1991(?) Diamondback Apex Fork...
06-18-19, 05:16 PM
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1991(?) Diamondback Apex Fork...
So I am in search of your collective experience and expertise here. I just acquired what I believe is a 1991 Diamondback Apex. 18 inch frame fits me well. It is incredibly filthy and needs a total disassembly, cleaning and lube. It is however all original with one glaring exception. It has a Rock Shox suspension fork on it. It seems like a nice fork but it seems as if the front of the frame is slightly higher than stock. And I just like fully rigid bikes better. I also want to get it back to completely original. So I have already discovered that the various size frames all have different head tube/steerer tube lengths. The head tube on my frame is 4.5 inches/120 mm. So I am searching for a fork or donor frame of the correct size and am wondering are there any issues or concerns I am not aware of regarding the fork replacement? In a slightly different direction, can I transfer my components from the Apex frame to an Ascent EX frame? Will the bottom bracket/crank set, head set, front derailleur clamp all fit? Are there changes from year to year to be aware of? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Mike M.
06-18-19, 06:10 PM
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Assuming the head tube and steerer fork are the same dimensions on the apex and ascent, it should be an easy swap.
The only issue I can think of is that some Dback mtbs in the late 80s came with a chainstay brake.
But I think the EX was an early 90s right? So that would be an even swap all over.
I've owned both the apex and ascent. The apex came with a higher groupset and higher level of tubing.
Both were tanks that were built to ram thru obstacles. The geometry change a bit year to year and even within the same year depending on model. Lower level got more relaxed geometry.
The only issue I can think of is that some Dback mtbs in the late 80s came with a chainstay brake.
But I think the EX was an early 90s right? So that would be an even swap all over.
I've owned both the apex and ascent. The apex came with a higher groupset and higher level of tubing.
Both were tanks that were built to ram thru obstacles. The geometry change a bit year to year and even within the same year depending on model. Lower level got more relaxed geometry.
06-18-19, 06:22 PM
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Assuming the head tube and steerer fork are the same dimensions on the apex and ascent, it should be an easy swap.
The only issue I can think of is that some Dback mtbs in the late 80s came with a chainstay brake.
But I think the EX was an early 90s right? So that would be an even swap all over.
I've owned both the apex and ascent. The apex came with a higher groupset and higher level of tubing.
Both were tanks that were built to ram thru obstacles. The geometry change a bit year to year and even within the same year depending on model. Lower level got more relaxed geometry.
The only issue I can think of is that some Dback mtbs in the late 80s came with a chainstay brake.
But I think the EX was an early 90s right? So that would be an even swap all over.
I've owned both the apex and ascent. The apex came with a higher groupset and higher level of tubing.
Both were tanks that were built to ram thru obstacles. The geometry change a bit year to year and even within the same year depending on model. Lower level got more relaxed geometry.
06-18-19, 08:05 PM
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SamSpade and Jethin, Thanks for the response. Yes please if you might have a fork that you wish to sell I would like to know the steerer tube length or the head tube length of the frame it is in. Assuming it is the "over-size" 1 1/8 diameter that seems to be what all of these diamondback bikes had. Thanks again.
06-18-19, 08:13 PM
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mstateglfr, no chain stay brake. I did not see any 91 and later DB bikes with a chain stay brake in my internet searches. Thanks for the comments.
06-18-19, 08:41 PM
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Wasn't sure about the year of the Ascent and that model was around in the 80s.
Looks like you struck gold on the forum with options!
