My post got removed from r/bikewrench and they suggested I post over here. I own two bikes for daily commuting. One is a 700c single speed I got for free and did minimal work on to get riding. The other is one is a diamondback I found in the dumpster behind my apartment and decided to use as an opportunity to learn how to fix up bikes. I really like riding my single speed but no mater what I change or fix I can’t seem to like the diamondback.
It just feels so sluggish in comparison, and isn’t quite as comfortable. I’ve replaced the bb(which was destroyed when I found it), the seat, tires, pedals and many other bits and bobs. My plan was to ultimately use this bike as a holder for parts until I find a better frame. It could be the frame is really heavy (32.5 lbs) or the derailleur hanger is slightly bent (still shifts fine) or maybe I’m just not used to a wider/smaller tire. I’m probably just dumb because I’m still learning about bikes but any insight would be greatly appreciated
by pleasedontboofthat
13 Comments
What’s the wheel size on the diamondback?
if it feels sluggish try thinner tyres
>and isn’t quite as comfortable.
judging by the height of the saddle, its too small for you, top tube comes too short and the bars are way too close. just a thought tho.
I think it‘s most likely the frame geometry.
Look at the pictures: your singlespeed has something closer to a classical road geometry with steeper angles (headtube, seattube) and a relatively short wheelbase. The opposite is true for the Diamondback. It‘s an MTB frame with slacker angles and a longer wheelbase despite the smaller wheels.
It‘s not surprising at all that it would feel more sluggish on the road, independent of the tires. The tires will be a factor too, of course.
It’s gonna be sluggish vs the SS. Tire mass is more to spin up. Bike is heavier to accelerate. Maybe the problem really is that it’s not sufficiently more chill than the SS. I’m a big fan of making your bikes as different as possible. A bar with more sweep and rise would help. Try and get the grips above the saddle a bit. Possible cheap stem tweak. I’d also lookup minimum viable pressure to make that boat bounce baby probably 18-20 psi front and 20-24 rear. Then you have a fast/efficient and a slower/comfy bike.
The narrow bars would be a deal breaker for me
I’d throw a taller and longer stem in there and get wider handlebars, but as others have said it might be a little small at the end of the day
It’s the tires, try smaller tires with higher pressure
It’s just a theory but I built a bike this past year that feels so much slower than all my other bikes and the only real difference was using Maxxis DTH with EXO vs the regular DTH (non EXO). I’ve not swapped them out to see if it makes a difference yet, but I’m going to go with that for now.
Here’s my list of what you might not like about your Diamondback:
– could the bent hanger be creating more friction making it harder to pedal?
– I’m not familiar with your drivetrain, how does it shift and coast? Bad shifters or derailleur can make me hate a bike.
– It’s a heavier lower grade of steel so it’s going to be more work on hills and won’t ride as nice.
– Smaller wheels need more pedalling to keep them spinning. They’re also heavier so they’ll have slower acceleration, especially with the heavier tyres.
– Your tyres have a pretty aggressive tread for city riding. If you’re doing most of your riding on paved surfaces they would feel pretty slow compared to your skinny single speed slicks.
– Your handlebars look pretty skinny. Sometimes the wrong bars just don’t feel nice.
– Also could be basic maintenance. Make sure your drivetrain is clean and lubricated, chain is still good and wheel bearings & bottom bracket are lubed.
If you’re not enjoying the Diamondback then you shouldn’t have any trouble selling it and just buy something you’ll enjoy riding instead.
I’m guessing its tire weight. If those are the wire beaded 2.3″ DTH tires then you are looking at 786g per tire. If you want speedy, try a rene herse rat trap pass tire which weighs in at 490g. That will make a significant difference in the feel of the bike.
A lot of old MTBs have stiff, turdly tubes. Contrary to popular belief, bikes that flex are a lot more fun to ride than super stiff bikes. So that is probably a factor here — the bike doesn’t respond as well to your pedaling as the flexier road bike.
Also most old MTBs have crappy geometry for riding around town. I have a tried turning a lot of MTB into townies over the years and only one felt good (1991 GT tachyon)
Two big things:
1.) Get handlebars with more width, sweep, and rise. Unless you’re a roadie that loves an aggressive riding position, you’re setting yourself up for failure with those bars. I know I would be super uncomfortable on your setup. Wald Touring bars are like $20 and do all of those things but there are a lot of options out there.
2.) I don’t think the Maxxis dth are very fast rolling tires. I would consider lighter slicks. I run 2.0
Schwalbe Kojaks on my trek 930 commuter type build and love how fast they feel.