After introducing the aluminum Release, Diamondback fans had just one question – when does it come in carbon? The Release C4 is Diamondback’s lower priced answer. Its monocoque carbon frame relies on the same geometry as it’s aluminum predecessor – other than a .3-mm increase in stack and reach – and features their Level Link Suspension system.
The attention to detail Diamondback put into their new Release C4 shines as it’s unpacked and assembled. And it even includes quality accessories that will help novice and experienced riders get the most out of their new ride…
At the front end you’ll find a 1.5″ tapered headtube and internal cable routing that feeds into the downtube.
A threaded BSA bottom bracket gets ISCG-05 tabs and an integrated downtube guard. The frame is built with Boost spacing which puts a 148 x 12mm Maxle in the back and a 110 x 15mm axle at the fork. It’s designed with an asymmetrical rear triangle and seat tube, and its paint is a mix of silver/gray and raw carbon.
The Build
As we were emptying the box, we found a goody-box that contained more than the standard owners manual and cheap plastic pedals. Instead, we found a nice aluminum flat pedal set with replaceable pins in addition to tubeless valve stems, a spare derailleur hanger, front fender, shock pump and even – what appears to be – a tailgate guard which protects the downtube when shuttling. Each seems to be high quality, minus the front fender which is could be made from thicker plastic. Also, our preproduction unit didn’t come with a torque wrench and driver bit set, but consumers can expect to find them included.
The Release C4 can be assembled following Diamondback’s 4-step system and the provided tools. We swayed from their program to get the best build out of what was provided – which means greasing and torquing most everything. During the build process, we had to slightly true the wheels and add grease to a handful of parts, but ultimately the bike came well tuned and would work well for those following Diamondback’s instructions. The tubeless conversion was simplified thanks to its pre-taped rims and provided valve stems. We found a pump and air canister fell short of setting the bead so an air compressor may be the move if looking to go tubeless with the provided tires.
C4 Specs:
The bike is fitted with a Fox Float Performance level fork with 150-mm of travel and a tapered steer tube. Again it’s sporting a Boosted 110 x 15-mm thru axle. In the back, a Fox Float DPS shock offers 130mm of travel. It’s running a 1×11 Shimano SLX drivetrain with a Raceface AEffect Cinch crank and an 11-46T cassette paired with 30T chainring. Also, its Shimano Deore hydraulic brakes provide stopping power on 180-mm rotors front and back.
The cockpit is rounded off with Diamondback’s DB35 stem and 780-mm handlebar with locking Ergon GE10 grips. It also has a LEV SI dropper post with 150mm travel (size large) and routes its cable internally to its Southpaw remote. The bike rolls on Diamondback’s Blanchard 28R aluminum wheels with tubeless ready 27.5 x 2.3″ Maxxis DHF (front) & DHR II (rear).
Diamondback C4 Weight:
The fully built large frame with a tubeless setup weighs in at 30lbs 14oz. Removing the tubes alone saved about a pound before adding sealant. All-in-all the unboxing experience was impressive and showed how much a brand like Diamondback is willing to compete. At $3,000 the C4 may be an all mountain bike to consider. We’ll find out in the coming months as we pedal towards the full review.
