|
|
Elite-Diamantwerk (Elite Diamond Works) made bicycles.
The first Elite Diamant bicycles were made in 1885.
During World War II, they also produced small
motorcycles. After World War II, the works fell into
Russian hands and became part of the East German State.
Under communist control, they continued producing
bicycles and pioneered development of alloy bicycle
components, including the first all-alloy bicycles.
Diamant's alloy bicycles won the world road race
championships in the late 1950s. Following German
reunification in 1992, Diamant was privatized and is the
oldest bicycle factory still operating in Germany. In
the USA, classic boy's/men's bicycle frame are referred
to as a “diamond frame” and that term is said to have
originated as a reference to Diamant. |
Special thanks to Carsten Rehbein, Barum, Germany
Updated 11.16.2008 Click on images for larger view. |
