Mountain Biking - 2005 Diamondback Apex

Hi

Does anyone own a 2005 DB Apex?

I just want to know what you think of the bike. I can get one here in Australia for around the $300 mark.

Thanks

Diamondback is now a discount retailer brand; I'd recommend avoiding it.

yeah same as what ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ he said

Hi

Does anyone own a 2005 DB Apex?

I just want to know what you think of the bike. I can get one here in Australia for around the $300 mark.

Thanks

Diamondback is a Raleigh USA brand as was Nishiki and Univega. They are sold thru some larger multisport outlets here in the USA, but more are sold thru the LBS system. The APEX id a well though out bike with good components and at an aussie $300 it is a good buy. As far as quality there is little difference between any of the Asian made MTB's. I would consider a DB Apex for a HT choice. The previous posters need to look at the specs. at www.diamondback.com and compare them to others in the same price range.

Diamondback is a Raleigh USA brand as was Nishiki and Univega. They are sold thru some larger multisport outlets here in the USA, but more are sold thru the LBS system. The APEX id a well though out bike with good components and at an aussie $300 it is a good buy. As far as quality there is little difference between any of the Asian made MTB's. I would consider a DB Apex for a HT choice. The previous posters need to look at the specs. at www.diamondback.com and compare them to others in the same price range.

Thanks for the feedback. It seems to be a well built, solid bike.

I am a road cyclist and I am looking for a bike to ride offroad with my 5yr old son. I don't need anything more than about a $300 bike and the DB is the nicest I have seen in that range.

The Hayes HMX-1 brakes will need to go as they're complete crap. I find the choice of Deore triggers an interesting choice, but due to a lack of info I can't determine if they're operating the current Rapid Rise XT rear or the previous version that I feel is much superior.
The Promax levers are another cost saving measure while they are certainly adequate they seem out of place on a bike with an XT / LX drivetrain.
Another issue I have is the lack of information about the bottom bracket "ISIS Sealed Cartridge" is all that it lists which could mean a top shelf component or (most likely a big piece of ISIS splined poop)
The rest of the components (save the seatpost which is of unknown origin) come from reputable makers (no house brand stuff)
It's decent, but Diamondback has foisted some real turds upon us in the past.

The Hayes HMX-1 brakes will need to go as they're complete crap. I find the choice of Deore triggers an interesting choice, but due to a lack of info I can't determine if they're operating the current Rapid Rise XT rear or the previous version that I feel is much superior.
The Promax levers are another cost saving measure while they are certainly adequate they seem out of place on a bike with an XT / LX drivetrain.
Another issue I have is the lack of information about the bottom bracket "ISIS Sealed Cartridge" is all that it lists which could mean a top shelf component or (most likely a big piece of ISIS splined poop)
The rest of the components (save the seatpost which is of unknown origin) come from reputable makers (no house brand stuff)
It's decent, but Diamondback has foisted some real turds upon us in the past.

I understand that the bike does not have the finest components, after all it is only a US$300 bike. What else should I look at for that kind of money?

I understand that the bike does not have the finest components, after all it is only a US$300 bike. What else should I look at for that kind of money?
An APEX much less a 2005 is NOT a $300 bike by any stretch of the imagination. Are you sure you got the model right?
This is an APEX http://www.diamondback.com/items.asp?deptid=13&itemid=131

An APEX much less a 2005 is NOT a $300 bike by any stretch of the imagination. Are you sure you got the model right?
This is an APEX http://www.diamondback.com/items.asp?deptid=13&itemid=131

I can pick one up in Melbourne Australia for AU399 (about US$304). The other option for the same price is a Gary Fisher Advance. What would you suggest Raiyn?

I can pick one up in Melbourne Australia for AU399 (about US$304). The other option for the same price is a Gary Fisher Advance. What would you suggest Raiyn?
If you can honestly get an XT equipped bike for about 1/3 the cost that it's SUPPOSED to be you'd be a fool not to. I still think you've got a model other than a APEX
It's the equivelent of getting a Ultegra bike for $400 - it just doesn't happen

Merged, please post any of the questions in here BrettG.

Merged, please post any of the questions in here BrettG.

No problem.

Would you rather buy a Db Apex or Gary Fisher Advance for the same price?

Neither.

Neither.

Okay then. Another question. What is the best bike for say US$300 - US$400?

Okay then. Another question. What is the best bike for say US$300 - US$400?
Go read the "around $500 MTB thread" at the top of the page. That's what it's there for.

If you can honestly get an XT equipped bike for about 1/3 the cost that it's SUPPOSED to be you'd be a fool not to. I still think you've got a model other than a APEX
It's the equivelent of getting a Ultegra bike for $400 - it just doesn't happen

I think the Australian DB models must be different to yours. Check out http://www.diamondback.com.au/MTB/Apex.asp

I think the Australian DB models must be different to yours. Check out http://www.diamondback.com.au/MTB/Apex.asp
So it would appear. :eek: