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Diamondback Release Carbon is the Level Link bike you hoped for – and it’s affordable

Diamondback Release Carbon 5c 130mm trail bike, red, side
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Considering that the aluminum Release 27.5 is already Diamondback’s best selling trail bike, it’s hardly surprising to see that two carbon models have just been announced. Diamondback is being pretty competitive price-wise with these bikes; the base model Release Carbon will sell for $3000 USD, and the higher-end 5c model offers pretty good value for its spec as well.

It seems the brand’s Level Link suspension platform has rung a bell with riders. At the sag point the Release’s lower link sits parallel to the chain while the upper link rests vertically, which helps isolate the suspension inputs from drivetrain forces. I checked out the aluminum Release last spring and found it did strike an impressive balance between efficient pedalling and gobbling up hits from the trail.

Diamondback Release Carbon 5c, rear angle

The Release Carbon’s frame features monocoque front and rear triangles, with 130mm of rear travel provided by the Level Link short link four-bar suspension platform. Diamondback says the frame has been made stiffer in key areas, yet remains lighter than the aluminum version. As for fittings, the frames use 148x12mm Boost rear spacing, threaded BB shells, and include ISCG 05 tabs for chain guides. The dropper post and derailleur cables are routed internally, but the rear brake cable remains external.

Diamondback Release Carbon 5c, upper linkage

Diamondback Release Carbon 5c, lower Level Link

Full geometry is available on Diamondback’s website, but here’s some key figures- The Release Carbons have a 66° head tube and a 73° seat tube, which isn’t quite as slack/steep as some newer bikes but still fits the mold. Following the longer front end trend, the top tube length on a medium is 610mm, and the chainstays are 425mm (on all frame sizes).

Diamondback Release Carbon 5c 130mm trail bike, front angle
©Earl Harper

Both models of the Release Carbon boast an up-to-date parts spec with 110x15mm Boost spaced forks, 1x drivetrains, wide rims, 40mm stems and 780mm bars. The S/M sizes get 125mm dropper posts, while the L/XL frames come with the 150mm versions: either way a Southpaw Remote lever is included.

The top-notch 5c model (above) is equipped with a 150mm Fox 36 Performance Elite Float fork and a Fox DPX2 rear shock that’s been custom-tuned for this frame. It features some high-end goodies like a Sram Eagle X01 drivetrain, Truvativ Descendant carbon cranks, Guide RS brakes with 180mm rotors and a KS Lev Integra dropper post. Raceface supplies their Aeffect R bars and stem and Arc30 rims with Maxxis Minion 2.5” DHF and 2.4” DHR tires. The 5c also includes an MRP XCG bashguard and a pair of DB4L platform pedals.

Diamondback Release Carbon 4c 130mm trail bike, silver, front angle
©Earl Harper

The entry-priced 4c model gets a Fox 34 Performance Float fork matched to a Fox Float DPS EVOL LV rear shock. Other key components include an 11-speed Shimano SLX drivetrain, a Raceface Aeffect crank, Shimano Deore brakes on 180mm rotors, and Diamondback Blanchard 28R rims wrapped with a pair of 2.3” Maxxis Minions. The 4c comes with a KS Lev SI dropper post, and Diamondback’s DB35 handlebar/stem combo and DB4L pedals.

Diamondback Release Carbon 5c, with Raceface Sixc bars
*Photos and video courtesy of Diamondback

If the standard builds aren’t exactly what you want, buyers can personalize their bikes through Diamondback’s Custom Studio. There are plenty of options for upgrading wheels, cockpit components, brakes, pedals, tires and more.

Bikes ordered online can be shipped to over 100 countries and arrive 95% assembled. Buyers can also have bikes delivered and assembled by Beeline Mobile Delivery Service at no extra charge (where available).

The entry-level 4c is sure to raise some eyebrows with a competitive price tag of $3000 USD. The higher end 5c will retail for $4400. Diamondback even throws in a shock pump, torque wrench, tubeless valves, a mud guard and a spare derailleur hanger. The 5c model comes in Red only, and the 4c in Silver. Frames are available in sizes S-XL.

Now that you’ve got the info on the bikes, check out the new “Skidsville” video from Mike Hopkins. Hopkins is becoming quite the filmmaker, having claimed film festival awards and a few hundred thousand views for his Dreamride and Dreamride 2 projects. This new short takes a nostalgic look at where the thrill of riding begins and how it only grows as we get bigger and better.

diamondback.com

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15 Comments
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Michael
Michael
7 years ago

Looks very interesting. Also looks like they got their inspiration from Santa Cruz where the VPP link is replaced with the Level Link.
But if the price is rigtht, I would definitely buy one.
Wonder if they will be available in Denmark?

Mechanic
Mechanic
7 years ago
Reply to  Michael

Only like VPP in the sense that it has 2 links and works very well. The philosophy and kinematics are different.

Bob
Bob
7 years ago

Would be nice if you threw in the weights. Did not see them on the DB website either.

The Dude
The Dude
7 years ago
Reply to  Bob

How much do you weigh? That is more relevant than 1-2lbs in a bike’s weight.

Chader
Chader
7 years ago
Reply to  The Dude

I weigh 145lbs… now can I know how much the bike weighs… PLZ?

Mechanic
Mechanic
7 years ago

My mass is 5kg; so now the bike’s mass is relevant. 😉

Heffe
Heffe
7 years ago

What does the frame weigh?

Ted Sanchez
Ted Sanchez
7 years ago

why list the TT length no one cares about that. Reach. We need reach.

Smale Rider
Smale Rider
7 years ago

TT length is always relevant on bikes if you plan on sitting ever.

G
G
7 years ago

Frame weight is irrelevant unless you are a top level racer. If weight bothers you while riding, loose some weight yourself, get rid of all that junk in your pack, don’t carry 3l of water on an hour’s ride…. and take a dump. Easier, cheaper and your bike won’t break….

PabloE432
PabloE432
7 years ago
Reply to  G

Did you come up with that yourself? I’m sure nobody here has ever heard that before.

ELEVEN
7 years ago
Reply to  PabloE432

It’s true but

ReleaseRider
ReleaseRider
7 years ago

Diamondback claims frame weights will be roughly 0.5 lbs. less than that of the alloy Releases of the same frame size. As delivered the alloy Release 3 is actually lighter than both carbon models (lighter suspension and drivetrain more than compensates for the heavier frame) and is currently $500 cheaper than the carbon 4C. If you want to build up the ultimate lightweight Release you can do better starting with a carbon model and then throwing lots of money at it, but out of the box the Release 3 actually looks like the better bike.

Adrian
Adrian
6 years ago
Reply to  ReleaseRider

According to DB, the carbon models weight 3 lbs. less then the Release 3.

Nick
Nick
6 years ago

There’s a lot a mis-information here. For one the concept is very similar to Santa Cruz VPP, this suspension analysis shows they behave almost identically except the release is slightly more progressive and has slightly more rearward axle path: https://youtu.be/23SaezKikDw

I don’t know the actual weight difference but people are quoting 0.5-2lbs difference from the alloy version. So somebody is way off.

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