Diamant Retro Direct Bike

This unique bike is based on an old GDR Road Racing Bike which was produced by VEB Fahrradwerke Elite Diamant (People-Owned Enterprise Bicycle Factory Elite Diamant). Behind the long name stands a long history we may tell another time. Even longer than the name of the factory is the history of private construction and tinkering in the GDR to enhance lifestyle. So it seems fair enough that this bike was modified with a new drivetrain which follows an old design.
Retro-Direct bicycles were mostly produced in the 1920s and 1930s in France. The idea is that you have normal gear ratio while pedalling forward. But when you are pedalling backwards, you 'shift' into an easier gear. You would not belive the hilarious faces of people you are overtaking at a hill - whilst pedalling backwards!
This nicely rigged piece is real fun!