Walking around the Sea Otter complex, it was hard to not stop and gawk when anywhere close to the Diamondback tent. The reason for this was the new Mission Pro 27.5 in a blazing orange (they call it Rocket Red) color scheme. It certainly caught our eye. Find out more and when it’s available.

The 2015 Diamondback Mission Pro could be an exciting alternative in the crowded all mountain trail bike market.
The 2015 Diamondback Mission Pro could be an exciting alternative in the crowded all mountain trail bike market.

For 2015, the Mission Pro has a new, redesigned knucklebox configuration, and received larger, 650B wheels. Gaining more performance is the goal for the tweaks in the bike’s design. Diamondback is going all out for the competitive enduro racer with this bike, and also at the aggressive, gravity oriented, all mountain rider who is interested in saving a couple bucks over the other offerings in this crowded segment.

Some tidbits from Diamondback. “The knucklebox is the core of our single pivot four-bar suspension platform. Optimally placed pivots equate to a low leverage ration, and ultimately to superior pedaling efficiency and small bump compliance. Placing the knucklebox low within the frame, situates the greatest weight of the bike closer to the bottom bracket, which lowers the bike’s center of gravity and allows it to track and corner better.” Definitely some marketing speak in the there, but it all sounds good, and if they achieve those goals, then great news for the consumers out there.

Redesigned Knucklebox places the shock in a more horizontal position, and contains proprietary single sided hardware.
Redesigned Knucklebox places the shock in a more horizontal position, and contains proprietary single sided hardware.
Detail of the Knucklebox, with single sided hardware
Detail of the Knucklebox, with single sided hardware.
Underside of down tube gets some nice graphic work on it
Underside of down tube gets some nice graphic work on it
Rear pivots on 2015 Mission Pro
Rear pivots on 2015 Mission Pro
Race Face Next Sl carbon cranks, very light at 425 gr
Race Face Next SL carbon cranks, very light at 425 gr
You won't forget what brand of bike you're riding when aboard the Mission Pro
You won’t forget what brand of bike you’re riding when aboard the Mission Pro

We didn’t get the chance to ride the bike at Sea Otter. You can read up on last year’s bike, with our review here. The Mission should be available in late May. Pricing is $6500 for “Pro” model,(pictured here, nicely equipped with SRAM X01, Race Face Next SL cranks, Shimano XT brakes, Fox front and rear Kashima suspension, Easton Haven wheel set, and Schwalbe Hans Dampf tires) $3300 for the “Two”, and $2800 for the “One”.

photo courtesy Diamondback
Photo courtesy Diamondback.

Words, Photos: Daniel Dunn


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