Diamondback Bicycles stepped up their game with the release of the Mission Pro, and after months of rigorous testing, we’re here to deliver a comprehensive review. Having experienced previous iterations of their Knucklebox suspension, we approached the Mission Pro 27.5 with a blend of curiosity and skepticism. However, any reservations were quickly dispelled. This new model is a legitimate contender, ready to push limits and establish Diamondback as a serious player in the core mountain bike scene. The Mission Pro isn’t just an update; it’s a complete overhaul designed to impress.
Re-engineered Frame and Suspension
The Mission Pro boasts a completely redesigned frame compared to its predecessors. It’s built to accommodate bigger tires, offer more travel, and deliver enhanced suspension performance. Constructed from robust 6061 aluminum, the frame provides a generous 160mm of rear travel, instilling confidence in its durability and stiffness on challenging trails. Diamondback has thoughtfully incorporated single-sided hardware on the non-drive side of the main pivots, simplifying maintenance and access. For riders considering various drivetrain setups, the frame includes ISCG tabs and a direct mount front derailleur option, alongside a standard 142x12mm rear thru axle to maximize stiffness. Notably, the Mission Pro features a shorter headtube, a welcome feature especially for riders on the shorter side, as tested with the 15.5″ frame. While the 451mm (17.75″) chainstays aren’t the shortest available, they strike an ideal balance for this style of riding, offering both agility and stability. Ample standover and tire clearance further enhance the bike’s trail-ready design.
Adding a touch of personality, Diamondback officially names the Mission Pro’s color “Rocket Red.” However, as our images clearly show, the finish leans more towards a vibrant day-glow orange. This bright hue is a welcome departure from typical reds, adding a unique visual appeal that genuinely stood out, even during evening rides.
To understand the design philosophy, Diamondback Marketing Manager Jon Kennedy provides insights into the new 27.5 Mission Pro in a video presentation. The shift to 27.5 wheels necessitated adjustments to the Mission frame, including repositioning the seat tube slightly forward and compressing the Knucklebox linkage. This compression offered the additional benefit of lowering the center of gravity, contributing to improved tracking and cornering capabilities.
Top-Tier Component Highlights
The parts specification of the Diamondback Mission Pro 27.5 is a testament to its all-mountain intentions. The FOX 34 Float CTD fork, offering 160mm of travel, is perfectly matched with the Fox Float X CTD rear shock. This combination is widely regarded as one of the best for all-mountain riding, providing a balanced and responsive feel across varied terrains. While a remote lockout for the rear shock would be a desirable upgrade given the active suspension design, the current setup performs admirably. The SRAM 1×11 X01 drivetrain operated flawlessly throughout testing. The 10-42 cassette paired with a Race Face 30T narrow-wide ring provided sufficient range to conquer climbs typically tackled with a 2x setup. Despite some riders reporting occasional chain drop issues (easily solved with a chain guide), we experienced no such problems. The inclusion of Shimano XT brakes is a significant highlight, renowned for their reliable and powerful performance, making them a perfect match for this bike.
Beyond the major components, the Mission Pro is equipped with wide Race Face Atlas 785 riser bars (measuring closer to 810mm with grips and plugs), a Race Face Atlas 50mm stem, and an FSA headset. Diamondback’s house-brand saddle and DB4L lock-on Kraton grips proved to be comfortable and secure. A notable bonus is the inclusion of a RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post, a premium addition that enhances the bike’s versatility on varied terrain. Diamondback further sweetens the deal with a Knucklebox shock pump and DB branded aluminum platform pedals with replaceable pins and sealed cartridge bearings right out of the box.
2014 Diamondback Mission Pro Full Specs and Geometry Breakdown
For riders seeking detailed specifications, here’s a comprehensive overview of the 2014 Diamondback Mission Pro:
Frame: Mission All Mountain 27.5, 160mm 6061-T6 Weapons Grade Aluminum w/Hydroformed Top Tube, Butted / Formed Down Tube / Seatstays, Under Arch Seatstay bridge, Tapered Head Tube Knuckle Box Technology, ISCG, 142x12mm E-Thru Axle Drop out
Fork: Fox 34 Float CTD adjust FIT, Kashima, 160mm travel, w/ ext. rebound, butted Alloy 1.5 Tapered steerer, 34mm Easton aluminum stanchions, magnesium lowers, w/QR15mm Thru Axle
Rear Shock: Fox Float X, CTD adjust, Kashima, “LV” eyelet, 8.5×2.5″ Air, DB Mission Spec, w/rebound adj, w/Climb, Trail, Descend, w/3 levels pedal platform
Headset: FSA No57 Taper 1.5 / 1 1/8″ Alloy cups, Sealed Cartridge
Bottom bracket: Raceface Outboard Bearing
Drivetrain: SRAM X01, 1×11 10-42, 30T front ring
Brakes: Shimano XT, 180mm f/r
Pedals: DB Platform CNC, w/replaceable pins, sealed cartridge bearing
Wheelset/Tires: Easton Haven hubs and rims, Schwalbe Hans Dampf 27.5×2.35, folding, tubeless ready, snakeskin sidewall, TSC compound
Bars/Stem: Raceface Atlas 785mm riser bar 31.8mm/ Raceface Atlas Stem,50mm 31.8mm
Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth Dropper 30.9mm
Geometry Highlights:
Head tube angle: 66.5 degrees
Seat tube angle: 73 degrees
Chainstay length: 17.75 inches
Bottom bracket height: 13.46 inches
Sizes: SM – 15.5″, MD – 17″, LG -19″, XL – 21″
Weight: 30.2 pounds (size small, without pedals, measured)
MSRP: $6500 US
Further details and a complete photo gallery are available on Page 2.
