1994 Diamond Back Bike Restoration

[@Scheltokeeper]

My dad gave me a brand new Diamond Back Traverse for my 10th birthday in 1992. Metallic blue with yellow lettering. I spent my entire childhood on this bike and used it for over 10 years until I graduated from college in 2002. Then I stopped using it and never saw it again. The other day my father said to me: "Son come by, because I found something of yours in the old garage!" Today I visited my parents. My father took me to the garage and opened it. And there it was... The old Diamond Back Traverse from 1992! It looked terrible and was in bad shape. We pumped up the tires and I did a lap and suddenly I was that little boy again! Thanks to this video I will give this bike a chance and make it fit again.

[@CowboyTomi]

Such an amazing story, so glad it's being revived!

[@wthisahandlefor]

addicted to sound of bike maintenance

[@bleachlectures3973]

your a superstar

[@thesausage351]

It’s funny when I watch these videos now as an adult, and I work on my own bikes, I used to do the same stuff to my bikes as a kid, and my only ‘specialised’ tools was one set of allen keys. All I had was a hammer, some screwdrivers, a couple of shifting spanners and some multi grips. I carry better stuff than that in my bag I keep on my mountain bike! I guess we do the best with what we have growing up? I remember I would buy kids bikes off them when they got new ones because a lot of their fathers were mine workers and very wealthy so I’d offer them $10 for their old bike and they’d snap it up. That’s how I got my first mongoose. I’d either clean the others up and re sell or swap them and get better bikes. Gotta be resourceful when you’re poor!

[@franfranfrancis]

I love old caliper brakes! For most ppl they're plenty good

[@CowboyTomi]

So reliable!!!

[@Quaid_Nasty]

That purple was so cool, looks good though

[@mauricioorantes9809]

I love the purple too!

[@redlawtv6975]

that speech at the end was so on point! I just went on my first bikepacking trip recently and now I‘m here restoring my second old bike and I‘m having a blast. Thanks man!

[@CowboyTomi]

Amazing! Thank you!

[@jojoanggono3229]

Fantastic work! I really enjoy the "sound of bike maintenance" theme. Your skill with spray can and decal masking is admirable.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Thanks to all my mistakes I've made in the past!

[@saschasiebers2094]

this is a new animale. born in the mountain. his become your best friend. the moutianbike legend.

[@chrischatfield2935]

I like the way you sprayed the bike with the forks in the seat stem saved getting paint everywhere ,great idea

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks! Figured it was best to do it all in one go.

[@locoeditbreakdown5427]

I have a diamond back of my father and I'd like to restore it like you!!! thank you very much!

[@CowboyTomi]

Amazing! Thank you!

[@hadirabbani82]

I love the colors that you chose. Thank you for giving me the idea for my first restoration project!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Good luck on the project!

[@anthonyharris483]

Those old Diamondbacks were pretty nice I've got a 98' with True Temper tt-lite steel tubing and it's lightweight for a steel frame.

[@CowboyTomi]

Nice, those rip!!

[@ManuelKorrigan]

Great restoration videos! Excellent work!! 👍👍👍

[@paulywogtheburnin8r364]

Nice restoration, the paint looks great :)

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@01FozzyS]

Nice build. That bike was bought at a shop I used to go to back in the day in SSF! Long gone.

[@CowboyTomi]

Damn, that just makes the world a smaller place. Thank you!

[@BEasay]

Really nice job, and lovely gratitude comments, & closing inspo. Nice video all-around.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@charlieamos6640]

Great paint job rebuild !

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@imamghazali5166]

I have diamond back topanga like that, nice build. From indonesia.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@xXRoneightyXx]

i loved the colour set up befor ! think it was better than after...

[@CowboyTomi]

It was nice, but I had to get rid of the rust so might as well repaint it something fresh!

[@jjackson2400]

For someone who literally cant fix anything....this is oddly satisfying to watch. #addicted

[@CowboyTomi]

Haha! Thanks Jordan!

[@andrewraquepaw9878]

This is so beautiful! Great job bro!

[@gustavolepe741]

This is some bike ASMR

[@CowboyTomi]

Yes it is!!

[@JAZZTONRODRIGUEZ]

i shed a single tear, great video!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@billdanielsvarietyhour]

killer build man

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@HerreraCam]

Nice! Thanks for sharing.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@ozenfant_ozn]

i love that paint scheme!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@decentdad1160]

Loved the build mate, love the color, well done! I liked how you went all out with the 2.3 in the back but had to resort to the 2.1. I admire the ambition. Keep up the good work my friend!

