I have been associated with Oakley since 1984 when they wished to branch away from the BMX and Moto-Cross accessory lines that they were known for. Jim Jannard and Mike Parnell approached Greg Lemond and myself with a radical looking eyeglass, at the Long Beach Bike Show to test and give comment. Initially we were given ‘Factory Pilots’, to try out training and then to use in the early classics of 84. It made quite an impact in the very beginning. They were seen as pretty radical considering the only others on the market were Ray Ban ‘Aviators’. The early goggle like Pilots created quite a reaction from the old school cycling fraternity. Riders were afraid to wear them initially because the styling was far from anything that had been seen in this very traditionally fashioned sport.
Greg and I were racing particularly well during this period and gave the eyewear plenty of exposure. The marketing team at Oakley held release of the glass until they were satisfied with design and production of the product. Greg and I rocked up to that year’s Daulphine, with a suitcase each full of the product, to distribute to the field of riders. Slow the first day, but by day 3, neither Greg or I had any left. They were a hit, and we had 75% of the peloton wearing them. Jump ahead 25 years and eyewear is considered part of a cyclist’s safety gear, along with mits and helmets. Oakley have been leading the world with their technical eyewear ever since.