Geometry and Fit on the Trail
During testing, the small (15.5″) Diamondback Mission Pro proved to be an ideal fit for a rider of 5’5″. Diamondback conveniently provides recommended rider heights directly on the bike via a seat tube sticker. While sometimes finding oneself between small and medium sizes, the geometry of the 15.5″ Mission Pro was spot on, further complemented by the short head tube which optimizes fit for shorter riders.
The wheelbase measured 44.7 inches on the 15.5″ model. Although visually it appears long, it doesn’t feel cumbersome on the trail. The chainstays are moderately sized, and the front end is slightly more compact compared to some competitors. The bottom bracket height is a standard 13.5 inches. With a preference for softer suspension setups, sag ensures the bike never feels excessively tall. The 66.5-degree head angle and 73-degree seat angle lean towards the slacker end of the spectrum, clearly indicating the Mission Pro’s downhill-oriented design.
For a visual reference, Diamondback provides the following geometry chart:
Trail Riding Performance
The 27.5″ wheels on the Diamondback Mission Pro strike an excellent balance between rollover capability and agile handling. For the all-mountain/enduro category with 140-165mm of travel, 27.5″ wheels have become the industry standard, and for good reason. Riders accustomed to 26″ wheels will be pleasantly surprised by the Mission Pro’s climbing efficiency and overall handling prowess. Once you experience the benefits of larger wheels, there’s no turning back. We were genuinely impressed by how confidently this bike handled challenging terrain. The redesigned suspension system contributes to a low center of gravity, resulting in a ride that feels both balanced and intuitive.
The cockpit inspires confidence, offering a distinct “moto” feel. Cornering, jumping, and tackling drops all showed marked improvements over previous Diamondback models. This bike thrives when pushed hard. If you haven’t ridden a Diamondback mountain bike recently, the Mission Pro is a compelling reason to reconsider.
The ride quality of the Mission Pro is remarkably stable, making it well-suited for demanding trails. One area for potential improvement is its weight. The robust aluminum frame, while durable, contributes to the bike’s 30.2 lb weight. While not designed for extended climbs, the weight is noticeable on uphill sections. Again, a remote lockout for the rear shock would be beneficial in these situations. For riders looking to upgrade, carbon wheels would be a worthwhile investment to shed weight and enhance performance.
Who is the Diamondback Mission Pro 27.5 For?
The Diamondback Mission Pro 27.5 is purpose-built for aggressive enduro riders who enjoy pushing their limits and seeking out challenging terrain. If you’re the type of rider who “sends it,” this bike deserves serious consideration. However, potential buyers should evaluate if they genuinely require 160mm of travel and will utilize its full capabilities. If your riding style aligns with aggressive downhill and technical trails, the Mission Pro is an excellent choice.
For riders finding the $6500 price point of the Mission Pro prohibitive, Diamondback offers the same frame with varied component specifications in two more affordable models. The Mission 2 27.5, priced at $3300, features a Fox 34 fork, SRAM 1×10 drivetrain, SRAM brakes, and a KS Lev dropper post with less expensive wheels. The Mission 1 27.5, at $2800, comes with a Fox 32 fork, Shimano 1×10 drivetrain, more DB house-branded components, and less costly wheels. For those who prefer custom builds, the Mission Pro is also available as a frameset, including the Fox Float X CTD rear shock, RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post, and FSA headset.
Overall Impression
Overall Rating: 4/5 Flamin’ Chili Peppers
Diamondback has made a strong statement with the significantly improved Knucklebox design. While previous iterations left room for improvement, the Mission Pro 27.5 excels in numerous areas, particularly in its ability to handle aggressive riding. On the trail, the suspension is responsive and plush, effectively absorbing both large impacts and small bumps at speed. The Mission Pro corners confidently, enhancing carving speed and ease. While extended climbs are not its forte, it’s designed for downhill performance. For descending, the Mission Pro is in its element.
Value Rating: 3/5 Flamin’ Chili Peppers
The absence of carbon components contributes to a more accessible price point compared to high-end enduro bikes in the $8,000-$10,000+ range, and a smart component selection further helps manage the cost. However, Diamondback should remain vigilant as competitors are releasing 2015 carbon offerings in a similar price bracket. For budget-conscious riders, the Mission 2 offers a viable alternative with upgrade potential.
For further details, visit https://www.diamondback.com/.
