In some more bad news for the industry, GT Bicycles, which separated from Cycling Sports Group/Cannondale to a stand-alone Pon Holdings brand in 2023 with its own design team, is reported to be pausing releasing new products while streamlining its operations.

In a recent statement to the cycling press, GT Managing Director Jason Schiers said:”There will be layoffs before the end of the year but the brand will continue to sell bikes in 2025.

“To ensure a sustainable and successful future, we are implementing a strategic reorientation to align with evolving customer preferences,” according to a statement by GT.”

The brand will focus “on core strengths, and refining our strategy to position GT for long-term growth. We will continue to sell our current range from existing inventory,” GT said in the statement.

Warranty and customer service will be handled by Cycling Sports Group.

“GT Bicycles remains a brand with strong potential, and this decision has been taken to lay a solid foundation for its next chapter,” the brand said.

Schiers was hired in 2022 after leading R&D for Selle Royal brands and focusing on Crank Brothers product development and quality. Schiers told BRAIN in February that GT was amid a transformation back to its IBD and off-road roots. Speaking from the UK’s COREbike show then, Schiers said he had been spreading the word about the brand’s renaissance at the B2B show, held by local distributors who invite brands they service for dealer facetime.

Nearly two years ago, GT announced its move from Wilton, Connecticut, to Aliso Viejo, not far from the brand’s original Southern California headquarters. It was one of the first changes for GT after Pon Holdings completed its purchase of the brand’s former parent company Dorel Industries in 2022.

British cycling company Spoon Group, the owner-operator of bespoke bike brands Spoon Customs and WyndyMilla, as well as custom paint business Gun Control, has entered liquidation, following extensive efforts to adapt to what the group’s owner described as the ongoing “challenging market conditions” affecting the bike industry in recent years.

At the start of 2020, Surrey-based bespoke steel bike brand Spoon Customs merged with fellow British custom bike specialist WyndyMilla, established in 2009 by Henry Furniss and Nasima Siddiqui, under the Spoon Group umbrella.

Spoon founder Andy Carr took over the new company as CEO during the reorganisation, which saw Spoon and WyndyMilla continue to operate as separate brands, while WyndyMilla’s in-house paint facility WM Paintworks was rebranded and repositioned as its own standalone business, Gun Control Custom Paint.

But despite the company’s reputation for designing and producing high-quality, eye-catching handmade carbon and steel bikes, the turmoil affecting the cycling industry since the Covid pandemic led to a number of cost-saving measures in recent years, including closing its premises in the Surrey Hills and adopting a more streamlined operational model.

However, due to the increasing pressures placed on the business by falling demand, rising costs, and cash flow problems, this week Spoon Group announced that it has instructed FRP Advisory Trading to place the company into liquidation.

“This is an incredibly sad day for everyone involved,” Spoon founder and director Andy Carr said in a statement. “Spoon and its brands have earned loyal support over the years, becoming known for championing better fit and the highest standards of fabrication and finishing.

“Despite concerted and sustained efforts to adapt to challenging market conditions, the business has found itself in an impossible position.

“In a market where demand has dropped significantly and costs have risen, the decision to enter liquidation was necessary to address these challenges, though it is wholly regrettable. We remain committed to supporting the liquidation process during this difficult time.”

He continued: “This decision will of course impact our customers. I deeply regret the challenges this situation may cause for everyone affected. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and patience as we work through this process.”

The news of the group’s liquidation comes over a year after Spoon Customs was forced to suspend its production of carbon bikes, including the award-winning Vars Disc, in a bid to manage the long wait times caused by what the company described as a “perfect storm of parts and supply chain issues.”

No official press release has yet been issued. Those with further enquiries or wanting updates about the liquidation process should contact FRP Advisory Trading Ltd via this email address: cp.orpington@frpadvisory.com

GripGrab, a leader in premium cycling apparel and accessories, proudly announces its partnerships with Team Visma | Lease A Bike and UNO-X Mobility as the official supplier for gloves and shoe covers for 2025. These collaborations bring GripGrab’s cutting-edge weatherproof gear to two exceptional cycling teams, equipping them for both training and racing in the toughest conditions.

