Here is my 1993 Apex. 1993 was my favorite year, because the Head Tubes were bigger than usual. Thus the seating position is a bit more upright. This 18" frame, (though it measures 19" the traditional way), has a nice tall Head Tube. I am a leggy 6'1", with a strong preference for smaller frames. More fun, flickable. I can get away with riding this bike, and still remain comfortable. I love this bike! The steel is very good quality. The frame is spirited, with a lively thrust when you apply power. Yet it is smooth and supple over bumps. Nimble, with good geometry. Have this one set up for Street and Hardpack, fun times.
1993 Diamondback Apex
- Thread starter maroon113
- Start date
Re:
Hi, this bike was bought as a frame only, on Ebay (got lucky that day). Later it was built up, with mostly Shimano LX. (Maybe it came with LX from the factory anyway though). The fork is from a 94 DB Apex, (found on Ebay as well, hehe, same color it seems). Also, many more modern parts. (Avid Single Digit 7 V-brakes, WTB Speed V saddle, etc). I believe the wheels are Araya RM-20. Will double-check tomorrow. The hubs are definitely LX. They have been great. Even years after my original post, I still love this bike. The frame is lively, spirited, with good geometry. Congratulations! You got yourself a sweet bike man!
Hi, this bike was bought as a frame only, on Ebay (got lucky that day). Later it was built up, with mostly Shimano LX. (Maybe it came with LX from the factory anyway though). The fork is from a 94 DB Apex, (found on Ebay as well, hehe, same color it seems). Also, many more modern parts. (Avid Single Digit 7 V-brakes, WTB Speed V saddle, etc). I believe the wheels are Araya RM-20. Will double-check tomorrow. The hubs are definitely LX. They have been great. Even years after my original post, I still love this bike. The frame is lively, spirited, with good geometry. Congratulations! You got yourself a sweet bike man!
minor_LEGEND
Senior Retro Guru
I have one of these I picked up a year or so ago. 19", fully original down to the tyres & in pretty good condition save for the usual undisclosed small dent in the frame.
I had a 92 model when I was a youth & spent many a happy mile hammering the trails on that one, I wore it out. The geometry was the same in 92, I think the 93's dropped a bit of weight from the frame tubes & went to the new LX groupset from DX.
Wheels on my 93 are indeed wheelsmith built silver RM-20 on LX hubs. I prefer the Avenir branded Sun CR16 rims found on the 91/92 model though.
I had a 92 model when I was a youth & spent many a happy mile hammering the trails on that one, I wore it out. The geometry was the same in 92, I think the 93's dropped a bit of weight from the frame tubes & went to the new LX groupset from DX.
Wheels on my 93 are indeed wheelsmith built silver RM-20 on LX hubs. I prefer the Avenir branded Sun CR16 rims found on the 91/92 model though.
minor_LEGEND":2qztoemu said:
Good stuff. These are quite underrated bikes imho. My buddy had a red beauty, 95 Apex, 20" and it fit me real nice. I would buy one of those if I break this one. The position was a bit more aggressive, but that can be rectified with riser bars, taller front tire, etc. Younger people don't know much about these 90's DB's. It is a great steel ride, and the frame is strong too. So many modern hardtails, being made with mediocre steel. (I'm assuming something like Reynolds 520 wouldn't be too good). I mean it is mostly Aluminum hardtails in 2019 anyway, (not my thing at all). The 90's is full of excellent steel "sleepers": Those Trek 930's up to 990, GT Karakoram, GT Corrado, GT Bravado, Diamondback Axis and Apex, steel Stumpjumpers, Kona Explosif, Kona Kilauea, Jamis Dragon, etc, etc. The era was rich with amazing steel hardtails.
minor_LEGEND
Senior Retro Guru
I couldn't agree more, infact I've barely owned any alu stuff with exception of a Cannondale I've not actually built yet.
I got hold of a 91 DB Axis a couple years ago, which was a bike I always wanted as a youngster. I scratched that itch though & moved it on as it wasn't as light as I'd wished compared with a Prestige framed (Orange) I've been going about on. The latest project is a 91 Kona Cinder Cone.
I got hold of a 91 DB Axis a couple years ago, which was a bike I always wanted as a youngster. I scratched that itch though & moved it on as it wasn't as light as I'd wished compared with a Prestige framed (Orange) I've been going about on. The latest project is a 91 Kona Cinder Cone.
Re:
True. I owned a 96 GT Zaskar for years. It was fast, great handling, and strong. But compared to riding a steel hardtail, that thing would beat me up. After a couple hours on the trail, you start to feel the affect. Also, compared to a steel hardtail, it was more difficult to "get my rhythm" with the trail. You would get rattled around sometimes, and lose your groove. Then you go home all sore, :? . On the other hand, a 94 GT Bravado was probably the best bike I have ever owned. Amazing steel ride on that thing. (Haven't experienced too much high-end stuff though, can only imagine what a Psyclone would be like :shock: ).
True. I owned a 96 GT Zaskar for years. It was fast, great handling, and strong. But compared to riding a steel hardtail, that thing would beat me up. After a couple hours on the trail, you start to feel the affect. Also, compared to a steel hardtail, it was more difficult to "get my rhythm" with the trail. You would get rattled around sometimes, and lose your groove. Then you go home all sore, :? . On the other hand, a 94 GT Bravado was probably the best bike I have ever owned. Amazing steel ride on that thing. (Haven't experienced too much high-end stuff though, can only imagine what a Psyclone would be like :shock: ).
minor_LEGEND
Senior Retro Guru
I had a CAAD4 Cannondale road bike that used to batter me to bits on 20 mile rides, I know the feeling.
I'll try to add pics of my Apex, I must try a new photo hosting site....
I'll try to add pics of my Apex, I must try a new photo hosting site....
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