Is it about performance or is it about envy? Only you know the true answer. Either way the Podium 5 is the stuff that dreams are made out of. First comes the all new, AMMP Carbon Monocoque Competition Road frame that is exceptionally lightweight without compromising the nimble feel that every race bike should have. Second comes the FSA GOSSAMER Racing Double BB30 Crank set. Round that all out with Shimano 105 derailleurs, brakes, and 10-speed dual control shifters and the set of aerodynamic Easton Road wheels become icing on the cake. Affordable and lightweight - that's the name of this game.
Product Features
- AMMP Carbon Monocoque Competition Road Frame
- AMMP CFT Carbon Podium Fork w/ Carbon Taper Steerer Tube
- FSA GOSSAMER Racing Double BB30 Crankset
- Shimano 105 Derailleur?s & 10-Spd Dual Control Shifters
- Easton Road Wheel Set
I received my 2012 Pod 5 as a warranty replacement for a 2011 Pod 5
(cracked chainstay), which is my only other modern road bike. I don't
have the broad base of experience needed to give an objective
comparison, but I've put nearly 1,700 miles on this bike, and here are
some things to consider.
Diamondback handled the warranty replacement with no hassle. It happened between model years, so it took a while (10 weeks), but I ended up with a 2012, so no complaints.
The matte carbon frame looks very good. The black drivetrain components and restrained graphics are a nice touch.
The carbon fiber frame acts as a sounding board for every creak, click, and tick. My bottom bracket was assembled with not-enough lubrication, and the resulting creaking was intense. (Problem fixed with proper lubrication.) When I steer, my cables tap together audibly. I've heard other bikes with similarly loud frames, but this one seems to be the loudest.
The frame geometry includes a steeply sloped and curved top tube - about 2 cm more drop than the 2011, which itself had a significant drop. That means that you'll have a lot of seat post showing. At maximum extension, my 60-cm bike has ~845 mm distance from BB to top of seat.
It comes with a 53/39 chainring and 11/25 cassette. Many similar bikes use compact chainrings (50/34). If you ride hills, you may consider lower gearing - I'm using an 11/28 cassette.
Overall, this bike seems to be fully competent. It's light (19-20 lbs for the 60 cm), the 105's work cleanly, the wheels stay true, the brakes are adequate. I ride with a group that includes racers on some pretty high-end equipment, and it's not the bike holding me back.
GET YOUR Diamondback 2012 Podium 5 Road Bike HERE>
Diamondback handled the warranty replacement with no hassle. It happened between model years, so it took a while (10 weeks), but I ended up with a 2012, so no complaints.
The matte carbon frame looks very good. The black drivetrain components and restrained graphics are a nice touch.
The carbon fiber frame acts as a sounding board for every creak, click, and tick. My bottom bracket was assembled with not-enough lubrication, and the resulting creaking was intense. (Problem fixed with proper lubrication.) When I steer, my cables tap together audibly. I've heard other bikes with similarly loud frames, but this one seems to be the loudest.
The frame geometry includes a steeply sloped and curved top tube - about 2 cm more drop than the 2011, which itself had a significant drop. That means that you'll have a lot of seat post showing. At maximum extension, my 60-cm bike has ~845 mm distance from BB to top of seat.
It comes with a 53/39 chainring and 11/25 cassette. Many similar bikes use compact chainrings (50/34). If you ride hills, you may consider lower gearing - I'm using an 11/28 cassette.
Overall, this bike seems to be fully competent. It's light (19-20 lbs for the 60 cm), the 105's work cleanly, the wheels stay true, the brakes are adequate. I ride with a group that includes racers on some pretty high-end equipment, and it's not the bike holding me back.
GET YOUR Diamondback 2012 Podium 5 Road Bike HERE>
Keine Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen