| In a previous article the history of the bicycle was | | | | nationwide. |
| presented along with significant milestones from the | | | | From 1974 to 1975 companies introduced frames |
| 1800's until the 1950's. This article will go over the | | | | that focused on being lightweight. Teledyne |
| advancements and milestones that have occurred | | | | introduced the worlds fist mass produced Titanium |
| from the 1960's until the present along with what | | | | bike. Trek amongst others introduces carbon fiber |
| trends we may see in the future. | | | | frames, and Gary Klein, Klein Bicycles, introduces a |
| There were a few innovations in the 1960's that | | | | welded, heat treated aluminum frame. Several other |
| were major to the world of cycling. These | | | | companies were shifting to aluminum frames as well, |
| innovations are present to this day. | | | | including Canondale. |
| In 1963, the U.S. company, Schwinn introduced the | | | | The1980's most significant bicycle innovation was |
| very popular Sting Ray model. Shortly after its | | | | when Specialized introduced the Stumpjumper in 1981. |
| introduction its radical design inspired a new breed of | | | | It was the world's first mass produced mountain bike. |
| riders. Somewhat radical themselves, they began a | | | | Rock Shox became into prominent existence when |
| craze that is now known as BMX. | | | | they improved the mountain bike with the |
| In 1964, Japanese company Suntour improves upon | | | | introduction of products creating a full suspension |
| the rear derailleur. The design is called a parallelogram | | | | mountain bike in 1987. |
| derailleur. This is the design that is still present today. | | | | Other significant releases in the 80's were LOOK's |
| In 1969, Suntour also introduced a new concept, | | | | clipless pedal design and Shimano launching their SIS |
| Index Shifting. Due to a lack of interest in the | | | | model index shifting. |
| market, Suntour abandoned the product. It would not | | | | From the 1990's until today there have been |
| be until several years later until we would see a | | | | furthermore improvements on old designs, hydraulic |
| successful version of Index Shifting considered the | | | | disc brakes, 33 speed drive trains, electric derailleur's |
| standard today. | | | | to name just a few. |
| The United States pretty much dominated the major | | | | And what does the future hold? Improving upon the |
| innovations that happened throughout the 1970's. | | | | already super efficiency of the drive train is one area |
| Technology advances were allowing manufacturers | | | | of interest. Look for internal gearing coming soon. |
| to introduce new materials that were lighter in | | | | Called planetary gearing, what is unique is the all of |
| weight. | | | | the gears are enclosed within a hub. Also look for |
| In 1970, the movie On Any Sunday is released. It is a | | | | chainless bikes, using drive shafts and drive belts. You |
| movie about motorcycle racing, in particular | | | | will see electronic shifting advance way beyond |
| motorcross. In the beginning is a scene with kids | | | | where it is now. Computers will be integrated into |
| riding the Schwinn Stingways on tracks imitating | | | | bikes doing functions you would expect such as |
| motorcross racing. Although the scene was very | | | | speed, distance, and calories burned, but couple that |
| short, it was huge it what developed from it. By | | | | with features such as finger print recognition for |
| 1974 there was organized BMX racing events | | | | anti-theft. |