199? Diamant Frameset
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199? Diamant Frameset - ID help please
Hi,
I recently found this interesting look Diamant frameset on eBay and was hoping to get some more information if anyone has any.
Here's what I do know:
If anyone has any info it would be much appreciated!
I recently found this interesting look Diamant frameset on eBay and was hoping to get some more information if anyone has any.
Here's what I do know:
- The frame has a number hanger suggesting it could be a pro or team frame
- It's most likely a Columbus Nivacrom tubeset, or something from that era, as the downtube has a very aero shaped, OS profile. It's a very thin gauge.
- I believe there are two Diamant brands, one is Belgian (this one) and another is German. The latter was purchased by Trek in 2002
- Serial number is A856016
- It came with a Record bottom bracket and possible headset (decals have been removed/polished off but the top nut is Campy)
- The fork is...interesting. It's aluminum. bladed, oversized and very "aero".
If anyone has any info it would be much appreciated!
Last edited by 600RD; 05-14-22 at 08:37 PM. Reason: Added context
#2
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A lot (all?) Belgium Diamant frames were built by Martelly.
https://www.martelly.be/
He built frames for a lot of smaller brands in Belgium and the Netherlands, like Cornelo and some from the Dutch brand Union. I really enjoy their paintwork, Diamant and Martelly are often really nice looking. Very much racing bikes, not much for touring I assume.
I heard you can contact him and ask about an old frame you have and he does sometimes reply with some information.
In Belgium they are widely available second hand. Jus look here:
Martelly on 2dehands.be
And here:
Diamant on 2dehands.be
https://www.martelly.be/
He built frames for a lot of smaller brands in Belgium and the Netherlands, like Cornelo and some from the Dutch brand Union. I really enjoy their paintwork, Diamant and Martelly are often really nice looking. Very much racing bikes, not much for touring I assume.
I heard you can contact him and ask about an old frame you have and he does sometimes reply with some information.
In Belgium they are widely available second hand. Jus look here:
Martelly on 2dehands.be
And here:
Diamant on 2dehands.be
#3
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A lot (all?) Belgium Diamant frames were built by Martelly.
https://www.martelly.be/
He built frames for a lot of smaller brands in Belgium and the Netherlands, like Cornelo and some from the Dutch brand Union. I really enjoy their paintwork, Diamant and Martelly are often really nice looking. Very much racing bikes, not much for touring I assume.
I heard you can contact him and ask about an old frame you have and he does sometimes reply with some information.
In Belgium they are widely available second hand. Jus look here:
Martelly on 2dehands.be
And here:
Diamant on 2dehands.be
https://www.martelly.be/
He built frames for a lot of smaller brands in Belgium and the Netherlands, like Cornelo and some from the Dutch brand Union. I really enjoy their paintwork, Diamant and Martelly are often really nice looking. Very much racing bikes, not much for touring I assume.
I heard you can contact him and ask about an old frame you have and he does sometimes reply with some information.
In Belgium they are widely available second hand. Jus look here:
Martelly on 2dehands.be
And here:
Diamant on 2dehands.be
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#5
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The mystery deepens though. He said that he made many dozens of welded frames for Diamant but that all of them had polished welds, unlike this example :/ . He said he doesn't know anything about this frame.
I assume that he and his team didn't manufacture all of the Diamant frames. I wonder if this one was after their contract was up. To his point, it seems like QA was not great, even though these appear to be relatively high end tubes.
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Really neat paint and some cool design touches on the frame. That fork though...huh.
I bet this would rock a steel chrome fork really well.
I bet this would rock a steel chrome fork really well.
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Agreed…it’s really awful and I think it weight as much if not more than a chromoly fork would. I’ll keep an eye out for one. I know VO sells them as well.