For example, Sticha invented the bike with all-wheel drive. But above all, we have the inventor to thank for the disc brake. Today, he has his own bike shop in St. Gallen.
BIKE: Mr Sticha, you are difficult to reach. Are you travelling a lot?
Bob Sticha: I spent a week with Hope in England. I have been working with Hope for 13 years. We discussed the new developments and had to prepare presentations.
How did you come up with the idea of developing disc brakes and suspension forks for mountain bikes?
I used to race motocross and cars myself. At the beginning of the 1960s, I was able to follow the development of the first disc brakes for motorsport. The problem with rim brakes was quickly recognised for bicycles too. In 1989, I built the first mechanical disc brake for racing bikes. Three years later, I built the first suspension fork that worked with elastomers.
How did people react to your ideas?
Some were interested, others thought they were superfluous. Journalists were also very sceptical - wrongly so. I was a little older and more experienced and it was clear to me that disc brakes would also come to bicycles.
In 1991 you invented the bike race on the bobsleigh track in St. Moritz.
Yes, I'm still proud of that! I did my very first descent in an ice channel back then. That was something really special! The reason for doing it was also to show off my suspension fork and disc brakes.
What has become of the "Bob Race"?
In 1995, 66 riders took part, including well-known athletes from various sports. That was a really big thing. But I didn't get permission for the following years. That's why the race no longer exists today.
You've always been the prototypical inventor. What are you cooking up at the moment?
My main occupation is actually my bike shop. But I'm also developing a new hydraulic disc brake with Hope. We are familiar with the problem of disc brakes getting too hot from cars. To reduce the heat, you have to ventilate the disc on a bike, just like in a car. We are in the process of making this acceptable for bikes. I'm delighted to have Hope's full support in this endeavour.
What's wrong with today's mountain bikes?
The wheels are very advanced. There is a whole range of bikes that function optimally according to current knowledge - sophisticated front and rear suspension and good brakes. We don't need to discuss components for long. They've been healthy for a long time.
Your shop also stocks penny-farthing bikes. The direct opposite of highly technical mountain bikes.
Yes, that's an old love of mine. I've always loved antique things. The penny-farthings in my shop are handmade by a Czech family, just like 100 years ago. They have brought the copy to perfection. I sell a few of them in my shop, but it's actually more of a hobby for me. And it's no problem to ride it. It used to be possible and the roads weren't as well developed then.
What are your plans for the future?
At the moment I'm still suffering from the consequences of an accident. I was attacked by a dog on my bike last year. But as soon as I can, I want to cycle more again. And work less! And a lot of sailing - another old love of mine.
