Velopedia Bicycle Archive
1997 Diamondback Apex SE
Mountain bike, front suspension bicycle from the Velopedia specification archive.
- Original MSRP
- $700.00
- Sizes
- 14", 16", 18", 20", 22"
- Colors
- Black
- Weight
- 27.5
- Geometry
- Legacy reference · Ride analysis
- Archive ID
- 61959
Current market
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Velopedia analysis
What the specifications mean
Suspension is concentrated at the fork, so fork setup and rear-tire pressure are the main tools for balancing front and rear behavior. The 255% cassette range describes the available gearing more clearly than the component-group name alone. The archived frame description does not map confidently to a material-specific inspection rule, so the frame and fork should be checked directly for structural damage, alignment problems, corrosion and evidence of repair.
Suspension setup
Front only
Fork settings affect the front while rear-wheel behavior remains dependent on tire and wheel setup.
Gearing
255% cassette range
Calculated from the published 11–28-tooth sprocket span.
Frame material
Construction not classified
The published wording does not support material-specific assumptions, so use universal structural checks.
Wheel standard
Nominal 26 inch
Confirm the ISO bead-seat diameter because several incompatible standards have used this name.
Used-bike inspection
If you’re buying this bike used
Before any test ride: both brakes should stop the bike firmly and release cleanly; both wheels should run true and be securely attached; tires should have no casing damage; and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals should have no looseness or play.
Follow the full used-bike inspection order →- FrameInspect the complete frame and fork in bright light for cracks, dents, distortion, corrosion, impact marks, suspicious paint differences or signs of repair. Check the head tube, bottom-bracket area, dropouts, joints and clamped surfaces especially closely.Inspect the frame and fork →
- BrakesTest each brake separately and confirm it stops firmly and releases cleanly. Inspect the pads and braking surfaces for wear or contamination, and check the cables or hoses for damage.Inspect the brakes →
- SuspensionAsk when the fork was last serviced. Check the stanchions for damage, look for oil at the seals and make sure the fork moves smoothly without bushing play.Evaluate the suspension →
- DrivetrainShift through every gear under light load and measure chain wear. Confirm that the shifter, derailleur, chain and cassette belong to the same 8-speed system.Check drivetrain wear →
- Wheels & tiresSpin both wheels and watch the rims for side-to-side or vertical movement. Check for dents, cracks, loose or uneven spokes and hub play, then inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking or exposed threads.Check wheels and tires →
Bike-specific inspection checklist 21 checks based on 6 archived component groups Open checklistClose checklist
This checklist uses the archived equipment for this bike. It cannot confirm the condition, service history or later component changes of the example in front of you.
Identity and fit
Follow the full used-bike inspection order →Archived: 1997 Diamondback Apex SE · Mountain bike, front suspension · Published sizes: 14", 16", 18", 20", 22"
Frame and fork
Inspect the frame and fork →Archived: Frame: TIG-welded · Fork: Rock Shox Indy C · Magnesium, triple-clamp crown
Suspension
Evaluate the suspension →Archived: Fork: Rock Shox Indy C
Drivetrain
Check drivetrain wear →Archived: Group: Shimano STX-RC · Shifters: Grip Shift SRT-400i · Front derailleur: Shimano STX-RC top-swing, top-pull/clamp-on 28.6 mm · Rear derailleur: Shimano STX-RC · Crankset: Shimano STX, 22/32/42 teeth · Bottom bracket: Shimano BB-LP26, 110.5 mm spindle · Rear cogs: 8-speed, 11 - 28 teeth · Chain: Sachs SC-40, 1/2 x 3/32"
Brakes
Inspect the brakes →Archived: Brakes: Shimano Alivio M-System brakes, Tektro RBP-366A levers
Wheels and tires
Check wheels and tires →Archived: Wheel size: 26" wheels · Rims: Weinmann Zac 19, 32-hole · Hubs: Shimano STX-RC · Front tire: 26 x 1.95" Panaracer Duster II
Controls and contact points
Archived: Headset: 1 1/8" threadless Dia-Compe Kontak Aheadset ST-2 · Handlebar: Avenir aluminum · Stem: Diamondback aluminum · Seatpost: Avenir, 27.0 mm diameter · Saddle: Tioga Multicontrol · Pedals: Wellgo LU-951 w/clips & straps
Before and during the test ride
Follow the full used-bike inspection order →Interpretation based on the archived manufacturer specifications. Confirm exact fit and standards before ordering parts or performing service.
