80's Diamond/Diamant Race bike

[charliemurphy]

Hi,

First of all to introduce myself, I'm Charlie and have recently purchased a second race bike, but for the life of me can't find any information on the model and was hoping some kind boffins on here could help me out?

I've attached some pictures, I know it is Diamond the Belgium brand or Diamant. And I know it's from the 80's but I don't know which year or the model. Any help, advice or information on the bike would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks everyone!

Charlie

 

[charliemurphy]

Re:

And now for the pictures...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/132958225 ... /lightbox/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/132958225 ... /lightbox/

 

[Jonny69]

Certainly not seen one of them before. Looks to be a fairly entry-level bike with all the usual accessories usually found on a bike like that - the kick stand, lights, rack, dynamo, lever extensions etc and they all look like they belong on the original bike. I think it's at the early end of the 1980s but I can't be more specific. I'm basing that on the Weinmann-style brakes, the fact that the mudguards are alloy rather than plastic and the general accessories on the bike.

 

[charliemurphy]

Thanks mate, very much appreciated!

 

[Jonny69]

What are your plans with it? (I like underdog bikes like this )

 

[charliemurphy]

I'm going to clean it! It can do with some TLC to be honest, it's suffering from being left in a shed syndrome.

As for replacing components, I think I'm going to see how it goes for a few weeks, If I can keep the originals and make them look good then why not. I've ridden it most days 6-10 miles, and I haven't even replaced the inner tubes. I'm surprised at how well it's running to be honest.

The paint is looking a bit old and the bar wrap is faded. So, I'm tempted to paint it, replace the wrap and get a new seat, no matter how nice original components are, a hard seat is still a hard seat.

Needless to say, she doesn't look like much, but she's got it where it counts.

If you have any advice, please share.