I was looking at a Diamondback Viper from mid to late 80's. I wonder whats up with this company today. Are they still in business? Do they still make quality parts? What about the older stuff? Is there still a market for the old DB frames, and parts? Anybody has some info about DB let me know. Trying to get some info about the bike Im looking at, n see which year it is, and if its worth anything before I buy it.

How about: you already have one and wanna know what you'll get for it on fleBay?

Vipers are low end. Not really worth messing with.

Diamondback sells a good product for the money, can be modded to an extremely high level and perform well. Diamondback has somehow lost it's following. At least from where I am standing.


Good luck on your little viper.

It's funny how this subject came up, I was going to comment on some of there newer "freestyle" bikes in, of course, the freestyle forum, but since the DB name came up I'll throw in my opinion. I was in a local sporting goods store this past weekend, they are a chain, but I'm not sure how many of you across the country are familiar with them. Anyway, I always like to walk past the bike racks just to see what is going on. I know I'll probably get bashed for this, but compared to some of the other companies that were around back in the day, I thought their freestyle bikes were pretty good looking. I don't know about their "setups", but i was somewhat impressed. I think the highest priced one was close to $300.

Again, I know this is a BMX page, but I just thought it was interesting that the name and similiar subject were brought up. I'll probably post on the mid-school page sometime later about this topic.

Dude, you can post whatever you want. Who really cares about keeping on topic. If you were impressed with a freestyle bike they had, we want to hear about it.

I am continually amazed at how the companies can throw bikes out there for so little and make any kind of money. Just about all of the street bikes are really sturdy. That's gotta be worth something.

If you asked me to lace up and assemble an entire bike for $300, I probably wouldn't do it.

interesting.

Thanks! I don't know if you are familiar with the Dick's Sporting Goods stores, but that's where I found them. Only a handful of them though. They might be great for someone who is a beginner rider or maybe for someone's kid. All I know is that I also went to a local bike shop and all they feature are Haro and Specialized and you could not touch a bike for the same price.

I did not want to hear about Diamondback selling out of department stores. This is not good. You know over at Diamondback sales dept. two knuckleheads just ^5ed each other for getting into Dicks sporting goods, but what it really means is that they are right behind Mongoose in terms of "Status".

Wow. I'm bummed out. I remember when a Silver Streak was considered a spaceship.












Who wants coffee!!???

Yeah I hear ya, that's what I was afraid of too, but these bikes look WAY better than any of the stuff they're pushing at the Mart. If you happen to be in the area, maybe check them out and see what you think.

We had a very good conversation about this years ago, it may have been 10 years ago. It was right when DK moved the production of the General Lee frames and forks from the US to China. Even though the people that really know didnt like to talk about it, the simple fact is the chinese can put these things out for next to nothing. I wont name name's, but 2 people well within the BMX business side told me then the actual cost' of US production vs China production.

I really have no idea what it is now, but at that time a US made frame and fork was running right around $130 just to make it, not paint it, sticker it or ship it. A Chinese made frame and fork was costing the BMX co $35 for a frame/ fork combo, powdercoated, stickered and shipped to the USA. Basically same frame, same materials anyway.

I just spent too much time typing something I just deleted.

Diamondback BMX could come back if they Hired Harry. I KNOW he could do it.

I've seen them in their stores too, better than the ones you find in walmart IMO.

he did great with Balance and Marzochi. NOT.

http://www.os-bmx.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=38150

here is the new race bike. in bike shops only.

Maybe you could be more specific about how he failed at Balance and Marzochi?

I'm not disputing anything, I'm just trying to learn.

So, let me get this straight. You guys think Im wasting my time with this Diamondback Viper? and that you dont think it matters that newer bikes are made overseas? Im confused. First, you have to understand that overseas they pay Crap for wages, so thats why they can produce bikes for cheaper. Americans are hard working people, who pay taxes out the nose, and now buy there bikes from the lowest bidder. It kinda makes me feel sick to think about some poor chinese guy building bikes all day all for about $10 per day. But even worse, I remember GT, Mongoose, and others that started as small independent U.S. companys. Now they are made over in china or india, or where ever. I just dont see the same quality in them. All the bikes made overseas is bad for our economy, and this attitude of "well its cheaper" is terrible. We need higher import taxes, and lower export taxes. We need companys in the U.S. to make more products, and provide more jobs. Im not really into the new Chinese made bikes. cheaper is not always better if you ask me. I see sloppy welds, and imperfect finishes. Plus they may rust away faster. They are prolly made with our recycled steel, just like cars. Buy a Toyota, and the engine runs forever, but the body falls to pieces. Hell, Im a cabinet maker. If I put a crappy finish on a cabinet, do you think people would say its ok because it is cheaper, beacuse it was faster? I would feel like an ass. I will stick with the older bikes that were made in this country thankyou. Oh, and Im still getting the DB.

