Sync'R 29 Carbon Mountain Bike

Let's face it: high-end mountain bikes can cost as much as a used car when all is said and done. From advancements in frame technology to ultramodern components, a bike that comes with bells and whistles (and a full-suspension) is simply out of reach for many passionate riders. Pushing back on this trend, however, is none other than Diamondback with their launch of the ultra-capable Sync'R 29 Carbon. Featuring a monocoque carbon frame, hungry 29ers, and a progressive geometry that allows the bike to handle the local park and the backcountry trails with ease, the Sync'r Carbon is a jack-of-all-trades two-wheeler that won't burn a hole in your pocket unlike many of its competitors.

Baller on a budget continues to be the name of the game, and the Sync'r Carbon excels in this regard. The lightweight carbon frame is reason enough to celebrate, but high-end features like an internal cable routing system, internal dropper routing, and multiple mounting points for liquid fuel give you room to use this bike in more ways than one. Subtler features such as an access port on the bottom of the frame offer access to the internal routing, and this future-proofs the bike to a certain degree if you'd like to upgrade it with better tech later on.

Move beyond the frame and you'll find components that are also rather astonishing given the price point, the obvious one being the SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, with a range from 10-50T driven by the 32T Eagle chainring, that most bikes at this price would have ditched for the SRAM NX gruppo. The FOX 34 Performance fork with 140mm of travel is also a nice upgrade when compared to, say, the Rhythm 34 that Diamondback could have easily installed instead.

The geometry of the Sync'R Carbon is designed to provide a stable yet flexible ride. The frame's 66° head tube angle and 74° seat tube angle are happy to keep things stable on downhill hits, and the 140mm fork lends a hand here as well. Even more downhill stability is generated by the meaty Maxxis Minion DHF 29ers that offer grip and mud clearance when you need it most. Head back uphill, and the asymmetrical chain is ready to meet the demand as you shift through the gears in rapid fashion. There's no denying this bike is a hardtail at heart, but it's fully prepared to blast on all types of terrain.

• Diamondback's BMX-inspired ride shreds single-track with confidence
• Progressive geometry offers reassurance on varied terrain
• Future-proofed carbon hardtail frame is burly yet playful
• Beefy 29ers eliminate traditional hardtail rigidity
• SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain offers a massive range of usable gears
• Optimal head angle and travel create stability in the air
• FOX suspension offers adjustability for weight, riding style, and terrain