Diamond Back DB Apex - possibly 1992?

[JonTom]

While browsing the ads on Gumtree yesterday I click on an ad titled 'Mountain and Road bikes'. There were three bikes for sale - two supermarket brands and a tiny postage stamp-size photo of ummmm ... well, yeah ... maybe ... I guess it could be an old Diamond Back.

After a quick chat with the seller I went round for a closer look, and sure enough - an old Diamond Back DB Apex. The seller was an elderly couple having a garage clear out and this had belonged to their son, who had long since moved away.

I got it home, ran a hose over it and (minus the neon bottle cage, electrical tape grips and side stand) it looks to be completely original - full Deore DX groupset and it's dripping with Avenir and Tioga parts. Even the tyres are original.

Does anyone know the year (what am I saying, of course you do!). I'm thinking '91 / '92.

 

[Neil]

I think it's 91 - but an alternate colour.

Pretty sure the graphics were different in 90, and in 92 I think all the cables were routed over the top tube, and they'd gone all snooker loopy over brahma bars.

I'm sure I've seen some alternative colours for 91 models - an Axis in red / orange, and an Apex in black. All the rest of the bike looks 91 spec, including the wheels.

 

[firedfromthecircus]

I think it's 91 - but an alternate colour.

Pretty sure the graphics were different in 90, and in 92 I think all the cables were routed over the top tube, and they'd gone all snooker loopy over brahma bars.

I'm sure I've seen some alternative colours for 91 models - an Axis in red / orange, and an Apex in black. All the rest of the bike looks 91 spec, including the wheels.

Yup, I concur.

The '89 came in plain black but would have had straight blade forks. The '90 had similar graphics to the '89, and the '92 came in a black spangle.

1991 Apex in the 'normal' colour.

Image shamelessly stolen from Gravy Monster.


And a screengrab from the '91 catalogue in German. Can't see an alternate colour listed but they did them in those days for most frames.

Nice find, though I pity the poor owner when he comes back to his parents house and asks if they still have his precious first proper MTB! :cry:

 

[cce]

I had one of these...

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=105362&hilit=apex


it destroyed the mojo of anyone who owned it. I never finished my build and neither did two subsequent owners

 

[JonTom]

Re:

Thanks for your input guys, '91 it is then.

I'll post an update when it's cleaned up, new grips etc.

And don't worry about the son wanting it back at a later date, his dad said he didn't want it.

 

[firedfromthecircus]

Re: Re:

And don't worry about the son wanting it back at a later date, his dad said he didn't want it.

Pretty sure my mum said that about my Star Wars collection before she gave it away. :cry:

 

[millsm]

Re:

Sweet - I picked up a red/black striped '91 Apex myself for $40 this spring for a project for my son. Already have a '91 Axis Team & '92 Axis - love the early 90's Diamondbacks!

 

[Neil]

Oh, go on then, as we're pic-whoring...

Here's my 91, although hasn't seen much use in the last couple of years, as I've been mainly riding my 91 Axis:-



Here's the English brochure pic (I have the 91 brochure):-



edit: oh and before I forget @millsm pics of the 91 Axis Team would be good!

 

[millsm]

Re:

Here ya go Neil - '91 Axis Team I built up for my daughter a year ago. Have changed to XT shift/brake levers, and currently getting a Tioga T-Bone Stem/Avenir handlebar upgrade. Oh, and before I get scolded, the canti brake wires have been corrected & purple R derailleur bolt replaced

 

[millsm]

And here's my personal '92 Axis in case you wanted to see it Neil - owned since new in Oct '93: