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Let’s take a quick review about this Diamondback Sorrento. It’s a good entry-level bike for everyone but let’s take a closer look.
This Diamondback Sorrento Hard Tail boasts a 6061-T6 heat-treated aluminum alloy frame with a replaceable derailleur hanger (a must if you plan on riding rocky terrain). The frame has been heat treated and butted which means a stiffer and stronger component which is better overall.
This material is used in Diamondbacks $1,500 plus bikes as well, because it offers great strength as well as being lightweight. This great frame makes the bike sound like a viable starting platform for someone who is unsure if cycling is for him/her, and it is!
Linear pull brakes oversee stopping the bike, and they provide enough power for an average user, however the frame has mounting points if the rider decides to upgrade to hydraulic brakes in the future (a great, albeit a bit expensive upgrade), although it’s probably overkill for this bikes intended use.
The entry-level Shimano EF shifters and Altus/Tourney derailleurs are smooth and effective most of the time, the rear derailleur might skip in some isolate instances (under extreme load or not properly set up), but not enough to hinder the bike in any noticeable way. Remember, they are Shimano’s base-level components.
Wheel Size
The biggest question people starting out with cycling usually have is wheel size. What size is best for me? There is a huge debate online on what is best, 26”, 27.5″ or 29”, and it’s impossible to get a clear answer. Diamondback solves this problem by offering this Sorrento in a 27.5”. This means that the bike will have less rolling resistance than a 26” without compromising maneuverability.
The SR Suntour fork provides the bike with 75mm of travel up front, I would have preferred at least 90mm on this bike, but the larger wheels and smaller suspension make pedaling this bike longer distances easier.
Even top-tier bikes can feel like a piece of garbage if they are not sized properly for each rider, so this bike is sold in 4 sizing to better suit all types of riders. The bike comes with many headtube spacers installed, therefor the stem can be raised or lowered per the rider’s needs. Sizing a bike is much easier than it sounds, and there are plenty of great videos online to get you started!
Have you noticed that most of the bicycles are sold without pedals? This is because everyone has different preferences and it would be impossible to suit everyone, these lower price bikes do the same thing.
TIP: The plastic pedals are almost only too test ride the bike at a store, and not much else. You can get away with using them if you aren’t too rough, but they are bound to snap sooner or later. It is worth it to install another set, to prevent that from happening while on a longer ride. Maybe you can even try out clipless pedals.
User Reviews
There are over 100 (mainly positive) user reviews on Amazon. Let’s highlight some of them.
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“High quality components, excellent aluminum frame, and a great value”
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“For the price of this bike it can’t be beat”
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“Someone into Torture designed this seat.”
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“After much research, I decided to purchase this bike for my son’s 13th birthday. He absolutely LOVES and treasures this bike. “
Bottom Line
This Diamondback Sorrento is a great bike for anyone that wishes to start cycling without spending too much money, and don’t worry about “growing out of it” you can always upgrade this model to keep up with your skill-set. But you must keep in mind it’s a budget bike, so don’t expect anything too fancy!
Related: Best Mountain Bikes Under $500
See the MTB Selection on Diamondback.comDiamondback Sorrento 27.5
$$$
Pros
- 27,5"
- Four sizes
- Affordable
- Warranty
- Good reviews
Cons
- V-brakes
- Needs assembly
- Weak pedals
- Needs assembly
