My first project: Diamond Back Apex

This is my first attempt at xbiking. This group has helped me tremendously by pointing me in the right direction and helping me to figure things out.

I searched for a long time for this beautiful Diamond Back Apex, as I needed a relatively large frame to accommodate my long legs. It came with the ugliest stem I have ever seen on a bike. The previous owner did a few things, but not particularly well in my opinion.

Initially, I just wanted to change the cockpit and get her some new shoes, but I ended up changing almost everything and converting to 1x. It was great fun and I learnt a lot. The only things left to do are to add a small front basket and to convert to threadless, because the stem situation is a bit messy at the moment.

But I’m super happy with the result, and it rides so smoothly – it's a real joy!

Let me know what you think and/or ask me anything.

Here are a few specs:

Frame: Diamond Back Apex 1992(?)
Handlebars: BLB Big Smoke
Stem: Kalloy on a BBB Ahead-Adapter
Brakes: Tektro M530
Grips: Oury V2
Cranks: Probably Alivio, nothing fancy
Chainring: Sumo 110BCD 40T
Rear Derailleur: Deore DX
Pedals: Wellgo
Wheels: Avenir Duro 17
Tires: Schwalbe Billy Bonkers (Bronze)
Fenders: SKS Bluemels