Meet Diamondback's brand new all-mountain line of bikes. There are three models in the line that include the Mission 1 at the low end (around $1600), Mission 2 (around $2200), and the high end Mission 3 (around $2600). The frames are all the same with the part spec (and color) being the only thing that differentiates the line.
I rode the Mission 3 which weighs in at just under 30 pounds. The bike is spec'ed with Sram X-9 trigger shifters and Hayes HFX-9 Carbon Hydraulic Disc Brakes. For a six inch travel bike it pedals quite efficiently uphill thanks to the innovative Knucklebox rear suspension design. The Knuklebox's parts are small and stiff providing
plenty of lateral stiffness which helps the bike track well on the trail.
Front suspension is handled by the Rockshox Pike 454 140mm Dual Air Fork. With this much plushness I expected to reach for the lockout but never felt the need as the fork did not feel squishy at all.
All in all, this bike felt good from the start and is worth a test ride when you are looking for a six inch travel bike.
