Tag: Tullio Campagnolo

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History and Legends Bicycles and Equipment

How quick-release was invented in 1927

Campagnolo Quick Release
The quick release mechanism was invented in 1927 by Italian bicycle racer and founder of the famous Campagnolo brand, Tullio Campagnolo. He was frustrated when he attempted to change gears during a race. At the time there was but one cog on each side of the rear hub, so gear changes necessitated stopping, removing the rear wheel, rotating it horizontally so that the opposite cog is engaged by the chain, and finally reinstalling the wheel. The weather had turned cold, and his hands were numb, so he could not operate the wingnuts which retained the wheel. He had been well-placed prior to the gear change, but lost valuable time. This prompted him to develop the quick release.

The quick-release mechanism was invented in 1927 by Tullio Campagnolo (Vicenza, 26 August 1901 – Vicenza, 3 February 1983).

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Hors Catégorie Cycling Books

Cycling-related gift ideas (2020 update)

Campagnolo BIG Corkscrew (Bronze)
Tullio Campagnolo was a great inventor. With his intuition and innovations in the field of mechanics, he basically rewrote the history of the bicycle, but he did not stop there. His creativity knew no limits and he reached into different sectors, his best ideas flourishing in times of difficulty. And so, in 1966, Tullio had another stroke of genius, just like he’d had for his invention of the quick release. While toasting a victory perhaps, or drinking a glass of wine with some champion or other, he hurt his hand opening the bottle. This triggered not only his rage, but also his creative flair. It took him just a few minutes to design a new kind of corkscrew, one that over the years was to become a cult object and collector's item. This was the birth of the Campagnolo BIG corkscrew. The Campagnolo BIG corkscrew is still a veritable jewel of mechanics, despite the slight changes made to its appearance over the years. The Campagnolo logo and the screws taken from products from the past remain as distinctive features, deeply rooted in the world of cycling. Today the corkscrew is an article where attention is paid to the smallest detail and still 100% made in Italy. In 2013, to celebrate Campagnolo’s 80th anniversary, it was further enhanced with a new chrome plating that guarantees a high-quality, long-lasting finish. This resulted in the addition of two new versions: bronze and satin. Price: €145.30 (Click to buy from campagnolo.com)

When you consider buying a gift for a person who has a passion for cycling, it’s a great idea to buy a cycling-related item to her/him. Luckily, you’ll have many options. Here are some cycling-related gift ideas:

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Bicycles and Equipment

Top 10 Cycling Innovations

Campagnolo Quick Release
The quick release mechanism was invented in 1927 by Italian bicycle racer and founder of the famous Campagnolo brand, Tullio Campagnolo. He was frustrated when he attempted to change gears during a race. At the time there was but one cog on each side of the rear hub, so gear changes necessitated stopping, removing the rear wheel, rotating it horizontally so that the opposite cog is engaged by the chain, and finally reinstalling the wheel. The weather had turned cold, and his hands were numb, so he could not operate the wingnuts which retained the wheel. He had been well-placed prior to the gear change, but lost valuable time. This prompted him to develop the quick release.

Bicycles were introduced in the 19th century in Europe and now number more than a billion worldwide, twice as many as automobiles. They are the principal means of transportation in many regions. They also provide a popular form of recreation and have been adapted for use as children’s toys, general fitness, military and police applications, courier services, and bicycle racing.

Here are the top ten cycling innovations in history that made cycling that popular, funny, and safe.

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Bicycles and Equipment

Campagnolo Gran Sport 1953: The first-ever groupset

Bianchi 1953 (Campagnolo Gran Sport)
A 1953 Bianchi equipped with Campagnolo Gran Sport derailleurs, Magistroni crankset, and Universal brakes. Photo: Walter Lai

The first name of “gruppo” (groupset) came with the Campagnolo Gran Sport rear derailleur in 1953. Rear & front derailleur, hubs, and levers were for the first time sold as part of a unique system.

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Bicycles and Equipment

Campagnolo Super Record is 40-year-old

A 1973 Gios Torino equipped with Campagnolo Super Record groupset
A 1973 Gios Torino equipped with Campagnolo Super Record groupset. Photo: Steel Vintage Bikes website

In 1973, a legend is born: Campagnolo Super Record groupset. It was a milestone for the Italian brand, producer of the high-end bicycle components, and one that hit the world of cycling with the impetus of a tireless cyclist.

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Bicycles and Equipment

Campagnolo 80th Anniversary Groupset

Campagnolo 80th Anniversary Groupset
Campagnolo 80th Anniversary Groupset. Photo courtesy: Glory Cycles

Campagnolo has revealed the 80th Anniversary Groupset. The group is mechanical, has the quality of Super Record level but labeled 80th Anniversary group with a Matte finish. The limited production will be available this spring.

There’s also an 80th Anniversary wheelset released by the Italian brand. The wheelset has two options: Bora Ultra II or Bullet Ultra but named “80th Anniversary” with Matte finishing. These can be ordered with the group set or separately.

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