Note: These are not reviews but are simple ride impressions based on the demo tech set-up. All bikes were ridden on the Bootleg Canyon demo loop. Keep in mind that a short ride is not a review, but merely gives us, (and you out there), some idea of what we’re looking at here.
Diamond Back Mason: by Guitar Ted
Last year we saw the prototype Diamond Back Mason at the show and we gave the bike a “Best Of Show” award. (See here) Of course, it was a pre-production prototype, and things could change drastically, or the bike could have been nixed altogether. But that didn’t happen, and now the bike, (sans original name), is a reality. How does it ride? Did Diamond Back compromise anything from its version shown last year? These were the questions I had as I checked out the bike from the demo tent.
Well, I am pleased to say that the Diamond Back Mason kept everything from the prototype we were wanting: 426mm/ 16.77″ chain stays, long travel, 140mm Fox Talas fork, and they even held up their promise of dropper seat post routing and spec’ed a Kind Shock dropper post. Cool! Bonus was that the graphics were almost spot on from the original shown last year. Nice touch.
Okay, so how does it play out in reality? Well, quite nicely, actually. Like the Devinci Atlas, the short chain stays were very noticeable. Quick accelerations were met with a scoot forward that you could definitely feel. The rigid rear end even amplified this sensation over that of the Devinci. Although the Diamond Back was spec’ed as a 1 X 10, I never wanted for a lower gear here. (Note: There is a direct derailleur mount and a 2X crank could be fitted for a wider gearing range.) Typically, I would find standing and mashing on a rigid rear end bike to be superior over that of a similarly spec’ed full suspension bike in climbing situations, and this was the case with the Mason. Of course, most full suspension bikes climb better seated than hard tails, so pick yer poison here.
Final Impression: I really liked what Diamond Back did here. They even spec’ed a travel adjust Talas Fox fork, and in this application, I feel it makes a ton of sense. Knock the travel down to 110mm for climbs, which lowers the front end, and keeps wandering wheel issues and too light of a front end issues at bay. Pop it back into 140mm travel for the down hill, drop the post, and have a fun time. The frame is solid feeling, the wheels and components felt up to the task, and I can’t really see why this bike wouldn’t be a hoot to ride almost anywhere.
Were you able to get a weight? Also, are the wheels tubeless-compatible?
What about tire clearance? Is there room for 2.4s in there with a little extra? To me that bike screams old school “big” hit hardtail but without room for big rubber its a no go for the terrain up here on Vancouver Island.
@Matt: Sorry, my digital scales didn’t make it out to Vegas with me.
But, that said, the ol’ heft by the hand told me it isn’t out of what you would expect for weight range. At least it never made an impression on me, light or heavy, for whatever that may mean to you.
The rims are definitely tubeless ready. They are the excellent WTB i23 rims, (which I will have a Final Review on soon.), and set up with Stan’s yellow tape, or WTB’s yellow tape easily.
@Bryce: I looked at the tire clearance and depending on the rim used, a 2.4 might shoehorn in there, but for sure a 2.35″er shouldn’t be an issue. Again, we have so short a time with these rigs, anything other than my eyeball impression is all I can give you right now.
Ted, I know this an older post, however what size frame did you ride and how tall are you. That age old question about size selection, however with the angle of head tube seams harder to predict a size.
@Maven Rogue: This post may help you with some answers. I’ll have updates soon now that our trails have cleared: http://twentynineinches.com/2012/12/03/diamondback-mason-out-of-the-box/