Diamondback Gets Amped
Diamondback Bicycles, a company that started with great BMX bikes in 1977 in Newbury Park, California. They sponsored some of the best racers and produced some iconic bikes, like the Harry Leary Turbo, with its distinctive gunmetal finish (many called it “black chrome”). The company then got into mountain bikes and eventually gravel, road and triathlon bikes. They’re now under the umbrella of Alta Cycles, which also holds Haibike, Redline, Raleigh and IZIP.
Now, they’ve jumped headfirst into the deep end of electric, with four new e-bikes; the Current, Response, Union 1 and Union 2. Their tagline is “Get amped!”, a play on acoustic vs electric guitars. All four bikes feature Bosch Performance Line Speed motors, with 350W and 85Nm of torque. They’re all Class 3 (28 mph) bikes.
“It has been incredibly exciting to see our hard work, time spent and energy expended come to fruition with this launch,” said Michael Brown, VP of Product Development for Alta Cycling. “Our four new e-bikes will hit a sweet spot in the Diamondback lineup, with a solid combination of high performing components, a streamlined design and unmatched versatility. With options for a wide variety of users, in terms of both end-use and price point, we’re really pleased that these bikes will be at the forefront of Diamondback’s foray into the e-bike market.”
MODELS
The Union 1 is the least expensive of the bunch, at $3500. It features a 400Wh Bosch PowerTube battery and a Purion display. It’s a commuter bike, with fenders, a rack, and a pretty beefy aluminum frame and fork set, with 27.5×2.4″ Schwalbe Super Moto X tires.
The Union 2 is the higher spec model, at $4100. For the extra $600 you’ll get, mostly, integrated lighting and a 500Wh Bosch PowerTube, as well as a Kiox display with all its extra functionality.
The Response changes the frame slightly, adding a RockShox Judy Gold suspension fork with 120mm of travel. There are no fenders and a higher-spec Shimano Deore drivetrain. This bike also comes with a 500Wh PowerTube battery, no integrated lighting, and 27.5×2.8″ Schwalbe Super Moto X tires. The price is also $4100.
The Current is the bike we currently (pun intended) have for review. It features a 500Wh Bosch PowerTube, 700x40c Maxxis Rambler tires, an all aluminum frame and a Shimano GRX 11-speed long cage derailleur. Price on the Current is $4100 (do we detect a theme?).
Stay tuned for more information, we’re working on a full review and some video on the Current.
