It's 1992 and an important year for Campagnolo, which is suffering from the stiff competition from the Japanese Shimano. After all, they then market their futuristic wheels Shamal. Not exactly an Italian name, but in the meantime it has become a household name in the world of the vintage bicycle collector.
The first high profile wheel
Shamal was the 1st wheel with high profiles and Miguel Indurain and Eugeni Berzin, among others, won the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia in 1994 respectively with Shamal wheels.
The concept of Shamal wheels is that all parts (hubs, spokes, rim) are designed to work together as well as possible, which is why we speak of a complete wheel. The wheels have high flanges of over 40mm that have a teardrop shape making them more aerodynamic. The form was created in collaboration with the NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics).
The rims of Shamal wheels are made of titanium and therefore shine. They reflect in sunlight, which makes them highly visible, making them clearly distinguishable from the competition.
notice the transition from round to flat at the spokes
The first version consisted of 16 spokes, in the later version only 12, which are mostly flat. They are only round when attached to the hub and rim, as with traditional spokes. This means that twice as much tensile stress can be put on the spokes compared to a regular traditional wheel, which ensures increased stiffness.
Another innovation is that the spokes no longer protrude from the inside of the rim, but are recessed. So you have to manipulate it with a special key.
The riders were immediately enthusiastic about the comfort, aerodynamics and stiffness of the 16-spoke high-flange wheels compared to the traditional 32- or 36-spoke low-flange wheels.
With the launch of the Shamal wheels on the market, both tubular and tire versions are available as the latter are making a strong ascent in the cycling peloton. An extension piece to place on the valve is also included, many tires and tubes had short valves in the early days.
Shamal wheel with C-record hub
Finally, it should also be mentioned that the Shamal wheels, together with the Campagnolo Veloce group, received the Compasso d'Oro award at their launch. A prize in Italy that is awarded to companies that invest in technological innovations.
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