The legendary Diamant 167
If we were to name just one bike that stands out from the earlier Diamant days, it would be the legendary Diamant model 167. Once a road bike, today a cult object and museum piece. Its history and design continue to inspire many bike lovers and enthusiasts to this day. In this blog post, we embark on a journey into the past of an extraordinary bike that has lost none of its power even after so many years.
The Diamant 167 is the Peace Ride model
It all starts in 1952: In this year, we start developing the Diamant 167. Two years later, in May, the project is brought to a successful conclusion. The plan is to produce 150 competition-ready 167 racing bikes for the cycling clubs of the GDR. This ambitious mission has a clear goal. From August 28, 1954, the bikes were to ensure success at the prestigious Peace Ride (Friedensfahrt). The Peace Ride was a tour through Poland, the Czech Republic and the GDR and had as much renown east of the wall as the Tour de France west of the wall. And the mission is successful: The stage is now set for history to be made.
One year later, everything is still running like clockwork for Diamant in cycling. In the 8th International Peace Ride Gustav Adolf “Tave” Schur takes overall victory on the Diamant model 167.
The International Peace Ride 1955
The eighth Peace Ride from Prague via East Berlin to Warsaw was attended by 106 riders, divided into 18 national teams. The race stretched over 2214 kilometres and was divided into 13 stages.
Introduction of the circular fork
The Diamant 167 was produced in four different frame sizes. We developed and installed a circular fork for the first time. The small diameter and the circular shape of the fork blades along the entire length scored points with more suspension comfort. The road conditions were often very bad at the time. Not every road was asphalted and cobblestones still predominated, especially in town crossings. Impacts on such surfaces could be levelled out. As a result, Diamant riders retained more control over their bikes and tired less quickly. When the fork proved its worth, we later also used it on the Diamant sports bikes. These were full equipped sport bikes for everyday use, the predecessors of our current range.
Diamant Modell 167: Equipment
- Chrome-molybdenum steel frame
- Frame sizes: 52, 55, 58 and 61
- Circular fork
- Wedge drive bearing with drilled shaft
- 27-inch aluminium rims with tube tires
- Wedge bottom bracket
- Rear wheel hub with freewheel gear rim
- 4- or 8-speed derailleur gear
- Rim brakes
- Aluminium race handlebar with “Diamant Modell 167” embossing
- Aluminium stem
- Aluminium seat post
- Aluminium air pump
- Weight: 11 kg
Note from Diamant:
We are frequently asked if we can help with the identification of old Diamant bicycles. This is not always easy, especially with bikes that have been heavily modified. Often, at least the dating is quite simple. Here we use serial number lists, which are also stored in the DDR-FahrradWiki.
In the period from 1954 to the end of 1963, a total of 42,686 Diamant 167 left the factory halls. In 1956, the model was offered with a 4-speed derailleur gear for 776.50 Mark. The model with an 8-speed derailleur gear cost around 40 Mark more. Today, the Diamant 167 is rarely seen on the roads. A few have survived in their original condition, while many others have been upgraded with modern add-on parts. It is difficult to determine how many Diamant 167 still exist today. It is quite possible that true treasures still lie in some cellars or barns.
Today a clut object
The memories of past triumphs give the Diamant 167 a special glamour. Visually, the bike was already a highlight back then. We believe that this charm is still unbroken today. However, it is not only its outward appearance, but also its remarkable longevity that makes the Diamant 167 unique to this day. If you find one yourself and are allowed to ride it: enjoy it! It’s a legend.