Back

Identifying vintage Diamond Back bikes

Using the logo to pinpoint year range

See this post on German MTB forum mtb-news.de: Diamondback Logos over the years

ID by colorway

ID via components

Distinctive features

Chainstay U-Brake

Bikes from 1986-1988 feature the rear u-brake under the chainstay like many MTBs of this era.

Exceptions are the following lower end models:

In 1989, it was removed from most models, but remained on the Fleetstreak and added to the Curaca

Fork rack braze-ons

WIP

Rack braze-ons are usually found on older midrange bikes, since race bikes don't "need" them and they are not present for cost-cutting on low-end/newer bikes

1986 - Apex, Fleet Streak/APB

1987 - Arrival, Apex, and Ascent (top end of the range, before the Axis race bikes became a thing in 1988)

1988 - Arrival, Apex, and Ascent (not Ascent EX)

1989 - Arrival, Apex

1990 - Apex

Frame brazing