Blue Collar Summary
The description of the 2007 Diamondback Response Comp on the Diamondback Web site says, “Hit the trail hard, the Response Comp can take whatever the mountain throws your way…” and that is very true. I’ve told many people who’ve asked about the bike that it is perfect for a beginner rider who doesn’t have the skills of mountain biking down all the way or for a heavier rider of any skill level. The “Stongbox” top and down tubes make this bike one of the toughest mountain bikes out there.

When I first started riding the Diamondback Response Comp I had been out of the saddle for a few months due to the birth of my son. So when I took it out for it’s first ride I was pretty rusty. The Response Comp took all that I could throw at it and just kept on going. Now of course the “Strongbox” frame comes with a downside… the weight. It is a heavy bike but for a novice or heavy rider that weight will keep you from destroying it.

Overall I liked the bike a lot. I like the fact that I can beat on it pretty hard and it is just going to take it without any major breakdowns. It comes with a good set of components for the price, SRAM X-7 front and rear derailleur and X.5 shifters, Avid BB5 Mechanical Disc Brakes and Kenda Klaw Tires. I’m not too crazy about the color and it is only offered in one “Pluto Gold.” The Diamondback Response Comp ’07 is worth every penny that you will pay for it. It will last you a long time and take your abuse smiling.

Disclaimer:
As a product reviewer for BlueCollarMTB, I am providing my unbiased opinion of any products provided to us by any company. I do not posses any type of relationship with the product�s company or parent companies. I am not compensated in any way by companies that send in their goods to be reviewed.

My background:
I am 6 feet tall and 220 pounds (I’m working on that). I do mostly XC riding with the occasional pavement ride when I feel like it. I would classify my skill as intermediate. I’m not a crazy rider, if I think I’m going to wreck I slow down (gotta provide for the Wife and Son).

Testing Grounds:
I have been riding the Diamondback Response Comp ‘07 on local trails that range from easy to expert. The main trail that I ride is Peaks View Park that contains a lot of short steep climbs, roots and fast singletrack. I have also taken the Response Comp to Black Water Creek trail which has miles of paved walking and bike paths and a lot of short easy singletrack. My favorite rides so far have been up on Candlers Mountain in Lynchburg, VA. The trails there are steep and fast at some points and littered with fallen trees which makes for a fun technical ride.

Bike Setup:
There wasn’t much to the setup on the Response Comp ‘07. Some minimal assembly was required and some adjustments here and there but nothing that I couldn’t handle myself.

Sizes SM (16″), MD (18″), LG (20″), XL (22″)
Colors Pluto Gold
Frame DB 6061-T6 heat-treated / OS / butted aluminum frame w/ Strongbox Headtube Junction, “D” fillet gusset, DB Snake Stays, replaceable hanger, H2O Bottle Mounts
Fork Marzocchi MZ Comp 120mm Travel w/ 30.0mm Stanchions
Headset Ahead 1 1/8″
Bottom Bracket Truvativ Power Spline Sealed Cartridge
F. Derailleur SRAM X-7
R. Derailleur SRAM X-7
Shift Lever SRAM SX5 trigger 9spd
Cog Set SRAM PG-950 9spd Cassette (11-34t)
Chain KMC-Z9000
Hubset (F) 32h Alloy w/ CNC Disc Mount (R) 32h Alloy Cassette w/ CNC Disc Mount
Spokes Black 14g Stainless Steel
Rims 32h Sun Ditch Witch w/ eyelets
Tires Kenda Klaw XT 26×2.1
Brakes Avid BB5 Disc w/ 6″ rotors
Brake Levers Avid FR-5
Pedals Alloy Patform
Handlebar Alloy riser
Grips DB D2 Kraton
Stem Alloy Blockhead 4-bolt Ahead
Seatpost Alloy Micro Adjust 30mm
Saddle WTB Pure V Sport
Extras Clear coat, owner’s manual, H20 bottle mounts

Performance and Observations
The first observation I made when pulling the Response Comp out of the box was it’s weight. I turned me off at first but once I got it out on the trail and realized that the weight made for a very durable bike that can take anything I threw at the weight didn’t bother me that much. The weight comes from the “Strongbox” top and down tubes. I’m a fan of the “Strongbox” technology and would recommend it to all beginner and heavier riders.

The Response Comp comes equipped with a Marzocchi MZ Comp front fork with 120mm of travel, which made the rocks and roots a lot less brutal. Adjusting the fork was easy with the knob on the top of the fork. I could reach down and turn while riding if necessary. The Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes worked great as usual. I had to make a few adjustments here and there but I’ve always had good experiences with the Avid BB5’s.

The SRAM components on the bike, X.7 front and rear derailleur and X.5 trigger shifters, worked very well. I’m definitely a fan of SRAM and have their components on all of my bikes. I had no major failures with the SRAM components at all. Kenda supplies their “Big Casing” Klaw tires for the Response Comp. They measure 26 x 2.1 and they are mean looking. The eat up the trail and make cornering very easy.

Strengths:

• Very durable and sturdy
• Great component group for the price range
• Good for the beginner or heavier rider
• Kenda Klaw tires - look mean and perform great
• Very affordable and worth the money

Weaknesses:

• Weight - on the heavy side but worth it if you need the support
• Color - it is only offered in one color and I’m not a fan