This is one of the best entry level hybrid
bikes on the market. For the price factor, it’s a great deal. The linear
brakes and missing shock options keep it from soaring, but Shimano
parts and lightweight but durable frame make up for the weakness.
Key Specs
Brand: Diamondback
Type: Hybrid
Model: Insight 2
Gender: Unisex
No. of Gears: 24 gears (8×3)
Brakes: Linear Pull Brakes
Frame Sizes: S(16″), M(18″), L(20″), XL(22″)
Weight: 25 lbs
Assembly: Moderate
Ideal for: Light Off Road
Price: $484.07 – $500.05
Model for other sex: Diamondback 2014 Clarity 2
Pros
- It’s really light.
- Four size options practically guarantee you’ll be covered.
- Shimano hardware is standard.
- 8 Speed Options, instead of 7.
- Great price for the quality.
Cons
- Brakes aren’t great on rainy days.
- Pads on the handle grips twist under pressure.
- Bike doesn’t come with a kickstand.
- Installation can be tricky.
- It doesn’t have shocks, so it can be uncomfortable in rocky terrain.
Verdict
The Diamondback 2014 Insight 2 is a good hybrid for practically every purpose besides heavy off road adventures and rainy days. You can, however, upgrade your brakes to disk brakes if the latter is an issue. Great for the entire family, you may be best off buying several for your household. It’s one of the best entry model hybrids you can buy at the current price point.2014 Insight 2 Performance Hybrid Bike General Info
Diamondback shines again with one of the best novice hybrid bike options on the market. The Insight 2 is an all-purpose performance hybrid intended to cover the needs of riders who commute, exercise, train, or simply intend to use it for recreation purposes. The Insight 6061-T6 Butted Aluminum Performance Hybrid frame with a formed/hooded top tube, an integrated headtube, and vertically compliant stays ensure your bike is as tough as you are. And the Insight Integrated Aero Alloy straight blade fork keeps your ride smooth and stable. The cockpit is made of Diamondback alloy with a 31.8mm low rise alloy handlebar and 3D Forged 7° stem to ensure comfort and control. 8 speed Easy Fire shifters, 32h Equation R23 Doublewall rim, and alloy linear pull brakes provide a solid structure and braking security for all day use. The DB Performance Hybrid gel-topped saddle ensures constant comfort whether you’re heading to the triathlon or just down the road.
Specifications
- Butted 6061-T6 Aluminum Insight Performance Hybrid Frame
- Insight Integrated Alloy Aero Straight Blade Fork
- Shimano Crankset w/Integrated Chainguard
- Shimano Acera Rear Derailleur matched with 8 speed Rapid-fire Shifters
- Equation Double Wall Alloy Rims
Key Features
Complete ControlBetween the aluminum dual sport frame with suspension fork, and the strong alloy linear pull brakes, controlling your ride and stopping abilities is a piece of cake.
8 Speeds
The Insight 2 gets a minor (or major, depending on how important it is to you) makeover in gears. 8 speeds allow for more riding freedom and road choices. While this may not make a huge difference to recreational users, it may make all the difference in the world to those using their Insight 2 for training, offroad, or cause riding needs.
Comfortable Seating
Too many hybrid bikes come with a hard or narrow seat. The Insight line includes a custom designed performance hybrid seat with gel top. It’s secured to the 27.2mm alloy micro adjust seat post to let you remain in control during even your most extensive riding adventures.
Plenty of Size Options
Diamondback knows life doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all mentality, so neither do they. Four different sizes; SM (16″), M (18″), LG (20″), XL (22″); ensure almost every adult height need is taken care of right off the bat.
Customer Feedback
Reviewers give this bike 4.9 out of 5 stars. Comfort is a key factor which all customers agree upon. It’s much lighter and more durable than it looks. There’s only one color, but the size options make up for that. This bike works well for every member of the family – moms and dads, kids, even grandparents. It’s good for training, commuting or recreational needs, and light – medium offroading. But it’s weak on extremely rocky terrain and on wet or slick roads. Some customers upgrade to disk brakes to offset that issue. The brake line can be hard to adjust during installation, so it may be beneficial to take it to a pro shop and let them deal with assembling it. You’ll be out $50-100, but it will be done right. For those who are familiar with hybrid assembly, all necessary tools are included.Q&As
Question. I’ve been looking into buying either the 2013 or 2014 model. Any difference in the shifters? The triggerfire vs the easyfire?A. Easyfire is the shifter used on the Insight 1 model. It looks like they put this shifter on the Insight 2 model for 2014 for some reason, maybe lower cost. Triggerfire is the better shifter and is included with the 2013 Insight 2, but both are good.
Question. What type of tire valves do the 2014 DB Insight 2 have, Schrader or Presta?
A. Presta, thinner ones.
