[CR] Greg Diamond Custom Frame

(Example: Racing:Roger de Vlaeminck)

In-Reply-To: <8CC14E810A812D5-A288-147D7@webmail-d025.sysops.aol.com>
References: <8CC14E810A812D5-A288-147D7@webmail-d025.sysops.aol.com>
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 2009 20:16:41 -0400
From: "Angel Garcia" <veronaman@gmail.com>
To: CLASSIC RENDEZVOUS <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR] Greg Diamond Custom Frame


I love these "find" stories. Great looking bike. Those water bottle cage bolts on the underside? Someone must have intended some long-distance riding....

Angel Garcia Long Valley, NJ

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: <cwstudio@aol.com> Date: Tue, Oct 6, 2009 at 6:04 PM Subject: [CR] Greg Diamond Custom Frame To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

Hello all,

I'd like to share with you a beautiful frame that I recently acquired, and have now completed the build and am riding.?

It's a mid 1980's frame built by Greg Diamond, a California builder of some repute. Judging by this frame, he was a master builder. The detail work is simply stunning. Intricate hand-cut lugs, excellent brazing, and attention to detail all put this frame among the best I've seen, and certainly one of the nicest I've owned and ridden.

Greg's personal history is something of a mystery, but I have read that he passed away in the late 1980's after a long illness. It is estimated that he built perhaps less than 200 frames. This frame has no serial number or any stampings other than those on the Campagnolo dropouts. I believe that it is likely a Reynolds 531 frame.?

The frame was painted by Joe Bell in 1994, according to his date on the steerer tube. It is a stunning paint job. I would describe the colors as lime gold and pearl white. It truly lights up in the sun, showing the frame at it's best.?

The frame has obviously been ridden, and shows a few small dings, nothing major. There are a couple of spots that, were I more talented as a painter, I would try to repair. As it is, I'll just keep them well waxed and trust that my touch up work will last.

I haven't measured the angles yet, but the frame has a very sporting character. Excellent handling, super stable in fast turns, tracks very well, fits me like a glove at 60cm. I built it up with Dura Ace components, mainly 7400 series, except the brake calipers, which are early series Dura Ace, and have been modified a bit by a previous owner. They have been very carefully machined for fit and use special bolts and recessed nuts. The more observant among us will also note my use of v-brake pads. This is a technique that allows a nearly ideal contact with the braking surface, resulting in excellent braking. It does require meticulous setup and careful maintenance, but pays dividends in hard braking situations.?

Some of my favorite details on the frame are, of course, the lugs. They have a unique lightning bolt pattern and scalloping. I'd like to know more about what type of lugs they might be. Maybe the fork crown will be an identifier. The drop out brazing and finishing is remarkable for its?understated?beauty and simplicity.

I've already put some miles on this bike, and it's a joy. Still making fine-tuning adjustments, but it's pretty close.

So please take a look at the photographs and enjoy!?Fair warning, however: I photographed it after a ride, with a minimal clean up. There will be dirt!

http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/Chris+Wimpey/Greg+Diamond/

Best regards,

Chris Wimpey

San Diego, California

USA

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