I bought this after a 30 year hiatus on mountain bikes. I had a good mountain bike, but it felt like I was dragging an anchor, riding on the streets. I tried a Trek 1.2 and a couple of other road bikes before I bought the Diamondback. This bike is light, precise and felt smooth and fast. The shifting is foolproof and precise with the handlebar mounted shifters. Early on, I had some problems with noise from the bottom bracket/crank. Diamondback replaced my 2011 with a new 2012 model for my trouble, which I thought was excellent customer support. Highly recommended.

First, let me start by saying I've been dedicated to riding for 4 years now. In that time I've owned a schwinn prelude (was trying out the sport, horribly heavy bike though), a Trek 1.2 2011, and a 2011 Diamondback Podium 4. I can assure you the diamondback is way better than the entry level Trek. Now, as far as this bike goes, the Podium 3, it has a slightly more relaxed geometry than last years aluminum frames but only a little. Riding last years and this years you be hard pressed to say the previous model was better, in fact I think the opposite. I immediately felt a difference, for the better, as soon as I climbed on board the new road bike. When climbing, there seems to be more leverage or something. So, the bike rides well. The new color scheme has gotten me nothing but thumbs up and lot's of "what kind of bike is that?" and "where can I get one?". Also, the wheels though heavy, are perfect for training on, and look top notch! Aero rims combined with beefy white spokes, looks... Read more