To peel or not to peel?

[mann1x]

I have a recently acquired Diamond Back Apex LE. It's so used like it's been in cat fight, scratches and all. As expected the decals are horrible. Should I replace them with computer cut decals? Or just let them be for authenticity?
Also a stamp on the OEM fork says "1989". Does it mean its from '89?

 

[brocklanders023]

Up to you really, I'd probably just leave them.

 

[feetabix]

I would go with decals if you go with new paint also......if not then leave them, a bit of use will add to the character of the bike......

 

[ishaw]

Every bike I have bought I have gone down the full restoration route, and to be honest it really does get in the way of completing anything, let alone riding and enjoying. I've recently bought a steel ridgeback 602LX and aside from a t-cut and wax, and possibly some touch up paint (to cover over some surface rust/larger scratches), I'm going to use as it is. If and when the need arises, I can always respray it later ( though the purpose of this bike will be a bit of a beater/child carrier so unlikely).

I guess what I'm saying is use it as it is, if you like it and want it nice and shiny, do that later. It's much easier to dismantle and rebuild a bike once its been done once, but I guess the choice is yours.

All the best.

 

[merckx]

leave them, they are fine. one of the best DB era graphics imho. that is a 1990 or 91 model if i am not mistaken.

 

[frantik]

leave them, they are fine. one of the best DB era graphics imho. that is a 1990 or 91 model if i am not mistaken.

Not 100% sure but I think it's a 91 or maybe 92.. in 1990 DB were still doing the fades/smoke/etc. 91 they were doing the "stencil font" logo

Some "Limited edition" models were offered in 1992 with 1991 graphics too. there is no Apex LE in the 1992 catalog on this site so not sure.

i do know the seafoam green + pink on black with the white bits is awesome looking and would definitely leave it even if it's rough..

 

[T'boo Ted]

yeah, i'd say a 90 or 91. I had the 89 in the smoke. This looks pretty much like the 90 or 91 axis with the swagged tubes and splattery paint

 

[tintin40]

I would go with decals if you go with new paint also......if not then leave them, a bit of use will add to the character of the bike......

+1 this

 

[mann1x]

I decided not to peel. I admired this bike a lot 20 years ago when I still couldn't afford a decent meal. Well, until the rust sinks in I suppose. I will save these decals in vector form until the need arises. Thanks all great advice!

 

[sylus]

I prefer to leave them as they are unless..they are almost totally shot or your doing a frame repaint