The Diamondback Bicycles Trace St Dual Sport Bike is designed for on-road and off-road use. It’s one of the most affordable bikes in its category, but is it worth your time and money?
There aren’t many specialized hybrid bike reviews about the Diamondback Trace ST. That’s why we’ve come up with this review—to arm you with the right information about this dual (hybrid) bike, so you can make the right decision.
Table of Contents
Features and Specifications
Solid Aluminum Alloy Frame
The butted frame of the Diamondback Bicycles Trace St Dual Sport Bike is made of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, which gives its structural strength and toughness. It’s durable and efficient enough to deal with different terrains, from dirt roads to mountain trails and city streets.
It has a straight-blade steel fork. This adds strength and adequate shock absorption from road imperfections (i.e., cracks and potholes).
The Trace ST can withstand up to 300 pounds of rider and cargo weight. (Just take note that it doesn’t come with a rear rack or front basket.) It’s suitable for riders who are 5 feet and 8 inches to 6 feet and 1 inch tall.
21 Gear Combinations
Live in a hilly area? The Diamondback Bicycles Trace St Dual Sport Bike will make a quick work of those hills, thanks to its Shimano 3×7 speed drivetrain (triple chainring at the front, seven speeds at the back).
It’s also equipped with the Shimano Revo grip shifter, which allows you to change gears by simply twisting the barrel up and down with your thumb and index finger. Whether you’re riding along flat roads or ascending and descending steep roads, it will help you find the right gear every single time.
It has alloy linear V-brakes in place, so you can slow down or completely stop with confidence. A disc brake mount is installed at the back of the frame, just in case you want to upgrade your brake system.
27.5-Inch Wheels and Dual Sport Tires
Like the Diamondback Bicycles Calico St Women’s Dual Sport Bike, the Trace ST has 700x40c dual sport tires fitted to strong, double-walled 27.5-inch DB SL-7 wheels with 32-hole spokes (which offer extra safety margin). These allow good traction on different types of terrains, from the paved roads of the city to unpaved roads with gravel.
Bike Assembly
The Diamondback Bicycles Trace St Dual Sport Bike is shipped to you already 95-percent assembled. Depending on your mechanical skills and bike knowledge, you could assemble the remaining parts and make the necessary adjustments within 30 to 60 minutes.
Other bike details:
- Seat: DB Dual Sport
- Handlebars: flat bars
- Bike weight: 46 pounds
- Dimensions: 40 inches (height) x 70 inches (length) x 26 inches (width)
- Front derailleur: Shimano TZ30 top-swing, dual-pull
- Rear derailleur: 7-speed Shimano Tourney TX35
- What’s included: the bike, owner’s manual, water bottle mounts, clear coat, and chainstay protector
The Good
Easy to Put Together
As what we’ve mentioned above, Diamondback already preassembled this bike when they ship it to you. The remaining of its parts are not that complicated to put together. The estimated assembly time is half an hour to an hour. You could probably do it faster, especially if it’s not your first time to own a bike.
Gives You the Best of Both Worlds
The Trace ST is fully capable of being an urban commuter bike and off-road trail bike. It has all the gear combinations you need to tackle various road obstacles while you commute, exercise, or roam around the countryside or the urban jungle. Although you might want to change the seat if you plan to take longer trips.
All-Terrain Bike
This is intended to ride through a variety of surfaces, whether on smooth, even pavement or rougher gravel paths. But, its more of a road bike more than anything else. If you like a do-it-all commuter bike that’s faster and more efficient on rougher terrains, the Mongoose Reform Comp 700C Wheel Hybrid Bicycle is good for the job.
Ride anywhere worry-free on the Diamondback Bicycles Trace St Dual Sport Bike.
The Bad
Too Heavy
You might have a problem riding the Diamondback Bicycles Trace St Dual Sport Bike on trails because of its heavy weight. Just to give you a good idea. It weighs almost the same as five medium-sized bowling balls. A lighter Diamondback hybrid bike is the Brilliant Bikes Brilliant Bicycle Co – l-Train, which weighs only 27 pounds.
A Few Problematic Components
Two of the common complaints about this hybrid bike are its wheels and chain. The wheels are not of high quality and the chain keeps popping off. Of course, you expect to get the best value for your money. However, you have to keep in mind that this is a budget, entry-level hybrid bike, so expect for it to have not-so-impressive components.
May Need More Stopping Power
The Diamondback Bicycles Trace St Dual Sport Bike may not be safe to ride on wet roads, especially when you’re descending big hills. Consider changing the alloy linear V-brakes to disc brakes, which are generally more efficient in the rain. Softer brake pad compounds also allow you to engage the brakes more effortlessly.
Who Is It For?
The Diamondback Bicycles Trace St Dual Sport Bike is great for commuting on paved and unpaved roads. So, whether you’re a casual urban rider or an off-road enthusiast, it doesn’t disappoint as an entry-level hybrid bike. Add this to your to-consider list if you’re looking for an affordable and efficient commuter hybrid bike.
Conclusion
A few components, particularly the wheels and chain, were a bit problematic. But as a whole, the look, performance, and quality of the Diamondback Bicycles Trace St Dual Sport Bike give the best value for your money. If you’re considering trying hybrid bikes but don’t want to splurge, this is a good option.
Go on a relaxing ride or commute to work effortlessly on the Diamondback Bicycles Trace St Dual Sport Bike.