A shared commitment to excellence

Both Team Visma | Lease A Bike and UNO-X Mobility are renowned for their dedication to cycling excellence and impressive achievements. These partnerships underline GripGrab’s philosophy that success is built during rigorous training sessions as much as on race day.

“We are thrilled to partner with Team Visma | Lease A Bike and UNO-X Mobility to equip their riders with gear designed for the toughest conditions,” said Martin Krøyer, CEO of GripGrab. “These collaborations highlight our shared passion for cycling and our commitment to empowering riders throughout their journey. Our mantra, Ride All Year, reflects our dedication to supporting athletes who demand the best from their equipment, no matter the weather.”

Gear designed for champions

Both teams will rely on GripGrab’s high-performance products, including:

• Weatherproof gloves and shoe covers: Providing protection, comfort and grip during training sessions in cold, wet and windy conditions.
• Custom-designed race day gloves: Combining professional functionality with team-specific designs to ensure top performance and unity on the starting line. 

Partnering with Team Visma | Lease A Bike

Team Visma | Lease A Bike, celebrated for their relentless pursuit of excellence, will benefit from GripGrab’s innovative products designed to withstand year-round riding challenges. Mathieu Heijboer, Head of Performance at Team Visma | Lease A Bike, shared his enthusiasm: “It is essential for our riders to rely on equipment that supports them in every situation. GripGrab supplies us with gloves and shoe covers that ensure grip, warmth and comfort in the most challenging conditions. With this partner, we take our equipment to the next level.”

Partnering with UNO-X Mobility

As a Scandinavian team with a strong Nordic identity, UNO-X Mobility’s riders face demanding training sessions in harsh weather conditions. Thor Hushovd, General Manager of UNO-X Mobility, emphasised the importance of this collaboration: “We are excited to have a Scandinavian partner joining the team. GripGrab’s commitment to quality and functionality aligns perfectly with our values. Reliable gear during training is crucial for maintaining focus and performing at our best, and we’re confident GripGrab’s products will give us an edge in all aspects of the sport.”

Several of the UNO-X Mobility riders also expressed their excitement to be getting GripGrab on board as sponsor. Rider Søren Wærenskjold says: “I’m looking forward to using GripGrab gear. For us northern riders, it is crucial to have warm hands and feet during training. GripGrab’s products are important for us riders who train in cold winter climates. “ 

Inspiring the cycling community

The partnerships between GripGrab,Team Visma | Lease A Bike, and UNO-X Mobility represent a fusion of innovation, excellence and a shared Scandinavian heritage. Together, they aim to set new standards for performance while inspiring riders worldwide to embrace the preparation and passion that drive the sport forward.

About GripGrab

GripGrab is a Danish brand specialising in premium, timeless cycling apparel and accessories. Known for its dedication to functionality, comfort and style, GripGrab equips riders with the gear they need to perform at their best in all conditions.

For more information about GripGrab, Team Visma | Lease A Bike and UNO-X Mobility, view this article which features a Q&A with GripGrab CEO Martin Krøyer:
https://www.gripgrab.com/pages/partners_in_performance

Juice Lubes has teamed up with Slickoleum in the USA to add another workshop essential to its range of greases.

Slick Juice is designed to greatly reduce the breakaway friction of reciprocating seals, it also impregnates the pores of metal surfaces to further reduce friction and increase lubrication.

Developed for suspension assembly but by no means limited to. Slick Juice can be used on cables, freehubs, race day bearings, axles, dropper posts and more. It’s non migratory and highly resistant to water washout.

Rob Cook, Juice Lubes brand manager, said: “We’re thrilled to partner up with Slickoleum to bring Slick Juice to the market. With SRAM and other market leading brands choosing and recommending their grease for shock units and more, Slickoleum were at the top of our list when it came to bringing such a product to the market”

Available in 150ml and 500ml with RRP’s of £17.99 and £34.99 respectively.

Slick Juice is available for dealers to order now through Velobrands.

