Diamondback Century Review
Category: Road Bikes for Beginners
From budget aluminum frames to more advanced carbon ones, from entry-level Shimano groupsets to high-end drivetrains, Century series has a lot to offer for any cyclist, on any kind of budget.
Models in Diamondback Century Lineup
The Century series consists of seven bike models. Four of them have aluminum frames and other three are geared towards more advanced cyclists by offering carbon framesets.
With Diamondback, it’s really easy to understand a specific model’s placement in the hierarchy – Century 1 is the entry-level bike and C6 Carbon is the most advanced in the series.
In 2020, the manufacturer introduced a Sport trim, which is an interesting mix between their entry- and mid-range bikes, but more on that below.
Century 1
The starter model of the lineup with Shimano Claris groupset and aluminum fork and frame.
Century 3
Solid mid-range bike with Shimano 105 groupset, aluminum frame, and carbon fork.
Century Sport
Slightly budget Claris groupset combined with carbon fork and aluminum frame.
Century 4 Carbon
First bike in mid-range of Century with Tiagra groupset, full-carbon frame and fork.
Century 5C Carbon
Same carbon frame and fork, but more advanced Shimano 105 drivetrain.
Century 6C Carbon
A true flagship of the range – Ultegra groupset and not surprisingly, carbon frameset.
Here’s an overview of key specs for bikes in Century family:
| Groupset | Frame material | Fork material | Brake type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Century 1 | Shimano Claris | Aluminum | Aluminum | Mechanical Disc |
| Century 2 | Shimano Sora | Aluminum | Aluminum | Mechanical Disc |
| Century 3 | Shimano 105 | Aluminum | Carbon | Mechanical Disc |
| Century Sport | Shimano Claris | Aluminum | Carbon | Mechanical Disc |
| Century 4 Carbon | Shimano Tiagra | Carbon | Carbon | Mechanical Disc |
| Century 5C Carbon | Shimano 105 | Carbon | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc |
| Century 6C Carbon | Shimano Ultegra | Carbon | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc |
Frameset
The four aluminum frames – the Century 1, 2, 3 and Sport – are all built around Diamondback’s Endurance Road Disc frame with Enhanched Performance Geometry (EPG). EPG uses a taller headtube for a more upright, more relaxed riding position.
The only difference between the three numbered alloy models and the Century Sport is the blend of aluminium used – 7005-series on the 1, 2 and 3 and 6061-series on the Sport. While manufactured differently, it is unlikely to be a noticeable deal breaker for a first-time rider.
| Frame | Fork | |
|---|---|---|
| Century 1 | DB Endurance Road Disc, Custom Fully Butted 7005 Series Alloy, Enhanced Performance Geometry (EPG), Formed Top Tube, w/Integrated Headtube and Flat Mount Disc Brake Tab | SPF Airformed Alloy, Bladed Legs, 1.5″ Alloy Taper Steerer Tube, with Flat Mount Disc Tab |
| Century 2 | DB Endurance Road Disc, Custom Fully Butted 7005 Series Alloy, Enhanced Performance Geometry (EPG), Formed Top Tube, w/Integrated Headtube and Flat Mount Disc Brake Tab | SPF Airformed Alloy, Bladed Legs, 1.5″ Alloy Taper Steerer Tube, with Flat Mount Disc Tab and 12mm Thru Axle |
| Century 3 | DB Endurance Road Disc, Custom Fully Butted 7005 Series Alloy, Enhanced Performance Geometry (EPG), Formed Top Tube, w/Integrated Headtube and Flat Mount Disc Brake Tab | Diamondback Road Performance, Full Monocoque Carbon “CFT”, 12mm Thru-axle Drop Outs, Flat Mount Disc Tabs, 1.5″ Tapered Steerer Tube |
| Century Sport | DB Endurance Road Disc, Custom Fully Butted 6061 Series Alloy, Enhanced Performance Geometry (EPG), Formed Top Tube, w/Integrated Headtube | Diamondback Road Performance, Full Monocoque Carbon “CFT”, 15mm Thru-axle Drop Outs, Flat Mount Disc Tabs, 1.5″ Tapered Steerer Tube |
| Century 4 Carbon | Diamondback Carbon Monocoque Endurance Road Frame, Internal Cable Routing, 142x12mm Carbon Drop Outs, Flat Mount Disc, w/Taper Headtube, Di2 ready | Diamondback Road Performance, Full Monocoque Carbon “CFT”, 12mm Thru-axle Drop Outs, Flat Mount Disc Tabs, 1.5″ Tapered Steerer Tube |
| Century 5C Carbon | Diamondback Carbon Monocoque Endurance Road Frame, Internal Cable Routing, 142x12mm Carbon Drop Outs, Flat Mount Disc, w/Taper Headtube, Di2 ready | Diamondback Road Performance, Full Monocoque Carbon “CFT”, 12mm Thru-axle Drop Outs, Flat Mount Disc Tabs, 1.5″ Tapered Steerer Tube |
| Century 6C Carbon | Diamondback Carbon Monocoque Endurance Road Frame, Internal Cable Routing, 142x12mm Carbon Drop Outs, Flat Mount Disc, w/Taper Headtube, Di2 ready | Diamondback Road Performance, Full Monocoque Carbon “CFT”, 12mm Thru-axle Drop Outs, Flat Mount Disc Tabs, 1.5″ Tapered Steerer Tube |
Moving up to the three Carbon models and Diamondback have built them around their carbon monoque endurance frame. Internal cable routing is a nice extra, keeping things sleek and tidy. All except the Century 1 and Century 2 feature full monocoque carbon forks.
