Introduction of Alu and Carbon frames

pottssteve
pottssteve Posts: 4,069
edited July 2009 in The bottom bracket
Hello All,
Can anyone tell me when the first aluminium and carbon bike frames were introduced to the mass market, please? And for a bonus point, which manufacturers made them?

Thanks,
Steve
Head Hands Heart Lungs Legs

Comments

  • Chip \'oyler
    Chip \'oyler Posts: 2,323
    I'm sure Alan were the first to launch a carbon bike - mid eighties I think.

    Were Vitus/Duralinox the first Alloy? Early eighties?
    Expertly coached by http://www.vitessecyclecoaching.co.uk/

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  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    The first aluminium frame goes back to the 1890s in France.

    In terms of carbon frames, there was a thread on this a while ago - early 80s
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Smokin Joe
    Smokin Joe Posts: 2,706
    I believe Bernard Hainault was the first pro to ride a carbon frame, I think it was a Look.

    My first ever race frame was an aluminium Claud Butler. That was in the late sixties and it was extremely second hand when I got it.
  • nick hanson
    nick hanson Posts: 1,655
    Thought Peugeot did a very early carbon frame?
    so many cols,so little time!
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Peugeot were riding carbon in the early 80s, made by Vitus
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • softlad
    softlad Posts: 3,513
    I remember seeing my first Carbon monocoque back in about 1993 I think - it was Peugeot branded. Some fella from VC Slough turned up to the divisional champs with it and none of us had ever seen one before. I've got a pic somewhere of us all lined up at the start and the bike is clearly visible...

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