Mike Burrows was a British cycling designer who left a lasting impact on the world of cycling through his innovative and unconventional designs.
Burrows passed away in August 2022, leaving behind a legacy of ground breaking bikes that pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible in the world of cycling.
Burrows was a firm believer in the idea that form should follow function, and he was not afraid to challenge conventional design norms in order to create bikes that were faster, more efficient, and more comfortable to ride.
His most famous creation was the Lotus 108, a bike that was designed for the British track cycling team for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. Chris Boardman’s victory in the individual pursuit was nothing short of ground breaking. His sleek, aerodynamic Lotus machine helped him shave seconds off his time, setting a new world record and securing Britain’s first gold medal in cycling for 72 years.
In 1993 Giant Bicycles, a Taiwanese bicycle manufacturer, approached Burrows for inspiration that would lead to the creation of the futuristic MCR aero road bike – a pristine example of which we have in our Flandrien Hotel collection.
Giant’s expertise in carbon fibre manufacturing and design allowed for the creation of a bike that was not only fast but also light and strong. The MCR was met with critical acclaim when it was unveiled, with many praising its futuristic design and exceptional performance.
Unfortunately the MCR was only used briefly in competition, outlawed by the UCI’s 1996 Lugano Charter in 1996 that put a damper on innovation by setting guidelines for frame geometry and equipment in competitive cycling.
It standardized the traditional double-diamond frame shape, dictating specific angles and dimensions. The UCI’s initiative aimed to preserve the sport’s heritage and ensure fair competition. However, the charter inadvertently stifled innovation in bicycle design for several decades.
Despite his many achievements, Burrows remained a relatively unknown figure outside of the cycling world for much of his life. However, his contributions to the sport were significant, and his legacy continues to inspire today’s bike designers.
Over the years, Giant has continued to innovate, introducing new materials and technologies to the cycling world. The company has also expanded its product line to include a wide range of bicycles, from road bikes to mountain bikes to e-bikes.
Today, Giant is recognized as a leader in the cycling industry, and continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in bike design and technology.
Size: Medium
Groupset: Shimano DuraAce 9s
Wheelset: Giant Alu – Carbon Spokes