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Today’s DealsRelease 5C Carbon
A 27.5″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with ultra high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$4,399| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 130 / 150mm |
| Fork | Fox Performance Elite Float 36 |
| Shock | Fox Float DPX2 Performance Elite |
| Wheels | 27.5″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | Truvativ Descendant Carbon, X01 Eagle |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide RS Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
5'2" – 5'8"
5'6" – 5'11"
5'10" – 6'3"
6'1" – 6'7"
🐐 Estimated
None yet.
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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.
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
Lacks 'plowing power' on rugged descents
Some models are quite heavy
Geometry may feel short in reach for some riders
"This is one of the most fun bikes I’ve ever ridden."
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.
With impeccable all-around performance Diamondback’s Release 5c is darn close to the definition of a modern mountain bike
The Release is a damn fun bike.
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May 2018 · Richard Cunningham
This affordable mid-travel all-mountain shredder competes with machines that cost much more.
This is what a trail bike should ride like
Contemporary geometry
Pedal-friendly suspension
Needs more aggressive rubber
Shock could use more bottom-out resistance
Wishing for a down-tube bottle mount

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
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.

Jan 2018 · McCoy
Consumer direct, carbon fiber trail bike for under $4,500? You're not dreaming.
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

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 …

Sep 2017 · Ron Koch
Diamondback launches a lighter, stiffer Carbon Release trail bike, along with a new custom and consumer direct program

Sep 2017
The new Diamondback Release Carbon brings a lower price point for a high end ride.
| 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 Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox 36 Performance Elite Float, 27.5", 150mm Travel, Fit4, 3 Position Dampener, Rebound Adjust, 1.5" Tapered Steerer, 110x15mm Thru-axle Travel: 150mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Fox Performance Elite Float DPX2, 3 Position Lever w/ Open Mode Adjust, LV EVOL, 200x57mm Travel: 130mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM GXP |
| Headset | FSA No. 57 Sealed Cartridge |
| Stem | Raceface Æffect R 35, 40mm Reach, 35mm Bar Bore |
| Handlebar | Raceface Æffect R, 780mm Wide, 20mm Rise, 35mm Bar Bore |
| Saddle | WTB Volt Race |
| Seatpost | KS LEV Integra Internal Dropper, w/ SouthPaw Remote, 31.6mm, SM/MD = 125mm, LG/XL = 150mm Type: Dropper |
| Pedals | DB4L CNC Platform, Sealed Cartidge Bearing w/ Replaceable Pins |
| Grips | Ergon GE1 Lock-On |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM XO1 Eagle, 12 Speed |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | MRP XCG V2 Alloy Bash Guard, 30-36T, ISCG-05 |
| Crank | Truvativ Descendant Carbon, w/ 34T Eagle Chainring |
| Shifters | SRAM XO1 Eagle 12 Speed X-Actuation Trigger |
| Cassette | SRAM XG1295 Eagle, 12 Speed, 10-50T |
| Chain | SRAM XO1 Eagle, 12 Speed |
| Chain Guide | N/A |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide RS Hydraulic Disc, w/ 180mm Front / 180mm Rear Centerline Rotors Type: SRAM Guide RS Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | SRAM Guide RS |
| Rims | RaceFace Arc30, Tubeless Compatible, 32h |
|---|---|
| Spokes | 2.0/1.8/2.0 Butted Stainless Steel |
| Front Hub | Race Face Arc30, Boost front and rear |
| Rear Hub | Race Face Arc30, Boost front and rear |
| Tires | Maxxis Minion DHF 27.5x2.5" EXO, WT, TLR, Folding / Maxxis Minion DHR 27.5x2.4" EXO, WT, TLR, Folding |
First added March 7
Last updated September 3
Not listed for 2,825 days