Dimond Bikes Continues to Press Forward

I was at Ironman Arizona last weekend and was able to get caught up with a long time friend, TJ Tollakson, at the expo. It’s been a couple of years since I have spent any quality time with him. Like many triathletes, we share a long history of adventures together. We talked about our spouses, kids and the struggles we’ve experienced running a business in the endurance space. He seems to be keeping in much better shape than I, so I picked his brain about that, too. While we chatted at his booth, a lot of people passed by who reminded us of numerous adventures from the past. It felt like a triathlon family reunion.

While at the booth we did find some time to look at the expanded offerings Dimond is bringing to the space. Like most triathlon-focused bike companies, Dimond found they needed to offer more than just flagship triathlon-specific bikes. That’s especially true for companies, like Dimond, that only offer non-UCI approved versions. Those bikes are fast – probably some of the fastest on the market. Cervelo went down a similar route with the P5X and P3X series (yes, they still have the UCI-approved P5 and P-Series), but even that approach comes with a price. I’m not talking about the lack of weight savings. I’m talking about how expensive they are, and how hard they are to produce. In the end, bike molds are not cheap, and manufacturing at small scale isn’t either. The other hardship that these companies run into is providing the necessary customer service required for these specialty bikes. No matter what the size the customer base, they still have to have parts on hand, along with customer support staff that know what they are talking about.

What has been very different with the companies that are offering non-UCI approved bikes is the wide variety of pricing. Dimond, for example, offers $10,000 frames that end up at $21,905.21 for a full build. But, because they have been able to utilize a modular building process, they can still have a $3,500 offering for a fully-built beam bike. (I personally think you need to get your head checked for spending $22,000 on a bike for a triathlon, but we live in a world where people spend that sort of money just getting to the race. So, I guess, if you have it, why not?)

So, lets look at Dimond’s flagship offering.

THE MOGUL

Frame Weight: 1.8 ± 0.05 kg (Size IV)

Dimensions: 43 x 32 x 11 in

Size: I, II, III, IV, V

Build: Frameset, Custom

Compatibility: Shimano Di2, SRAM eTap, Mechanical (1x only)

BB Specification: PF30 (46 mm dia. x 68 mm w.)

S.H.I.S. Specification: IS 41 28.6 / IS 41 30.0

Material: Carbon Fiber

MONARCH BASE BAR

Basebar Width: 40 cm

Stem Length: 90 mm

Pad Reach: Max. 150 mm

Arm Tilt Adjustment Range: +/- 10°

Steer Tube Clamp Diameter: 1 1/8 in / 28.6 mm

51 SPEEDSHOP EXTENSIONS

• 15mm Offset
• 30 Degree grip angle

LUNCH BOX

Large enough to fit your whole lunch, and almost three times the size of most storage systems, the Lunch Box is an integrated bento that’s built in to the beam behind the stem. The volume is significant – size IV and V hold approximately 700mL, while the II and III sizes hold about 550mL.

Some examples of what will fit:

• 13 Gels
• 8 Cliff Block Sleeves
• 6 PowerBars
• 2 Gel Flasks

TOTES

Tools Or Technical Equipment Storage (TOTES) is designed specifically for your flat kit and multitool storage. The compartment is located above the BB cluster. The TOTES improves aerodynamics and will allow you to fix a flat on those long training, or race, days. Your significant other will be happy to hear they won’t have to pick you up (again) because you left your flat kit at home.

Suggested contents: 1 Tube, 2 Tire Levers, 2 CO2 Cartridges, 1 CO2 Inflater Adapter, 1 Small multitool.. (Or, if you’re sure your significant other really loves you and won’t leave you stranded, more snacks.)

AERO

The fully integrated internal cable routing on the front end is super clean.

TIRE CLEARENCE

While one could fit a 30 mm tire on the Mogul, the margin of error is pretty slim. Dimond recommends 28 mm tires, which are shown here.

FYI

Because of the way the Mogul is built, if you plan to use it on a smart trainer, you will need to purchase the Stationary Trainer Adapter to keep your warranty active.

My thoughts have always been consistent with regard to the look and feel of the Dimond beam bikes: they are beautiful with a rear disc wheel.. They look a little odd without a disc on the back, in my opinion.

According to the company’s website, here’s the current Dimond triathlon line up:

• MOGUL $10,000 (Frame only) $21,905.21+ decked out.
• IKON $8,499
• MARQUISE $7,499
• MARQUISE RIM $7,199
• TRILLUANT $4,999
• CARBONADO $3,500

One of the things Tollakson and I spent some time talking about was how much overlap our companies have in the endurnace market these days. At Slowtwitch, I continue to point out that, in the end, our community is more “Endurance Sports” driven than “Triathlon” driven. Over the years Tollakson has been forced to follow the path of this loyal triathlete customers, too. That’s why it’s not only been a success, but a need, for him to produce Road, Gravel and even get into the Mountain Bike scene. The company also does little kids’ “Balance Bikes,” but that’s mostly becuase of Tollakson’s passion for youth cycling, and, in my opinion, his joy of being a father who trying to keep his kids as active as he can.

Dimond has been able to innovate, not just because of the modular build process, but by also keeping high-dollar accessories in house through the launch of Red Crown Cycling, which does bars and wheels. That ensures Tollakson avoids having more items shipped from overseas, and ensures he can keep things spec’d the way that these bikes need to be.

The latest from the company is the new GRANITE Gravel frame. That bike was born from the desire to get a 2.2 Mountain bike tire between the seat stays, while still using a road BB. They did end up about .1 short of that goal, but, maybe if you’re like the great “Caveman” Conrad Stoltz, you can just shave that little bit extra off the tires and be just fine.

The Dimond Granite:

Max Tire Clearance: 700c x 50mm or 27.5 x 2.2″

BB Standard T47 (86.5mm)

Fork steerer tube 1.5 to 1.125 tapered

Internal Cable Routing

Internal storage allows for a all sorts of stuff including “lunch”

The FIDLOCK system they use to keep your goods in the frame is the best one I have seen to date.

TIRE CLEARENCE

45c is what is shown here

Mounting’s Galore

This bike is made to go the distance with over 11 mounting points outside of the top tube. This frame can probably hold enough gear for even the longest backpacking adventurer.

The Red Crown Cyling and Intergrated Front End.

Dimond was born out of Tollakson’s desire to go faster. His engineering mind would just never stop thinking about things. He was the first professional triathlete to use the high-hand position – which is now common. His elbow pads may have been a little extreme, but using them still tested faster, and he was clearly onto something.

Starting and owning a business is hard work. I have always admired Tollakson for doing what he does, and I certainly applaud him for still being in game. What he currently makes in the triathlon space may not be for everyone. If it is something you’re interested in, you should go check the Dimond bikes out. They are far from the standard, UCI-approved frames so many other company’s are offering. You can get more information at www.dimondbikes.com

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