Diamondback

Airén 1 105 Complete Road Bike - 2016

While Diamondback certainly makes some top-end, race-specific whips, not all of us prefer that harsh, stiff, stem-slammed ride and are instead willing to compromise a bit in the raw speed department to gain a big dose of comfort. The 2016 Diamondback Airen 1 105 Complete Road Bike will get down the road fast while still allowing you to comfortably enjoy the scenery as you traverse a century on rolling coastal pavement or toe the line with friends at a gran fondo. With smooth-shifting Shimano 105 11-speed componentry, powerful Avid disc brakes, and HED's 25mm Flanders hoops wrapped in bump-absorbing 28mm Michelin tires, this bike is ready to take on any road or gravel adventure.

Compared to its sibling, the Century, the Airen's frame features slightly different geometry and drastically different sizing options to accommodate smaller-statured riders. With sizes spanning 48 to 56cm compared to the Century's 52 to 60cm range, the Airen provides a high quality ride for smaller riders who may otherwise have difficulty finding a frame that fits. Its slightly longer head tube and slightly shorter top tube creates a more comfortable, upright position, especially for riders with proportionally shorter torsos and reaches.

Diamondback touts this smaller geometry as its Women's Specific Enhanced Performance Geometry, boasting a more relaxed rider posture than a traditional racing frame to reduce stress on your back and neck for more comfort on long rides. Its 7005 alloy construction is light with a smooth, responsive, and efficient ride for confident cornering at speeds and stable handling on meandering roads. The tapered head tube also contributes to the Airen's easy handling while reducing front end flex during hard efforts.

The Airen 1 105 Complete Road Bike also incorporates some small details that lend it versatility for use beyond just recreation. For example, the slightly flattened top tube makes the bike easier to shoulder when traversing a set of stairs during a commute shortcut or climbing down an embankment to dip your feet in a cool mountain brook. It also benefits from the certainty of mechanical disc brakes for extra stopping power and braking confidence when loaded with touring gear or swooping through long, winding descents.