Diamondback Overdrive Comp 29er Review (Hardtail Mountain Bike)

If you’re searching for a great mountain bike but are tight on funds, I can relate.

I was an avid mountain biker as a teen but stopped riding in my early 20’s.

Now that I’m 30 years old, I’ve been re-discovered my love of mountain biking.

The problem is finding the best mountain bike without spending a small fortune.

You need to be familiar with all the various part of a mountain bike: what they do, how they work together and what manufacturers to trust. It can all get very confusing very fast.

But don’t worry! I’ve done the hard work for you.

I’ve spent a few years researching mountain bikes and am committed to posting 100% accurate, no-nonsense reviews on as many top mountain bikes as possible.

My Diamondback Overdrive Comp 29er review starts right now.

Let’s see if this is the best mountain bike for you:

An In-Depth Review of Diamondback’s Overdrive Comp 29er MTB

In my review, I’m going to touch on a few different aspects. There are certain things you’ll want to be looking for that will impact your purchasing decision down the road.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Budget-Minded Mountain Bike

You don’t need a big budget to get a great mountain bike. While there are plenty of expensive bikes available, you can still find a reliable, durable mountain bike under a grand.

Consider each component separately. Remember, you can always upgrade a part or two. Sometimes investing a small amount of money into a budget bike gives you a lot of bang for your buck.

Who Should Buy This Type of Bike

Guys who like to bike through the mud, over rocks, into the woods and more. This is a bike for outdoor adventure as well as single-track, unpaved (and un-groomed) trails.

If you’re new to mountain biking, a bike on a budget is a great way to check out the sport without making a major financial commitment.

Mountain biking vets will also appreciate the great overall value of this bike. I’ll be honest – not every part of this bike is absolutely, positively, 100% top-of-the-line. But the overall quality from handlebar to tire is much better than you’d likely expect in this price range.

Who Should Not Buy This Type of Bike

City dwellers are probably going to want something else. To be clear, this bike will get you from Point A to Point B in any urban area. But the ride might be a little bumpy.

Sidewalks, paved streets and other city environments are probably better served with a city bike. Those types of bikes will have thinner tires, longer frames and other features designed for less pedaling over longer distances.

What is the Diamondback Overdrive Comp 29er?

This is a budget-minded bike for outdoor adventures. From wheels to handlebars, this bike is built for rocky trails, wet conditions and everything else nature can throw at you.

Comparison to Diamondback Overdrive Sport 27.5

This bike is similar to the Diamondback’s Overdrive Sport 27.5. While the two bikes are similar, the Sport is just overall a bit… less. The tires and frame are both smaller than the Comp 29er.

The Overdrive Comp used to have smaller tires, too. I think the decision to switch to the 29-inch tires has really improved the bike overall. They’re some of the bigger mountain bike tires around which makes them fun for bouncing the bike around on challenging outdoor courses.

Specs

Suspension: 100 mm

Tires: 29 x 2.2 inches

Gears: 2 x 10

Frame: Overdrive 29″ Butted 6061-T6 Aluminum

Weight: 29.5 pounds

What Is It Best For?

This bike is best for anyone who mainly wants to hit single-trails in the woods, mountains, plains or elsewhere out of town.

The large tires will roll over rocks, roots and other outdoor obstacles. This bike can get dirty, take a tumble and otherwise handle whatever nature throws at you.

Mountain biking can be as easy or challenging as you like. Trail and cross-country riding is great for beginners.

More experienced riders not afraid of a challenge might want to tackle downhill, freeriding, dirt jumping or even Enduro (all mountain riding).

Pros

• For under $1,000 you’ll have a bike strong enough for big-time mountain biking
• Solid but lightweight aluminum frame is portable but sturdy
• 29-inch, large-diameter tires grip sand, mud and slippery surfaces

Cons

• Rear hub can be a little noisy
• Seat can get uncomfortable on long rides

Features and Benefits You Get

I used to be pretty intimidated by all the different parts of a mountain bike. There was so much to remember! But a mountain bike is easier to understand when you look at how each part of the bike relates to a specific feature:

Smooth Ride Over Rocky Roads

Mountain biking is often about anything but a smooth ride. But the right suspension system will help keep you comfortable (and safe).

This bike has a Rockshox XC 30 TK suspension fork with 100 mm of travel, which not only felt comfortable but also improved my sense of control.

Tough Frame Won’t Bend to Mother Nature

Without a frame, you’ve just got two unicycles.  This bike has a 6061-TD aluminum frame, which is strong enough to hold up even after serious spills.

I liked how the tubing is hand-built. The custom formed and butted tubing helps give the bike strength without adding unnecessary weight.

Gears and Brakes Known for Reliability

I had no problem shifting through practically any element and terrain with the Shimano Deore drivetrain. These gears have 2 x 10 shifters, front and rear derailleurs and a crankset.

The hydraulic disc brakes are also Shimano Deore with 180 mm front and 160 mm rear rotors. I once stopped the bike while sliding down a muddy trail in the pouring rain!