The carbon vs aluminum debate is fairly straightforward – aluminum is more durable and cheaper but the trade-off is performance benefits such as low weight and vibration dampening. A first-timer or less committed rider will find everything they need in an aluminum frame. More experienced, more committed riders looking to upgrade should consider the black stuff.
Groupset
All seven models are dressed in Shimano groupsets with the Century Sport and Century 1 both dressed in entry-level Claris. Diamondback say the purpose of the Sport is to eradicate barriers to buying a road bike and the choice of Claris with some components swapped in from Lasco, Tektro and KMC – reflects that. Both the Sport and Century 1 are aimed at the new buyer but still offer reliable enough shifting and a useful range of gears. The spec sheet for non-carbon Century bikes looks like this:
| Century Sport | Century 1 | Century 2 | Century 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shifters | Shimano Claris ST-R2400 | Shimano Claris ST-R2000 Dual Control | Shimano Sora ST-R3000 Dual Control | Shimano 105 ST-R7000 Dual Control |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Claris R2000, 31.8mm Band Clamp | Shimano Claris R2000, 31.8mm Band Clamp | Shimano Sora FD-R3000, 31.8mm Band Clamp | Shimano 105 FD-R7000, 31.8mm Band Clamp |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Claris R2400, 8-Speed | Shimano Claris R2000, 8-Speed | Shimano Sora RD-R3000, 9-Speed | Shimano 105 RD-R7000, 11-Speed |
| Crankset | Lasco Alloy Road, 50/34T | FSA Tempo Compact, 50/34T | Shimano Sora FC-R3000 Compact, 50/34T | Shimano FC-RS510, 50/34T |
| Brakes | Tektro Mira Mech Disc | Tektro Lyra Flat Mount Mechanical Disc, w/160mm Front / 160mm Rear Rotors | Tektro Lyra Flat Mount Mechanical Disc, w/160mm Front / 160mm Rear Rotors | TRP Spyre Flat Mount Disc, w/160mm Front / 140mm Rear Rotors |
| Cassette | Shimano HG31, 8-Speed, 11-32T | Shimano HG50, 8-Speed, 11-34T | Shimano HG400, 9-Speed, 11-32T | Shimano 105 CS-R7000, 11-Speed, 11-32T |
| Chain | KMC Z8, 8-Speed | KMC Z8, 8-Speed | KMC Z9, 9-Speed | KMC X11EL, 11-Speed |
The Diamondback Century 2 is dressed in Shimano Sora for an extra ring on the cassette and an on-brand crankset before things step up from there on. That includes Shimano’s ever-popular, super-reliable and extremely well-rated 105 groupset on the Century 3 and the Century 5C Carbon.
There is little not to like about Shimano 105 at this price point, and it is widely regarded one of the best value-for-money groupsets on the market. The range of gears is great and shifting technology has dripped down from the top-end groupsets for make for excellent-value performance. For carbon Century bicycles the parts look a bit more interesting:
| Century 4 Carbon | Century 5C Carbon | Century 6C Carbon | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shifters | Shimano Tiagra ST-4700, Dual Control 2×10 Speed | Shimano 105 ST-R7020, Dual Control 2×11 Speed | Shimano ST-R8020, Dual Control 2×11 Speed |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Tiagra FD-4700, 31.8mm Band Clamp | Shimano 105 FD-R7000, 31.8mm Band Clamp | Shimano Ultegra FD-R8000, 31.8mm Band Clamp |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Tiagra RD-4700, 10-Speed | Shimano 105 RD-R7000, 11-Speed | Shimano Ultegra RD-R8000, 11-Speed |
| Crankset | Shimano Tiagra FC-4700 Compact, 50/34T | Shimano 105 FC-7000 Compact, 50/34T | Shimano Ultegera FC-R8000 Compact, 50/34T |
| Brakes | TRP Spyre Flat Mount Disc, w/160mm Front / 160mm Rear Rotors | Shimano 105 BR-R7070, w/160mm Front / 160mm Rear Rotors | Shimano BR-R8070 Flat Mount Hydraulic Disc, w/160mm Front / 140mm |
| Cassette | Shimano HG500 Cassette, 10 Speed, 11-32T | Shimano 105 CS-R7000 Cassette, 11 Speed, 11-32T | Shimano Ultegra CS-R8000 Cassette, 11-34T |
| Chain | KMC X10, 10-Speed | KMC X11EL, 11-Speed | KMC X11EL, 11-Speed |
If your budget will stretch, however, the Diamondback Century 6C Carbon lives up to its billing as the flagship bike with Shimano’s excellent Ultegra 8000 groupset. Silky smooth shifting performance makes a notable difference to your ride quality. With only one groupset, the pro-focused Dura-Ace, ahead of 105 in Shimano’s range, Ultegra is king of the road for the all-day rider.
