Originally Posted by
RobbieTunes
The game-changer in the 80's: Kestrel via Aegis... The 200 series.
It really didn't make it's mark until the 90's, but monococque was the shot across the bow and then the direction of steer thereafter.
The aluminums of the 90's sort of held it back until it became cheaper to make, but "they're real, and they're spectacular..."
I agree, the Kestrel was revolutionary but unobtainable for most. For me, I think the 80s Cannondales had a bigger impact because they were more accessible but still showed that alternative materials were viable. I do remember seeing a Kestrel frame hanging in the showroom when I picked up my first real bike and I was blown away.