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Diamondback’s New Hook, Line and Sync’r Hardtails Are 27.5, 1X Drivetrain & Affordable

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Diamondback Affordable 1X drivetrains

Diamondback has released a new line of affordable 27.5″ wheel hardtail mountain bikes, named the Hook, Line and Sync’r.  The line of three new models checks off the boxes of all the features wanted in a modern bike – 27.5″ wheels, 120mm travel fork, and 1X drive trains. Offering this line for $600-$1,200 is what makes them impressive.

Entry level mountain bikes typically make a sacrifice in features, trading ride experience for cost savings. Roll past the break to find how Diamondback is keeping the singletrack experience modern and affordable with a parts mix good enough to get newbies caught up in the sport hook, line and, well, you know…

Diamondback Sync'r 27.5

Topping out the line at $1,200, the Sync’r comes in with a 1×10 drive train that includes a RaceFace cockpit and Narrow/Wide chain ring. With a through-axle Rockshox XC32 fork and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, this model packs the features of a much higher price point.

Diamondback Line 27.5

The Line drops below the $1k threshold, and still hits every feature point of the higher end model. Using a Suntour fork, 9 speed drive train, and chain guide in place of a Narrow/Wide ring, $900 will still get this bike on the trail with nothing left for want.

Diamondback Hook 27.5

Rounding out the line, the Hook is enough to get almost anyone onto the trail with a 27.5″ wheel and no sacrifices. At $600, there is a 1×8 Sram drivetrain, 120mm travel Suntour suspension fork, disc brakes and double wall rims.

www.diamondback.com

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Tim
Tim
9 years ago

This is just a ploy to ditch the FD to save production costs and get fashion points. It’s also a bit lighter. But the gear range of a 1×9 is going to be pretty narrow, esp. for beginning riders.

pmurf
pmurf
9 years ago

I like the idea of a 1x drivetrain on lower-end bikes – I think a lot of beginners would trade a bit of low gearing for not having to deal with shifting and maintenance woes of cheap FD’s. That being said, I agree that DB could have spec’d the drivetrains better…The 30×11-36 of the Sync’r will do fine for most people, but the 32×11-34 and 32×11/32 of the Hook and Line limit the bikes’ climbing abilities quite a bit. Other than that, I think this series looks fantastic.

Yahsper
Yahsper
9 years ago

Best way to turn off a beginner for ever is to get them to buy a bike with a 1 x 8 drivetrain….High end bike looks like a good deal

wako29
wako29
9 years ago

I personally disagree with the 1x drivetrains on entry level bikes. For teenagers/young adults who are looking to get into MTB riding – this could be good because it is less stuff to go wrong, is trendy, and those customers are generally stronger and want to feel cool. However, in my experience in shops, the majority of entry level MTB riders are not these but a little heavier/older riders who are looking to get in shape and have fun with their friends. These riders need the extra range of gears and are more akin to needing triples than single rings. I guess DB is going after a different demographic then?

Antoine
Antoine
9 years ago

You’ll find people arguing for hours that single speed is the best sh**. 8 is way enough for a non racer. The argument about heavy oldies does not work with me. I know some of those and they prefer walking when it’s too hard anyway.

gino
gino
9 years ago

1x? How are the buyers of the Hook going to “get a good workout” crushing out some miles at 10mph on their local bike path without a 42-11?

Mike D
Mike D
9 years ago

This is how you turn a company around. JUST LIKE THIS. (That new DH bike looks pretty killer too, given the price point).

It’s not uncommon for bikes in that $450-600 range to have a 7 or 8spd drive train. Granted, it’s usually paired with a triple, but then again, most of the $500 mountain bikes I’ve sold weren’t going home with people who were planning to go ‘crush it on the local singletrack’; the extended range is rarely utilized appropriately at this level of bike anyway. I think the 1x stuff will be fine for beginners.. it simplifies learning timing/proper shifting for younger or inexperienced riders, and offers less maintenance for an entry level bike (again, regular maintenance is something many new mountain bike owners don’t quite grasp the concept of). I gotta give this move the thumbs up!

muf
muf
9 years ago

1×8 is enough if you just go on nice little rocky trails with no real uphill. this may be fine for a lot of ppl at this price point actually.

if you’re serious in mtb but on the cheap and get this instead of a 2x or 3x of course you’ll be a little screwed 😉

duzzi
duzzi
9 years ago

I wonder when the silliness of 1x will stop. Mind you, there are single speed so 8 speed is something … but even 1042 is a BIG compromise, especially now that wide range cassettes make a dual an unbeatable option in terms of range and practicality ….

Sheepo5669
Sheepo5669
9 years ago

27.5 wheels are a disservice to riders when spec’d on a HT. I own and ride all three wheel sizes and 29 is the ultimate hardtail size.

FFTylerPaul
FFTylerPaul
8 years ago

I purchased the Line back in February and thanks to the weather Ive finally been able to take it to the Foothills in Boise, ID. This bike is absolutely amazing. I’m in love with every feature of it. Even with the 1×9 I still have been able to keep up on climbs and even pass other riders, and the downhill performance rides like a dirt bike. Best $900 Ive ever spent.

David
David
8 years ago

Seriously, why is 32×11-32 so bad? Is it cause 32T (rear cog) is too little and 32T (crank) is too much for climbs?
If i consider my self being serious into mtb, what should i be looking for?
Wouldn’t i just need a 9-10 speed cassette to replace the 8 speed one? Why is this bike so wrong!??
I got a 24×13-34 on my actual bike and i climb just fine.

Lee
Lee
8 years ago

In the case of the Line, does anyone know if it would be easy to add a 2x or 3x to the crank arm?

David
David
8 years ago

I got the Hook a few months ago. Amazing bike for my needs and planning to upgrade it accordingly.
The crank arms doesn’t have any more bolts other than the 104 BCD ones that hold the chain ring, so you wouldn’t be able to go 2x or 3x without changing the cranks too.

hu
hu
7 years ago

my buddy picked up a hook, chain dropped 8 times in 2 hours, the guy raged.
db dropped the ball giant. the bike seems super heavy and has qr 9 dropouts lol, seems rediculus. also does not have a tapered steerer tube. these are show stoppers.

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