Elite women’s cycling team Alba Development Road Team has named bike manufacturer Handsling as frame supplier and title sponsor for the 2025 season.

The Scotland based UCI Continental team will race as Handsling Alba Development Road Team and continue to be equipped with the British bike brand’s high-performance A1R0evo carbon race bikes, custom-painted in Alba Blue.

Together they aim to build on this season’s remarkable success in both domestic and continental cycling. Alba riders raced to a stunning championship double in the British elite road and circuit series and performed strongly in high-profile European events including Tour de Feminin, Antwerp Port Epic and Tour de L’Ardeche.

Alba and Handsling share the objective of providing talented riders with a pathway to the top of women’s cycling. Scottish national champion Eilidh Shaw recently signed a two-year contract with the UAE Development Team following a series of outstanding wins on her Handsling A1R0evo.

The 19-year-old won the UK National Road and Circuit Series and was named domestic rider of the year by both Cycling Weekly and the British Continental – all in her first full season at elite level.

Bob Lyons, Alba Performance Director and Team Manager, said: ‘2024 was a tremendous season for the team, completing an unprecedented double on home soil, with Eilidh winning both the road and circuit elite national titles, together with a string of very strong results in Europe. In addition to the results, the development of the team as a whole was outstanding and the A1R0evo played a part in the team’s successes. Handsling’s vision is very much aligned with that of the team and building on our existing relationship will be a major factor in the delivery of the team’s objectives going forward’

Simon Whiten, Director of Handsling Ltd, said: ‘We’re delighted to be strengthening our existing relationship with Alba as title sponsors. It’s been incredible to see the success of the team on the A1R0evo, winning many of the UK’s biggest races and being competitive on the continent. It means a lot to see riders like Eilidh making huge strides in their cycling careers and demonstrating the race pedigree of Handsling frames.

Handsling was launched out of the UK domestic race scene with a goal to make elite level bikes more accessible to everyone from casual enthusiasts to dedicated racers. For cyclists to become world class, they require the team environment, race programme and high- performance equipment to fulfil their potential. We’re confident that Handsling Alba will provide this.’

Handsling Alba’s roster for the 2025 season will consist of 11 riders. The line-up features a mixture of youth, experience, and even a household name – Olympic and World Champion Neah Evans. Riders renewing their contracts include race winners Lauren Dickson, Beth Morrow and Keira Bond. U23 signings Maddie Leach, El King and Mari Porton are considered potential stars of the future.

The focus is still very much on rider development, but with the strength and depth of the squad, it is expected to surpass the achievements of 2024. As a British team, it is a priority to support elite racing in the UK, so the team will be fully committed to all UK elite races.

The European calendar has expanded considerably, with the objectives being to ensure riders are in the correct races to optimise development. It is expected to undertake 40-50 race days in Europe, spanning both single day and stage races at all UCI levels (2, 1, Pro and WT).

Prior to her departure to UAE Development Team, Eilidh Shaw said: ‘The team structure, development support and environment has allowed me to focus on developing as a bike rider. This coupled with a rider focused race calendar and exemplary organisation has provided the perfect platform for me, as a rider, to secure a contract with UAE. There is not a better place to be for ambitious female cyclists.’

The team will be equipped with the Handsling A1R0evo for the second season in a row. Designed 100% in-house, the carbon frame is disc brake only, has clearance for 32mm tyres, and features asymmetrical forks and chain stays to enhance power transfer and stability under braking. Handsling controls all aspects of production and owns the moulds used to manufacture the A1R0evo.

Handsling bikes are custom assembled in the UK to rider size and spec, with a selection of 20 frame colours.

Visit www.handslingbikes.com for more information.

The BikeBiz jobs board helped fill more than 720 positions in 2023, and listings are still on the rise. Here’s our latest top five…

Inside Sales Representative – Santa Cruz Bicycles & Cervelo Cycles UK 

We are seeking a motivated and proactive Inside Sales Representative to join our team. This role focuses on building relationships with dealers, growing sales and promoting our brands. Our ideal candidate is commercially minded with strong communication skills. A passion for cycling is a bonus!