I prefer hydraulic brakes for a mountain bike because they don’t require much pressure to brake. This gives you more control and sensitivity over how fast or slow the bike stops. I love this feature when I’m navigating down a steep hill or trail.

Plus, hydraulic brakes have a crisper feel. Personally, the responsive braking action keeps me feeling confident even at high speeds through slippery courses.

Wheels Which Keep on Rollin’

Large diameter wheels are usually the best choice for a mountain bike because they’re less likely to get stuck in crevices or on roots. The Overdrive Comp has Schwalbe Rapid Rob 29 x 2.25 tires which rolled right over outdoor obstacles with no problem.

The wheels have SL7 aluminum double wall rims with matching 32-hole SL7 aluminum hubs. The 14g spokes are laced in a 3x pattern. The tread is aggressive with “bite” (which is a mountain bike for grip, basically).

As you might expect, punctures are more likely to occur when mountain biking than practically any other type of bike use. But these tires have a Kevlar belt which helps resistance punctures on the trail.

What Makes the Diamondback 29er Overdrive Comp Unique?

10 Speed Rear Cassette

Most bikes in the below $1,000 price range only have eight or nine speeds. The 29er Overdrive’s upgrade 10-speed rear cassette is basically an extra gear for free.

Unique Weight-Saving Drivetrain

The bike’s 2 x 10 drivetrain reduces the need for one chain ring on the front. This makes finding the right gear a bit easier while also dropping the overall weight of the bike.

Component Group Build for Speed

When shopping for a mountain bike, you’ll hear a lot about durability and tire style. But what about speed?

The Overdrive Comp 29er is one of the fastest mountain bikes I’ve ever been on. The combination of the larger tires, light frame and 2 x 10 drivetrain give this bike a real kick you don’t find in many other mountain bikes.

Sizing Chart

Price

This bike is $899.99. While that is pushing the limit of a “$1,000 and under” mountain bike, this is still one of the best deals I’ve found for a bike with these features.

Plus, the high quality, durable construction will last for years even with heavy use. You might have to replace a part here or there, but I feel confident saying this bike is basically a one-time purchase which will last a long time.

User Reviews and Ratings

Just because I liked this bike doesn’t mean you’re obligated to as well. In order to see what other people thought of the Diamondback Overdrive Comp 29er, I read through forums and other sites. There are quite a few people out there who enjoy this bike. Here are some real reviews from people who own and use this bike:

Alternatives to the Diamondback Overdrive Comp

While I’ve had an overwhelmingly positive experience with this bike, believe me when I say I understand how personal the bike selection process can be. Here are a few similar mountain bikes you might want to consider:

• Diamondback Overdrive Sport: This bike is very similar to the Overdrive Comp 29er except generally smaller. The 27-inch tires are two inches smaller than the Overdrive Comp, which means the Sport can’t handle big rocks as easily.
  
   
  Still, the Sport is about $200 cheaper than the Comp. The Sport is a good bike but smaller overall.
  
   
  Click or tap here to learn more about Diamondback Overdrive Sport.
  
   
• Diamondback Atroz: The Atrox has a similar aluminum frame as the Overdrive Comp, with the main differences in the brakes and wheel. The wheels of the Atroz are a smaller 27.5×2.35″ tires by Kenda Nevegal.
  
   
  The Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes offer solid stopping power. Personally, I prefer the stopping control of the Shimano Deore outfitted on the Overdrive Comp.
  
   
  The Atroz is a great choice if you want a bike which costs less than the Overdrive (although the Overdrive can handle steeper hills and rougher terrain.)
  
   
  Click or tap here to learn more about Diamondback Atroz.
  
   
• Diamondback Apex Elite: Like the Overdrive Comp 29er, the Apex Elite is a great choice for mountain bike beginners due to the combination of low price and high-quality features.
  
   
  The fork on the bike tends to come loose, at least in my experience. I found the fork of the Comp 29er to need less overall attention.
  
   
  Click or tap here to learn more about Diamondback Apex Elite.

Review Conclusion

Updated 2/9/2020 – Finding the best mountain bike can be confusing at first, especially if you’re new to mountain biking.

Do you know how many gears you’ll need? What type of frame will give you the best combination of durability and light weight? What types of brakes work best in the mud and rain?

Learning about bikes can be frustrating when all you want to do is ride. After writing my Diamondback Overdrive Comp 29er review, I feel confident recommending this bike to both new mountain bikers and experienced riders.

The Overdrive Comp 29er is a great value overall. Each component is a high-quality part made from a manufacturer I trust such as Rockshox, Shimano Deore and more.

The 6160-T6 aluminum is lightweight but strong, which is the perfect combination for a mountain bike. You can transport the bike easily.

Large, tough 29-inch tires from Schwalbe Rapid Rob are a bit bigger than most bikes in this size. A Kevlar belt helps prevent punctures even over sharp surfaces.

Overall, the Diamondback Overdrive Comp 29er has a great mix of high-quality parts for the price. For under $1,000 you can get a mountain bike which is fast, durable and very fun to use.

Click Here To See The Diamondback Overdrive Comp 29er