I’d liked everything about the Diamondback Release, except the weight. Understanding where the Release slots into a crowded marketplace with an unbeatable price point, the aluminum version is still a lot of bike to haul up a mountain repeatedly.
We rode his and her Releases Memorial Day Weekend on the famous Freund Canyon Trail. And, then the Grand Ridge. Both are grunts before a ripping descent.
As if on queue to remind me to tell you more about the Release since our rides, Diamondback updated it in carbon and kept the base prices below $5K.
Still, that’s a lot of bike for the money and Diamondback does it by shipping direct and with their own suspension design, instead of licensing another.
Steve Westover, Vice President of Marketing wouldn’t tell me the exact number of Releases they’ve sold, but it’s by the container, and I guess many containers.
Release Carbon Specs
To the specs, the Release Carbon features a 66-degree head tube angle and short chainstays, with a geometry ideally balanced for climbing efficiency and ripping descents (confirmed in the above photo). Diamondback’s Level Link suspension features a short-link, four-bar design that works as well as the best, brand-name suspensions I’ve ridden. That’s because, at the neutral sag point, the upper link is perpendicular to the lower one, which is parallel to the chain, further isolating pedaling from the suspension. However efficient, you’re still pushing weight and a pound or two makes a huge difference.
The Release Carbon 5C spec list also features a Fox 36 Float 150mm fork, a 130 mm Fox DPX2 rear shock, a Sram X01 Eagle drivetrain and 27.5-inch Raceface Arc30 rims. Get this, it ALSO comes with SRAM Guide RS brakes, Maxxis Minon 2.5-inch front and 2.4-inch rear tires and a KS LEV Integra dropper (I’m meh on any dropper that isn’t a Thompson, but fine). The 4c includes a Fox 34 fork, a Fox Float EV rear shock, and a Shimano SLX 11 speed drivetrain. The 5c is available for $4400 and 4c for $3000.
But wait, it gets better, the Release Carbon is customizable through Diamondback’s online store and arrives at your doorstep 95% ready to ride. You can also opt for delivery by Beeline, if it’s in your area.
Weights
- 4c – 31.5lb Med
- 5c – 32lb Med
Despite weight savings on the 5c’s higher end components there are enough upgrades to the bikes that make it even more shredtacular; however, if you’re a former roadie like me still sweating bike weights and like to climb, you can trim either model in the custom build down from the stated 31.5 or 32 pounds.
For example, the stock 5C weighs more due to Fox 36 upgrade from the 34 and the QuadPiston Brakes over a 2 piston, 2.5/2.4” tire upspec from 2.3”, Piggyback shock vs inline, and MRP Bash Guard. Careful picks in the build, should shed weight down towards 25-27 pounds.
For a first ride report, read this article about the Release Carbon from Bike Mag and watch the edit.
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