Universal: The Champions' Brake

For more than half a century, the name Universal was synonymous with bicycle brakes. Founded by the Pietra brothers , the Italian company left an indelible mark on cycling history, becoming one of the most respected and recognizable names in the industry. From the early age of cycling to the golden years of classic racing, Universal brakes accompanied some of the greatest champions the sport has ever known. Legends such as Girardengo and Binda, Coppi and Bartali, and later Gimondi, Merckx, Vigna, Moser, and Adorni all relied on Universal's braking systems in their pursuit of victory. Yet Universal's influence extended far beyond the professional peloton. Its brakes equipped countless road and touring bicycles, becoming a familiar presence in the everyday lives of generations of cyclists. Through decades of technical evolution, innovation, and Italian manufacturing excellence, the company helped shape the development of the modern bicycle. This remarkable story spans every era and discipline of road cycling, from the great Classics to the Grand Tours, from the unpaved roads of the early twentieth century to the increasingly sophisticated machines of the modern racing era.

Specifications: Softcover with French flaps, 20×20 cm, 170 pages, English only, printed in Italy.