Forget quick-release skewer, the mechanical derailleur, carbon frames, or disc wheels. Never mind clipless pedals or brake-mounted shifters. Scratch those deep-section road wheels, lightweight helmets, or miracle fabrics.
The most important innovation in Cycling had nothing to do with those incremental advances, but rather with the invention of Cycling-Specific eyewear. To begin with, they allowed the Cyclist the privilege of being able to see where they were going, and avoided the indignity of having the eyes tear up on a descent. After all, no one needs to look like they’re crying because the speeds are too high. They also protect the eyes, saving them for important things like the admiration of the opposite sex.
Most importantly, however, they look cool as hell. And, as Paul Fournel rightly pointed out in Need for the Bike, to look good is already to go fast. To go fast, you need to look fast.
Oakley is widely considered to be the pioneer of cycling-specific eyewear, but others were doing Merckx’s work in that avenue at about the same time. While Greg LeMond and Phil Anderson were leading the arms race for the American eyewear specialist, another of my childhood favorites, Charly Mottet, was also busy sporting some prototype Rudy Projects and setting an early high water mark in the art of Looking Fantastic.
Once Cyclists sorted out that shades make you cool (we’re not as clever as rock stars), the late Eighties and early Nineties saw an explosion of rad eyewear in the peloton. Here are some standouts from the period.
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Somehow Hesjedal's shades weren't as cool
@Optimiste
His guns look like they're photoshopped for Merckx sake; those skinny ankles, calves and enviable quads.
Whereas I have kankles.
@The Pressure
If he'd been winning rather than mid-packing it, it might have been one thing but they were just awful.
The only real memory I have of them is him climbing out of the saddle, going off the back.
@HigherGround
I've got some of that solid gold laying around too, I'll have to see if I can rustle them up. Gianni sent me his old Pilots which I can locate - I also have Briko Shots and these, which I can't recall the model name of.
You have really done it now. This is the perfect holiday post. I never owned any brikos but they model Pantani (the stingers?) wore were so weird and awesome at the same time. I hate how sunnies hide racers eyes but they sure do amp up the stud factor.
@il ciclista medio
Who is this slick dude with Cipo? He looks like one of the Italians Charlie Weglius talks about: their concerns are just about how skinny they are, cars, and women. Probably in that order.
Somewhere I still have some Stingers. And some Oakleys. Gonna go digging.
@frank
"Weekend at Bernie's " audition
@Gianni
Alessio Di Basco with some serious manscaping going on.
Dug these up from waaay back in the drawer;
Pilots, Blades and the all round versatile Frogskins.
Still cool to roll in em?