News

Spotted at Sea Otter: 2015 Diamondback Mission Pro 27.5

22.04.2014
by
diamondback mission pro 650b 27


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

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.

You may also like

ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

ENDURO is the leading magazine for mountain bike technology and the modern trail riding lifestyle. We cover high-end bikes, global trends, and technical innovations – in-depth, bold, and always with an eye on the bigger picture. Our editorial approach speaks to everyone who sees mountain biking not just as a sport, but as a way of life. We view bikes as more than just the sum of their parts, evaluating products through the lens of real world riding rather than just on the spec sheet, testing bikes everywhere from alpine adventures to intense bikepark laps.

Since 2011, ENDURO has stood for journalistic quality and transparent reporting in the MTB segment. In our in-depth individual and comparison reviews, our specialist test team brings years of on-trail experience from around the world to deliver well-founded verdicts and real guidance for riders. Our awards are internationally recognized as a benchmark for innovation and quality in the bike industry, offering reliable orientation for readers, retailers, and manufacturers alike.

ENDURO is published in both German and English, reaching an international audience.