Man, we are glad you are getting it. Just don't pay too much because it isn't worth that much.

There aren't very many frames made here in the U.S., but the ones which are. happen to be really cool and most are steel.

Buy it, post pictures. Let's see what you found.

aluv,

I was thinking about checking out Cranks for a small cheaper bmx for my son. The ones you noticed, did you notice the materials they're made of?

well, Im only paying $100 for it. Saw one on ebay goin for $450. So I guess Its a good deal. Plus it has all original parts. Only the back rim is missing. Im hoping to restore it. But I dont know the year. Anybody know how I can find out the year?

Here is a pic of the one on Ebay.

I'm pretty good with Diamondbacks and I'd say that is a mid school Diamondback. If it were an 80s I could tell you the year for sure! That one doesn't look bad though. It looks like it has 1 1/8 inch headset though,meaning it would be like 98 or newer. Those tuffs look like there one of those new pairs.

Ironically, Diamondback was one of the first companies back in the day to take production overseas. I believe they have always been imported. Since the 70's.


Doug

If it has an american sized Bottom bracket it's probably a 2000. If it's a euro bottom bracket it could be anywhere from a 2001-2003.

I'll try to find out. It's a good bike and I think it's referred to as a Super viper. It would have a steel frame and it is probably the Assault frame.

Good news. This is an awesome handling bike and can be jumped indefinitely.

Also, this bike does not count as old school. Not in the least. At the beginning of the thread I thought you were talking about an early viper. I also thought you were just on here trying to sell one, wanting to know what you could get for it.

It's a solid bike and you both the seller and you got a reasonably good deal.

I don't know too much past this.

You might want to do a Google images search to see if you can match it up with a specific year. Shouldn't be too hard to do.

Welcome to the madness.

well, the one I found is the same as the photo, only its chrome with yellow n black decals. But no Mags, and the back rim is not original. but the rest looks 100% original. I'll take Pics when I get it next week. looks like a good bike for me this summer. Plus a project.

Here is one of the same.

I'm gonna say 2000. From this pic it looks to have an american bracket.

It looks like a solid bike, but it isn't anything terribly special. What's important is if YOU like it and that it fits.
I consider it early new school. Another problem is that Diamondback does not make replacement stickers available for specific years, so if you decide to totally redo it, you are gonna have to get creative.

Now you have just decided to get back into BMX? What is your story?

So, I wasn't alone thinking we were talking about an 80's Viper at the beginning of this?

Good looking bike, by the way.

No, not at all.

Good. Glad I'm not alone. Thanks.

Well, when I was a 11-15 year old kid, me n my buddies were all into bikes. We would throw all our pocket change together to pick up a copy of BMX Plus, and read all the articles. Followed the new bikes comin out and th e current trends. Some of my friends got into Racing, but I was into flatland tricks. Had a Hutch Trickstar 2, but always liked the Race bikes when I had to get home n check in with Mom. Mom aske d me one time where my bike was. I told her it was at my friends house cuz racing bikes got me home faster so I could check in, eat, and get back to my friends. She was puzzled because I has spent $450 bucks on my bike, but chose to ride my friends bike to get someplace fast. Mom just didnt get it. But now that Im a little older, I miss the fun I had on those bikes. I wanna rebuild a Hutch, but I think this DB will help me get my feet wet first.

Here is my full grown man's RM20 that I keep posting and no one want's to admit they are jealous of!

It's a 2003, it's aluminum, RM stands for Robert McPherson, and it's big and handles really well. I'm posting it because it's my best all around bike and it's a similar era to your viper.

It's my main rider, now that I just got some original Chrome Powerlite, Powerbend bars.

Still messing with brakes on this one. Rear wheel needs to be trued, so my lever is spongy on it.

It's a great bike and may have similar geometry.

All of these bikes are Diamondbacks but 1:

Yeah, looks like a simular frame design. Seat Post looks the same too. I am thinking about Cleaning this one up and the decal issue bothers me. I know that there is a sign company locally that can reproduce the decals for me. But will they do it? I think they might be bound by some kinda copyright law. Any Idea how that mite work? Plus I need to know what to do about the surface rust. How do I remove it without damaging the Chrome? I dont wanna sand it, or paint it.

