Diamondback has been very slow to add 29er wheels to their carbon bikes, with the upcoming Yowie short-travel trail bike being the first to mix carbon with big wheels. Which means, for now, the best carbon fiber mountain bike you can get from the brand is their Release 5C, a 130mm travel Level Link trail bike…
For 2022, it gets some decent spec updates to toughen things up. Cranks are updated to SRAM Descendant 7k with a DUB bottom bracket. Those are turning a GX Eagle 12-speed group.
The wheels are now updated to Novatec hubs with e*Thirteen LG1 EN+ rims with 30mm internal width, wrapped with their grippy, tough TRS Race SS 27.5×2.35″ trail tires.
The cockpit gets a lighter Race Face Turbine handlebar and Aeffect stem, and the WTB saddle rails are upgraded to chromoly. Seatpost is a KS Lev Integra dropper.
The rear’s 130mm of travel is paired with a 150mm Fox 36 Performance Elite FIT4 fork. They even include CNC’d pedals with sealed cartridge bearings, so you’re ready to roll right out the box.
Retail is $5,200 and while it’s listed as out of stock as of this post going live, Diamondback seems to be getting bikes in all the time, and you can get on their waiting list to be notified when they have more. They also have a dealer locator if you’re feelin’ lucky.
If you’re only into 29ers, we feel ya, and there are alloy versions of the Release with bigger wheels now, and they hinted there might be some other carbon bikes in the works, but maybe not something you wanna hold your breath for.
