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2018 Diamondback

Release 4C Carbon

A 27.5″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price

$2,999
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 130 / 150mm
ForkFox Performance Float 34
ShockFox Float DPS Performance
Wheels27.5″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 11
GroupsetSLX
BrakesShimano Deore Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Release 4C Carbon
Other Trail bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

22 mph

Release 4C Carbon

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
SM

5'2" – 5'8"

MD

5'6" – 5'11"

LG

5'10" – 6'3"

XL

6'1" – 6'7"

🐐 Estimated

Rider Fit Notes

None yet.

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Reviews

Summary

The Diamondback Release series is celebrated for its high value, offering modern trail bike features at competitive prices. Reviews highlight its playful and responsive ride quality, efficient pedaling, and capable suspension system, making it a versatile choice for a variety of terrain. While some models may lack in plowing power on rugged descents or have minor geometry quirks, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, praising its performance and fun factor.

Pros
  • High value with modern features and technology

  • Playful and responsive ride quality

  • Efficient pedaling and capable suspension

  • Versatile for a variety of terrain

  • Reliable and fun

Cons
  • Lacks 'plowing power' on rugged descents

  • Some models are quite heavy

  • Geometry may feel short in reach for some riders

Key Quotes
"This is one of the most fun bikes I’ve ever ridden."
BIKE Magazine logoBIKE Magazine
The Release 29 2 is a versatile trail bike that’s also a good value.
Bicycling
One of the best trail bikes I’ve ridden.
Bikerumor logoBikerumor
With impeccable all-around performance Diamondback’s Release 5c is darn close to the definition of a modern mountain bike
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
The Release is a damn fun bike.
Freehub logoFreehub

Feedback?

View all reviews

Pinkbike
Diamondback Release 3 - Review

May 2018 · Richard Cunningham

This affordable mid-travel all-mountain shredder competes with machines that cost much more.

Highs
  • This is what a trail bike should ride like

  • Contemporary geometry

  • Pedal-friendly suspension

Lows
  • Needs more aggressive rubber

  • Shock could use more bottom-out resistance

  • Wishing for a down-tube bottle mount

Read Review

Loam Wolf
Review: Diamondback Release 5C

Apr 2018

Diamondback Release 5C The Fireball Words and Photos by Drew Rohde Back in 2016 I attended a Diamondback Release media camp in Santa Barbara, CA. A large group of MTB journalists were gathered to see a prepped and ready Diamondback ready to return to their

Read Review

Freehub
Diamondback Release 5C // Bike Review

Apr 2018 · Spencer Johnson

In the last five years bike standards have jumped up substantially—to the point it’s hard to buy a bad bike. We should consider ourselves lucky that the bike industry is full of passionate companies all creating designs that have their own flavor. Now days, it is often less a question of “Is this bike good?” but rather, “Is this bike good for me?” Nearly every combination of wheel size, travel and suspension platform is available, so it’s simply a matter of determining how each one of these factors matches with personal preference and riding style. Originally released in 2016, Diamondback’s Release is perhaps best classified as a decently slack, mid-travel bike designed for all-around ripping. With the 2018 model, Diamondback has now taken the Release to the next level: carbon. They’ve stuck with the bike’s signature Level Link suspension—a game-changer from their previous platforms—and a nearly identical geometry. Every notable and lovable factor of the original Release still stands, the bike is now just lighter and noticeably more stiff.

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Mountain Bike Action
Review - Diamondback Release 5C

Jan 2018 · McCoy

Consumer direct, carbon fiber trail bike for under $4,500? You're not dreaming.

Read Review

BIKE Magazine
Bible Review: Diamondback Release Carbon 4C

Jan 2018

The Release Carbon 4C goes where no other carbon bike has gone before — a budget price point.

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MTBR
Diamondback Release Carbon 5C review

Oct 2017 · Kurt Gensheimer

This fun, efficient, and highly capable 27.5 trail bike delivers going up and down and can be had at a very competitive price. - Mtbr.com

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Bikerumor
Diamondback Release Carbon is the Level Link bike you hoped for - and it's affordable

Oct 2017 · Steve Fisher

Considering that the aluminum Release 27.5 is already Diamondback’s best selling trail bike, it’s hardly surprising to see that two carbon models have just been announced. Diamondback is being pretty competitive price-wise with these bikes; the base model Release Carbon will sell for $3000 USD, and the higher-end 5c model offers pretty good value for …

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Bicycling
The New Diamondback Carbon Release is Lighter, Stiffer, and Now Available Consumer-Direct

Sep 2017 · Ron Koch

Diamondback launches a lighter, stiffer Carbon Release trail bike, along with a new custom and consumer direct program

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Carbon Release 27.5, Monocoque Carbon Front and Rear Triangle, 130mm Travel, Level Link Suspension Platform, Euro Standard Threaded BB, ISCG-05 Tabs, Boost 148x12mm Maxle Drop Out, 1.5" Tapered Headtube, Post Mount Disc Tabs

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

Fork

Fox 34 Performance Float, 27.5", 150mm Travel, Grip 3 Position Dampener, Rebound Adjust, 1.5" Tapered Steerer, 110x15mm Thru-axle

Travel150mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

Fox Float DPS EVOL LV, Performance, 3 Position Lever, 200x57mm

Travel130mm

Bottom Bracket

Raceface Outboard Bearing

Headset

FSA No. 57 Sealed Cartridge

Stem

DB35 Alloy, 40mm Reach, 35mm Bar Bore

Handlebar

DB35 Alloy, 780mm Wide, 15mm Rise, 35mm Bar Bore

Saddle

WTB Volt Race

Seatpost

KS LEV SI Internal Dropper, w/ SouthPaw Remote, 31.6mm, SM/MD = 125mm, LG/XL = 150mm

TypeDropper

Pedals

DB4L Alloy Platform w/ Replaceable Pins

Grips

Ergon GE10 Lock-On

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano SLX M7000, Shadow Plus, 11 Speed

Crank

Raceface Æffect Cinch w/ Steel 30T "Narrow Wide"

Shifters

Shimano SLX M7000, 11 Speed

Cassette

Shimano SLX M7000, 11 Speed, 11-46T

Chain

KMC X11EL, 11 Speed

Chain Guide

N/A

Brakes

Shimano Deore M6000 Hydraulic Disc, w/ 180mm Front / 180mm Rear RT-66 Rotors

TypeShimano Deore Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano Deore M6000

Wheels
Rims

Diamondback Blanchard 28R, Tubeless Compatible, 32h

Spokes

14g Stainless Steel

Front Hub

32h Alloy, Boost 110x15mm Thru-axle, Sealed Cartridge Bearing

Rear Hub

32h Alloy, Boost 148x12mm Thru-axle, 5 Sealed Cartridge Bearing, Cassette

Tires

Maxxis Minion DHF 27.5x2.3" EXO, TLR, Folding / Maxxis Minion DHR 27.5x2.3" EXO, TLR, Folding

Rider Notes
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First added March 7

Last updated September 3

Not listed for 2,825 days