Bike Test: Diamondback Script 2015
Words and Photo’s: Dunk
Brand Notes: One of the characters in BMX Bandits rode a Diamondback in 1983.
Website: Diamondback.co.uk
Distro: Raleigh.co.uk
Thanks: Crucial BMX Shop
Who is the brand? Diamondback, they first started a BMX team back in 1979 so have literally been in the sport since the beginning. They started when racing was the only form of BMX riding but adapted to freestyle as it became popular. They continue to support BMX freestyle globally today.
About the bike:A nice entry-level bike from Diamondback here called the Script, coming in at around £300. For your money you get Cromo tubing on the main parts of the frame, 8” high bars and some Odyssey parts. The Candy red paint looks cool and the graphics are spot on too, which belie its price tag. The gussets on the top and down tubes add extra strength as well as aesthetically complementing the laser cut DB seat-stay bridge. To keep the costs down you’ll find that the brake hardware is non-removable (i.e. the lugs and cable guides, not the brake itself) and the wheel bearings are only part sealed, but look after them properly and that shouldn’t be an issue. All in all, another excellent ride from Diamondback!
Who rides for them? The DB UK BMX team consists of: Jay Cowley, Karl Feix, Nik Ford, Ollie Palmer and Kayley Ashworth
What’s their history and where are the brand from?Diamondback originated from the US in Southern California in 1970 where it made mostly parts and accessories, and in 1976 began to produce frame sets. From then in to the 80’s Diamondback produced a range of models to suit riders of all budgets an abilities aimed directly at the race market.
Words from team member Kayley Ashworth:My first ever bike was a Diamondback and they have definitely stepped the mark up on their product, completes and aftermarket parts since that time. I teach younger girls how to ride; around the 6-8 year old mark. I’ve given lessons to six different girls, two of which now have Diamondback completes. I don’t force Diamondback product on girls I teach, I hate that, they just come back with the products themselves, even though they don’t use Diamondback bikes in the lessons.
What is the bike intended for, and who is it aimed at?An entry-level bike aimed at the first time BMX owner.
What do the manufacturers say about it?We’ve designed all our bikes using the best materials and components available, using 4130 Cr-Mo tubing where others use lesser 1020 hi-tensile steel. Alienation rims, and Odyssey tyres and pedals.Since 1978, Diamondback has had that spirit. Bunny hops have turned into triple tail-whips and racing is an Olympic sport. Our frames, our logos and our riders may have changed but our commitment and dedication to building the best BMX bikes on the planet remains steadfast.
What are the stand our features of the bike?The ½ link chain is a nice touch and the detailed top cap and seat look good.
What is the geometry like what is the weight of the bike?Although it’s only a 20.5” TT the bike didn’t actually feel that short. The bars were pretty big and high so that would have created some extra stability. It’s a decent weight, not super light but definitely not too heavy so would be no problem for the younger riders out there.
Is there anything that could be improved on the bike?For a bike in this price range there’s little to improve on really. It’s solid and feels good to go. The only thing was the tyre clearance on the rear – it wouldn’t take much of a buckle to cause the tyre to rub.
Specs:
Frame: Cromo 20.5” TT, 13.5” chain stays.
Fork: Unicrown with tapered fork blades.
Bars: Hi-Tensile 8″ rise x 28.25″ wide.
Grips: DB VIPER Team grip with Flange.
Stem: DB MX1 Top loader.
Headset: 1.1/8″ Integrated Threadless.
Brakes: Alloy U-type, 2 finger lever.
Cranks: DB 3 piece 8 spline chromoly.
Pedals: Odyssey Twisted.
Chain: DB 1/2 Link.
Sprocket: DB 25t sprocket.
Driver: 9T.
Front Hub: Diamondback Alloy Front Hub, 36H, Black.
Rear Hub: Diamondback Alloy Semi sealed cassette rear hub, 36H, 14mm axle, Black.
Rims: Alloy double wall 36H, Black.
Tyres: 2.30″ Freestyle Pattern.
Seat: DB One-piece combo saddle.
RRP: £300.00
Name: Josh Williamson
Age: Old enough to know better
Home: Bristol
Favourite thing about this bike: Very easy to get used to and felt good through the trails, but the bars slipped a bit here and there, however nothing a good tighten couldn’t solve.
Share