Campagnolo’s Rise To Cycling Glory

Tullio Campagnolo revolutionized the bicycle industry almost a century ago and you will be amazed at what he did! 🚲

In 1927, while racing in the Italian Dolomites, Tullio lost a bicycle race because he was unable to remove his rear wheel to change gears due to frostbitten hands. 🥶

This loss further encouraged the Italian cyclist and engineer to develop and patent the quick-release locking mechanism or ‘quick-release skewer’. 

This would be the first of 135 inventions patented by Campagnolo over the next 50 years! 📝

By 1940, the world’s gear-shifting problems by introducing the Cambio Corsa - a rod-shifting mechanism that allowed cyclists to change gears while in motion. ⚙️

In 1949, the Gran Sport - a first-of-a-kind rear derailleur whose design would still define the derailleurs of today. ✒️

Campagnolo then partnered with iconic Italian bicycle maker, Colnago and legendary Belgian cyclist, Eddy Merckx to produce lightweight parts for the bike he used to beat the hour record in 1972 which wouldn’t be broken until 1984 by Francesco Moser! 🚴

A very passionate devotee of the aesthetics of cycling, Tullio produced some of the most iconic and eye-catching bicycle components. 

In 1962,  the Campagnolo Record derailleur was released and it eased every cyclist’s problems with gear shifting. 🧠

In 1986, the revolutionary Campagnolo Delta brakes were produced which amazed the industry due to its aerodynamic ability and unique design. 🎨

Upon his death in 1983, the world thought that it would be the end of Campagnolo as a behemoth in cycling. 

Carrying his legacy forward, Campagnolo innovated further on products comprising lighter drivetrains and futuristic carbon components for pro cycling teams across the world. However, earlier this year, only one team in the Tour de France had Campagnolo components - AG2R Citroën. 🏆

History, passion and innovation are the attributes that represent Campagnolo who keep pushing to produce the best bicycle components in the market. 🧰