First look: Diamondback Mission 27.5

Replacing both the Mission 26 and the Scapegoat, the new Mission 27.5 is aimed right at the heart of the enduro/all-mountain market with 160mm of travel front and rear and a next-generation Knucklebox suspension.

While the wheels and travel numbers are new, the heart of the Mission is the “migration” to a new generation of Knucklebox, with a smaller, simplified linkage and new shock orientation. A single-pivot, four-bar linkage, it keeps the weight of the system low and centered in the frame.

The “weapons grade” aluminum frame runs internal cables, thru-axles, single-sided hard wear and tapered head tubes. Key numbers include a 66.5 degree head tube angle, a 342mm bottom bracket height and 451mm chain stays.

All three levels of complete bikes will ship with a single chainring drivetrain, though the frame is equipped with a direct-mount front derailleur mount if more range is desired, as well as ISCG-05 mounts.

The Mission 27.5 Pro is $6,000 with a Fox Float 34 CTD Kashima fork and SRAM X01 drivetrain and RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper. We’re told it weighs in at 30.5 pounds.

 

The Mission 2 is $3,300 with a Fox Float 34 O/C fork and SRAM X7/X9 drivetrain and Crank Brothers Kronolog dropper.

Finally the Mission 2 is $2,800 with the same Fox Float 34 O/C fork and a Shimano Deore and SLX drivetrain and fixed seatpost.

The Pro model will also be available as a frame, Fox Float X CTD shock, headset and Reverb Stealth package for $2,700.

You’ll notice the colors of the Pro model are a bit different here. It’s actually a day-glo orange that’s pretty hard to photograph. It sure will get noticed on the trail though!

We’re told the Mission 27.5 should be on sale in mid-May.