Help me Identify this Diamondback Topanga

[fatman73]

This is my first post on this forum and I apologize if it's in the wrong place.

I haven't ridden a bike in over 35 years, but I would like to slowly get into riding. There are lots of dirt trails and things on my parents old property. I used to ride around on them with a Huffy Dirt Duster single speed.

Anyway, I picked up a Diamondback Topanga from a local thrift store for $15. I'd really like to take my time and rebuild or upgrade it. I have no idea what year it was made, but I do know it was made in China. I guess a Taiwan owned factory in China.

I think the frame stamped serial number is i5h06397. I'm not sure if there is another place on the bike I can find a different serial number.

 

[eshew]

Fix what's broke, wouldn't bother upgrading as it'll roll just fine. Looks like an mid 90's small frame. I hope you're short!

But for $15 it's a steal. If it's to small you can always sell and get something that fits.

 

[fatman73]

Fix what's broke, wouldn't bother upgrading as it'll roll just fine. Looks like an mid 90's small frame. I hope you're short!

But for $15 it's a steal. If it's to small you can always sell and get something that fits.

I came to the same conclusion that it's maybe a 95 to 97. Once I start cleaning it up maybe I'll find more numbers on it.

And yes, the fact it was a Diamondback and actually looked small enough like I could ride it is the reason I bought it. I'm not kid size short, but I do have short legs compared to the rest of me. I actually ordered a bike before the pandemic, it was a medium sized frame, and it was too tall for me so I had to send it back. They had no small ones in stock so I never bothered. This bike looks to be the perfect size for me.

 

[eshew]

Well have fun with it, if your feet hit the front wheel when turning or your knees hit the bars often you'll want to size up. But should be a good bike to at very least get back to pedaling. That's the important part

 

[fishyfool]

Well have fun with it, if your feet hit the front wheel when turning.... you'll want to size up.

lol, my feet hit the front wheel on almost all my bikes, doesn't make one's legs longer.
Love your Diamond Back, looks like it's got a Tange Big Fork, basically indestructible.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

If it has Shimano parts, there should be a date code stamped on it, can be used to pin down a year of manufacture

 

[fishyfool]

99.9999 % sure it's a 1996. Gripshift 400, Tange fork, STX rear Derailleur

https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?year=1996&brand=Diamondback%20&model=Topanga

 

[fatman73]

99.9999 % sure it's a 1996. Gripshift 400, Tange fork, STX rear Derailleur

https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?year=1996&brand=Diamondback%20&model=Topanga

After cleaning it, the paint does look exactly like what I would call an olive metallic. And dummy me didn't realize it had a front set of cogs making it a 21 speed until I started cleaning it around there.

Any tips on removing rust, cleaning the grips? I think one of the pedals has a piece broken off but everything on the bike seems too work.

Probably need to just get new grips and new horns too. One of the horns is bent pretty bad.

And tires? I assume I just try pumping them up and see if they hold air?

 

[fatman73]

Well I'm gonna start cleaning it up and fixing what's broke or needs adjusting/replaced. I'm update with pics when I get it done.

 

[sam_white]

The frame number shows the frame was built in August 1995.