A Diamond Back Apex (22" top tube, 17" seat tube C-T - apparently could be a nominal 16"), I believe 1995 vintage. True Temper TT Lite tubing (Diamond Back's top frame at the time apart from the titanium one). Lovely frame: nice light steel, and great geometry - handles just like a Kona of similar vintage.
I originally bought this for my wife in around 2002, but it was a tiny bit too large for her (and it's way too small for me) so built her a new bike. I loved the way it rode too much to get rid of it, though, so I had it enamelled by Bob Jackson in late 2003 and built it up with some decent kit, and it's been in the garage for people to borrow when they've needed to. Which has been about half a dozen times in those 8 years. So it's not mint, but it's in great condition, the frame has a still-fresh coat of durable paint, and it's absolutely fully functional.
Now, however, I need the cash and it has to move on to someone who will use it.
It's all 8sp (though if you wanted 9sp I could convert it): XT STIs and rear mech, STX front mech, SRAM chain, Truvativ cranks and Shimano square taper BB. Sun CR18 rims handbuilt onto Deore hubs. Brakes will change from the picture: choose some modernish Alivios or some posh Avid SD Mags. I have a pile of spares in the garage if you need a different sized stem or bars or different tyres or whatever.
A light, reliable, beautifully-handling bike of the sort you can barely buy any more. £250 or an offer.
I live and work near the A3 and am happy to deliver or meet up within a reasonable radius. I would prefer to avoid the faff of postage but I'm not ruling it out.
P1030646.jpg by stewartpratt, on Flickr
