History

The history of Lightweight wheels has largely been shaped by some of the world’s top competitive cyclists. It was them who first used the revolutionary wheels at championship races and major cycling tours, thereby establishing the brand’s reputation in the sport. Lightweight wheels have been available in their current shape ever since 1995, albeit subject to continuous refinement. Here is a brief timeline:

1980^s

Heinz Obermayer and his partner develop all-carbon wheels. Initially for sulkies, but later for racing bikes too.

1980^s

Lightweight establishes itself in the world of professional cycling.

1996 & 1997

Bjarne Riis and Jan Ullrich win the Tour de France and each win a stage using Lightweights.

2001

Lance Armstrong wins both the Tour de Suisse and the Tour de France using Lightweights.

2003

The Lightweight brand is sold to CarbonSports GmbH.

2006

Generation 2 – Obermayer, Standard & Ventoux

2008

Generation 3 – Obermayer, Standard & Ventoux
Standard C – all-carbon clincher, new hi-tech office building

2010

All-carbon disc and VR8

2012

Product launch
RUNDKURS, MEILENSTEIN, AUTOBAHN, FERNWEG, GIPFELSTURM Special edition
WHITE EDITION, OBERMAYER GOLDRAUSCH