Hello everyone!
I’d like to bring my old Diamondback Apex (‘92–‘94?) back to life. However, I have absolutely no prior experience or technical knowledge. The plan is to use it as my daily bike, with occasional gravel or bikepacking trips as well.
Among other things, I’m considering converting it to a 1x drivetrain — does anyone have experience with that? What wheels and groupset would you recommend?
I’m grateful for any tips and advice!
The photo is only to show the frame — it’s not my actual bike.
by Metraxa
6 Comments
Im in the same boat with my old trek. Take lots of measurements before you start buying parts, ive had to return a few pieces because I didn’t take detailed measurements. Figure out what its for, original glory or something completely different? Follow your heart, get the pieces that you like and match your riding style and personality. Have fun! Looks like a great project. Can’t wait to see updates
“Does anyone have experience with a 1x drivetrain”
Search 1x drivetrain in the sub. There are literally dozens and dozens of threads answering that exact question
I have been playing about with bikes of this era since they came about and mostly learnt how to do most jobs by trial and error in the early days. Try finding a local bike maintainance course if you want to learn how to do it yourself or there will be lots of videos on youtube. If you are not confident find out your local bike shop or collective.
As for parts as others have said check which you need will fit carefully. Seat posts and front derailleurs come in many different sizes.
Also check what needs to be changed, you might not need to change the wheels or drive train if it is serviceable, just new cables etc if you want to resuse this.
I have put 1x on my sons bike to simplify the gears and my stepson has a modern bike with 1x, for me i am happy with the older 3×7, 3×8 or 3×9 set up for town, gravel and old school mtb riding
https://preview.redd.it/77trfl2nh9kg1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=96fe470a155e7431f8ca96bf82d1c05f54f4a90d
My 2c — don’t convert it to 1x. Just tune it up as is, and see what it needs from there. At most, new handlebars, saddle, tires, pedals to start. New cables / housing / brake pads obviously if it needs them. That’s plenty to focus on if you’re new to it
For once, it’s vital to know of your Apex has a 7 or 8 speed cassette – with 8 you could easily upgrade to a big cassette 8/9/10 speed without changing wheel/freehub (with 7 speed you are stuck with… 7).
This will give you 42 or 46 teeth in the rear, which will be plenty if you don’t live in the Alps.
Just leave on your middle chainring in front and you have 1 x without needing much (except new cassette, probably derailleur and maybe derailleur hanger extension. Chain line will be fine, and you’ll be done and riding in a whim.
Do have a shop around though for consultation and/or tools. You don’t sound like you are proficient in finding resources online…