Northern California - Hamilton tt - sprint bike

Does anyone out there have any info on Hamilton frames built in the bay area during the late 80's - early 90's. They have 24 inch wheels and were built for time trials. I have one and I love it. I also have found 2 additional wheelsets taken from a deceased one on Craigslist awhile back. I have thoroughly scoured the internet but have come up entirely empty handed so far.
Any leads or info would be tremendously appreciated!!
-Thog

I met the guy once on Diablo, I think he lived in Clayton. We discussed the benefits and problems with 24" wheels. He sponsored a pretty famous female triathlete. His bikes needed a special crank and pedal combination that was pretty funky... the crankarm was short (maybe for a low bottom bracket clearance), and the pedal had an extender so that it wasn't always in-line with the crankarm... too weird for most roadies but triathletes like stuff like that. Look for old race photos of Paula Newby Fraser



http://www.active.com/Assets/Triathlon/a2+migration/a2+temp/nts_triathlon/1009_newby_inside.jpgI think his name was Ralph, and Hamilton was his middle name. He was kind of a heavy and stubborn but interesting guy.

Thanks, DiabloScott, that's helpful information! Was he riding one when you met him?
One feature I love about the bike is it's immediate acceleration. It feels jackrabbit responsive. Mine came with a standard (for it's era) Shimano 600 crank with 172.5 crank arms. The person I bought it from knew nothing of its history though, so many modifications could have occurred along the way. I'll post a pic as soon as I'm able.
-Thog

162008

Thanks, DiabloScott, that's helpful information! Was he riding one when you met him?

Yup... looked pretty much like yours but had normal handlebars. I seem to remember seeing him a few times, but only talked to him that once.

I also remember his saying that fillet brazing was way better than lugged because it was so much lighter.

I think he may have been South African too... I'll ask my buddy who was on the ride that day.

You might try posting on the Classic and Vintage forum too - there's a lot of experience over there.

You might try posting on the Classic and Vintage forum too - there's a lot of experience over there.

Thanks, I'll do it!

Not a peep over at the Classic and Vintage site! I have since aquired another frame that was supposedly ridden in the Olympics! I'm guessing it will be a lifetime (remaining) project to pull this one back together...
-Doug (Thog)

As a small-wheel appreciator, this is intriguing.

As a small-wheel appreciator, this is intriguing.


I've been loving them for awhile too! The Hamilton is really one of my favorite bikes to ride. The Cannonale TT bikes with 650s started the small wheel fascination with me...

227141

227141

Those bars are far out.

I've established contact with the person that was primarily involved with the building and sponsorship of this bike! I'm just waiting for pics and info...

Still waiting...

Does anyone out there have any info on Hamilton frames built in the bay area during the late 80's - early 90's. They have 24 inch wheels and were built for time trials. I have one and I love it. I also have found 2 additional wheelsets taken from a deceased one on Craigslist awhile back. I have thoroughly scoured the internet but have come up entirely empty handed so far.
Any leads or info would be tremendously appreciated!!
-Thog

I have one too orange and yellow LArge 26" frame. but the bike is awesome i know they are from South Africa but thats about it