It highlights the fact Diamondback have looked to make an all-encompassing range with the Century. First-timers can enjoy the Century Sport and Century 1, while the Century 5C Carbon and 6C Carbon would not look out of place on a big sportive.
Wheelset
As with the women’s-focused Arden range, meanwhile, the wheels reflect their price points well too. That is not always the case, with the rolling stock an opportunity to keep costs down, but Diamondback have not fallen into that trap. Here’s a quick overview of wheelsets in all bikes within the range:
| Rims | Tires | |
|---|---|---|
| Century 1 | Diamondback Equation R, 28h, Doublewall | Diamondback Century, 30tpi Wire Bead, 700x28c |
| Century 2 | HED Flanders C2+ Disc, 28h | Diamondback Century, 60tpi Folding Bead, 700x28c |
| Century 3 | HED Flanders C2+ Disc, 24h | Continental Ultra Sport II, Folding, 700x28c |
| Century Sport | Diamondback Equation R, 28h, Doublewall | Continental Ultra Sport II, Folding, 700x28c |
| Century 4 Carbon | HED Flanders C2+ Disc, 24h | Continental Ultra Sport II, Folding, 700x28c |
| Century 5C Carbon | HED Flanders C2+ Disc, 24h | Continental Grand Sport Race, Folding, 700x28c |
| Century 6C Carbon | HED Flanders C2+ Disc, 24h | Continental Grand Sport Race, Folding, 700x28c |
All except the Century 1 and Century 2 roll on HED Flanders C2+ Disc wheels. There are lighter wheels and there are more aero wheels, but as off-the-peg models go, they do a decent job. Those shopping at the top-end of the range may be quicker to replace them, however.
Those wheels are wrapped in Continental tires – Ultra Sport II for the Century 3, Sport and 4 Carbon and Grand Sport Race for the 5C and 6C. The fact the Century is focused on endurance riding is further emphasised by the wider 28c tires used throughout the range.
All rolling stock not mentioned is Diamondback’s own-brand stuff. The fact they pair their own brand wheels on the Sport with Conti tires reflects the fact that, while still entry level, Diamondback have not scraped the barrel for finishing kit.
Ergonomics
Again, as with the women’s Arden range, the Diamondback Century range features similar finishing kit. All but the Century Sport and Century 1 use Prologo perches – the 5C Carbon and 6C Carbon utilising the Nago Evo PAS. It is hard to judge saddles, however – these may be lighter but comfort is personal so do not be afraid to chop and change.
The bars, meanwhile are HED Tour Flat Top Drop Bar for a wider range of more comfortable riding positions. It further helps reduce fatigue after long days in the saddle. Diamondback kit the Sport and the 1 with their in-house saddles and bars.
| Seat | Handlebar | Pedals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Century Sport | Diamondback Xdurance Road | Diamondback Xdurance Road | Boron Pedal |
| Century 1 | Diamondback Performance Road | 6061 Alloy Road Drop Bar, 31.8mm Bar Bore | DB Resin Road Platform |
| Century 2 | Prologo Nago RS, Steel Rail | HED Tour Flat Top Drop Bar, 31.8 Bar Bore | Alloy Road Platform |
| Century 3 | Prologo Nago RS, Steel Rail | HED Tour Flat Top Drop Bar, 31.8 Bar Bore | Alloy Road Platform |
| Century 4 Carbon | Prologo Kappa Evo Pas, w/Chromoly Rail | HED Tour Flat Top Drop Bar, 31.8 Bar Bore | N/A |
| Century 5C Carbon | Prologo Nago Evo PAS, w/Chromoly Rail | HED Tour Flat Top Drop Bar, 31.8 Bar Bore | N/A |
| Century 6C Carbon | Prologo Nago Evo PAS, w/Chromoly Rail | HED Tour Flat Top Drop Bar, 31.8 Bar Bore | N/A |
Finally, out of the box, the aluminum Century models come with flat road pedals. The fact the carbon models are aimed at more experienced riders is reflected by the fact they are expected to use (and therefore supply) their own clipless pedals.