Diamondback Interval

Price Paid:  $415.00 at Alamogordo, NM

Favorite Ride:
Santa Fe Loop

Bike Setup:
Stock

Summary:
I haven't had a bike in about 15 years and purchased the Interval and haven't modified it at all. This bike has been excellent thus far, I ride approximately 15-20 miles per day. It has a smooth ride and I keep up with riders on $2000 - $3000 bikes!

Strengths:
Price

Weaknesses:
Sora components seem to need frequent adjustment.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $350.00 at Dick Sonnes Utica NY

Favorite Ride:
All of them!!!!

Bike Setup:
Carbon fork and seat post, racing saddle. Eggbeater clipless pedals. Huchinson tires

Summary:
Very good for a beginer, a bit heavy but thats what you get for $350.Great Deal. fork is heavy but who cares? carbon forks are cheap now. I would recomend geting new tires.rims are inexpensive but good. GREAT DEAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Strengths:
comfortable frame but fast!not too heavy but not to pricey.
Rims don't go out of round and are stif. every thing fits great s bend stays are excellent.

Weaknesses:
Alumunum fork is heavy but I could deal with it for a while. tires are very cheap, but good till they pop.Shifters are bulky and thumb shift is anoying while you sprint.saddle is big.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $389.00 at Dick's Sporting Good

Favorite Ride:
Santa Cruz foothills

Bike Setup:
Stock + SPDs

Summary:
This was my first venture into road biking, and I have been suitably impressed. It's not the snazziest bike on the road (by a long shot), but if you're moving up from a hybrid or mountain bike, the difference is still astounding. This bike has inspired me to invest far more in the sport.

Not for those who know what they're doing, but more than enough for a newbie like myself.

Strengths:
Price. Can take a beating.

Weaknesses:
Shimano Sora derailleurs. They shift well, but are not appropriately sized. After many trips to the shop, it was finally decided that it's not an issue of trying to get rid of chain rub, but merely deciding where it will bother you the least.

Seat is mushy. Personal preference.

Similar Products Used:
n/a

Price Paid:  $599.00 at Dick's

Favorite Ride:
le Tour de Packer

Bike Setup:
Setup is just fine.

Summary:
Excellent bike in every way! Mine was modified for my wants, but the bike is great! Get past the stock tubes, and seat, and all is well.

Strengths:
I like the frame very much ... for aluminum, it does seem to absorb shock quite well ... and, I ride well over 200 a week.

Weaknesses:
Stock seat could be better.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $315.00 at Galyan's

Summary:
A very comfortable bike, quick turning. A great entry level bike. It won't turn heads but you can be comfortable and have all of the basics covered.

Strengths:
PRICE!, good geometry, decent drivetrain

Weaknesses:
Avenir seat is mushy, no name hubs

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1200