Visit to Diamondback

[sparky]

Since I'm a bit of an old school Diamond Back nut I was chuffed when offered the opportunity to visit Diamondback. They've never really been the same since Sandy Finkelman walked away and the final demise was probably the time with Raleigh purchased them.

During my visit I'll be shown BMX and even MTB but my main aim will be to review and check out the 'forum' that's been inspired by the original Harry Leary. Although it will take more than a nice paintjob, replica turbo cranks and some old school decals to get my heart beating with excitement. Those of you that haven't seen the limited 2016 model, here it is.

[ Attachment: You are not allowed to view attachments ]

I'm also intending on asking some questions, quite serious too if need-be which I'm sure I'll have many of, but if anyone here would like me to ask something I haven't already noted, please feel free to pop something in this thread and if time permits I'll attempt not only to ask but seek answers too.

I haven't penciled a date as yet but I'm hoping it will be sometime in January.

[BMX1973]

That looks nice. 

[pickle]

Looks ace 

[Dark Diggler]

It looks pretty cool aesthetically but personally, I would have thought a decent racebike in that livery, would have been a more fitting tribute, particularly as rider numbers are increasing at race meetings and decreasing at skateparks.

[griff]

colour scheme looks good but I'm struggling to see the point of it, just looks like a standard NS park bike with nice stickers on it as opposed to some kind of 're-imagining' of the original

with the 'retro' market already well served by Skyway, SE & Haro I think they may find sales difficult tbh, unless they have somehow managed to put it together cheaply enough for kids

[mattuknc]

I think if you're after getting back into riding, liked the old Turbo and can't afford one now, for around 300 notes this is a good buy. 

Edit:  On their chrome bikes, add the old 'diamond' gussett. 

[sparky]

Well the visit to Raleigh/Diamondback went very well and was a thoroughly enjoyable time. We spoke about all things bike and on top of that old school, to the point of possibly them releasing an anniversary model DB, but decision is in its infancy but we both thought it could be achievable (so watch this space).

[Jaymz]

Awesome

[pickle]

Nice one, I bet you had a great day 

[sparky]

It was great and couldn't resist ordering one of those 'forums' 

[pickle]

They look a proper nice bike 

[Jazzchimp]

A DB nut myself but why use the ultimate race bike name of a street bike? should have beed a streak or viper? Also good point about why is it a stock looking frame?

They have hit on a great concept but needs some thought.

[sparky]

Their intention wasn't to create a bike that was based on an old model, they just thought they'd take inspiration. Although a stock frame, it's the same as their top models. It's also been limited to 30 units only.

It was interesting talking about how standards have changed and how and what parts can be used in today's bikes which are very different to the bikes we had 35+ years ago. Health and safety impacts are far greater too.

Raleigh are currently manufacturing various anniversary models, such as the Grifter and Aero Pro so I hope a DB or two will be their next projects and also I hope to be working with them very closely should the idea be approved.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mikku]

"Raleigh are currently manufacturing various anniversary models, such as the Grifter and Aero Pro" 

Now THAT sounds interesting!! Any more info?

[sparky]

"Raleigh are currently manufacturing various anniversary models, such as the Grifter and Aero Pro" 

Now THAT sounds interesting!! Any more info?

Not really I'm afraid, just something we touched on as we got talking about the difficulties in replicating the Grifter seat.