Scott USA
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Swiss company Scott (formerly Scott USA) is a producer of bicycles and sportswear.
In 1958, engineer and skier Ed Scott from Sun Valley, Idaho invented a ski pole made of aluminium, which compared favorably to those made of bamboo or steel. On the basis of this success, the company started to produce many kinds of sports goods. In 1970, Scott sold their first protection goggles for motocross riders; further motocross wear followed.
Scott expanded to Europe in 1978, settling their headquarters in Fribourg, Switzerland.
The first mountain bike was produced in 1986, but more important was the invention of an aerodynamic handlebar, with which cyclist Greg LeMond won the Tour de France, only eight seconds ahead of Laurent Fignon. Today, this form of handlebar is obligatory for most time trial races and is also used in triathlons.
In 1991, Scott produced the first suspended fork named "Unishock" and a year later, the first full suspended mountain bike was showed to the public. The racing bicycle sector expanded continuously and in 2002, stage 10 of the Tour de France was won by Patrice Halgand riding for the Jean Delatour team, which was at that time supported by Scott.[1] Today, Scott supplies Team Saunier Duval-Scott with equipment.[2]
The name 'Scott USA' was changed to 'Scott', representing a shift in emphasis to the European market.[3]
