The DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 is the #1 pick in our Best Mountain Bikes Under $2000 ranking.
With its great component stack and excellent off-road performance, it makes for one of the best choices for full-suspension mountain bike riders looking to get the best out of their $2,000 budget.
We tested the DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 on off-road terrain, and its performance on long-distance trail terrain made it our favorite terrain.
Next, we’ll break down the DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 descent and climbing performance, key features, components and specs and how it compares to full-suspension mountain bikes in the same price range. It will give you a better understanding of whether the DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 is worth buying.
If you’d like to learn more about comparably priced models, see Best Mountain Bikes Under $2000.
Descent
We should have the right expectations for a full-suspension cross-country mountain bike that comes in at $1,950, and we think the DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 meets that standard and even exceeds our expectations in some features.
It’s a cross-country mountain bike with 27.5-inch wheels and 130mm front and 100mm rear suspension. It’s the perfect bike for long cross-country trips and performs very well on intense downhill roads.
In addition, we were pleased with its 2.3-inch Vee Rubber Mission tires that provided plenty of grip on descents, thanks to its Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc, which allowed us to descend quickly without much hindrance.
The rear suspension, at 100mm, is somewhat less than the 120mm rear suspension typically used on some cross-country mountain bikes of its type, but it doesn’t make a difference in the vast majority of the terrain.
And having a seat post that can be raised and lowered allows me to ride uninterrupted without having to stop and adjust the seat height for different terrain like a mountain bike under $1000. Of course, facing long downhill roads that aren’t too steep, the DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 can be considered very comfortable terrain and gives me more confidence to ride.
It’s in extreme terrain that the difference in the rear suspension is highlighted. Riding a cross-country mountain bike isn’t all about racing, it’s about enjoying the fun that comes with going off-road.
Climbing
Steep climbs are not the best terrain for full-suspension cross-country mountain bikes, and the DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 has a more aggressive geometry to bridge the gap with hardtail mountain bikes on steep climbs, with a head tube angle of 66.5°, which is ahead tube angle between comfort and steepness, equivalent to an incline toward the comfort trail end of the spectrum.
The shorter top tube length also provides a faster response when climbing.
By the way, its shock fork also comes with a locking feature that can be adjusted to the terrain, whether it’s a long uphill or a steep, short one. And of course, we really like the SRAM SX 1X12-speed drivetrain, which provides plenty of gear range for steep climbs.
The DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 can be a bit noisy if you get over to the rockier steeper uphill climbs. It reminds me of the Trek Roscoe 7 equipped with a lower fork guard.
While climbing is a bit of a problem for the DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3, we prefer wider tires to achieve faster climbing speeds.
General Riding
The performance of the DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 on general riding roads is a bit excessive when compared to less expensive cross-country mountain bikes.
The DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 is very enjoyable on smooth single-track or double-track roads. And the rough trails won’t be a hindrance to riding. So the DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 is a very versatile full-suspension cross-country mountain bike.
With its 27.5-inch vacuum tires, it can be ridden faster in less technically challenging mountain terrain.
So all in all, the DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 is even a mountain bike that can compete in small-scale cross-country races.
Main Features
Frame (4.5/5)
The DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 features a frame made of 6061 aluminum, a very common material for the best sub $2000 mountain bikes.
The design is off-road oriented, with clean, simple alignment and smooth welds.
And of course, we really like the bright yellow paint, which is a very bright paint color that is impressive whether you are attending a cross-country party or wish to ride it on a long cross-country trip.
Geometry
With the increasingly slack design of cross-country mountain bikes, the DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 is still on the steeper end of the spectrum.
Of course, this is still very slack compared to its woodland mountain bike counterpart, allowing you to climb while still maintaining a comfortable riding position and descending with more confidence.
Not a steep seat tube angle. And because it has a reasonable rear suspension design, the bike’s able to efficiently avoid vibrations from the ground.
The DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 has a head tube angle of 66.5° and a seat tube angle of 72.5°.
This is a balance between climbing and descending performance, it’s not a very good climber (compared to a race bike of course), but it’s an excellent descending bike.
Components and Specifications
SRAM SX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain (4.8/5)
The DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 doesn’t have the full SRAM SX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain, but it does have this more expensive accessory for the main rear derailleur and a Race Face Aeffect Cinch, 30T cassette.
Of course, I don’t have much to complain about and this is a small compromise in the drivetrain of this mountain bike.
The SRAM SX Eagle has a very good reputation as an efficient and sturdy drivetrain, and the 1X12 configuration is common on top-level trail mountain bikes, and is a good mid- to high-end component that makes no mistakes on serious trail rides.
Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc (4.5/5)
Compared to its other components, this is a relatively cheap component that needs some riding distance to break in.
It also provides plenty of braking power in intense off-road riding without any noise or any problems.
This component also does not require any upgrades, and the Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc has proven to be a reliable component for long trail rides or short, steep uphill or downhill rides.
RockShox Recon RL Shock Fork (4.6/5)
In our past review articles, RockShox has always had a good reputation as a mid-range shock fork. And the same is true on the DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3.
It doesn’t use a slightly cheaper coil shock fork, which saves a very large amount of money, and the travel of the shock will be quite nice.
The RockShox air fork, which can rise to a $3000-$5000 mountain bike setup, is the result of the gradual application of high-end components to more affordable trail mountain bikes. A 130mm shock fork would be a very luxurious component to ride on rugged trails.
But once you get to moderately technical trail terrain, the features of this component will be in full effect, and with the RockShox Monarch R REAR SHOCK, it’s possible you won’t be able to get back to riding a hardtail mountain bike.
RockShox Monarch R REAR SHOCK (4.2/5)
While I have complaints about the RockShox Monarch R REAR SHOCK only having 100mm of travel, not all riders experience steep downhill rides for long periods of time.
It has a ride you can enjoy on trails that aren’t too intense. But we’d like to see this part upgraded with 120mm of travel where appropriate, which would allow for less impact on steep descents and hard climbs.
Nonetheless, the RockShox Monarch R REAR SHOCK has an extraordinary witness effect within the damping travel. Combined with the dropper and medium size 27.5 tires, it can be ridden consistently on smooth narrow twisty trails.
Tires and Gears (4.6/5)
The Vee Rubber Mission tires are a nice upgrade from the cheaper mountain bike tires.
It has 2.3-inch front and rear tires and vacuum tires, which makes for lighter weight and a very rider-friendly design for smaller riders since it’s a mid-size 27.5-inch tire.
The double-walled aluminum rims and Formula Boost/non-Boost hubs can support fast trail riding.
So far, we have found no problems with the Vee Rubber Mission tires, and the puncture resistance and toughness are proven.
Advantages of DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3
- Reasonable price
- SRAM SX Eagle 1X12 drivetrain
- 130mm travel RockShox Recon RL shock fork
- Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc
- With dropper
- Excellent downhill capability
What we don’t like about it
- Discerning full-suspension trail riders will want the RockShox Monarch R REAR SHOCK to get some upgrades
- Is a good climber, but not as good
DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 Specs
| FRAME | Atroz 6061 T-6 Aluminum 27.5 Trail w/ 4″ travel, Optimized Single Pivot, Tapered Steerer, Machine Formed Top Tube, Butted / Formed Down Tube, Sealed Cartridge Bearing Pivot, Seat Tube Routed for Internal Dropper Post, Aggressive Geometry, 142x12mm Rear Axle w/ Replaceable Hanger |
| REAR SHOCK | RockShox Monarch R, Air Shock w/ Rebound Adjust, 184x44mm |
| FORK | RockShox Recon RL, Solo Air, 130mm Travel, 32mm Stanchions, 15mm Thru-Axle, 1.5″ Tapered Steerer Tube, w/ Rebound and Lock Out Adjust |
| HEADSET | FSA NO.57, Sealed Cartridge for Tapered Headtube |
| CRANKS | Race Face Æffect Cinch w/ Steel 30T “Narrow Wide” |
| BOTTOM BRACKET | Race Face Outboard Bearing |
| REAR DERAILLEUR | SRAM SX EAGLE, 12 Speed |
| SHIFTER | SRAM SX 12 Speed X-Actuation Trigger |
| COGSET | SRAM PG1210, 12 Speed, 11-50T |
| CHAIN | KMC X12, 12 Speed |
| FRONT HUB | Formula Hub, 32h Aluminum Boost 110x15mm Thru-axle, Sealed Cartridge Bearings, w/ CNC Disc Mount |
| REAR HUB | Formula Hub, 32h Aluminum 142x12mm Thru-axle, 4 Sealed Cartridge Bearings, Cassette, w/ CNC Disc Mount |
| SPOKES | 14g Stainless Steel |
| RIMS | 32H, DDM-5, 27.5 Doublewall, Not Taped |
| TIRES | VEE Rubber, Mission, 27.5×2.3, Non Tubeless Tire |
| BRAKE LEVERS | Shimano MT200 Hydraulic |
| PEDALS | DB4L Aluminum Platform |
| HANDLEBAR | Race Face Chester, 780mm Wide, 35 Bar Bore |
| GRIPS | New DB “Flanged” Lock-on, 135mm Silcone |
| STEM | Race Face Chester, 40mm Reach, 35 Bar Bore |
| SEAT | DB Sync’r Saddle |
| SEATPOST | Aluminum Micro Adjust, 30.9mm |
| EXTRAS | Tool Kit, Non Tubeless Compatible |
| BRAKES | Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc, w/ 180mm Front and 160mm Rear Rotors |
Comparison Table
| BIKE | PRICE | TRAVEL (F/R) | WHEEL SIZE | DRIVETRAIN |
| Marin Rift Zone 27.5 1 [2022] | $1899 | 130mm (front) 120mm (rear) | 27.5×2.3″ | Shimano Deore, 11-Speed |
| Liv Embolden 2 | $1720 | 130mm (front) 120mm (rear) | 27.5 x 2.6” | Shimano Deore , 12 speed |
| Vitus Mythique VR | $1799.99 | 130mm (front) 120mm (rear) | 27.5 or 29×2.35” | Shimano Deore, 10 speed |
| IBIS Ripley GX Eagle | $5899 | 130mm (front) 120mm (rear) | 29×2.6” | SRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed |
Competition
We’ve also prepared the most comprehensive article on the best mountain bikes under $2,000 for 2022 before comparing them, with a brief description of each bike, covering both full-suspension and hardtail mountain bikes.
