1996 Diamondback Apex SE

Archived: Frame: TIG-welded steel · Fork: Answer Manitou Mach 5 Comp XC · Aluminum, triple-clamp crown

• Check paint damage, vent holes and accessible internal surfaces for corrosion. Look for dents, bent tubes and cracking around welded or brazed joints.

Archived: Fork: Answer Manitou Mach 5 Comp XC

• Inspect the fork stanchions for scratches or coating wear, look for oil or dirt rings at the seals, and cycle the fork through its travel while checking for binding or bushing play.
• Ask for dated fork-service records. A clean exterior does not establish the condition of internal seals, oil or bushings.

Archived: Group: Shimano STX · Shifters: Grip Shift SRT-400 · Front derailleur: Shimano STX, top-pull · Rear derailleur: Shimano STX · Crankset: Sugino Impel 300, 22/32/42 teeth · Bottom bracket: Shimano BB-LP26, 110 mm spindle · Rear cogs: 7-speed, 11 - 28 teeth · Chain: Sachs SC40, 1/2 x 3/32"

• Shift through every available gear under light load. Hesitation, skipping or inconsistent indexing can reflect wear, damage, poor adjustment or mismatched replacement parts.
• Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
• Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Archived: Brakes: Chang Star 857AT brakes, Lee Chi GS2 levers

• Inspect pads and braking surfaces, check the complete cable or hose path, and confirm both controls feel consistent and return cleanly.

Archived: Wheel size: 26" wheels · Rims: Araya TM-820, 32-hole · Front tire: Front: 26 x 1.95" Tioga Psycho, Rear: 26 x 1.95" Tioga Psycho T

• Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play.
• Inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking, plugs, bulges or exposed threads and confirm the installed sizes are safe for the rims and available frame and fork clearance.

Archived: Headset: 1 1/8" threadless Dia-Compe Kontak Aheadset ST-2 · Handlebar: Kalloy AL002 · Stem: Hsin Lung chromoly · Seatpost: Lee Chi SP-204 alloy, 27.0 mm diameter · Saddle: Selle San Marco Slim · Pedals: Wellgo LU-951 w/clips & straps

• Apply the front brake and rock the bike to check for headset play or notchiness. Inspect the stem, handlebar and clamp zones, then confirm every fastener and control is secure.
• Check that the seatpost moves for adjustment and that the saddle, post and clamp hold securely without cracks, severe corrosion or damaged hardware.