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Diamondback Release 29″ version of their Level Link full suspension MTB

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Diamondback has done well with their Catch & Release series, and for good reason – the bikes offer an impressive level of performance for the price. We thoroughly enjoyed our time on the Release C4. So much so, Michael was very sad to send it back. One thing missing from the lineup however was the ability to run bigger wheels. Until now, of course. Diamondback Release 29" version of their Level Link full suspension MTB

With the introduction of the Release 29, Diamondback is moving their Level Link suspension into larger wheeled territory. Running 130mm of rear travel and 140mm of travel up front out of Fox 34 suspension forks, the Release 29 should be solidly in the trail/All Mountain category. We expect similar performance out of the Level Link suspension system, which is to say excellent pedaling with ample control on big hits.

Diamondback Release 29" version of their Level Link full suspension MTB Diamondback Release 29" version of their Level Link full suspension MTB

Like the initial Release release, the Release 29 is only available in aluminum… for now. We’d have to assume that a carbon frame is in the works, because why not?

Diamondback Release 29" version of their Level Link full suspension MTB Diamondback Release 29" version of their Level Link full suspension MTB

Release 29 3

Offered in four sizes, the top end Release 29 3 includes a Fox Performance Float DPX2 rear shock and Fox 34 Performance Float fork with Grip damper. Other highlights include a 1×11 Shimano XT drivetrain with XT hydraulic brakes, DB Blanchard rims with Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II 29×2.3″ EXO tires, and a KS LEV Si dropper for $3,299.99.

Diamondback Release 29" version of their Level Link full suspension MTB

Release 29 2

The Release 29 2 on the other hand features a Fox Float DPS Performance shock with EVOL LV air sleeve and Fox Rhythm 34 fork with Grip Damper up front. A Shimano SLX 1 x 11 drivetrain with RaceFace crank propels the bike and SLX hydraulic brakes slow things down. Diamondback Blanchard rims are wrapped in Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II 29×2.3″ EXO tires, and a KS E30i dropper rounds out the build for $2,699.99.

Both bikes will be available this April.

diamondback.com

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#THELEGENDMTB
5 years ago

Just to be clear I’m a huge fan of DB in general, I love my Haanjo and SUPER LOVE my Release 5C, plus DB is an awesome company to deal with if you need anything. That being said this is a truly sad release (pun intended).

Sadly this is just a Catch with 29″ wheels, nothing really new here. Check the geo charts, all the measurements are exactly the same, aside from HA which is just tweaked because of the longer fork, so essentially all DB did was rebrand the Catch as the Release 29. Truly sad, because as you pointed out the Level Link is an awesome design, but they dropped the ball here. Heck even their own sponsored rider Eric Porter has used 29″ wheels on the Catch frame, check his instagram. So long story short if you have a Catch, you already have a Release 29.

Maybe DB can redeem themselves with the new Level Link Mission Pro later on this year. Fingers crossed.

DINGDANG
DINGDANG
5 years ago
Reply to  #THELEGENDMTB

Good eye on that Legend. Not really sure why DB has been reluctant with 29″ development…..They went all in with 27.5 and it was a mistake in my opinion. Plus they gotta get better at keeping stuff in stock. Any of the bikes you’d want to buy are out-of-stock for loooooooong periods of time. Not ideal for a direct to consumer brand – IMO.

Which is a bummer because they make some great stuff and many a model is a great entry-level bike for new riders……

Mikey
Mikey
5 years ago

The geometry does look a bit old school.

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