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Frameset
| Frame Construction | TIG-welded |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | True Temper TT Lite |
| Fork | Rock Shox Indy C |
| Fork Material | Magnesium, triple-clamp crown |
| Rear Shock | N/A |
Drivetrain
| Component Group | Shimano STX-RC |
|---|---|
| Shifters | Grip Shift SRT-400i |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano STX-RC top-swing, top-pull/clamp-on 28.6 mm |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano STX-RC |
| Crankset | Shimano STX, 22/32/42 teeth |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano BB-LP26, 110.5 mm spindle |
| BB Shell Width | 68mm English |
| Rear Cogs | 8-speed, 11 - 28 teeth |
| Chain | Sachs SC-40, 1/2 x 3/32" |
| Pedals | Wellgo LU-951 w/clips & straps |
Brakes
| Brakes | Shimano Alivio M-System brakes, Tektro RBP-366A levers |
|---|
Cockpit & Contact Points
| Headset | 1 1/8" threadless Dia-Compe Kontak Aheadset ST-2 |
|---|---|
| Handlebar | Avenir aluminum |
| Handlebar Extensions | Avenir aluminum |
| Stem | Diamondback aluminum |
| Saddle | Tioga Multicontrol |
| Seatpost | Avenir, 27.0 mm diameter |
Wheels & Tires
| Hubs | Shimano STX-RC |
|---|---|
| Rims | Weinmann Zac 19, 32-hole |
| Spokes | Stainless steel, 2.0mm straight gauge |
| Spoke Nipples | Brass nipples |
| Front Tire | 26 x 1.95" Panaracer Duster II |
| Wheel Size | 26" wheels |
Historical reference geometry
Geometry
Historical model-level geometry recovered from Velopedia’s original archive database. The source does not identify which listed frame size this reference describes, so fit interpretation is intentionally limited and no size-normalized Archive Context is generated.
| Measurement | Legacy reference |
|---|---|
| Top tube | 571.5 mm |
| Head-tube angle | 71.5° |
| Seat-tube angle | 74° |
| Chainstay / rear center | 424.2 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1064.3 mm |
| Fork offset / rake | 40.6 mm |
Geometry source: Historical archive database — model-level reference geometry. The historical source provides one model-level geometry set and does not identify the corresponding frame size.
Geometry interpretation
What this geometry means
Legacy reference geometry
Fit reference
The historical source lists a 571.5 mm top-tube length, but it does not identify which frame size this model-level reference describes or whether the historical field was measured horizontally. Treat it as an archival frame reference rather than a size-specific fit recommendation. Its 74° seat-tube angle describes the reference frame’s seat-line orientation. Actual seated position still depends on frame size, saddle height and fore-aft adjustment.
Handling tendencies
The 71.5° head angle points to relatively quick-steering by current mountain-bike conventions steering geometry. Wheelbase is listed at 1064.3 mm, but because the historical source does not identify frame size, it is retained as a model reference rather than used for a size-normalized handling conclusion. Fork offset is listed at 40.6 mm. Offset works with head angle and wheel size to determine trail, so it is useful steering evidence even though the archive does not provide enough information here to calculate trail reliably.
Period context
At 71.5°, the head angle sits toward the steeper end among mountain geometries represented in Velopedia for this period. Its 74° seat angle is toward the steeper end among the same-period mountain references.
This is historical model-level reference geometry, not a known frame-size geometry table or a ride test. Frame size, rider proportions, cockpit setup, tires, suspension and components can materially change fit and handling.
Specifications are presented as a reference. Components may vary by market, size, production run, or later manufacturer revisions.