We are Pon Bike Performance UK, home of Santa Cruz, Cervelo, Juliana, and Reserve, four of the most exciting brands in the bicycle industry who tend to do things differently. We have over 25 years of cycling experience and our ultimate goal is to consistently build the best road and mountain bikes in the world.

Covering all brands, you will proactively sell through outbound calls and emails, working closely with the Outside Sales Representatives and contributing with targeted actions. You’ll be decisive and commercially minded – you know how to balance the interests of the customer and the needs of the business. Exclusively manage selected accounts. Keeping your eye on the market – for example, through opening new accounts or exploring new dealer opportunities. Help with Demo days and dealer events (including HQ supported events).

Hire Mechanic Apprentice

We are recruiting for the Hire Apprentice Mechanic.

These opportunities don’t come along very often, and it’s an amazing chance to get your foot in the door of this lifestyle industry…

You’ll receive your Cytech qualifications as well as on the job training, and all the Pedalabikeaway benefits, including pension scheme, discounts on bikes and kits, cycle to work scheme, uplift days and free lunchtime meals!

The main purpose of this role is to oversee day to day maintenance of the Hire Fleet. Cover the Hire Operation as required by the Hire Manager/Assistant Manager and prepare the sale of all ex hire bikes.

The genral main duties include, overseeing day to day maintenance of hire fleet. Promptly repair the hire bikes, ensuring that no bike is out of action for longer than 7 days. Hire out bikes to customers as required by the rota/BRM. Open and close the hire yard as required by the rota. Ensure maintenance and usage records are kept for hire fleet and bikes are being serviced as per the service schedule. Contribute to the cleaning and maintenance of hire yard and ensure that the workshop is clean and tidy at all times. Work towards completing your Cytech Level 2 and Level 3 mechanics qualifications. Assist mechanic with stocktakes. Responsible for maintaining a clean and presentable hire fleet.

Retail Team Member

We are looking for enthusiastic, reliable and rider focused people to join our Bristol retail team on a full or part-time basis. The correct candidate will join our experienced and knowledgeable retail team with a proactive and customer focused attitude with a passion for all things bike.

Certini Bicycle Company was established in 2001 from the sheer love and passion for all things cycling. Fast forward 20 years and today Certini is now 3 stores strong. Based in Plymouth, Bristol and now Birmingham. We now have a strong, family-based business which is still offering today that very passion and enthusiasm in working with the best products and brands that the cycle industry has to offer.

Candidates will be required to deliver an enthusiastic and knowledgeable customer experience. Resolve customer enquiries in an effective and responsible manner. Develop strong working relationships with other employees. Strive for constant improvement. Maintain the highest retail standards.

Qualified Mechanic

From humble beginnings, we built our first store at Leisure Lakes from the ground-up by hand!!  We have regularly expanded and now have 16 locations across the UK and a huge online bike store! But the story doesn’t end there. We have plans to expand to more locations around the UK. If you share our passion for bikes we would be pleased to have you join our team

We would like to hear from riders who are looking to either further their career within the cycle industry or, are you looking to start a new journey?

We have many job opportunities to join our team. We need you to be: Proactive, hard working, computer literate and most importantly  have a passion for bikes.?

Candidates will have good technical and mechanical knowledge of bikes and experience of bike maintenance and servicing in a busy environment.

The ideal candidate will be a conscientious and dedicated individual who appreciates quality and attention to detail.

As an experienced mechanic you will have the ability to problem-solve and work with the minimum of oversight.

General IT competency is necessary as you will be required to work as part of a team and share the diary/workload with your colleagues using a computer program and database.

Qualification to Cytech level 2 or 3 is preferred, although specific training in all areas will be provided to the successful candidate.

Technical Customer Service Representative

At Fox Factory, we push the boundaries of innovation in high-performance suspension systems for bicycles, off-road vehicles, trucks, and more. Our mission is to inspire adventure enthusiasts worldwide by delivering exceptional products and customer experiences.

