Diamondback

Overdrive Carbon Complete Mountain Bike

Through the use of hydroformed aluminum and astute, calculated geometry, Diamondback could already consider its rightful place reclaimed. However, not one to rest on its laurels, Diamondback sought to improve upon its XC platform by sprinkling some carbon fiber into the mix. In fact, it pulled heavy influence from its lauded Podium road series for this mission. As a result, the Overdrive Carbon Complete Mountain Bike was born. It's not just ready for all-mountain, it's race ready.

Using the same geometry as the aluminum Overdrive, Diamondback constructed this frame using its Advanced Monocoque Molding Process (AMMP). The monocoque process means that carbon plies are hand wrapped around a polystyrene pre-formed core. This core is designed using a plastic bladder in the shape of the tubing segment. And to ensure that the mold is precise during the layup process, the emerging product is surrounded with a plastic cavity. Silicone mandrel shells are then used to reinforce critical joints such as the head tube and bottom bracket, as they create smoother overlapping carbon fibers at these junctures. The final product is a one-piece frame, not a series of tubes that are joined in a separate process. As a result, the frame provides a stiff, responsive, and agile ride quality, which is further enhanced through the incorporation of a 12x142mm thru-axle compatibility. And furthering this concept, Diamondback also included post-mount disc tabs and a tapered head tube. The latter increases torsional stiffness, which creates precise steering and maneuverability.

The geometry of the Overdrive Carbon was perfected for cross country racing. The sloping top tube provides optimal stand-over clearance. Meanwhile, a 71 degree head angle, combined with a 73 degree seat tube angle, provides a very aggressive geometry that's geared towards hard power transfers. This has been furthered by the short 440mm chainstays, which also equate to a snappy handling across everything that the trail throws at you. And to enhance the monocoque frame and race-ready geometry, Diamondback paired the Overdrive with a FOX 32 FLOAT CTD 29 ES fork. This fork features 100mm of travel and FOX's CTD dampener with five different compression settings that optimize your ride depending on your speed. The included 15mm thru-axle also works to increase front end stiffness for enhanced steering and traction.

In terms of the build kit of the Overdrive, you could easily summarize it as "purpose-built." Starting at the shifting, you'll find that Diamondback included SRAM X5 3x10 shifters, a X5 High-Clamp front derailleur, and a X7 long-cage rear derailleur. Stopping duties are handled by Avid Elixir 1 levers and hydraulic calipers, which stop 180mm front/ 160mm rear Avid rotors. Propelling the bike forward is a 44/33/22t SRAM X5 PF30 crankset, PC-1031 chain, and an 11-36t PG-1030 cassette. Meanwhile, the Overdrive rolls on 32-hole Diamondback SL7 M-Series wheels that have been cased in 2.2-inch WTB Wolverine Race tires. These wheels feature a 15mm QR front axle and a 12x142mm rear thru-axle. Rounding out the build is a full Diamondback cockpit that consists of a DB Lazer Series handlebar, a DB 3D Forged stem, a D Micro Adjust seatpost, and a DB Race M-series saddle.

The Diamondback Overdrive Carbon Complete Mountain Bike is available in the color Red and in four sizes from Small to X-Large.