This is the ultimate guide to the best mountain bikes to buy in 2022. We hope you find it useful.
Marin Rift Zone 27.5 1 [2022] vs DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3
With a price difference of only $60, the Marin Rift Zone 27.5 1[2022] will be slightly better in terms of shock travel, meaning it will perform better on steeper descents.
But the X-Fusion O2 Pro R’s rear shock will be slightly cheaper.
The DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 uses the more expensive SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain in its drivetrain. This makes the Marin Rift Zone 27.5 1[2022] inferior. And you only spend an extra $60 to get the dropper that the Marin Rift Zone 1 doesn’t have, so you don’t have to upgrade in much.
Overall, the difference between the Marin Rift Zone 27.5 1[2022] and the DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 is very small, and to the vast majority of trail riders, there isn’t much difference in how they feel about riding.
As professional trail riders, we think the Marin Rift Zone 1 will suit you better when the terrain around you is more rugged. But you will be making some sacrifices in riding comfort.
If you’re more into full-on trail riding the DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 would be the best choice. That’s what we had in mind when we ranked it #1 on our Best Mountain Bikes Under $2,000.
Learn more: Is Marin Rift Zone 27.5 1 Worth Buying? [Marin Rift Zone 1 Review]
Liv Embolden 2 [2021] vs DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3
Honestly, the comparison of these two models is more about the gender of the rider.
The Liv Embolden 2 is designed more for female riders, not only from the frame design but also from the geometry of the bike, taking into account the needs of women when riding off-road.
If we disregard the above-mentioned factors and compare the components alone.
Liv Embolden 2 uses 130mm travel Giant Crest 34 RCL, and 120mm travel Suntour Raidon R rear suspension, which is similar in price to the front and rear suspension used by DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3. But the shock travel dominates, which will only become apparent on long off-road and long-term trail rides.
Then there are the same Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, but the Liv Embolden 2 is equipped with a 180mm hydraulic disc that provides more clamping force and more confidence on steep downhill roads.
When it comes to drivetrain comparisons, the same 1X12 configuration DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 uses the SRAM SX Eagle which will be more robust and durable.
Overall, both bikes are more or less compromised in terms of accessories, but if you’re a female rider who likes trail riding, we recommend the affordable and well-made Liv Embolden 2.
Learn more: Is Liv Embolden 2 worth buying? [Liv Embolden 2 Review]
Vitus Mythique VR vs DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3
The more affordable Vitus Mythique VR has a heavily optimized damping system and is compromised on the drivetrain. This leaves us wondering about the $150 price difference.
Equipped with a 130mm X-Fusion front suspension and 120mm X-Fusion rear suspension, the Vitus Mythique VR is also strong on long-distance trails and also comes with a Brand-X mid-range dropper, a full-suspension mountain bike that can support fast trail rides.
But the Vitus Mythique VR has a weaker Shimano Deore, 10-speed drivetrain, which is weaker for steep climbing performance. So the Vitus Mythique VR is suitable for rugged trails or less technically challenging off-road terrain for comfortable riding.
If your budget is more adequate, we prefer the DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 without too many upgrades.
IBIS Ripley GX Eagle VS DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3
The price is DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3’s 2.5 ready off-road race bike IBIS Ripley GX Eagle, what are the differences in configuration with ATROZ 3. It will give us a different off-road experience.
First of all, IBIS Ripley GX Eagle adopts carbon frame, such configuration will greatly reduce the weight of the body, and can quickly respond to the efficiency of pedaling.
In addition, the SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, which is already the top drivetrain, which is several levels higher than the SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain of DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3.
More efficient transmission, when facing extreme off-road terrain, the performance will be more excellent.
Shimano SLX 2-piston hydraulic brakes will allow you to experience more powerful braking power. There are also very many component enhancements.
If you give the DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 an off-road performance rating of 5, then the IBIS Ripley GX Eagle will be a near-perfect off-road performance score of 9.8.
So if you’re a mountain bike rider on a budget and looking to race off-road, check out this race bike that greatly enhances the off-road experience.
Overall Rating (4.7/5)
While we expected more from the DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 in terms of rear suspension, for a mountain bike that costs less than $2000, it’s the ultimate in cross-country performance, including component mix, for the price range.
A premium “starter” model for a high-quality, full-suspension cross-country mountain bike.
If you would like to explore the Diamondback Atroz 1 review, please email us, and we will provide you with the most authentic cycling insights.
All in all, the DIAMONDBACK ATROZ 3 is a quality cross-country mountain bike that will allow you to experience a more enjoyable trail ride.
Thank you for your comments!