I saw this '85/'86 Apex for sale locally, and although I'm the first to admit I find 80's mtbs a bit "different" to ride I cant help but like their style.
The chap I bought it from said he originally bought it when he lived over in the USA and brought it back with him to the UK (that figures as the brakes are in the US configuration ie. Right/rear, left/front), he said he rode it around some parks and trails in the USA (I forgot to ask where) but it'd not been used for the last 10 years at least and has just been gathering dust in his garage.
This one is from 1986 I think, serial number N6A0451, from what I've read online the 6 implies 1986, the N is the factory although I've not figured that one out yet.
It's in surprisingly good condition, the only non-original items are the saddle (which was Originally a Vetta), and the Tourney rear mech
(original should be Shimano M700 Deerhead).
Even the tyres are in good condition!
I'm liking some of the neat little touches such as the chainstay mounted roller cam brake, double water bottle fixtures on the down tube, and the spoke holder on the chainstay.
It's a rather large 22" frame, but doesn't feel stretched out to ride.
I've given it a quick clean today and pumped up the tyres, and that's all the work it needed
The plan is to ride it down to the beach for coffee tomorrow morning, and then think about fitting a more suitable saddle, and sourcing a Deerhead rear mech.
The chap I bought it from said he originally bought it when he lived over in the USA and brought it back with him to the UK (that figures as the brakes are in the US configuration ie. Right/rear, left/front), he said he rode it around some parks and trails in the USA (I forgot to ask where) but it'd not been used for the last 10 years at least and has just been gathering dust in his garage.
This one is from 1986 I think, serial number N6A0451, from what I've read online the 6 implies 1986, the N is the factory although I've not figured that one out yet.
It's in surprisingly good condition, the only non-original items are the saddle (which was Originally a Vetta), and the Tourney rear mech
(original should be Shimano M700 Deerhead).Even the tyres are in good condition!
I'm liking some of the neat little touches such as the chainstay mounted roller cam brake, double water bottle fixtures on the down tube, and the spoke holder on the chainstay.
It's a rather large 22" frame, but doesn't feel stretched out to ride.
I've given it a quick clean today and pumped up the tyres, and that's all the work it needed
The plan is to ride it down to the beach for coffee tomorrow morning, and then think about fitting a more suitable saddle, and sourcing a Deerhead rear mech.
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. I think they might be ok. But yes Blackwall tyres might look OK too, in fact some Michelin Wildgrippers would probably match the frame colour!
