When looking for a new bike, Diamondback probably isn’t on your “wish list”, but times have changed and they are storming back into the scene with some brilliant new bikes.  Diamondback aren’t just pushing the downhill scene with the Sabath and its g-box system, they now have a full range of XC bikes and some new Hardtails including the Bandito that we have had the pleasure to test. 

When riding this bike I couldn’t believe the price tag for it, the frame feels like it could have the price tag on itself with the strength, ride quality and the adjustability it has.  The short back end makes it easy to manual and control.  It’s also a very easy bike to hop always feeling light and easy to move.  The v-brakes were spot on every time and gave me enough power on street and skate parks.  The forks performed how they should taking out the heavy knocks and not bouncing franticly when pedalling.

You can buy the Bandito, full build for only £379 from, but don’t put it down by its price, you get some really good kit for the money.  You get a incredible bike out of the box which is set up ready to be upgraded if you’re after more than the full build offers.  It’s made from cromolly steel to keep strength to the max with gussets in all the right places without making it too heavy.  The horizontal dropouts have an adjustable disk mount and the frame includes a mech hanger if you wanted to put a mech on.  Unfortunately it’s not replaceable but its short and compact so shouldn’t case any problems if it gets knocked. 

The V8 style pedals give you the grip you need and the RPM El Toro cranks along with the FSA Platinum DH bottom bracket give a sturdy feel and the needed strength.  The forks may not be a well known sort after brand but they do the job in hand well with enough travel for street riding and not making the bike too heavy.  The wheels are Diamondback's own double wall rims with formula hubs which perform well and are relatively strong.  Both wheels use 15mm bolts to hold them on giving extra security.  The freewheel has a single speed converter and the hubs, along with the forks and frame are disk ready making the possibilities of upgrading very easy.  WTB street tyres give great grip but I had to keep them at a high pressure as they do have thin sidewalls.

Brake wise its kitted out with front and rear v-brakes, not the latest in brake design but they work great are easy to maintain and shouldn’t get easily damaged.  The white bars are Diamondback's steel dirt jump bars which are extremely large giving you the option of running them at your own desired length.  The bikes finished off with a neat stem, good set of BMX style grips, a small and very grippy seat and a FSA pig headset.

Diamondback have worked hard with this bike to produce the best performance at the cheapest price.  The components that build the start of a great bike are all there with the strong cranks, bb, headset and frame which alone gives a reason to buy this bike let alone the price tag.  If you’re looking for a cheap street bike or a bike which is easily up gradable this is the one.  This bike doesn’t just perform well, it looks great too with the white and black components and subtle graphics.  Although this is a cheap bike, no expense has been spared in developing it to its highest possible standard.

Check out Diamondback's up and coming rider Lex, who went up against the likes of The Fielders and Chris Smith at the bike show – we will have more from this rider in the future.

Raleigh don’t stop with just the new Diamondback range pushing itself up, they are now importing Unior Bike Tools, and unique and durable luggage range called Vaude and WTB tyres.  We have already had the chance to look at some of these products, so expect some more information soon.

For more information on the Bandito and the rest of the Diamondback range check out www.diamondback.co.uk

SDH