As a Technical Customer Service Representative on our Fox Factory UK Service Team, you will manage daily interactions with Fox Factory customers, providing technical assistance, warranty support, and factory service solutions. Your role will be key to enhancing the efficiency and profitability of the department’s service processes.

Candidates will possess the following attributes. Passionate about mountain biking and outdoor activities. Focused on delivering outstanding customer service. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adept at time management.

Thanks to the HERO TO ZERO sustainability project, the HERO Südtirol Dolomites was awarded the UCI Climate Action Award. The Union Cycliste International set up this award to acknowledge those cycling events which have a positive impact on the environment.

On Wednesday, 18 December 2024, during the UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum in Abu Dhabi, the winners of the very first UCI Cycling for All & Sustainability Awards were announced. This initiative is spearheaded by the Union Cycliste International to recognise outstanding cycling initiatives which have a positive social and environmental impact.

Among the winners, the HERO Südtirol Dolomites was awarded the UCI Climate Action Award. The mountain biking marathon in Selva di Val Gardena stood out for its HERO TO ZERO sustainability project. Since 2002, the project has aimed to contribute towards the protection of the Dolomites and meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The prize was awarded by UCI President, David Lappartient, to the HERO founder and CEO, Gerhard Vanzi.

On the occasion, a painting was unveiled which depicts the Sella Group, part of the Dolomites’ range hosting the HERO. The goal of the HERO TO ZERO environmental protection activities is precisely that of preserving the Dolomites. The painting was made by artist Veronica Caterisano – the subject is near and dear to her heart, as she was born in Ortisei but now lives and works from her atelier in Abu Dhabi.

The HERO TO ZERO programme is a series of tangible, targeted activities favouring environmental transition and aiming to reduce and offset CO2 emissions, fighting against waste, and raising awareness on these topics during the event. The HERO Südtirol Dolomites involves participants suppliers, partners and sponsors as well as everyone involved in its organisation in taking part in these sustainable activities.

Gerhard Vanzi says: “It’s a great honour to be awarded this recognition by the Union Cycliste International in light of the work carried out with our HERO TO ZERO. It acknowledges our commitment towards sustainability, a project arising from the idea of protecting the marvellous Dolomites that surround us. The UCI Climate Action Award isn’t a goal, rather an incentive to continue improving, and to be an inspiration to everyone to contribute as much as they can in the fight against climate change.”

This innovative project has already achieved important results, including the 2024 Carbon Neutrality Certification, obtained thanks to the HERO TO ZERO initiatives and an offsetting scheme created to deal with the emissions produced during the event.

XPO, a leading provider of end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe and the world-famous Tour de France cycling competition have announced the renewal of their historic partnership.

This new six-year contract extends an emblematic collaboration that began in 1980. XPO Logistics will continue its role as official carrier for the Tour de France, the Tour de France Femmes with Zwift, and twelve other cycling races organised by AmaurySport Organisation (A.S.O.).

Tour de France’s longest-standing partner

For almost 45 years, XPO Logistics has been the official and indispensable transporter for the Tour de France, handling the logistics of this legendary competition and transporting the material and equipment essential to the event, stage after stage. This includes handling barriers, equipment, podiums, arches, gantries, signage paint, prefabricated furniture for the villages, sound and video equipment, floats and goodies distributed by the race sponsors. Managing transport for the Tour de France is akin to orchestrating a veritable ballet. From city centres to mountain passes, everything has to be delivered within tight deadlines, sometimes in extreme conditions. To achieve this, an elite team of XPO Logistics drivers is carefully selected and trained.

Reducing the environmental impact of competitions

The Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift are committed to an increasingly eco-responsible organizational approach to the competitions, and are implementing concrete initiatives to limit their ecological footprint. They have put in place sustainable practices such as the use of recycled materials and renewable energy, are encourage their partners to adopt a similar commitment.

