My TST is a sweet riding frame, basic straight gauge but definitely not junk, just missing the decals. I loved my bike enough that I replaced it with another that was sold directly from the factory, un-decaled surplus stock that sold under various names (eg Mongoose, Diamondback, built for Dean for awhile, and Douglas for Colorado Cyclist among others). Framebuilding didn't fit their business model so they got out of it, but they still produce other Ti products as well as manufacture tubing, all US made. They only do Ti, and they do it as well as anyone if not better. The Sandvik division that made Ti bike frames later became Titanium Sports Technologies (TST) in Kennewick WA. This indeed looks like my Diamondback, made by Sandvik, sadly crushed in an encounter with a car. here is some pics of mountain frame with a serial number shot, the made in usa looks pretty close Keep your eyes peeled for a genuine Litespeed, Merlin, or Lynskey Performance.įirst one reminds me of an old diamond back racing frame. I wouldn't recommend either frame for a friend because if he's dissatisfied, it could taint your friendship and put into question your reputation and knowledge. For newer bikes, it’s located on the underside of the bottom bracket shell or near the cranks. ![]() For some reason, that construction method never caught on. The location of your bike’s serial number would also depend on its age. That frame you're looking at has titanium tubes bonded titanium lugs. He ventured into bonded frames, i.e., gluing the tubes together to mix and match various frame tube materials. Harry Havnoonian had a strong reputation a decade or two ago. Aluminum forks aren't known for their longevity. ![]() It also looks like that frame has an aluminum fork. Your friend might find it doesn't possess the qualities he imagined when he was lovestruck by the Seven. ![]() While the top tube looks like it's 28.6mm, the down tube is hardly oversized. The nature of titanium calls for larger diameter tubes vs. The first one COULD be a Litespeed, but the welding, particularly the dropouts, doesn't look like that of the older Litespeeds I'm familiar with.
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