Velopedia Bicycle Archive
1997 Diamondback Response
Mountain bike, non-suspension bicycle from the Velopedia specification archive.
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- Original MSRP
- $450.00
- Sizes
- 14", 16", 18", 20", 22"
- Colors
- Brushed, Green
- Weight
- 26.8 lb
- Geometry
- Legacy reference · Ride analysis
- Archive ID
- 67064
Current market
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Velopedia analysis
What the specifications mean
The 255% cassette range describes the available gearing more clearly than the component-group name alone. On the alloy frame, dents and hairline cracks around welds matter more than cosmetic scratches. Pay closest attention near the head tube, bottom bracket shell, dropouts and other heavily loaded junctions. The nominal 26-inch label is not enough for replacement ordering because several incompatible bead-seat diameters have used that name.
Gearing
255% cassette range
Calculated from the published 11–28-tooth sprocket span.
Frame material
Aluminum / alloy
Dents and cracking around welds at the head tube, bottom bracket shell and dropouts deserve attention.
Wheel standard
Nominal 26 inch
Confirm the ISO bead-seat diameter because several incompatible standards have used this name.
Published weight
26.8 lb
Frame size, pedals, tire setup and production substitutions can change the measured result.
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 →- FrameLook closely for dents and hairline cracks around welds, the head tube and bottom-bracket area. Cosmetic scratches matter less than a change in shape or a crack line.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 →
- DrivetrainShift through every gear under light load and measure chain wear. Confirm that the shifter, derailleur, chain and cassette belong to the same 7-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 19 checks based on 5 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 Response · Mountain bike, non-suspension · Published sizes: 14", 16", 18", 20", 22"
Frame and fork
Inspect the frame and fork →Archived: Frame: TIG-welded · Fork: Diamondback · Chromoly, unicrown crown
Drivetrain
Check drivetrain wear →Archived: Group: Shimano AceraX · Shifters: Grip Shift MRX-170 · Front derailleur: Shimano AceraX top-swing · Rear derailleur: Shimano Alivio · Crankset: Shimano AceraX, 24/34/42 teeth · Bottom bracket: YST BB 969, 110 mm spindle · Rear cogs: 7-speed, 11 - 28 teeth · Chain: Sachs SC-20, 1/2 x 3/32"
Brakes
Inspect the brakes →Archived: Brakes: Shimano Altus brakes, Tektro RBP-371A levers
Wheels and tires
Check wheels and tires →Archived: Wheel size: 26" wheels · Rims: Weinmann 519, 36-hole · Hubs: Shimano RM-40 · Front tire: 26 x 1.95" Kenda K-831
Controls and contact points
Archived: Headset: 1 1/8" YST · Handlebar: Steel · Stem: Chromoly · Seatpost: Avenir aluminum, 27.0 mm diameter · Saddle: Avenir Comfort Plus · Pedals: Wellgo LU-922
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 | 7005 aluminum |
| Fork | Diamondback |
| Fork Material | Chromoly, unicrown crown |
| Rear Shock | N/A |
Drivetrain
| Component Group | Shimano AceraX |
|---|---|
| Shifters | Grip Shift MRX-170 |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano AceraX top-swing |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Alivio |
| Crankset | Shimano AceraX, 24/34/42 teeth |
| Bottom Bracket | YST BB 969, 110 mm spindle |
| BB Shell Width | 68mm English |
| Rear Cogs | 7-speed, 11 - 28 teeth |
| Chain | Sachs SC-20, 1/2 x 3/32" |
| Pedals | Wellgo LU-922 |
Brakes
| Brakes | Shimano Altus brakes, Tektro RBP-371A levers |
|---|
Cockpit & Contact Points
| Headset | 1 1/8" YST |
|---|---|
| Handlebar | Steel |
| Handlebar Extensions | Not included |
| Stem | Chromoly |
| Saddle | Avenir Comfort Plus |
| Seatpost | Avenir aluminum, 27.0 mm diameter |
Wheels & Tires
| Hubs | Shimano RM-40 |
|---|---|
| Rims | Weinmann 519, 36-hole |
| Spokes | Chung Nan stainless steel, 2.0mm straight gauge |
| Spoke Nipples | Brass nipples |
| Front Tire | 26 x 1.95" Kenda K-831 |
| 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 |
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. The 424.2 mm chainstay records the rear-center dimension of the historical reference. Rear-center length influences weight distribution and how readily the rear of the bike changes direction.
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.