Comments on: Diamondback Performance Hybrid Insight 1 ‘08 Bicycle Review

By: Dave in PA

Dave in PA — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 13:00:06 +0000

Wow! I was thinking about replacing my 20 year old 10 speed Spalding Dynasty, but I think I’ll clean it up and stick with it. This Diamondback sounds like a piece of junk with basic defects that you guys are in denial and are rationalizing your way around in any which way. Needing to replace the rear wheel because the spokes break and the rim contorts is acceptable? And squeaking brakes being a safety feature because they make pedestrians aware of your approach!?! You’re kidding, right? Would you consider buying this bike again?

By: Ivan in Seattle

Ivan in Seattle — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 04:22:37 +0000

I’ve had this bike for about a year and a half now. I rode it the first year I had it daily to work and school. It worked well for me. I also replaced the rear wheel not because the spokes were breaking but more so because the wheel itself started getting really out of shape and needed to be replaced. I find myself geting lots and lots of flats, I think I am doing something wrong when I instal new tubes but it hasnt happened for awhile now. I added a few lights, fenders, an air pump for the presta valves and a new seat. Wanting to start riding again, I pulled the bike out last night and I think the crankset ned to either be cleaned or replaced. Hopefully cleaned because to replace it would cost about 1/2 of what I paid for the bike itself! The whole drivetrain system is getting kind of rusty and squeely so I’m thinking of getting a new bike. All in all though, this was my transportation for 1 year straight and I really punished this bike and it just kept on going, I’d definately reccomend it especially for the price. Great video and info!

By: Paul

Paul — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:34:13 +0000

I bought this bike for commuting and it has worked wonderfully.
I have added fenders, a rear rack and lights, swapped out the pedals, seatpost and seat.

I had the squeaky brake problem too, and I found that taking a bit a fine sandpaper to the pads once in a while stopped the squeak.

I also had the spoke breaking problem on the rear wheel. Maybe a factory default. Anyway bought a new wheel with stronger spokes and the problem is solved. Actually I had a new rim relaced at my local shop. The guys at BicycleWarehouse did a great job.

It is a great commuter bike. The upright position is a bit of a drag when it is really windy so I added aerobars.

It is a very well preforming bike for the price. I currently have 3,300 miles on mine.

By: Mark

Mark — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:43:33 +0000

I commute to work sometimes on this bike and have noticed some of the same pros and cons. Overall, it’s a great bike for the price. I added a rack on back and lights on front and back. It needs another hole for mounting fenders if I decide to do that. The front brake does squeal but it can be manipulated to not be quite so obnoxious. I have noticed the slight clicking when pedaling but I will try your solution (a lot depends on who originally assembled the bike).

I’ve also had the chain pop off when downshifting into the first gear a couple times. You can avoid this by learning how to pedal exactly when you shift the gear. It just takes some practice.

All in all, I’ve learned to deal with the bikes eccentricities and appreciate it saving me money on my trips to work. I’m very happy with the bike but I think I would look carefully at the Trek 7.2 FX if I had to do it all over again.