Here is an expanded 1900-word version of the article on Nike’s cycling history:

The Rise of Cycling Culture

In the latter half of the 20th century, cycling experienced a dramatic uptick in popularity across the Western world. Between 1965 and 1975, cycling saw its largest boom yet in the United States, with Time Magazine reporting it was “the bicycle’s biggest wave of popularity in its 154-year history.” This period, now referred to as the ‘bike boom’, saw cycling rise from a basic mode of transport to a serious pastime and competitive sport embraced by athletes and families alike.

As cycling’s profile increased, so too did interest in specialized sportswear suited to the unique demands of the activity. Building bicycles was one element of serving cycling culture, but top brands recognized an opportunity in designing cycling-specific apparel and footwear. Nike, already an established name in athletic sneakers and gear, took note of cycling’s ascendance and envisioned ways to apply its innovation to this burgeoning field.

Nike’s Entry into Cycling

One of Nike’s earliest forays into cycling can be traced to 1984 with the debut of the Velo sneaker. As its name suggested, the Velo was purposefully constructed for bicycling with features like a perforated suede vamp for breathability and nylon quarter panels to shed weight. Crucially, it incorporated a relatively thick rubber outsole built up around the ball of the foot to create a stiff platform compatible with bicycle pedals.

Through the rest of the 1980s, Nike expanded its cycling catalog with shoes like the VT, Discovery and Nike SC models, all utilizing stiff rubber soles tailored for optimal power transfer whether riding on flat or mountain bike pedals. By 1987, Nike had developed a distinct cycling section within its catalogues, introducing styles in fall and spring/summer installments.

The Rise of Echelon

Entering the early 1990s, Nike consolidated its cycling endeavors under the name ‘Nike Echelon’. Taking inspiration from the flowing echelon formations used by professional pelotons, Echelon signified Nike’s aim to design products that allowed riders to slice through the wind in synchrony.

This period coincided with major technological shifts in cycling. The proliferation of the three-bolt cleat system popularized by French company LOOK in the late 1980s opened new possibilities for shoe design. To keep pace, Nike introduced shoes like the System Ultra and System T/C accommodating the emerging industry standard.

Mountain biking was also taking off, giving rise to rugged off-road models within Echelon like the Terramac and Cross Terrain. Catalogs from 1991-1992 featured the Echelon brand before reverting back to a standalone ‘cycling’ section the following year. Though short-lived, Echelon demonstrated Nike’s dedication to evolving with cycling’s cutting-edge developments.

Partnerships and Performance

As the sport progressed into the mid-1990s, Nike expanded its cycling arsenal under the All Conditions Gear (ACG) umbrella reflective of the burgeoning mountain biking segment. Styles like the Air Revaderchi and Air Mowabb bridged the gap between cycling shoes and rugged hiking boots, outfitting riders for technical terrain.

A watershed moment arrived in 1999 with Lance Armstrong’s first Tour de France victory after overcoming testicular cancer. Nike leapt at the opportunity to back arguably the most famous cyclist in the world, outfitting the LIVESTRONG Foundation and team kits. This monumental partnership blossomed the following year into a signature shoe, the Nike Lance, engineered by designer Bill Cass to Armstrong’s exacting preferences.

Throughout the 2000s, Nike-branded apparel worn by Armstrong and others was manufactured under license by renowned Italian producer Giordana. However, Nike’s input on advanced materials and construction techniques ensured these uniforms and jerseys delivered unparalleled performance reflecting the exceptional standards of professional cycling. Stylish and technical shoes like the lightweight Poggio model reinforced Nike’s singular focus on optimization.

Beyond Paved Paths

As the new millennium dawned, action sports captured massive commercial interest for brands like Nike. The 6.0 line attempted to engage BMX, skateboarding and other disciplines, releasing retro-styled silhouettes with rugged upgrades. Chief among these was 2008’s Dunk Gyrizo intended for the inaugural Olympic BMX racing event that year with its two-bolt SPD cleat compatibility.

However, the 6.0 series struggled against streetwear mainstays in their respective fields. By pivoting models outward from their cycling origins, these shoes lost direction in undefined territory between the pavement and dirt. Nike’s specialized roots served it best when designs directly addressed cycling culture rather than adjacent lanes.

Retreat and Rumination

Around 2008, Nike appeared to step back from structured cycling product development and availability. The brand remained deeply woven into the pro ranks through deals with figureheads like Mark Cavendish. Yet the commercial offerings had fallen quiet, leaving a noticeable void.

Behind closed doors, Nike engineers likely pondered cycling’s constantly morphing landscape. Road bikes incorporated aero refinements while mountain trails grew gnarlier. eBikes presaged new frontiers as cycling transcended age and ability barriers. The public slowly moved on from Lance Armstrong’s doping admissions, primed for a fresh start. Unanswered, Nike assessed cycling’s future and its role within it.

Stirrings of a Renaissance

In the 2010s, amateur sightings of pros training in customized Nike kicks hinted at ongoing experiments. Dani Rowe and Mark Cavendish posted Mercurial soccer cleats repurposed for pedals, suggesting simple solutions existed. Meanwhile Adam Blythe rode a cavalcade of one-off Nike designs, maintaining a diehard fandom.

More overtly, a $10 million investment into Portland’s Biketown program in 2016 tied Nike’s name to the booming urban cycling network. Limited-edition branded frames courted younger, style-savvy riders. That same year, the Fukijama cycling film presented a vision of sustainable urban mobility where Nike naturally belonged.

Most indicatively, 2019’s SuperRep line debuted the Cycle model. With its streamlined aesthetic and pedal-friendly rubber, the Cycle openly welcomed indoor spin enthusiasts under the Swoosh. Released in June 2020, it represented the first official cycling shoe from Nike in over a decade, testing consumer appetite.

Poised for Renewal

As cycling marches toward new frontiers with technological wonders like electric powertrains and connected training metrics, the door stands wide for an attuned partner. Nike retains immense creative capabilities and market influence having reshaped multiple industries with disruptive innovation.

Most enticingly, the brand retains cultural cache as an original pioneer in cycling footwear and apparel. Revisiting its roots under the ‘Echelon’ banner could galvanize a passionate global fanbase, from pros rediscovering vintage gems to everyday riders seeking inspiration.

All signs indicate Nike hovers on the verge of a substantive return. While secrecy still cloaks internal plans, the SuperRep Cycle launch awakened dormant potential. Where there’s smoke, a roaring fire may not be far behind. With a legacy rich in history and a future that promises endless new horizons, cycling awaits Nike’s reinvention.