In 1980, Shimano Dura Ace AX parts were perhaps one of the most radical redesigns of modern racing bike parts.
The aerodynamic effort started a huge push by the Japanese to out pace the Europeans with technology (some would argue they have to this day).
In a strange sort of "co-operation" across the Japanese manufacturers, aero was the new black. Tange created expensive, heavy, relatively flexible and hard to frame build aero tubes. Nitto produced some radical aero handlebar and stem designs.
The aerodynamic effort started a huge push by the Japanese to out pace the Europeans with technology (some would argue they have to this day).
In a strange sort of "co-operation" across the Japanese manufacturers, aero was the new black. Tange created expensive, heavy, relatively flexible and hard to frame build aero tubes. Nitto produced some radical aero handlebar and stem designs.
But is seemed that that old european "reputation" could not be overcome, yet.
The Japanese aero challenge was relatively short lived as AX was withdrawn from the market in 1982. It was not until the rise of the Triathlon market about ten years later that aero bikes started to command market share.
This time the Japanese were ready, and have dominated the Triathlon market ever since.
No comments:
Post a Comment