To the best of my knowledge / memory (starting in about 1974/5), there were NO 700c clinchers in 1975. For example, in 1974 Raleigh offered the Super Course TT with tubulars, and the Super Course "Normal" for 27" tires. The model disappeared the following year. If 700c tires had been widely available there would have been little need for separately badged models. And, by the end of 1987, nearly ALL but the cheapest bikes came equipped with 700c clinchers.
As described above by Peter White, "Many racers wanted to race on tubulars but train on clinchers." My theory is that bike-boom buyers purchased pro-quality bikes and became frustrated with the tubular tires. We may both be right.
Either way, it created an opening for a tire maker and rim maker to offer a 700c tire and rim. I'm pretty sure the first american tire offered in 700c size was specialized, but I'd like to know which company was the first to make a 700c rim, and who was the first european maker to offer a tire, and what were these products called?
- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA