Kettler Strato Classic Aero Bike 1982

In the 1970s and 1980s the German Company Kettler became famous for two moving products. One was a pedal-powered children buggy, the Kettcar. The other one was a series of bicycles with Aluminium frames, the Kettler Alu Rad.The top models were the aerodynamic Kettler Strato.

One of these Kettler Strato bikes is was we are looking at right now. And this exemplar seems to come straight out of a time machine from the year 1980. It has rarely been used.

The frame consists of butted aluminium tubes wich are bonded by massive aluminium lugs. To achieve a greater aerodynamic effect, the tubes have been formed into a teardrop shape. Together with the special groupset, this bike reduced draft by 20% compared to a bike with regular tubes and parts. The groupset we are talking about, a Shimano 600 AX, was developed as one of the early attempts to shape bikes in order to save watts. It features the famous Dyna-Drive Pedals which create a slightly different and lower position without reducing cornering clearance. Thus this 59cm frame is comparable to a normal 60cm frame.
Together the frame and groupset form a comfortable yet fast racer. Rather rare.

A nice piece for friends of the somehow special, technical early 1980s design, and also a nice piece of German cycling history.

Completely checked in our workshop. This means that the bike is ready to be ridden!