1982 Diamond Back Ridge Runner

[kingoffootball]

Re: 1982 Diamondback Ridge Runner

That makes sense. I think the '82 Ridge Runner was available in both colour schemes, unless they switched between them from '82 to '83. So the Mean Streak was basically the Ridge Runner, whereas the Ridge Runner II was completely different, with a lugless frame.

Hopefully I'll get to do some work on mine at the weekend, though I need some more degreaser to clean the bottom bracket before I can get much further.

 

[frantik]

Re: 1982 Diamondback Ridge Runner

hmm i wonder if the Ridge Runner II came out in 85..

 

[kingoffootball]

Re: 1982 Diamondback Ridge Runner

hmm i wonder if the Ridge Runner II came out in 85..

It might have done - a lot of the estimates I've seen have said '83 or '84, but I can't find anything to back that up.

Anyway, it doesn't seem as though it was the natural successor to the Ridge Runner - it was apparently made of different, non-Tange/Champion tubing and weighed a lot more(!) so it sounds like a lower offering than the Mean Streak.

 

[frantik]

Re: 1982 Diamondback Ridge Runner

There's a Ridge Runner II frame on ebay right now.. I contacted the seller and asked him if he would tell me the serial #.. he said he'd let me know over the weekend. The SN should give a hint to when the frame was manufactured

 

[kingoffootball]

Re: 1982 Diamondback Ridge Runner

Excellent - if it's the same format as my Ridge Runner the year is obvious.

 

[frantik]

Re: 1982 Diamondback Ridge Runner

yeah, in general the first number is the year and the first letter after that is the fortnight. They follow the same format as Centurion road bikes

The Ridge Runner II has the Diamondback logo which resembles the DB logo from 92-94. In 1985 the DB Viper has the newer script style logo which was used in 86 and 87 as well.

 

[kingoffootball]

Re: 1982 Diamondback Ridge Runner

Well, after a critical failure in my Richter 8.0 build I'm now trying to work out whether I can get this finished in the next week to take on holiday with me.

I should have most the parts I need, so it's certainly possible. I spent the whole of today touching up the paintwork on the frame to protect it from rust and cleaning up most of those parts.

I've realised that the bars came with and without an inbuilt canti hanger and the one I have do not have one, so I'll need to get one (I've looked through my spares but not found one yet). I'll also probably want to get some canti bridges, as I don't think I have any matching pairs.

I have got a set of these Psycho-esque tyres:

Which will allow me to use it off road if I can get it all built up.

Originally it would have used a Suntour Superbe Tech L rear derailleur, which was front pull, but I'll be using either a Suntour Vx GT or a Suntour Mountech GTL, both of which are rear pull - it shouldn't be a problem to route the cable round to the rear with some cable outer should it? Does anyone have any opinions as to which is the better mech to go with?

Another worry would be whether the seat post will be long enough, but if I get to a point of finding that out I'll be doing quite well - I can't remember whether I have any other 26.6mm posts I could use if it is.

If I can get it finished, it won't be exactly as I planned - I won't get a chance to try to straighten out the pedals before then, so won't be able to service them, but so long as it's rideable I'll be happy and then I can always fine-tune it once I'm back.

 

[kingoffootball]

Almost there after today, just waiting for a few more bits to arrive:

 

[kingoffootball]

Finished!

I'm planning to take it out for a test ride on the roads and then change the tyres to see how it goes off road, so hopefully I'll get some more photos then too.

There's a few things that aren't quite as I'd like them, I need to reshape the end of the pedal cages to their original curve, which will allow me to service the bearings.

I weighed it and was pleasantly surprised. It's certainly no lightweight, but isn't the heaviest bike in my house and probably a kilo or so lighter than I expected.

So here's the specification sheet as it stands:

Frame: 1982 Diamond Back Ridge Runner - Champion NO. 5 Chrome Molyboden Steel Seamless P.G. tubing by Tange Industries, Ltd.

Fork: Tange original lugged forks

Headset: Tange Falcon
Stem & Handlebar: Diamond Bullmoose, made exclusively for Diamond Back
Grips: Unidentified 1980s grips
Barends: n/a

Brakes: Dia-Compe Gran Compe 981 cantilevers
Brake Pads: Dia-Compe
Brake Cables: Shimano SLR High Tech Silver outer, Fibrax PTFE coated inner
Cantilever cable hangers: Dia-Compe Gran Compe
Brake Levers: Dia Compe 280? 4-finger levers
Shifters: Suntour Power Shifters
Front Derailleur: Suntour FD-2800 AGear Tech
Rear Derailleur: Suntour Vx GT
Derailleur Cables: Shimano SIS SP silver pearl outer, Fibrax stainless steel inner
Cassette: Suntour 13-32 6-speed freewheel
Chain: KMC 6/7/8 speed
Cranks: Sakae CX black
Crank Bolts: Standard black crank nuts
Chainrings: SR 363 (26T), SR 341 (36T), SR 307 (48T)
Chainring bolts: Sakae / SR
Bottom Bracket: Tange
Pedals: KKT Lightning gold

Hub Skewers: Suzue solid axle
Rims: Araya 26x1.75 36 hole
Hubs: Suzue 2 K high flange sealed cartridge bearing 36 hole
Nipples: Zinc-plated brass
Spokes: Single butted zinc-plated
Tyres: Lucky Stone 26x1.95 butterscotch
Tubes: I can't remember, I'll check when I change the tyres

Saddle: Fujita Professional Seamless Super Y.F.C.
Seatpost: SR Laprade 26.6mm
Seatpost Binder: Brand-X steel with gold alloy nuts

Weight: 13.83 kg / 30 lbs 8 oz

I'm really pleased with it so far. I think the butterscotch tyres work well, though I think it might look better once the grey Kenda tyres are on it. Feel free to disagree, I won't be offended!