[@CowboyTomi]

thank you! yeah the 2.3s ended up being a little too wide and did some rubbing on the frame, the 2.1s looked great and then I instantly realized that it didn’t need 2.3s anyways. Cheers mate!

[@wildhog3217]

Great job 👏 you’re a Master Craftsman 😅

[@miguelsalami]

Very good attention to mechanical detail the only 3 things were the handle bar, goose neck & seat post needed paint. I have an all factory original Diamondback Outlook in mint condition love that bike💙 Nice job man🔥

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@LindyLooo99]

I had a RED ONE!.. I loved it! My daughter's friends took it and ran it into a swimming pool and ruined it... I was so sad...

[@CowboyTomi]

Sorry to hear this!!! It's a great bike!

[@Randy-fx1rm]

BEAUTIFUL

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@playsafe3508]

fan from philippines!! upload more videos!!🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! on the way!

[@Korina42]

Nice job on a great bike.

[@bikermonster8354]

Wow, really great work and nice paintjob. Best regards from germany ✌😁👍

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Much appreciated! Much love from Seattle!

[@chrisoliveira2038]

Nice restoration in this one. Paint fade looks great. It would make for a cool drop bar gravel conversion. Look out Old Shovel!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you, I agree! Shoutout to Old Shovel!

[@ШНУБЛИККИЛБУНШ]

Какой же молодец и хороший человек:)!!!

[@tonypotter9578]

Great looking bike!👍

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@bigelvis1485]

Dang, I wish you could fix up my 1994 Diamond Back. I've owned it for 27 years. Only rode it a handful of times until this February. Been riding about 60 miles a week. Was kept inside all these years. Love it but it needs some maintenance at this point.

[@noproblem2big337]

Yes you have to schedule that project on your list for sentimental value alone 👌👍

[@j4s0nmuzik]

Very cool restore

[@CowboyTomi]

thank you!

[@techos32]

Awesome build man!!

[@CowboyTomi]

thank you!

[@stonysteav4515]

Good job Tommy. Can’t wait for the next one! Keep it Lit! ✨

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks brotha!!

[@emilianozamudio6014]

Nice work! greetings from Mexico!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Cheers from Seattle!

[@Locojoe]

Very nice. Really like the colors.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@SupriYanto-zo3pi]

Mantap mas TOMI...👍👍👍

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@saschasiebers2094]

i my love bike nice video

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@FortheLoveofCycling]

Nice. I enjoy watxhing youur vids.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@FortheLoveofCycling]

@@CowboyTomi maybe I can send you my old rockhopper amd turn it into gravel bike just like what you did to yours.

[@kellymaxxrepinski4480]

Nice Job...

[@retrobicyclejunkie]

New subscriber here absolutely love the restoration and build 😎👍🚲🔥

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@MichaelMedeiros-nm8wo]

I had a little trouble getting this delivered kzbin.infoUgkxn_jUDSlprMIeubd9rHdEAnv59nKfjcKv and eventually had to pick it up from local UPS location, but customer service was really nice and helped me get it before the estimated delivery date. They even gave me a partial refund for my trouble. Thanks Paige! The actual bicycle is just as advertised, and had no damage or scratches. This is an excellent commuter bike for most people. I did a few modifications to make it even better for me personally. I added fenders from my old bicycle. They weren't for disc brakes, but after adding longer bolts and about an inch of spacers the supports no longer interfered with the brakes. I like to pedal HARD and go FAST, so I switched the chain rings to Vuelta Corsa Pro Crankset, Black, 175mm 53/39T Square Taper. This has longer crank arms too, so its kind of 2 upgrades in 1. The front derailleur had to be readjusted so it would stay on only the 2 chain rings until I get a different shifter. I also switched the cassette to one with 11T high gear and a larger low gear. With larger gears on the front and back I also had to get a longer chain. I probably couldn't race this bike unless i got a different cassette with gears closer in size relative to each other, but I can still go plenty fast on flats and downhill while still being able to climb steep hills. For going to and from work and the grocery store this is a great bike. It even looks good. I also added a rear rack and panniers for grocery trips. Now it has great storage capacity especially paired with a backpack. Very happy with my purchase.

[@owenburge4007]

Where do you get your decals? I have an old diamondback that I want to restore but I’m having a hard time finding good decals. Sweet build homie!

[@CowboyTomi]

I found these decals on ebay! Thank you!