To support the organiser in this effort, XPO Logistics has recently deployed a number of solutions to help decarbonise transport connected with the Tour. For example, in 2025, the company will deploy LESS® HVO solution, designed by XPO Logistics and based on the use of HVO biofuel. This alternative to diesel reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90%. During the 2024 Tour de France

and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, use of HVO biofuel by XPO reduced the emission of CO2 by approximately 215 005 kg. In 2025, XPO Logistics will step up its commitment to environmental stewardship with the introduction of 100% electric trucks on certain stages of the Tour. The Tour de France Femmes with Zwift will also benefit from these innovations, ensuring continuity in the improvement of the environmental impact of both races.

Luis Gómez, President of XPO Logistics – Europe, said: “We are particularly proud to continue our mission as the official carrier of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes with Zwift over the next six years. Our partnership with A.S.O. demonstrates our commitment to tackling logistical challenges while reducing the carbon footprint of world-renowned events. Together, we look forward to continuing our successful relationship and reaching our exciting 50-year milestone.”

Bruno Kloeckner, Managing Director of XPO Logistics – France, added: “This partnership renewal recognizes our expertise, our leadership and our ability to innovate. It’s a great satisfaction for our teams which, for more than 44 years, have mobilized on the road and behind the scenes to help ensure the success of these competitions, generating so much enthusiasm among the public. We share with A.S.O. the values of commitment, passion, excellence and responsibility – particularly in terms of safety and our impact on the environment.”

Christian Prudhomme, director of the Tour de France, said: “For almost 45 years, the Tour de France and XPO Logistics have grown together. The unfailing reliability and exceptional agility of XPO Logistics is a major asset in the successful organization of our events.

“This renewal reflects our mutual trust and acknowledges the quality of the work carried out by our logistics teams. Moreover, for all these years, XPO Logistics has been innovating to support the Tour de France’s ambitions in terms of sustainable development. The concrete actions that have been put in place have convinced us to continue the adventure.”

In addition to its partnership with the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, XPO Logistics will be the official carrier for other cycling events organized by A.S.O., including Paris-Nice, Paris-Nice Challenge, Paris-Roubaix, Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift, Paris-Roubaix Challenge, La Flèche Wallonne, La Flèche Wallonne Femmes, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes, Critérium du Dauphiné, L’Étape du Tour de France and Paris-Tours.

Selle Italia has acquired the Biella, Italy based brand, which has been developing and manufacturing cycling shoes for almost fifty years.

Giuseppe Bigolin, President of Selle Italia said: “As we did in 2016 with Selle San Marco, we are gearing up to expand our range of action with a company that has always believed in technological development, in style and in the Made in Italy brand. Just like us.”

Founded in the Seventies by Celestino Vercelli, who decided to establish Vittoria at the end of his professional cycling career, over the years, the company has become a household name among top-tier athletes due to the quality of its cycling shoes, a key player in the Tour de France and other major cycling competitions alike.

Based in Asolo, Italy, Selle Italia is proud to announce that the Vittoria Cycling Shoes brand will now become part of its group.

“The Italian cycling economic fabric has grown thanks to companies which, based on the vision of its founder, have worked towards the continuous technological development of the product and a stylistic hallmark typical of the Made in Italy brand,” said Giuseppe Bigolin, President of Selle Italia Group, “and this story founded on values and hard work is a shared trait of our companies: As a brand, Vittoria has been able to conquer a significant share of the cycling shoes industry.”

Since its incorporation in 1976, Vittoria has reached the realm of international racing competition alongside names that have been at the top of modern cycling, including Stephen Roche who clinched a historic treble in 1987: Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and the World Championship.

However, it was in Marco Pantani that the two companies’ paths crossed. In fact, the Italian cyclist nicknamed ‘The Pirate’ won major trophies in the ’90 wearing Vittoria shoes and pedalling on Selle Italia.

“This was not just a question of seizing a market opportunity. As a matter of fact, we listened to our heart, because we believe that the development of new technologies deeply rooted in our Italian tradition, can be the game changer in the future, also integrating it with the scientific approach of idmatch – emphasised Riccardo Bigolin who represents Selle Italia’s second generation. We aim at taking up the challenge of tomorrow’s market, working on the synergy between our companies, where the Made in Italy brand remains the key to success.”

