1989 Diamondback Ascent EX

[DynaCol]

Re:

looking good so far . Are you going full period build with clips and straps? Was surprised how well I got on with them on my Appalachian at Drumlanrig and they just look right on a bike of this era. Would be good to get as many 80's bikes together for one of the MacRetro rides next year perhaps.

 

[firedfromthecircus]

Cheers Col.

Not going that period I'm afraid. I have some period pedals for the photoshoot, but when it comes to riding it will be 5:10s and some proper flatties!

Might have this ready for the x-mas Glentress ride. Never seem to be free for Dunkers but there are plans for another retro only ride next year so an 80's gathering would be cool.

 

[DynaCol]

Re:

Some things should stay in the past I suppose but safety is over-rated if you ask me . Look how cool they look in this pic though. Was thinking I would go full retro at Glentress this year, defo need to get more retro bikes on the rides next year if we can.

 

[nuclearfusion]

Jeez, looking at that frame takes me back. I remember selling a ton of those while working at the bike shop as a teenager in 89, the summer before my 12th grade. We used to ride the bikes sometimes after work, trying them out so we'd have something hopefully sensible to say to customers!

The DBs were some of the prettiest bikes we had - the smoke and spatter paint was nice. We liked the Apex paint best though with the white and black splashy fade - seemed very exotic!

 

[firedfromthecircus]

Ah the memories! That's why a lot of folk are here.

Not much of an update but finally shifted over the rear rim after re-spacing the hub. And fitted a lovely spanking new rim tape. :mrgreen:

Should get some progress over the weekend. Only stumbling block is what set-up to go for the cantis. :? Never been a fan of straddle cables but as the MT-60s are medium profile I'm not sure what length I would need to get for a link wire set-up, or even if they did them in those lengths.

I also have a pair of tektro booster pulley things so that is an option. If anyone has any thoughts?

 

[benseddon]

Re:

Love your thread. I have a 1990 ascent ex. The only real visible difference is the front forks.......and the fact yours is in tip top condition as well.

Anymore updates?

Here is a picture of mine

https://www.flickr.com/photos/113949688 ... 855654706/

 

[firedfromthecircus]

Cheers.

No updates yet, but I should get it finished at the weekend. Just got to fit the brakes and cable up.

 

[benseddon]

Sweet.

 

[Neil]

Re: Re:

Love your thread. I have a 1990 ascent ex. The only real visible difference is the front forks.......and the fact yours is in tip top condition as well.

Anymore updates?

Here is a picture of mine

https://www.flickr.com/photos/113949688 ... 855654706/

They were still using Tange tubing in 90, weren't they?

The way I always date them, from these years, is look at the forks and paintjobs - straight blades, 88 and 89, along with smokey paintjobs. 1990, curved blade forks, but not the constant radius ones seen in 91 onwards (well 'till about 93?).

That, and True Temper tubing from 91 onwards (steel versions, anyways, with only the very occasional exception).

 

[firedfromthecircus]

Cheers.

No updates yet, but I should get it finished at the weekend. Just got to fit the brakes and cable up.

OK. So that was a touch optimistic!

But nearly six months on and it's done now. In good time for our next MacRetro meet next month too.

Hope you like.