[@forthandbargy]

The bike is "sparkling". Thank you. After all that work (much more than the video intimates) how much did it sell for.

[@LFMC1]

Nicely done!

[@longle3412]

Love your videos sir. Keep it up!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! I will and definitely more to come.

[@woodywong76]

I noticed you wearing a jacket. Do you have any trouble with painting when its cold out? The spraypaint cans seem to warn against it. Wondering what your experience with it was like?

[@briantruck2284]

Well done 💯👍🏽

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@ဖိုးလျပည့္ဖိုး]

Beautiful family and friends 👬💑👫💏

[@friedrichkoenig6687]

really easy how you diassembled the rusty bottom bracket ;-)

[@petermorrison680]

awsome!!!!!!

[@CowboyTomi]

thank you!!!!

[@JoseAlvarez-il3iy]

Me encanto tu video, eso de restaurar bicis viejas puede ser difícil pero en mi opinión es terapéutico, justo estoy restaurando también una ascent del 90 color negra

[@AN-kg4ei]

I really enjoy your builds and also like that you use good tools but aren't afraid to get paint all over them. Where to you get those transfer papers/decals done??? Thanks for sharing.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks! and I could do better about protecting my tools

[@jacobg1988]

Looks great! I love the colors and the fade. And that you used the original components. I personally would have painted the seat post as well, to make that look new also! Anyway, I subscribed to your channel!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks!! I agree, I definitely could’ve painted the seat post or replace it with a new one.

[@jacobg1988]

@@CowboyTomiKeep up the good work!

[@MrFuchew]

sick paint job have you ever seen all the late 80s early 90's cyclecraft bmx bikes that brian foster painted?

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks! I have no seen his work yet, I will look into it!

[@bobbagadonuts4365]

I didn't read through all of the comments, but did anyone else pick up that he took a Topanga and now relabelled it as an Ascent EX? Maybe the frames are the same for that model year, but most likely the Topanga forks are lower quality. With a little bit of research, nobody will think that the bike is OEM anything with the paint job, but still. Pretty sketch to me to pass off a lower end frame set as a (slightly) higher one.

[@CowboyTomi]

Yes I did switch the model name because Ascent Ex decals were all I can find 🤣

[@steinbockimjanuar5697]

Cool👍👍👍

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@attybong]

nice paint job bro !! i wonder why you did not repaint the seatpost though

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks! Yeah, it was definitely one of those could've would've should've moment's.

[@claudiomartins5768]

Original painting is always unique. In my opinion I'd preserve the factory painting. Your restoration is fine but, I prefer to keep all original details in a Very good vintage bike like this.

[@paulg2100]

A lady is giving me a diamond back wildwood 26 inch tomorrow for free. Not sure if it’s a good bike or what but it looks in very decent shape. Just needs tubes for the tires she said. It doesn’t have the suspension on the forks that you compression it’s just normal like the forks on this video .. Is it a decent bike ? Think it’s vintage as she said it’s years and years old and looks like it’s from the 90s for sure

[@CowboyTomi]

that’s amazing! if it’s an old mtb from the 90s, it’s a good bike period. and if it brings you joy when riding it, it’s an even better bike!

[@derekdavis6508]

Don't forget to grease the quill stem, you may of I just can't see good, I always remembered that at bike shop, trying to get a seized seat post out was brutal.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! I could always be reminded to do it. Yeah, a seized stem/post sucks haha.

[@lonerbikes]

what do you use to recording ?

[@CowboyTomi]

My iPhone XR!

[@iamdjsluggo]

Nice build! But hate that clear coat. Too soft and doesn’t hold up. I use 2k clear now. After all that love and effort you put into Your builds, I would consider a 2K clear coat too

[@CowboyTomi]

oh i’m gonna look into that! thank you! the clear is surprisingly still holding up after many miles!

[@odairjosebezerra5613]

Lindo trabalho parabéns 👏👏👏🇧🇷

[@jjackson2400]

Do you have all of these replacement parts? or are you cleaning and saving the old parts?

[@CowboyTomi]

If the parts are cooked, then I replace them! But in this video, I'm cleaning and reusing them!

[@thomasherlihy8670]

Excellent paint idea! Do you do a lacquer coat as well to s protect the colors? I’m planning to do my first frame soon so I’m trying to decide what to do. Thanks and I hope you post again soon!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Yes, I apply three coats of clear gloss and making sure to lightly sand in between the coats. Good luck and have fun!

