California Bicycle Museum

The period from approximately 1980 to 2000 was a turning point in the materials used in bicycle frames. During this period, lightweight steel was continually refined to be lighter and stronger, while still maintaining excellent riding characteristics and durability. Also during this period, new materials including aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber gained respectable acceptance among cycling consumers. During this period, manufacturing improvements in these new materials resulted in frames with consistent performance advantages, and now steel frames are rarely used by professional racing cyclists.

Cinelli Laser time trial bike was ridden by Eric Heiden in the 1986 Tour de France. Eric Heiden was a member of the 7-Eleven team, the first US team to compete in the prestigious event. Aerodynamics was an important part of bicycle design at this time, and the small front wheel allowed a rider to draft a team-mate more closely. The disk wheels also reduced the drag of spinning spokes.

Manufacturer: Cinelli

Location: Italy

Museum Collection

Private collection on loan to California Bicycle Museum