Jamis Diablo : mid-late 90's

[adlu]

Hi,

First time poster here. I've been reading a lot of forum posts lately and really appreciate all the experience and knowledge shared in this community. I'm looking for a vintage steel mountain bike frame for a long-distance trip through Latin America, so I've learned a lot from this forum already.

I saw this bike listed locally and am interested in it, but having trouble finding much information about Jamis Diablos from the mid-late 90s.

There are a few threads about it here, with some conflicting information. I'm curious what the differences are between this and the Dakota and Dragon? How does the steel compare?

What do you think it's worth, assuming the fork is shot and the other components are a mix? The rear derailer is a wood-look SRAM 9.0SL.

Thanks!

 

[CassidyAce]

Re:

I think the Dragon and Dakota were above the Diablo in the range, but the Diablo was not far off. I've got no idea about any differences in the steel, though. They might have shared frames, with the differences lying in the component choices.

Although a mid-to-upper range bike, like a Diablo, would probably be a good choice for your purposes, this one doesn't look right to me: the angles look wrong, like the fork has too much travel for the frame. I would think, too, about whether you really need front suspension with the extra weight that brings.

The bike as a whole will be worth less than the sum of its parts - around about £100, perhaps a bit more - but the fork on its own could sell for at least £60 if it's in good condition and the seller might be valuing the bike based on the cost of the parts that have been added. As a collection of parts, it could be worth double.

Have a read through the retrobike touring thread for good ideas for suitable bikes and issues to consider. Bike fit will be very important. And you might want a more upright riding position, to save back and neck pain, if you're not accustomed to racier riding positions.