how good is A BroDie diablo?

They changed design a couple times, but they are strong FR bikes. Check some of the canadian sites for reviews like drop machine or nsmb.com

brodie is notorious for poor quality control

there were problems on the 8-ball where the swingarm wouldn't be lined up right and it would blow shocks all the time as a result.

then again, my M1 did the same thing...

I have 2 Brodies...A 2002 Diablo and and 2002 8-Ball. I've had no problems whatsoever with the Diablo. The 8-Ball, i blew the shock twice since (2 full seasons). I consider that 'normal' for a Vanilla R...Looking to upgrade

I've also had nothing but great customer support from Brodie. For the Diablo, i've had problems with the front disk brakes after having the bike for only about a month or so, (kept leaking even hafter swithching seals and such) Brodie ask me to send them the front disk kit and sent me a replacement kit within 2 weeks. For the 8-Ball, the bushings get used up pretty quickly on the push rod, after having talked to the guys at Brodie, i got within a week a new push rod with 5 sets of bushings...enough to last me a while.

Everyone has their own horror story just about any bike company. I have nothing bad to say about my experience with both bikes. I'll buy another from Brodie anytime.

Found this on NSMB...
Brodie bikes comments...

If it's the older one with the single-pivot swingarm like a Cannondale, then skip it. It's crap. If it's the newer one with the 4-bar rear end like a FSR, I dunno -- they might be a little better. I had an older singlepivot Brodie and it was a real piece, not a good FR bike by any stretch. Probably a nice trail bike, but nothing up to being abused.