Diamondback Wildwood

Price Paid:  $250.00 at GI Joe's in 2001

Favorite Ride:
Udelny Park

Bike Setup:
Added fenders, Diamobdback rack, front/back lights. Replaced curved handlebar with Diamondback MTB straight one and installed bar ends for comfort. Replaced seat.

Summary:
When I was buying Diamondback Wildwood I had neither experience with modern bikes nor enough money. I was searching for a decent commuting/recreational bike. However, Wildwood is definitely not a great choice for the commuter. It’s made from hi-ten steel and it’s very heavy. The suspensioned saddle is not comfortable for long rides. But it’s a bad thing. After riding Wildwood more than two years (now I have several other bikes) I have to say that it’s a very nice multi speed cruiser/comfort bike. If you like riding bike trails or paths around your neighborhood and make not more than 10 miles per ride – consider this bike. Avoid it if you’re living in a hilly place, the bike is really heavy and you’ll be very tired after climbing even on moderate hill. I have a 2000 model (the last Wildwoods that were made in the US, now they are made in China), so probably newer models have aluminum frames. It’s an affordable bike for the recreation cycling, very attractive, with brazes to install fenders or rack. 4 out 5 in this type of bikes, but if you’re looking for the commuting workhorse consider other models.

Strengths:
It looks great and more comfortable than a cruiser. It's great for the recreational rides, especially on the trails without hills.

Weaknesses:
The bike is very heavy. It's hard to ride more than 10-15 miles on the uncomfortable seat - it's too soft. Didn't like the seat suspension. Had some problems with bottom bracket. Tires don't like glass and easily becomes flat. /*/*/*/ GI Joe's bike department customer service guys are mostly helpless and not qualified enough to assist you. Bike assemble was awful, had to bring bike back in two days to fix lots of shop assembling defects.

Similar Products Used:
Nothing like this - only single speeds and road bikes.

Price Paid:  $250.00 at Bike World-Las Vegas

Favorite Ride:
13 mile paved scenic loop through Redrock Canyon

Summary:
Very comfortable ride, no fatigue. I had to raise the handle bars after I bought it to a more vertical position. Had to replace the seat after about a month because it broke. I now have a Schwinn gel seat on it (sweet!)
I added heavy duty inner tubes and tire strips. Also head and tail lamps.
Shifts very smooth, great ride. I always get great comments from people because it is such a beautiful looking bike.

Strengths:
Comfort, easy of shifting, excellent brakes.

Weaknesses:
Factory seat is weak and will break after several long rides.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale, Giant.

Price Paid:  $250.00 at Carson Schwinn

Favorite Ride:
riding along the bike path at the beach and on the bike along the flood control

Summary:
Great bike for comfort. Had a road bike 20 years ago switched to a Trek hybrid 12 years ago. Trek was ok but I really am very pleased with the Wildwood for comfort and value. So far so good. I am tall and this bike fits me. A few nice features like the shock absorbers in the front forks and in the seat post. Brakes are really nice. Shifting is pretty smooth. Have ridden on a few group fun rides and someone always ask about the bike. I ride anywhere from 10 to 45 miles at a time. I will see if it holds up with over the years. It is not a light weight bike appx 32lbs. Good workout bike though.

Strengths:
good value for money, did not need to modify anything

Weaknesses:
none so far

Similar Products Used:
Trek hybrid

Price Paid:  $250.00 at The Bike Shop

Favorite Ride:
Canal Cruising

Bike Setup:
Factory Wildwood. Blue.

Summary:
Without a doubt one of the best looking bikes of this genre. My Mongoose looks awful flashy next to this bike. Great ride quality. Shimano shifts flawlessly. Polished adjustable goose looks tough and is very accomdating.

Strengths:
Looks, quality components, polished aluminum, RST Forks, Kenda tires (also used by Bombardier), ability to ride for hours due to comfort and adjustability. Mucho bike for small money.

Similar Products Used:
Mongoose G90, Micro Line, Cannondale.