Diamond Back Viper BMX Introduction
During the early 1980s, The Diamond Back Viper was one, if not the best selling bikes in the Diamond Back range. An entry level street bike, with the same look at its more expensive Japanese cousin – The Silver Streak – The Viper model went on to live for various years in several guises and versions.
Absolutely the best entry level bike on the market today.
Eddy King, Diamond Back Factory Pro
Diamond Back Viper Specifications
| Part | Details |
|---|---|
| Variants | Viper 83/84 A) Coaster brake B) Freewheel |
| Finish | Chrome/Black or Blue |
| Frame | Diamond Back Hi-tension Steel |
| Fork | Diamond Back Hi-tension Steel |
| Handlebars | Diamond Back, chrome plated |
| Grips | F1 Style Black and Grey (Fuan) |
| Headset | DB Chrome plated |
| Stem | Diamond Back Alloy chromoly shaft (MS-422 SR/Sakae Ringyo) |
| Rims | Steel 7X type |
| Spokes | 105g /36 steel spokes |
| Hubs | Steel hub |
| Brake calipers | A) Dia-Compe MX 890 rear B.) Dia-Compe MX-890 front & rear |
| Brake levers | Dia-compe Tech-3 |
| Brake pads | Dia-Compe. |
| Cables | Dia-Compe. |
| Tires | Comp-3 type skinwall 20 x 2.125″ Front 20 x 1.75 ” Rear |
| Pedals | HTI MX Chromoly spindle |
| Cranks | Forged steel one piece |
| Bottom Bracket | Looseball |
| Front Sprocket | 44T |
| Rear Sprocket | A) Suntour coaster brake B) Suntour 16T |
| Chain | DB Black and chrome |
| Seat | DB Aero ( Fuan) |
| Seat Post | Chrome plated post |
| Seat Post Clamp | Alloy black clamp |
| Accessories | Chainguard. Reflectors. Standard. |
Diamond Back Viper Identifying Characteristics
The Diamond Back Viper’s initial production run was from late 1983 to 1984. It was the first bike produced for Diamond Back in Taiwan by the Fairly bicycle company and has an almost identical (in appearance) frame geometry to both the Silver Streak and Medium Pro. Unlike those bikes, it is made from Hi-Tensile steel and, as a result is much heavier.
The serial number for the 83 and 84 models of viper, can be found on the bottom bracket and are in the Fairly serial number format of an F, followed by 7 numerical digits.
Other characteristics are:
- A large, 3 TIG gusset
- A noticeably laid back seat post when compared to the head tube
- A serial number beginning with either a F3, or F4
- Thickish rear dropouts, these are 1/4″ or approximately 3mm
- Available colours were Chrome/Black or blue