DBR Axis TT Sizing??

[Pyro Tim]

My 1995 Axis TT (titanium) is 18". The seat tube is 19" C-T with the top tube 22.5" C-C, head tube is a shade under 4.5"

SP

What he said, just measured my 94 Axis

 

[maroon113]

You guys have been great. Much appreciated. The Axis and Apex do seem to be a good bikes for what I'm looking for, on paper at least. A more compact and more upright geometry vs. a 1994 GT Bravado LE. In general, I'm looking for a rigid trail bike/commuter that is on the comfortable side. At least something that can be altered slightly, to be more comfortable with a 1" riser bar or spacers for example. A good steel frame. Have also heard about Kona Explosif's/Kilauea's from the mid 90's being excellent steel hardtails. Geometry a little more upright. Of course the Trek 930-950-970-990 series. If you guys have any other ideas let me know. Alot of these were race bikes back then, the Axis, Explosif, Kilauea, and Apex. So they may be difficult to make comfortable. However, with a little altering of the stem, handlebars, fork, etc even a racey bike can become comfortable. My 96 GT Zaskar definitely had an aggressive stock position, but this was solved with a simple 1" riser bar. A now cracked 2002 Stumpjumper was comfortable after a stem swap to 90mm and a couple spacers. So it is possible to make these racey bikes less torturous on the neck. Anyway, its difficult to stop blabbering when it comes to the topic of these classic bikes, so thank you very much in the meantime and let me know if you have any thoughts.

 

[Ax25]

Yes major thread resurrection. However I am very interested in this topic. Seriously interested in getting an 18" 1993-1997 Diamondback Axis or Apex. The geometry is confusing though. From the pictures online they seem to have a very balanced rise in the Top Tube. Not too flat but not too tall. The head tube is 4.5" for an 18" frame? Can anyone confirm? Furthermore I have two Diamondback geometry charts which state the 18" has a 22.5 inch top tube? Can this be confirmed by someone here? The Axis/Apex seems to have a more compact geometry than my GT Bravado. Not as stretched. Also looking at 1994-1997 Trek 990-970-950-930's. They have good True Temper frames and a more upright geometry it seems? I've heard they have long top tubes though? Anything over 23" would be too long. Would rather not ride a Trek honestly, but the 930-950-970-990 series is impressive. Yet those old DBR's have more swagger, they look meaner. Diamondback! Its a dangerous rattlesnake! I would be proud to ride one of those bikes around the trails and streets. Anyway, if any DBR enthusiasts can help me out it would be much appreciated. I can get ahold of a beautiful steel 96' DBR Axis (red/blue/yellow) in size 18". Thinking of pulling the trigger on it. Currently my rigid MTB is a 94 GT Bravado LE. Love it, however I am coming to terms that it is better for short, intense rides. The geometry is too stretched out and low. The top tube is totally flat and the head tube small. It is an 18" frame- 23" top tube and only a 4" head tube. GT's have a shorter top tube than usual which is why I like them. However this bike gets uncomfortable for long epic rides, 2 hours or more. The drop from the saddle to bars is too big for me. My neck hurts. My other GT fits me like a glove: 19" GT Zaskar 1996: way more comfortable: 23" top tube but 5" head tube, and slight rise in the Top Tube, it is not flat like the Bravado. So, if the Axis/Apex is truly a stretched out, "long and low" style frame, as stated above, it would not be to my interest. Please let me know enthusiasts, just a fellow mountain biker trying to decipher the geometries of these old steel stallions.

Hey maroon! Did you get that 96 Axis Red/blue/silver?
How tall are you? And what size did you get?
Im also trying to buy one and i would like to understand the vintage geometry of the Diamondbacks!