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:
Heinz Obermayer and his partner develop all-carbon wheels. Initially for sulkies, but later for racing bikes too.
Lightweight establishes itself in the world of professional cycling.
Bjarne Riis and Jan Ullrich win the Tour de France and each win a stage using Lightweights.
Lance Armstrong wins both the Tour de Suisse and the Tour de France using Lightweights.
The Lightweight brand is sold to CarbonSports GmbH.
Generation 2 – Obermayer, Standard & Ventoux
Generation 3 – Obermayer, Standard & Ventoux Standard C – all-carbon clincher, new hi-tech office building
All-carbon disc and VR8
Product launchRUNDKURS, MEILENSTEIN, AUTOBAHN, FERNWEG, GIPFELSTURM Special edition WHITE EDITION, OBERMAYER GOLDRAUSCH
Product launch URGESTALT - Lightweight is bringing his first own frame to market. Designed and engineered in Germany. Another milestone in the company’s history.
Product launch EDELSTOFF - Lightweight develops his own clothing line under the brand name EDELSTOFF. Main focus was the comfort and the functionality of the clothing. Additionally the sustainability of the production process was crucial. This is why the entire clothing line is produced in a family company in Portugal.
During the Olympic Games in Rio the italian and the australian national teams are riding on Lightweight wheels.
