Author Topic: Interesting Diamond Back news (Read 10612 times)

muttley · « **on:** June 26, 2009, 09:35 AM »

German manufacturers KHE appointed by Raleigh UK to manufacture Diamondback’s top-end models

Raleigh is to outsource production of Diamondback’s five top-end BMX bikes to German firm KHE. The UK design team will remain in charge of the aesthetics, though top-of-the-line models will now come specced to a greater standard, utilising KHE and Diamondback’s own aftermarket components.

Due to be debuted at the Relentless-sponsored National Action Sports Show, running from Friday July 10th to 12th, the range tops out at £599.99 for the Alt model.

Described as “a showcase of what the partnership can achieve”, the Alt has a full chromoly frame and KHE’s aftermarket Astral and Astern hubs laced onto the manufacturer’s Big O and Big V rims. Unusually for a complete BMX, the bike’s rear hub is a nine-tooth freecoaster, which alone costs around £125.

Many of the top-end models come equipped with KHE’s groundbreaking Mac2 folding tyres, which claim to be the lightest available. Unsurprisingly, the Alt tips the scales at a featherweight 10.2kg, placing it in the bracket some custom builds find hard to achieve.

Raleigh’s marketing manager Geoff Giddings said of the overhaul: “The main emphasis on our range this year is that instead of taking the Diamondback USA range we decided to develop our own line-up along with KHE for our top five bikes and then below that with our own factories.

“We have specced and designed all the graphics in-house and worked with all the manufacturers to present a really exciting and dynamic range. For the top of the range models the emphasis has been on getting the weight of the bikes right down, now a major selling feature for BMX.”

An extensive marketing schedule is in place to promote the revamped brand too, with promotional material available to dealers from early July. Those involved in Raleigh’s stockist programme will also be listed on a poster due to be inserted into Ride BMX mag later this year. Factory Media’s title will then carry advertisements promoting the brand from September going forwards.

A new website is also in the works, alongside a promotional video to be created by Raleigh’s appointed in-house video producer. This title will star the newly-created Diamondback ‘Flow Team’.

From my own previous experience an expensive Diamond Back will be loaded with big brand bits

Stodgy · « **Reply #1 on:** June 26, 2009, 11:01 AM »

Just had some pics of the 'new' Diamond backs...to me they look like the really low whippy 09 KHE completes with a new paint and sticker job.

Nice spec though. Astern hubs etc...

madmike-bmx · « **Reply #2 on:** June 29, 2009, 06:12 AM »

they dont seem 2 bad... mite get one as it goses

Zippy · « **Reply #3 on:** June 29, 2009, 11:27 AM »

I'll be selling them. I thought they looked quite nice though.

I've actually been having quite a few phone calls about the new range so it seems to be creating quite a buzz.

Be good to see DB back on the map properly again though.

HEYWOOD BMX · « **Reply #4 on:** June 29, 2009, 11:03 PM »

Any pics of the new DB range? If the higher end ones are KHEs it`ll be a for the better.DBs of the last few years have been pants...`bout time they did something with the Reactor race frames too.

lodge · « **Reply #5 on:** June 29, 2009, 11:31 PM »

Cant wait to see the graphics that Raleigh's uk design team come up with, I mean this design team will be totally down with the kids that are gonna spend 600 notes on a "Dynamic" bmx.

oldschool rider · « **Reply #6 on:** June 30, 2009, 12:14 AM »

Astern Freecoasters !!!!!!

I can recomend them, smooth as f@@k, no clic clic fookin clic like a cassette and you can set them up as a normal hub with 0 play or set a larger gap, they are slightly heavier than a cassette but you get 2 hubs in one.

I have had mine about a month or so and LOVE it.

p.s thanks stodgy.

Steve.

beard1973 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 01, 2009, 12:17 PM »

Quote from: S&Mc Bicycle Co on June 29, 2009, 11:31 PM

Cant wait to see the graphics that Raleigh's uk design team come up with, I mean this design team will be totally down with the kids that are gonna spend 600 notes on a "Dynamic" bmx.

It would have been 'ME' designing the graphics but I didn't get the job... I made it to the final TWO but they offered the job to a girl whose work was actually pretty neat. Thought I was about land my dream job.... but it wasn't meant to be...

Zippy · « **Reply #8 on:** July 08, 2009, 01:30 PM »

Had a ride on their top of the range bike today and have to say it was really nice. It's 10.9kg for the complete bike which felt light to me for a new school bike.

Decals aren't amazing although you can peel them off.

dialledbikes · « **Reply #9 on:** July 08, 2009, 07:26 PM »

Didn't realise KHE made their own frames.

madmike-bmx · « **Reply #10 on:** July 09, 2009, 01:10 AM »

any pics yet !?

Zippy · « **Reply #11 on:** July 16, 2009, 03:32 PM »

Sorry for the poor pics but I've just taken them with my phone from the new 2010 catalogue.

This is the ALT which is their flagship model at a cost of Â£599.

It's basically a rebadged KHE. Diamond Back are very keen to be seen as a serious contender.

I know jack about new school but having ridden it I thought it was very nice.

Zippy · « **Reply #12 on:** July 16, 2009, 04:07 PM »

I'll bring one along to show everyone.

Zippy · « **Reply #13 on:** July 18, 2009, 12:27 PM »

Here's a proper pic that I took of the pre production model that we have on loan.

lodge · « **Reply #14 on:** July 18, 2009, 03:38 PM »

Quote from: Zippy on July 18, 2009, 12:27 PM

Here's a proper pic that I took of the pre production model that we have on loan.

Out of interest has it got the khe fixed bar/stem combo? cheers

Zippy · « **Reply #15 on:** July 18, 2009, 07:44 PM »

No it hasn't. The full production version has a larger set of bars on it that the one I have on loan.

Gary72 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 19, 2009, 09:42 PM »

Well I had a go on this bike today. Thanks Zippy, Sorry DB

Really liked it, I used it for the bunny hop comp and managed to equal my normal height of 2 foot. Felt strange when first standing over it with the seat so low, Didn't have to sling your leg over, Just bend your leg

Like Zippy said it is pre-production model and needed some more setting up, Mainly the free-coaster has had loads of lag when first pedalling.
£600 does sound like a lot of money for a DB, So expect some dealer discounts going on. I'd happliy have one with a normal cassette hub though. I would like to try one with a set up free coaster just to try it.

Zippy · « **Reply #17 on:** July 19, 2009, 09:58 PM »

The two models below this will come without the freecoaster. I'll personally be going for the Accomplice which is almost identical but with a 9t Cassette. It's considerably cheaper as well at £450.

But as Gary said there will be considerable dealer discounts going on. (well there will at my shop anyway

)

oldschool rider · « **Reply #18 on:** July 20, 2009, 01:06 AM »

Quote from: Gary72 on July 19, 2009, 09:42 PM

Well I had a go on this bike today. Thanks Zippy, Sorry DB
Really liked it, I used it for the bunny hop comp and managed to equal my normal height of 2 foot. Felt strange when first standing over it with the seat so low, Didn't have to sling your leg over, Just bend your leg
Like Zippy said it is pre-production model and needed some more setting up, Mainly the free-coaster has had loads of lag when first pedalling.
£600 does sound like a lot of money for a DB, So expect some dealer discounts going on. I'd happliy have one with a normal cassette hub though. I would like to try one with a set up free coaster just to try it.

A few turns with a 4mm allen key and there is no lag ! I have this freecoaster and it's the dogs Bollocks mate !

Steve.