilst the brakes are Tektro Novelo disc brakes.
Response XE Frame
Response XE Tires
Response XE Rear Derailleur
Diamondback Response XE sizing
The Diamondback Response XE is available in XS (14″), SM (16″), MD (18″), LG (20″), XL (22″).
Overall
For a bike that you can use to conquer those treacherous trails, the Diamondback Adult Response XE mountain bike is a great choice for adults and teens alike. It has the speed and agility required for most singletrack adventures and with its lightweight aluminum frame is a capable performer. The rest of the bike is well specced, including the SR Suntour fork and Kenda tires that provide enough shock absorption on those rugged trails. Overall, the Diamondback Response XE mountain bike gets our thumb up.
