Diamondback created quite a stir when it jumped headfirst into the high-end road market with its first-generation Podium Equipe – a carbon road racer designed to go head-to-head with the big boys. This second-generation bike is a big improvement in many ways with a more refined ride, better handling, and a modicum of aero shaping but the company’s relative newcomer status still shows through in a few key missteps.
Sharper and faster
The wholly redesigned frame unquestionably addresses my biggest criticisms with the previous version. Front triangle stiffness is drastically improved and high-speed handling greatly benefits as a result. Whereas mid-corner bumps could sometimes throw you off-course before, this new version more consistently cuts the desired line for faster, more confident, and safer descending.
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The redesigned Podium Equipe frame is notably stiffer than before – and supposedly 100g lighter, too
In fact, chassis stiffness in general has gotten much better. Under power, the Podium Equipe now feels closer to its mainstream competitors and there’s a lot more ‘snap’ when you mash the pedals – seated or standing. Instead of having to gradually wind things up before, now you can simply pour on the power and get a far quicker return on your investment.
Speaking of speed, Diamondback has also infused the new Podium Equipe with some aero shaping. In particular, the down tube sports a new U-shaped cross-section, the base of the head tube flares outward to smooth airflow coming off of the front brake, and the entire head tube is deeper overall. It’s not enough to be noticeable from the saddle but it’s a welcome change nonetheless.
A top-shelf build kit
Very good but could be better
A question of perception
Complete bike specifications
- Frame: Diamondback DBR AmmP+
- Fork: DBR AmmP+
- Headset: FSA No. 42, 1 1/8-to-1 1/2in tapered
- Stem: HED Grand Tour
- Handlebar tape: DBR Race Gel
- Front brake: Shimano Dura-Ace BR-9000
- Rear brake: Shimano Dura-Ace BR-9000
- Brake levers: Shimano Dura-Ace STI Dual Control ST-9000
- Front derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace FD-9000
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace RD-9000
- Shift levers: Shimano Dura-Ace STI Dual Control ST-9000
- Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace CS-9000, 11-25T
- Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace CN-9000
- Crankset: Shimano Dura-Ace FC-9000, 53/39T
- Bottom bracket: Praxis Cycles Conversion
- Wheelset: HED Jet 4 Flamme Rouge SCT clincher
- Front tire: Continental GP4000s II, 700x23c
- Rear tire: Continental GP4000s II, 700x23c
- Saddle: Prologo Zero II Nack
- Seatpost: Diamondback ODC
- Pedals: n/a
- Weight: 7.00kg (15.43lb, 52cm size, without pedals)
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