CLASSIC BIKE: GOLD-RAD KUNSTRAD.

The article focuses on the sport of artistic cycling, a discipline combining gymnastics, acrobatics, ballet, and synchronized swimming performed on specially designed bicycles. Originating from theatrical cycling acts in the late 19th century, artistic cycling became a regulated sport under the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) by 1930 and remains popular in northern mainland Europe. The bikes used, such as those made by Gold-Rad of Cologne, Germany—a company that operated for 106 years before closing in 1998—feature unique designs including banana-shaped saddles, rotating handlebars, and fixed gears for bi-directional movement. These bicycles are prized by athletes, performers, and collectors for their role in this demanding and visually striking sport. Extracted from the article