Re: [CR]Very Unsual 80's frame on Ebay

(Example: Framebuilders:Brian Baylis)

Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 07:27:42 -0500
From: "Mara & Steven Maasland" <TheMaaslands@comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]Very Unsual 80's frame on Ebay
To: Classic Rendezvous <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>


Dave asked:
> Hey, that is an unusual bike! But it looks like its built very
> professionally. Maybe its meant to be ridden backwards?!
> As I recall Steve Martin and Dan Akroyd would say, "What the
> Heck is
> that thing?!" "Hey you kids get away from there!"
> The top tube is almost as long as the wheelbase, or that the
> wheelbase
> almost as short as the top tube? Maybe some who knows German can
> translate
> for us. Steven Maasland ought to take a look.

in relation to the German Ebay bike http://ebay.com/<blah>

The vendor is not absolutely sure whether it is a triathlon bike or not but does imagine it to be. As mentioned when this bike was initially outed, the same vendor has been selling quite a few similar frames. I believe I recal having seen 4 frames being sold previously (I even bid on the first one I saw being offered) The previous frames were accompanied by the page from a calendar that showed a built-up bike with a rider in space-age triathlon racing suit with an aerofoil saddle with integrated rear butt butt. My personal opinion is that Diamant (the Belgian builder) was trying to innovate for the somewhat quirky triathletes in a field that doesn't permit very much opportunity to be really wacky. You can see that the top-tube is so long that the saddle, with an appropriate seat-tube, likely mounted backwards, will put your saddle in an almost 'normal' position. If you think back a few years ago, it was quite common for triathletes to have a very forward mounted saddle: a bit reminiscent of Obree's hour record bike. This kind of bike with handlebar extensions would have perhaps come close to approximate such a position (minus the solarplexus support).

Steven Maasland Moorestown, NJ

PS: the accompanying text says:Diamant (Belgium)for 700c or tubulars, 52 cm C/C,Top-tube 66 cm C/C, 8 cm Headtube,Italian threaded BB,Front derailleur braze-on,internal cables,NOS the fork came as you see it and must be shortened, steertube is for 1" headset!!! Absolutely unique, I cannot say if it is truly a triathlon frame or not but do believe this to be the case!!! I cover the cost of Ebay, shipping to be covered by the buyer.