Diamondback

Century Disc Shimano 105/Tiagra Complete Road Bike - 2014

Even if you're new to road cycling, you still deserve a bike that both fits and rides well. After all, there's nothing worse than attempting your first century, only to realize that your bike is extremely uncomfortable after 60 miles. With its Enhanced Performance Geometry Frame and disc brakes, Diamondback's Century Disc Complete Bike will be keeping your riding buddies jealous for a while.

The Diamondback legacy draws upon over a century of road experience to develop a line of bikes for every rider imaginable. And while Diamondback, originally known as Centurion, was formed in 1969, in 1999, its pedigree was married with the expertise of Raleigh Bicycles which was born in Nottingham, England over 130 years ago.

Diamondback's complete line of road bikes spans from the podium placer to the entry-level fitness rider. And while the same attention to detail exists in all of its bikes, the Century Disc features a 6061-T6 aluminum frame instead of the carbon fiber layup that's found in its Century 3 and 4 models. True, this material isn't as light as carbon fiber, but it is increasingly durable and resistant to wear. In fact, it's the go-to frame material for virtually every manufacturer looking at getting riders out on the road for a reasonable price.

To add a little oomph to the build, Diamondback's AMMP Carbon Road Fork completes the frame. Its construction uses Continuous Fiber Technology (CFT), which means that full-length strands of carbon are laid from the top of the steerer tube to the bottom of the dropouts. Additionally, the fork is the product of Diamondback's Advanced Monocoque Molding Process (AMMP), which is the same process used on the Podium Equipe, Diamondback's lauded road racer. Using this method, carbon plies are hand-wrapped around a polystyrene pre-form core, using a plastic bladder in the shape of the product. To achieve a precise mold during this layup process, the emerging fork is covered with a plastic cavity, which guarantees a perfect form. Silicone mandrel shells are then used to reinforce critical joint areas so as to create smoother overlapping fibers at vital junctions. The entire fork is coated for optimal fiber adhesion. But what does all this mean for you? Well, a carbon fork lends stiffness and handling to your bike, while also providing a smooth road feel.

The diamond of the Century Disc is, of course, the disc brakes. Using the Avid BB5R brake calipers, you'll stop on a dime, even if the chicken crosses the road — right in front of you. For the shift/brake levers and the front derailleur, Diamondback incorporated venerable Shimano Tiagra 10-speed components. Meanwhile, crisp shifting is guaranteed at the rear derailleur with a durable Shimano 105 setup. The drivetrain features a 50/34t FSA Vero Compact N10 crankset, a FSA CN910 chain, and a Shimano Tiagra 12-30t cassette. The cockpit build is a complete repertoire of Diamondback's DBR components. You rest on a DBR Performance saddle, while you roll on Diamondback's new Equation RS wheels that are cased with Michelin Dynamic Sport 700c x 25mm tires

The Diamondback Century Disc Complete Bike is available in the color Red in five even sizes from 52 to 60cm.