2000? Diamond Back X-Link Help! 🙏

[Bike Creatively]

This DB X-Link is probably a bit new to be classed as retro really as I think it’s from 2000, but does anyone know anything about these bikes?
For example:
- Is it a 2000 bike?
- Which parts would it have come with?
- Is it worth trying to restore it?
This one came with a full (and I mean full) XTR M950 groupset and these 2000 Marzocchi Bomber Z1 CR forks so it was obviously either a high spec bike or upgraded loads by a previous owner.
FYI I was given this by a chap who bought it for the XTR parts so no I don’t have a M950 groupset unfortunately

 

[sam_white]

It's not an X-Link, that's the earlier V-Link frame. All the Year 2000 X-Link bikes shared the same frame as mine.

2000 Diamondback X Link Sport

Local Facebook marketplace find. Have been keeping an eye out for a full suspension frame that may make a good XC bike.

www.retrobike.co.uk

Check out the V-Link thread here:

Claud Butler ARC 1000 / Diamondback DBR V-Link

Browsing the Facebook marketplace I stumbled on a cheap full suspension bike, a bit of investigation and close examination of the pics showed it to be a Claud Butler ARC 1000. Some parts of the frame reminded me of my own Diamondback X-Link, especially the front derailleur noodle and bottom...

www.retrobike.co.uk

 

[sam_white]

It has had a newer sticker sheet applied. It may be the original colour though.

 

[sam_white]

Yes it is worth trying to restore it. The Z1 CR is a cracking fork and that rear Stratos shock should also be good.

 

[Bike Creatively]

Massive thanks for helping me to think outside the box Sam! I’m pretty sure of what it is now! I reckon it’s a 1998 V10 based mainly on the parts it came with and also the look of the frame. I’ll send over some pics, please could you let me know if you agree?

 

[Bike Creatively]

I guess I better put it back in the shed rather than leaving it in the pile of reject/broken wheels and frames down the side of the conservatory now To think I nearly gave it away last week (these are pics from the link you sent but I do actually own this catalog so I’ll have a proper look when I get home!) Exciting stuff if it is the top dog DBR bike from 98 Sam! Thanks again!

 

[Bike Creatively]

Massive thanks for helping me to think outside the box Sam! I’m pretty sure of what it is now! I reckon it’s a 1998 V10 based mainly on the parts it came with and also the look of the frame. I’ll send over some pics, please could you let me know if you agree?

FYI I contacted the chap who gave me the frame and he sent these pics over! Key components include, titec stem, wtb grease guard hubs, XTR groupset, Stratos Helix rear suspension (which you pointed out), etc

 

[sam_white]

I'd have to agree that it definitely looks like a 1998 DBR V10 with a new sticker kit. Many of the parts match the catalogue spec and the colour scheme matches. The catalogue mentions long travel, I wonder how long it is?

 

[sam_white]

The catalogue mentions long travel, I wonder how long it is?

4.25" apparently according to http://www.geocities.ws/cegrover/DBR.html

That's pretty decent.