Diamondback Podium 4

Price Paid:  $700.00 at Flagstaff Cycle

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Mormon Lake, Flagstaff AZ

Bike Setup:
Stock now, will be replacing the seat, pedals, and bars this winter

Summary:
I was in the market for a bike in the 1500 range looking at specialized rubeaux(sp?) trek 1500 and some others when i came across this bike. Same components as these much more expensive bikes and half the price. Could use lighter wheels, but they stay true. Carbon fork looks good, i think its dampens the road somewhat. First good road bike for me, wanted it mostly for mountain bike training but after buying i want to get into racing these too

Strengths:
Stiff frame, great drive train, love the 3 cog up front for the big hills here in CO.

Weaknesses:
The original seat is very hard and not comfortable for long rides. Same with the handlebars. I dont like shimano pedals that came on it, hard to clip in. Cheap fixes all and all

Similar Products Used:
None, other bikes are Specialized stumpjumper and jamis dakar xlt.

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at countrysidecyle edin

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
tamarack

Bike Setup:
original

Summary:
very good ride, fast and able to withstand the extra wieght i'm carrying

Strengths:
stiff frame

Weaknesses:
braking

Similar Products Used:
trek 7200

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at Bob's Bike shop

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
cranberry glades WV

Bike Setup:
Shimano 105 breaks. Shimano ultegra rear derailuer. FSA crank that i am going to change to campy triple. Michelin tires that do well.

Summary:
Test road this bike after drulling over it in the bike shop. Was pleasantly surprised. Road and handle better than expected. Great ride compared to Aluminum bikes. Beat trek and specialized bike to pieces in ride and speed wise.

Strengths:
Handles well. Fast. Carbon frame absorbs bumps well. Large cockpit to stretch out on.

Weaknesses:
Gear high for recreational riding.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Sirrus.

Price Paid:  $1800.00 at Reeds Cyclery in Eag

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Firebird Loop then Seamans Gulch Loop (dump loop)

Bike Setup:
stock except for upgraded bar tape and a longer seatpost

Summary:
Fast, comfortable and smooth riding bike. Shifts well, handles well due to compact rear triangle.

Strengths:
Light, looks good, handles well.

Weaknesses:
seatpost came cut too short for me to get adequate extension. Now I'm running a cheapo seatpost but it's fine.

Similar Products Used:
had a KHS Flite 800 steel