My local grocery getter
Submitted for your approval, here's one of four "Pathfinder" concept bikes assembled for the 1998 Interbike show.
All four featured torsion spring rear suspension (technology borrowed from tank track tensioners and travel trailers), mated to the MountainCruiser look from the popular Voyager models of that time.
The torsion spring, while not great for performance riding, provided a very smooth ride. There were preload adjustment issues that needed to be sorted out before production, and a couple of these show bikes were accidentally powder coated and cured with the rubber spring still installed, leading to softer than planned (read slightly melted) spring rates.
The Pathfinder Town model pictured has a Shimano Nexus Auto D drivetrain, hub roller rear brake and Formula mechanical disc front, and custom Pathfinder tires with Hot Wheels inspired red stripes.
The Pathfinder Country model, which was colored in a less well-liked crimson and silver two-tone finish, used a more traditional Shimano Nexave derailleur drivetrain, with a custom aluminum rear rack and hub roller brakes front and rear.
Diamondback was sold to Raleigh in the following winter, and these designs were never pursued for production.
If you ever see another Diamondback like these, let me know. It would be cool to get them back together after so many years apart.
Cheers,
The Kid