Interbike demo ride: Diamondback Scapegoat

By Eric McKeegan

The Scapegoat is currently Diamondback’s longest travel bike, at least until the downhill bike they’ve got in the works makes it into production. The Scapegoat started life in 2009 with a mid-level parts pack, 160mm fork, 68-degree head angle and a Hammerschmidt. The 2012 version is running a high end XTR/Saint/Easton Haven spec, 180mm Fox 36 fork, 66-degree head angle and single ring with chain guide. Burly.

It is also a pretty fine looking bicycle, even with a solid coating of Nevada dust.

This demo ride came after a few runs on the downhill course at Bootleg Canyon, Nevada, so the fact that I was feeling pretty awesome on this bike might have something to do with getting used to the terrain, but I think that is only part of the deal. The suspension was spot on after dialing in a little low speed compression to prevent brake dive on some of the slow steep bits, and I was confident enough to let it rip a bit on the faster chunky bit.

I even took an extra loop in the XC trails and was pleasantly surprised how well it pedaled. It would have been even better with a level saddle and raised seat post, but I didn’t feel like messing too much with either of those.

Tthe Scapegoat looks to be a seriously competent bike, and surprisingly bling-y offering from Diamondback. I liked it enough to look into a test bike for next year and whether or not I can install a front derailleur and dropper post for a bit more versatility. Check out the full spec at Diamondbacks’s website.

Keep reading

It doesn’t end here, we’ve got a lot more coverage of Interbike 2011, including demo rides.