Hi,

I am a beginner of mountain bike. My first bike is a diamondback response 29er. I rode it with on single tracks and practice my skill. The bike is more on a heavy side however it’s my first entry-level bike. I was planning to train myself for at least 1-2 year and swtich to a better bike — however, my bike got stolen last week. and I only rode it for half year. well…. so sad.

Back to the topic, rightnow I have to choose another new bike for me. Unfortunately I am not ready for a better bike. I still tend to choose a entry-level bike but I hope it will be slightly better than what I have before. (really don’t want to spent twice amount of money for the same bike.).

I went to performance bike and found they have an exclusive model called Apex.
I am choosing between Apex Trail (cehaper) and Apex Elite(250USD more)
I need your help to compare the two bike spec and let me know which one is more worth to get.
They are all 29er. I have no idea if the apex trail ‘s spec is better or worse than my original diamondbacl response model. I would be highly appreciated if you can helpm

1. My original bike – Diamondback Response
F. Derailleur Shimano TX50 dual pull, Top swing, 34.9
R. Derailleur Shimano Altus 7spd
Shifter Shimano EF-51 Easyfire 7spd
Brake Levers Shimano integrated lever
Brakes Tektro IO Plus Mechanical Disc Brake w/ 160mm Rotors
Cassette Shimano HG20 7spd Cassette (12-28t)
Rims 32h Diamondback SL-7 Doublewall
Tires WTB Wolverine Comp 29×2.2
Pedals DB Toe Clip Compatible Platform
Handlebar Steel Riser
Stem Diamondback 4 bolt Ahead 7° 31.8mm
Seatpost DB SL309p Alloy Micro Adjust 30.9mm
Seat DB low profile All Moutain saddle
Headset Zero Stack Ahead 1 1/8″
Colors Black/White
Chain KMC-Z51
Hubset (F) 32h SL-7 Alloy w/ CNC Disc Mount (R) 32h SL-7 Alloy Cassette w/ CNC Disc mount

2. The new bike option1 – Diamondback Apex Trail (performance bike exclusive model)

Brakes: Tektro Hydraulic Disc, 160mm rotors
Cassette: Shimano 11/32, 8-speed
Chain: KMC 8-speed
Crankset: SR Suntour, 42/32/22
Fork: SR Suntour SF15-XCT-DS 27.5″/29″-100mm of travel, pre-load adjust
Frame: 6061 butted aluminum, double water bottle mounts, replaceable rear hanger, standard 1 1/8″ head tube
Front Derailleur: Shimano Tourney
Grips/Tape: Kraton DB4L
Handlebar: Aluminum, 650mm width, 15mm rise, 6 degree backsweep
Headset: FSA IS-3 integrated
Levers: Tektro Hydraulic
Pedals: Wellgo, Aluminum
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Acera, 8-speed
Rear Shock: None
Saddle: Diamondback
Seatpost: Diamondback
Shifters: Shimano SL-M310, 3×8
Stem: Aluminum, 7 degree rise
Tires: 27.5″ Wheel Size: 27.5×2.1; 29″ Wheel Size: 29×2.1

3. The new bike option2 – Diamondback Apex Elite (performance bike exclusive model)
Brakes: Shimano Hydraulic, BR-M355, 180/160 rotors
Cassette: Shimano 12/36, 9-speed
Chain: KMC 9-speed
Crankset: SR Suntour XCM-T414, 44/32/22T
Fork: SR Suntour XCM-HLO 27.5″/29″ w/ 100mm Travel, Hydraulic Lockout
Frame: 6061 butted aluminum, double water bottle mounts, replaceable rear hanger, standard 1 1/8″ head tube
Front Derailleur: Shimano Acera
Grips/Tape: Kraton DB4L, rubber, 135mm
Handlebar: Aluminum, 650mm width, 15mm rise, 6 degree backsweep
Headset: FSA IS-3 integrated
Levers: Shimano Hydraulic
Pedals: Aluminum, Black
Rear Derailleur: Simano Deore, Shadow Design 9-speed
Rear Shock: None
Saddle: Diamondback
Seatpost: Diamondback 30.9x350mm
Shifters: Shimano Alivio, 3×9
Stem: Aluminum, 7 degree rise
Tires: Schwalbe Rapid Rob; 27.5″ Wheel Size: 27.5×2.25; 29″ Wheel Size: 29×2.25

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Since apex is a exclusive model for performance bike. I have no idea if it’s a overall “good for price bike” or it’s actually a “too expensive” bike.
My bottom like will be my new bike should be at least better than previous one which is diamondback response.
If the Apex trail is better than response already I think I will go ahead to choose the apex trail.
If the APex trail is actually worse than response, I think I will have to move to apex elite.

Thank you so much for helping out.

The Trail is a better bike on paper than your old bike. The Elite does look like a much better spec though.

If you were perfectly happy with your old bike and the Trail is the same sort of price, go for that. If you can afford the extra and are happy spending it, the Elite would be a nicer treat.

@m360

Thank you so much for your help.

I don’t have much experience to tell the spec difference in terms of riding experience.

The reason I decide to ask question here is I notice the difference between the Derailleur’s spec between my old bike and the Apex trail.

My old bike:
F. Derailleur Shimano TX50 dual pull, Top swing, 34.9
R. Derailleur Shimano Altus 7spd

Apex Trail: (which I prefer to buy)
Front Derailleur: Shimano Tourney
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Acera, 8-speed

Since I happen to read another article about the Derailleur level from shimano.
I surprisingly found out my new apex trail’s Derailleur looks worse than my missing old bike.

This is why I think I will have to ask. Since I want to buy a bicycle better than my old stolen bike:(

So, it seems like the Derailleur won’t make much difference from your point of view?
May I know at what circumstances I should consider to upgrade my Derailleur ?

Thanks!!

I wish I can ride more that one day I can answer these question by myself and for others!

You are over thinking it.

Derailleur itself makes little difference.

Spend what you want, both seem reasonable spec.

Agree with Al. Buy the one you can afford and just get out and ride!

Fork is the most releavant compotent to compare. You may be better asking in a U.S. forum, as people and more likely to know what is available.