[@earlyculyer4103]

Someone is selling an old Diamondback Wildwood for 40 bucks think I should buy it?

[@CowboyTomi]

Yes

[@earlyculyer4103]

@@CowboyTomi really not bad looking I wish I can change all the brake lines and and gear shift there's a lot of bikes that go to waste because simple things people don't know how to fix where's a good place to get cheap tools specialty tools for bikes? I have a tool set but I need the stuff were brakes and gears like you have. And where do you get the brake lines and everything that you use if you don't mind me asking?

[@robbanks1686]

Me encanta, pero Porque no llevas guantes de goma ?

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Sometimes I get lazy.

[@robbanks1686]

@@CowboyTomi cool video

[@m.dhanarluthfan5419]

use maxxis pace or maxxis minion?

[@CowboyTomi]

These are the Maxxis Pace, I tried using the minions but they were a little too wide.

[@charlieligalig7809]

Is it an alluminum frame sir?

[@CowboyTomi]

chromoly steel!

[@charlieligalig7809]

@@CowboyTomi thank you sir

[@Juos10kustu]

U from Finland ?

[@CowboyTomi]

I am not.

[@rizalajisidiq5291]

Are you from indonesia, tomi ?

[@CowboyTomi]

Nope! First generation Cambodian-American, born and raised in Seattle, Washington.

[@paultaylorbikes]

That’s “Klein Bike” country, ever work on Kleins?

[@CowboyTomi]

Not yet! It's my life dream to land one 😭

[@paultaylorbikes]

@@CowboyTomi you’ll find it!

[@Geno20916]

I was hoping you would change the front fork.

[@CowboyTomi]

I could've, but I didn't think this build needed a different fork and I wanted the paint job to travel throughout the whole bike including the rigid fork.

[@Geno20916]

@@CowboyTomi it’s all good. It looks nice anyways.

[@CowboyTomi]

@@Geno20916 thank you!

[@cehlers41]

Sorry to be the voice of dissent but I have so many issues with this build. 1) The paint was fine. It’ll never be original again and the decals were soooo cool. 2) The repaint was sloppy. And why go through all that trouble and not paint the headset black while it’s out? Or get a new headset? Same for the crap seatpost. 3) So much rust. How are you gonna do a full rebuild and leave so much rust on the parts you put back on? 4) What’s up with the political commentary. We get enough of that crap pushed down our throats as it is. We just want to see/ride bikes. 5) Cables are too long. 6) Overall, cool build, I really dig it! I’m off to find my bikepacking spark!

[@Quaid_Nasty]

4:43 5 minutes after they cut the lock

[@jensseyer3312]

grüße aus Wolfsburg

[@CowboyTomi]

Cheers from Seattle!

[@jensseyer3312]

@@CowboyTomi instagram.com/customstyle.bikebulid/

[@Vmaxfodder]

Needs a bigger battery!

[@optimusistheleaderoftheaut3722]

[@joebeez84]

Please don't kill the OG paint and decals!!!

[@michaelmuldoonmikesm08]

boo, at least paint strip it entirely before primer?

[@Alalalalong-b3k]

Filipino

[@jered2177]

You lost me Geogre Flyod

[@CowboyTomi]

🤷🏽‍♂️

[@coleworld2769]

Pinoy??

[@CowboyTomi]

Nope! Cambodian/Burmese

[@nickjosephreyes585]

First!

[@CowboyTomi]

yerr!!

[@g.d.1722]

Why do you bike mechanics always have to cut the cables? It's totally meaningless - you are removing the cables anyway ... Is that a professional ego-compensating move or sth ...??? SMH!

[@CowboyTomi]

What is your question???

[@gunnarhirsch5665]

Come on man, are you really stealing every single idea of yours from old shovel. And why bring politics into KZbin

[@CowboyTomi]

Learned from the best! And just spreading the love!

[@ferdinandlauffer]

Cringing at the abuse of the Opinel knife. At least it sharpens easily. Thoroughly enjoyed the rest, though

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks! Yes, definitely Opinel abuse and yes I resharpened it right after on few whetstones and it is just as sharp as before.

[@TranslateToEnglish]

Sorry dude I can't view any videos that get political.

[@CowboyTomi]

It wasn't really political, just showing my gratitude to all the hard workers out there, but okay! No worries!

[@BEasay]

Lmao, like you would have said anything if the video reflected your political views.

[@TranslateToEnglish]

@@BEasay how do you know what I would have done? Do you know me?

[@joebeez84]

Topanga was way better IMO 🥲