1995 Diamondback Apex rebuild query

[Ice Truck Killer]

I know I know, another bloody DB post...

I have just pulled mine apart after it sat in a mates shed for nigh on three years and have plans to convert it into a commuter/weekend tourer. I am seriously considering putting some Nitto Drop bars on it but still want to run the original STX V brakes. I have heard that the Dia Compe 287 V brakes are compatible with V brakes. Can anyone confirm or deny this filthy rumour? Anyone know of any other brakes that may do the trick? BTW I am Australian...so please no jokes about our swotty PM or the football (soccer) team please. Convict jokes are fine as I've heard 'em all before!!

Cheers

ITK

 

[Pickle]

I had a DB Apex of that era......but mine was full Deore LX (the black stuff).

 

[Ice Truck Killer]

XXXX

Well long story short...I originally bought the model below the Apex and the frame snapped after about two weeks.The bloke at the bikeshop rode for DBR and was a bit embarrassed to say the least, so he got hold of an Apex frame for me and bunged all the other gear off the lower model (Axis or Ascent I think) back on it...so she was a bit of a Frankenstein from word go. I was pissed about the frame snap but couldn't really complain as I got a True Temper TT Lite frame for half the price. The frame is very good, hence the reason for the rebuild.

Cheers

ITK

 

[Neil]

I had a DB Apex of that era......but mine was full Deore LX (the black stuff).

Indeed - this sounds like at least a 96 bike (STX and Vs).

 

[Neil]

Re: XXXX

Well long story short...I originally bought the model below the Apex and the frame snapped after about two weeks.The bloke at the bikeshop rode for DBR and was a bit embarrassed to say the least, so he got hold of an Apex frame for me and bunged all the other gear off the lower model (Axis or Ascent I think) back on it...so she was a bit of a Frankenstein from word go. I was pissed about the frame snap but couldn't really complain as I got a True Temper TT Lite frame for half the price. The frame is very good, hence the reason for the rebuild.

Cheers

ITK

Sounds like it should be slightly later than 95, though. Does the frame have a rear canti hanger on the frame? Also, what colour is it painted?

Should I call you Rudy? ;-)

 

[fatfixie]

Dia-Compe 287V- levers are compatible for v-brakes, but are very hard to set up without cable friction, which tends to make em feel like crap.

Best done with cables outside bar tape if you want to use em. They also lack modulation, so best used only if you need brute stopping power

Shimano (and avid, and tektro) makes cantis that work well with standard drop bar levers. You can also use road sti shifters in this setup if you wish.
old cantis also work ok and can be picked up for bugger all $$

I am also in Oz- though prob more west than you

Andy

 

[Ice Truck Killer]

Pickle, Neil & Fatfixie thanks for the comments/input.

Neil: no, the bike is definitely a 1995 model. See attached photo. Its partly stripped but you can see that it has a metalic green tint.

Just don't call me Doaks...

Fatfixie: I'll look into the other brands as I don't want my brakes to feel like crap! I'm in Sydney. Where are you, W.A?

Pickle: my bike terminolgy is not quite up to speed. Ive always called them V brakes.

Rear mech was Deore LX, front was STX, Brakes levers were Dia Comp Power 7's, brakes were Shimano STX, gripshift shifters, Sugino 175mm cranks, Deore LX hubs, Weinman rims. Crap Avenir brand seat, stem, bars & pedals which were replaced...kalloy seat post.

The work continues. Will paint myself.

:roll:

 

[fatfixie]

Sunny Perth yes

Stx cantis and standard R400 road brake levers with bar end shifters would be the best option.

I have a shed full of bits if you need a hand sourcing stuff

Andy

 

[Ice Truck Killer]

Yo Andy

Kind offer there. Sort of torn between keeping it speced for off road but the appeal of commuting is winning out. I don't think I am hard core enough for off road stuff anyway. Maybe my shorts arent baggy enough?

Oh, I was wrong - the bike does have cantilever brakes.

Cheers

ITK

 

[Neil]

Neil: no, the bike is definitely a 1995 model. See attached photo. Its partly stripped but you can see that it has a metalic green tint.

Then I definitely don't think it's a 95. The 95 colour is a matt navy blue - I have one (a 95 Apex), and I still have the brochure for it too. I have a 96 brochure, when they downgraded the spec of the Apex - kept the frame, but went down a bit on the parts, and that year's Apex was Red - may have been matt finish.

So possibly 94?

Not that it really matters, 'cos the frame seems to be the same one they used for a few years on the Apex (True Temper TT Lite custom butted steel).

Just don't call me Doaks...

;-)

He gone boom!