1970 - The first real functional one piece motorbike wheel
Towards the end of 1968 we found out that Lockheed was already in an advanced phase of manufacturing disc brakes for motorbikes and that several manufacturers and English riders were already using them.
In 1969 we obtained further details. On the grounds of the information I gathered, I started working on a project for a suitable cast wheel. This is how the Campagnolo wheel was born. The 5 spoke design dominated the market for many years across all levels of the different motorcycle classes, taking part in the Road Race World Motorcycle Championship and thus becoming a hallmark for many manufacturers.
This wheel was left in standby for several years, because Mr. Tullio Campagnolo wanted to place in the market one of his invent
ions before this one. He had come u
p with the idea of a hydraulic brake with twin rotors fitted inside the hub still in a wire laced rim.
Campagnolo worked personally in great secrecy on this challenging and expensive project. In 1972 I was asked to find a rider who would test the brake and I thought of legendary Walter Villa. Toward the end of the season we started experimenting by using several racing bikes owned by Walter.
These first tests took place in the main roads near his house and all he had to do was racing and braking. During the frequent breaks that we needed to adjust the brake, we would sit in the shade of the trees and be offered salami and lambrusco wine by Villa’s dad: unforgettable memories.
In 1969 we obtained further details. On the grounds of the information I gathered, I started working on a project for a suitable cast wheel. This is how the Campagnolo wheel was born. The 5 spoke design dominated the market for many years across all levels of the different motorcycle classes, taking part in the Road Race World Motorcycle Championship and thus becoming a hallmark for many manufacturers.
This wheel was left in standby for several years, because Mr. Tullio Campagnolo wanted to place in the market one of his inventions before this one. He had come up with the idea of a hydraulic brake with twin rotors fitted inside the hub still in a wire laced rim.
Campagnolo worked personally in great secrecy on this challenging and expensive project. In 1972 I was asked to find a rider who would test the brake and I thought of legendary Walter Villa. Toward the end of the season we started experimenting by using several racing bikes owned by Walter.
These first tests took place in the main roads near his house and all he had to do was racing and braking. During the frequent breaks that we needed to adjust the brake, we would sit in the shade of the trees and be offered salami and lambrusco wine by Villa’s dad: unforgettable memories.
