At Vector Cycle Works, my focus will always be on being the best bike fitter I can be, and provide the best service I can. Part of that service involves making things more convenient for people, so I've become a dealer for a lot of products in order to better serve my customers. I don't want people to ever think I'm trying to push them into a certain brand because I sell it - I am here to help folks make an informed decision about what is available to them and help them find something that fits their needs.
When it comes to bikes, I keep a database of a lot of different bikes available via local bike shops and the Internet. The Internet has reshaped how people buy cycling equipment, and the industry is changing accordingly. More manufacturers are going direct-to-consumer (Trek is a recent big announcement). Shops like mine need to be able to adapt to that - if somebody wants to know if a bike that they found online will fit them, I'll find out.
With that said, I'd like to introduce one of those brands that might fit my customers:
Dimond Bikes
One of the bicycle brands that has really burst onto the scene in the last few years is Dimond:
The Dimond bike is currently offered in one model, which is a unique-looking bike that appears to be missing a few parts. The classic "double diamond" frame design has been thrown out in favor of a beam design. The "Dimond" name is missing an "A" in reference to that missing "A" of the double diamond frame. Cool, huh?
The concept of a beam bike is not new - Zipp, Softride, and others were making something similar before the UCI banned them in the late 90s, effectively killing the beam bike market. But, because triathlon rules are more open, the concept has been coming back, with great results. At the 2015 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, Maik Twelsiek had the fastest bike split of the day on his Dimond. The removal of the seat post and seat stays helps aerodynamics. An added benefit of this design is the ride - the lack of a seat post helps to provide a smoother ride.
Dimond bikes are high-end, made-to-order bikes and offered direct-to-consumer. Having talked with the good folks at Dimond, they care about their customers and want to get to know you. To help reach out to consumers, Ruster Sports have put together a network of professional bike fitters and shops who can help guide you in the Dimond purchase process. I am excited to be part of that network, as it fits into the Vector Cycle Works business model nicely: it's all about "fit first" and puts you in the driver's seat during the process.
The "Fit First" Process
If you are in the market for a new bike, you can come into Vector Cycle Works for a sizing, which involves discussing your needs, goals, preferences, and budget, and getting you on a fit bike to find your fit coordinates. The nice part of this is that we are not dealing with the limitations of an existing bike or trying to make something work that maybe shouldn't. We're starting from scratch with a clean sheet of paper to find your ideal fit. After we are done, I will provide a list of different bikes that will fit you, using different stem and bar configurations, as needed.
If a Dimond bike fits you and your goals, the next step is to work with Ruster Sports to configure your ideal bike. Dimond bikes are offered in two builds - the Race Build and the Premium Build. Dimond bikes are also available as a frameset, which allows us a lot of flexibility. Ruster Sports are flexible in their component selection - perhaps we sized you up with your favorite noseless saddle and they can accommodate that with the build. They will also do custom paint, if you want something that really reflects your personality and sense of style. Dimond backs up their bike with a 6 year warranty.
We can also build the entire bike up to your specs at Vector Cycle Works. Perhaps you want to use your saddle of choice, the bars we sized you with, and a Power2Max power meter. Ruster Sports can custom paint the frameset and send it to Vector Cycle Works for the final build. You can truly create your perfect dream bike. You can see some beautiful custom Dimonds on their blog:
Is a Dimond In Your Future?
Buying a Dimond is not for the instant gratification type, but good things come to those who wait. Ruster Sports and Vector Cycle Works are not advocates of having a huge inventory of bikes, so I don't have one of each size available for a test ride.
So, how do you go about riding one? The Dimond Van is out and about, touring the world. You can find the Dimond Van at different triathlons, and the plan is to schedule a visit at Vector Cycle Works sometime during 2016. Like Vector Cycle Works on Facebook or sign up for the mailing list so you can be the first to know!
In the meantime, schedule your sizing session at Vector Cycle Works and find out if a Dimond is right for you!
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