Oxalic Acid will take the rust right off without damaging the chrome or decals. Search the site, there is a great how-to thread on it.

Doug

All you need is just lemon juice to eliminate rust- totally. Go to the grocery store and buy a bunch of bottles of lemon juice and sink the affected frame areas into it. Let sit for a couple of hours, wipe. Works for any and all bolts. You will see it fizzing.

There is no issue with copyright on the stickers, but it's not worth totally restoring, so you can put any old Diamondback stickers on it and make it a custom. To duplicate screened stickers could be prohibitively expensive and would easily eclipse the original price you paid for the bike.

I just re-did a Reactor that is a decently cool bike to start with. I thought out of the box and I now have some "stock" reproduction Diamondback mountain bike stickers coming from Britain.

well, I was gonna try the acid test. I figure if its doesnt hurt the decals why not? I suppose replacing decals is a common problem for restoration. What about this frame doctor? Is it possible to get these old bikes re-welded and then re-chromed? and does it come out looking like new? always heard of people getting the frames re dipped, but have never really seen it. Oh, and if I see other old DB bikes, are they worth grabbin em up?

I have never used Oxolic acid. Everyone swears by it. Citric acid powder as well (that's why I started using lemmon juice and it works).

You started this thread saying you had a mid to late 80s viper. You were only off about 15 years.

Mid to late school Diamondbacks are basically worth not too much. Learn. Any BMX bike going to the dump should be saved (basically).

Today's re-chroming methods today do not compare very well to old school chroming.

Part of the fun of this is doing your own research.

Yeah, I searched for a place that could re chrome a bike. But I live in Upper Michigan, so the closest place looks like Milwaukee for me. We got a guy up her that has been running a bike shop since mid 80's and he might have some other usefull information on some oldschool stuff. I'll pick his brain later today, n see what I can get. He is a good guy, and I have known him for about 20 years. He might even have old catalogs, or order forms with the years, and all the specs on something.

Very interesting about the lemon juice. I'm definitely trying that one out.

Thanks.

I looked at the Local Menards Hardware store for the Oxalic Acid, but no go. They gave me this look like "huh?" Then asked me what it was for. What I did find was a product called Noxon 7 Metal Polish. Looks and smells like Brasso Brass polish. Started looking in the cleaning isle, and found this with other stainless polish stuff. Read the label, and it said it contains Oxalic Acid. 12oz. bottle for only $3.09 I mixed it up in a little water, and soaked a seatpost in it lastnight. Looks like its working. I'll let everybody know how it comes out.

Now THAT'S cool. There is hope for you yet.

Well, that Metal polish worked ok, but I think I can do better. I finally found a good picture of the Bike I am Buying. Its a Diamondback Viper XL Franko. Took a while, but I found it. Only Difference is I dont remember any blue on the one Im buyin. Might just be faded from the sun I guess. Find out soon though. I pick it up on Tuesday afternoon. Be posting Pics when I get it.

Looks like a cool bike. Seriously. I think you will do fine with it. Collectible? -no.

Is any Diamondback? Maybe a few. This ain't one.

Worth the money? I think so.

Looks like a cool bike. Seriously. I think you will do fine with it. Collectible? -no.

Is any Diamondback? Maybe a few. This ain't one.

Worth the money? I think so.

Oxalic Acid is known as "wood bleach" at hardware stores.


Doug

OK, I was mostly Right. It is a diamondback viper franko. Just Not an XL.... Here it is for all to see. Only thing different is this frame has grey and white on the decals in stead of blue. Does that mean anything? Prolly not. Went to the hardware, and found a "wood brightener" so says the label. But on the Back it says "Caution Contains Oxalic Acid" I hope it comes out good. Im takin it apart, and tonight it gets the Dip.......

I purchased two new frames, an RM20 and a RM24 from the man himself...had him autograph them both and now they are tucked away nicely. Collectible.... I think so.

Up the Irons Mates

McPherson? or Franko? I know nothing of Franko. Fill me in.

Rich

I`m having to think way back, but I think the Franko name was about Franko Columbo, the body builder. I also want to say the Franko frames had a decal with some muscle arms on them? I will P.M. you with the rest of the story.


Up the Irons Mates

Initially, sounds like a load.

Posting this up for Willinois to come grab.

More Pics of this new Project...








Yeah maybe a little Rust....

Diamondback had a French BMX race team and there is a website about it. I'll bet that has something to do with the Franko name.

Too bad I wasn't paying any attention from '92 - 2005