Fuji's 4-Bar Cross Country Bike

WHAT: Fuji Diamond RC HOW MUCH $3,380 WHERE: www.fujibikes.com

Fuji’s top of the line, 2005 full-suspension XC race bike, the Diamond RC, looks like the result of what happens when a Cannondale Scalpel and a Specialized Epic go for an extended ride with an overnight stay, and somebody forgets to wear a helmet (probably the Scalpel). The Diamond RC has shock placement similar to a Scalpel and the Horst Link found on the Specialized line.

The bike features a custom-butted, aluminum frame with an integrated headset and gussets on the down tube and at the junction of the top tube and seat tube. The rear triangle has forged dropouts, a replaceable derailleur hanger, sealed bearings and travel adjustable between 80- and 110-millimeters. The most notable feature of the frame, however, is the Horst link, which means Fuji anted-up to Specialized for the patented four-bar system instead of placing the pivot above the rear dropout.

Sporting a 24-inch effective top tube length (on our size large test bike), Fuji designed this bike with one purpose in mind: cross-country racing. The bike railed in tight, twisty singletrack (as expected with most 3-inch travel bikes). With a 71-degree head tube angle, the steering is quick and precise. The fully active rear suspension soaked up the smaller bumps and helped the back tire dig in while hammering over rough terrain.

Climbing is another of the bike’s strengths, with the four-bar suspension helping traction considerably on loose climbs. But the Diamond RC did bob more than expected, partly due to the X-Fusion 02 RL shock, which doesn’t boast the same damping features as the Fox Float or Manitou SPV shocks. Even with the external compression control in the firmest setting, there was always the feeling that some of my pedal power was lost. A lockout would have been ideal for rocketing up climbs to get ahead before the downhill.

Descending, the bike had enough travel to smooth out the small bumps and take the edge off bigger hits. With the shock’s adjustable external compression lever in the softest setting the bike was impressive on XC-level descents. It shined in switchbacks with it’s quick handling. And braking on steep, rough descents was excellentthe suspension remained fully active and the Shimano XT hydraulic disc brakes provided more than enough power through the 2.1-inch Continental Explorer tubeless tires.

Weighing in at just over 27-pounds on our scale, the bike isn’t incredibly light for a cross-country race bike. On the trail, the bike felt lighter than it weighs and was easy to flick around obstacles. In the 110-milimeter setting, the Diamond RC descends even better, but the shock’s shortcomings were exacerbated.

The suspension bobbed more and the external compression control seemed to do less as it was readjusted between the softest and firmest setting. The bike also handled a bit slower, as the head angle changed to 70-degrees in the longer travel setting.

At 120-millimeters of travel, the Manitou Black Platinum Air fork felt a little over-matched for the bike’s rear end that performs best in the 80-millimeter setting. Luckily, the fork’s travel could easily be reduced by pressing the handlebar-mounted lever, which definitely helped when climbing. The fork easily absorbed XC sized barriers and obstacles and when in it’s longest travel setting handled descents and rock gardens with ease.

The Diamond RC performed like a Swiss Army Knife, doing all the things an XC bike should. But with a $3,380 retail price, the Diamond RC deserves a better rear shock, something with better damping capabilities and a lockout. And at over 27-pounds it’s a little hefty for a dedicated race bike. But overall, it’s a capable machine that should not be overlooked. And with a few component changes, the Diamond RC could easily become the lightweight racer it was destined to be.

Editor's Note: Though the Diamond RC tested here is a 2005 model and 2005 is just about to give up the ghost, Fuji is keeping this frame design in their line (albeit under the name "Outland").