When Diamondback launched its 130mm-travel, 27.5” wheeled Release trail bike last year, the brand took a quantum leap forward from its previous offerings with its updated geometry and new Level Link suspension platform. The Release and Catch (plus tire version) are a solid value, particularly with the lower-cost models, but the weight of the frame and overall bike kept it from presenting a strong showing at the higher end of the spectrum. That all changes with the new carbon version of the Release that is not only half a pound lighter, but 30 percent stiffer.
See what the dynamic brand is all about:
Diamondback was smart in keeping the same geometry and suspension design of the aluminum Release and simply cloning it in carbon fiber—it's a solid design that works really well. The 150mm fork, 66-degree head angle, longish front-center, and short stays give the Release a bit more of the capability that a 130mm travel bike would appear to have on paper.
Level Link suspension is a lot like other short, dual-counter rotating link designs that create a floating instant center, but its lower linkage is much higher and more inline with the chain than most others. Plus, the bike contains a patent-pending feature where the upper link is perpendicular to the lower link at sag—a feature Diamondback says lets bump forces easily activate the suspension and overcome pedaling forces, allowing for better traction and control while pedaling. Oversized pivot axles keep everything stiff, and they’re locked in place with collet-style fasteners.
Two Carbon Release models will be offered. The flagship Carbon Release 5C will cost $4,400 and will come outfitted with Performance Elite level Fox DPX2 shock and 36 fork, SRAM X01 Eagle 1x12 drivetrain, Guide RS brakes, KS LEV Integra stealth-routed dropper seatpost, and Maxxis Minion WT 2.5” front and 2.4” rear tires. At just $3,000, the Carbon Release 4C will be built with a Performance level Float DPS EVOL shock and 34 fork, Shimano SLX 1x11 drivetrain, Deore disc brakes, KS LEV SI stealth-routed dropper seatpost and slightly narrower 2.3” Maxxis Minion tires. Three aluminum-framed Release models will also be offered.
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Diamondback brought out a Carbon Release 5C along with brand ambassador, all around nice guy, and total shredder Eric Porter for a weekend of riding on my favorite trails in California—Camp Nelson. These remote central Sierra trails offer plenty of rugged trail with high- and low-speed features that really put any trail bike to the test. After an initial setup, we did a few shuttle runs on the Nelson trail. Right away, the bike felt familiar and comfortable, just like the aluminum model. Don’t let the rear wheel travel fool you—this is a 130mm travel bike that really acts and feels a lot like ones with 10 to 20mm more in terms of overall handling and ability.
I never found the aluminum model flexy or felt that boost in frame stiffness, but the overall lighter feel was pretty obvious. The Carbon Release has more pop, was quicker to slow, and was eager to change direction. A smart spec of Maxxis Minion WT tires with its wide-rim-specific build really enhanced the bike's trail prowess, as did the stout Fox 36 fork. Diamondback also did a great thing by speccing the new Performance Elite version of the fork that has the FIT4 damper and all the features of the Factory version, minus the Kashima coating on the upper legs. I was able to quickly dial it in to my exact liking and never longed for anything more—it’s really a very good and super-adjustable fork.
Although the Release does its best work going down, it’s also an excellent climber, especially in technical terrain—something I particularly appreciated on the next day’s climb up to the Bear Creek trail. Level Link really delivers on its promise of staying in form for climbing while still being able to activate under bump inputs. There’s no need to use the shock’s lockout or even firm middle setting, since it pedals so well. As firm as it feels, traction is still excellent as the suspension reacts to trail chop, keeping the tire on the ground and churning forward.
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As a rider who despises most hydration packs or having anything on my back, the only thing I really missed was a water bottle cage inside the frame’s front triangle. And the only time I felt like the 130mm travel rear end had trouble keeping up with the 150mm travel front is when I was leaning back, pounding my way through rocks at speed. It was also there that I noticed something off with the bike’s shock tune: even though I set it up with 30 percent sag (just like I did with the aluminum model), it was bottoming rather easily. A bump up in air pressure to 25 percent sag only made the early stroke harsh, as did increasing the number of clicks on the shock’s compression adjuster. I was fairly certain that the shock just needed less air volume, and that was confirmed when I got the bike back home a week later. I swapped the small volume spacer for a medium-sized one that, along with lighter compression damping settings in the 9-8 click-out range, really got things feeling good. I even experimented with the largest spacer, but that will likely be reserved for heavier and/or ultra-aggressive riders.
The Release is available now and is one of Diamondback’s first models to be featured on the company's Custom Studio website. There, for an extra cost, you can customize colors and components such as stems, bars, drivetrains, wheels, suspension, saddles, pedals, and dropper posts. Suspension tuning add-ons such as ShockWiz monitors and MRP’s Ramp Control will also be available. Diamondback is also offering this bike (and others) consumer-direct, where the bike can be purchased from its website and shipped to you, prebuilt and tuned in a custom box or delivered via Beeline mobile bike service at no extra charge (in locations where the service is available).
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