Pianni

Pianni is the trade name of Pete Matthews, the successful racing cyclist who raced internationally between 1968-1972. He was UK national road race champion in 1968.

In 1972 Pete bought Jim Soen shop in Liverpool and began designing, building and selling wheels to pro teams around Europe. His innovations included wheel balancing, ‘Aero’ spokes and UPC – Ultimate Position Concept, now universally known as ‘Bike Fit’.

In 1982 Johns Woodburn broke the LEJOG record on a pair or Pete Matthews 20/20 spoked wheels. Sean Yates and Robert Millar had success using Pete’s wheels and frames.

During the 1980s Pete had top end frames made in Italy to sell in his shop. The frames were built using Columbus SL tubing with chain stays profiled to accommodate the new 7 speed compact freewheels that had been recently launched.

Pete has been joined in the business by his son Lee and still operated in the Liverpool premises..