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Diamondback
Release 2 Complete Mountain Bike - 2016

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The inspiration for Diamondback's impressive new lineup of trail-gobbling 27.5in frames came from the brand's completely new suspension platform, known as Level Link, and everything from the frame geometry to the drivetrain was built not just to work with, but showcase, the suspension's design. As part of the first series of bikes to feature Level Link, the Release 2 Complete Mountain Bike makes efficient use of the latest modern standards to create a bike comfortable on everything from XC singletrack to hand-numbing enduro descents, a machine whose nimble dexterity belies its ability to keep up in the big, scary stuff.


The Release 2 is a major departure from Diamondback's previous designs, and the frame's aesthetics would be at home next to bikes that cost twice as much. If you don't want to take out a loan or liquidate your savings to buy a mountain bike but know your abilities are well beyond the limitations of an entry-level frame, the Release 2 admirably occupies that sparsely populated middle ground. Rather than shaping the frame with low-grade carbon in a heavy layup to keep the price low, Diamondback instead trusts hydroformed aluminum, giving the Release Two the incredible durability that has kept aluminum relevant even in era of ubiquitous carbon.


The geometry borrows from both featherweight XC racers and beastly enduro machines, combining a long-and-low front end with a rear triangle that has all of the snappiness of a bike designed for racing smooth hardpack. Diamondback achieves this by knocking the headtube angle out to a slack 66 degrees with a plush RockShox Pike 150mm fork, then positioning the seat tube at 73 degrees to position you over the bottom bracket and keep you on top of the pedals. The Release 2's Boost spacing demonstrates once again why the new standard is here to stay, as it stiffens and strengthens the entire rear triangle and makes room for shortened, 16.73in chainstays. You'll appreciate that stubby stiffness while stepping through steep, rock-encrusted lines.


As the defining feature of the Release 2, the versatility of Level Link suspension expertly matches with the frame's do-it-all design. The short-link, four-bar system keeps pedal input and bump forces independent, which translates to a consistent pedal platform and plush ride on root-latticed climbs. Diamondback also carefully integrated chain growth management and anti-squat pedaling tendencies, making sure the suspension refuses to dive when you clamp down on the brake levers to avoid being flipped over your handlebars by a hidden branch. According to Diamondback, Level Link's 130mm feels deeper than it actually is, and it's plenty capable of barreling down the same descents as lumbering enduro sleds but with far more finesse while climbing and accelerating out of tight corners.


Diamondback spec's the Release 2 with a hardworking mix of SRAM componentry, including GX and X1, to make sure you aren't spending more weekends at the shop than on the trails. You'll get the convenience of a one-by drivetrain with an impressively wide-ranging 10-42t cassette along with SRAM hydraulic disc brakes and a KS Supernatural dropper seatpost complete with Southpaw remote.


Frame Material
hydroformed aluminum
Suspension
Level Link
Rear Shock
RockShox Monarch RT3 DebonAir
Rear Travel
130 mm
Fork
RockShox Pike RC
Front Travel
150 mm
Headset
1-1/2 - 1-1/8 in FSA No. 57 tapered
Shifters
SRAM GX 11-speed
Rear Derailleur
SRAM GX Type 2.1 11-speed
ISCG Tabs
yes
Crankset
30 T RaceFace AEfect SL
Bottom Bracket
RaceFace outboard bearing
Cassette
10 - 42 t SRAM XG 1150
Chain
KMC X11L
Brakeset
SRAM DB5
Brake Type
hydraulic disc
Rotors
180 / 180 mm Centerline
Handlebar
DB35
Handlebar Rise
15 mm
Handlebar Width
780 mm
Grips
DB4L 135mm Kraton
Stem
DB35
Stem Length
40 mm
Saddle
WTB Volt Race
Seatpost
KS Supernatural with SouthPaw remote
Wheelset
Diamondback Blanchard
Front Axle
15mm thru-axle
Rear Axle
12 x 148mm Boost
Tires
Schwalbe Hans Dampf
Tire Size
27.5 x 2.35 in
Pedals
DB Platform
Extras
shock pump, tubeless valves, tubeless rim tape, chainstay protector, water bottle mounts
Recommended Use
all-mountain/enduro, trail
Manufacturer Warranty
lifetime on frame

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