 The Vittoria brand shoe collection ranges from road cycling to triathlon, from mountain bike to gravel cycling, without forgetting a line dedicated to lovers of neo-vintage.

2025 will mark the most significant milestone in Vittoria Cycling Shoes brand’s history as it joins the Selle Italia group which already owns Selle San Marco and idmatch.

Motion plastics specialist igus has supplied the first injection-moulded bike frame made of composite material for e-bike manufacturer Advanced Bikes.

First, igus launched the RCYL Bike, a bicycle made from recycled fishing nets. Now the company is setting the next milestone for sustainable mobility: a company first, it has developed an injection moulded bicycle frame made of recyclable composite material for the e-bike manufacturer Advanced Bikes. Knowledge acquired over decades in plastics processing and the experience gained with the RCYL bike helped develop both the frame and new components made of high-performance ­plastics.

To help drive the transformation to a circular economy, e-bike manufacturer Advanced Bikes is relying on igus for their future frame production. The companies have worked together to develop a sustainable, composite material bicycle frame for use in the new Reco Urban trekking e-bike. “Advanced’s aim was to produce a frame from a composite material with 100% recyclable plastic using injection moulding,” says Matthew Aldridge, managing director at igus® UK. “Since we have been developing components such as plain bearings, rod ends, and gears for the bicycle industry for over 30 years, we immediately took on the challenge of supporting Advanced in the bicycle frame design and taking over development, tooling and injection moulding.”

New frame protects the environment

To ensure that the frame has sufficient strength, stiffness and low weight, igus uses a composite material in granulate form, consisting of high-performance plastics and carbon fibres. It also designed and made a multi-part injection moulding tool for the complex geometry of the bicycle frame within a few weeks. The result: a 3.3kg lightweight bicycle frame injected moulded in a single part – no welds, corrosion-resistant, durable and tested. igus is also able to regranulate end-of-life frames via its own ‘chainge’ recycling programme, recycling the material. “In the future, we want to have other recyclable bicycle components such as luggage racks, rims, spokes and seat posts, all manufactured using injection moulding,” explains Helge von Fugler, founder and managing director of Advanced. “This is the only way to make a completely recyclable e-bike a reality.”

Lubrication-free, high-performance plastic components

igus currently produces bicycle frames using two different processes In injection moulding, both components and frames are produced in one piece. Frames are also manufactured using rotationa moulding, such as for the RCYL bike. But it’s not just about bicycle frames. igus has huge knowledge in plastics processing and this product development experience are now being used for new bicycle components – from wheels to cranks, from handlebars to planetary gears. Large and small volume production can therefore be carried out cost-effectively. In addition, these high-performance plastic components are lighter, lubrication-free and corrosion-free. Users can reach for the high-pressure cleaner because no lubricant is washed out and nothing can rust.

Maximum safety due to numerous test attempts

igus tests all components extensively before use. 135 trillion test cycles and 15,000 trials take place every year in their test laboratory, 250m2 of which are used to test bicycle components, including the new Reco frame. “We will test the first injection-moulded bike frames with computed tomography for problems such as air pockets in the composite material and carry out all relevant frame tests in our laboratory,” says Aldridge. Customers receive a 30-year warranty from Advanced Bikes. For maximum safety, igus uses a variety of test methods. “These are based on standard tests, for example by the EFBE (specialist bicycle standards agency) and the TÜV,” says Aldridge. igus also conducts its own test procedures, including the use of a climate chamber, the data from which can be used to make precise statements about the service life of igus materials under different environmental conditions.

Everything from one source: from design to finished product

“With bicycle components made of high-performance plastic, we offer the bicycle industry access to a completely new technology,” says Aldridge. “In this way, we also offer solutions to OEM manufacturers who want to implement their own ideas and designs with us.” By using plastic, developers can completely rethink bike design and geometry. And at igus, they receive everything from a single source: from design to research and development, toolmaking, compounding, testing and production to recycling. Just-in-time production means that igus can deliver quickly, and stock capacities at the customer’s premises can be reduced. The business is more predictable and profitable due to “make to order.”

For more information visit https://www.igus.co.uk/info/bike-frames