We have been keeping the world moving since 1964
As the world's largest supplier of products for high-performance motion plastics, we at igus® have the required experience to sustainably change urban mobility through the use of plastics.
PARTNERS WANTED
“We are empowering an industry to produce sustainable, maintenance-free and durable bicycles from recyclable materials.”
'Tech up, Cost down' - materials from igus are manufactured according to this motto. Our products are designed to extend the service life of machines and applications, eliminate maintenance work and reduce costs. We know that high-performance plastics can have a positive contribution to the protection of resources and environment and this has become the focus of our entrepreneurial activities. We continuously research and develop in the field of full-motion plastic applications (motion plastics) - for the environment, for progress and for a better tomorrow.
THE IGUS PLATFORM
Knowhow on the igus platform
First injection molded bicycle handlebars!
Our bicycle handlebars made of high-performance plastic are weather-resistant, insensitive to cold and heat and remain in top shape even after many rides – corrosion is not an issue here. They are not only extremely robust, but also lightweight and comfortable. The material is vibration damping, so that hands and arms tire less quickly.
The handlebars are not only something for those who value sustainability, because they are manufactured in an energy-saving injection molding process and are 100% recyclable. Those who like something special also get their money’s worth, because we manufacture the handlebars individually as desired in a variety of colors and shapes.
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Robust made from recycled plastic
Created through energy-saving injection molding and made from 100% recyclable material: With our plastic bicycle frames, we are breaking new ground in sustainable bicycle construction.
Before the frame reaches the end of its life, becomes regranulate and is recycled, it still offers its users a lot of advantages. It is corrosion-resistant, very hard-wearing and durable, and also has excellent stability and rigidity, which ensures precise steering and optimum power transmission. At the same time, it scores with high comfort even during longer rides, because its damping material properties can reduce muscle fatigue caused by shock and vibration.
Whether a minimalist look or eye-catching colors, the injection molding manufacturing process allows for creative designs and individual customization options.
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Recyclable all-plastic wheels
Our wheels represent a new era of sustainable cycling: energy-saving, injection-molded and made of fully recyclable high-performance plastic, they give environmentally conscious cyclists a new riding experience.
But before the wheels are retired and start a new life, there’s first a long ride to enjoy. Because thanks to their design, which is reduced to just a few sturdy spokes, they are particularly durable and maintenance-free. The usual hassle with bent and broken spokes is spared.
The wheels are made for all those who are not only sustainability and durability, but also individual design at heart: Whether classic rcyl, in bright color or special shape, we build the wheels according to your wishes.
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A new type of pulley
We were again able to rely on our decades of igus experience in the design of the installed pulley. The pulley for Gates drive belts (available as a wear part from specialist dealers) with ideally matched components is durable, user-friendly and low-maintenance.
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Heavy duty crank
The demand placed on the crank in the drive of a bicycle is enormous. After all, the pedals to which it is connected absorb all the drive power that users provide. It is therefore clear that this component was built to withstand high loads. In addition, however, the crank is extremely light, corrosion-resistant and shapely.
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We have made the wheel bearing metal free
The wheel bearings of the igus:bike contain lubricant-free and maintenance-free xiros® plastic ball bearings. These are wear-resistant, resilient and quiet – and thus made for generations of cyclists.
The wheel bearings once again demonstrate the claim that igus places on the bicycle: Durability and innovative use of plastics prevent wear or waste and thus help people and the environment alike.
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This freewheel is an innovation
Designing a freewheel made entirely of plastic was a major challenge for us. The component must be extremely stable on the one hand and fully movable on the other: Requirements that we were able to meet.
Since we also rely on integrated solid lubricants for the freewheel, the maintenance effort is reduced enormously compared to a conventional bicycle, where the components have to be relubricated again and again to prevent them from breaking.
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Cost-effective, lubrication-free and media-resistant
For over 30 years, igus has been manufacturing plain bearings, rod ends, gears and guide rails for the bicycle industry. igus products prove themselves every day in pedals, derailleurs, dropper posts, brake levers, suspension forks and much more.
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Making the unthinkable possible
‘A gearbox made of plastic was unthinkable for a long time’ – that’s how our CEO Frank Blase puts it. But we have made the impossible possible and developed an all-plastic planetary gearbox with very good efficiency.
The design of this component is reduced. This makes it maintenance-free and durable. In addition, it is light, quiet and, thanks to the integrated solid lubricants, always ready when the user:s are.
The comprehensive know-how of the igus Tribo research, the Tribo gears and the Cobot joint kit ReBeL could be fully utilized for the gearbox – a head start from our development.
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Are you a bicycle or component manufacturer? Your bike or components can become part of the igus platform.
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OUR PARTNERS
Globally distributed innovations
WE ARE IGUS
Our trademark: Over 55 years of experience in the field of motion plastics
1964
Founding of igus GmbH
GĂĽnter Blase founds the company igus together with his wife Margret in a garage. In 1965, the first product made of plastic is already produced by injection molding: A valve cone for vehicle carburetors.
1983
The foundation for later innovations
The company's first plain bearing material called iglidur G is presented at the plastics trade fair 'K'. The all-round classic is still in the product range today.
1990
First use on the bike
The motion plastics technology is used for the first time in a full-suspension mountain bike in the USA - the foundation stone is laid.
2009
A far-reaching vision
On the Atlantic Beach in North Florida, the idea for a bicycle made of plastic is born. Inspiration: The high-maintenance, classic rental bikes of the hotel. After the vacation, the search for partners begins.
2019
Strong alliances
With brothers Johannes and Benjamin Alderse Baas and their company mtrl, they are found. The Dutchmen already build rental bicycles that consist of a high proportion of plastic. They join forces and Frank Blase, CEO of igus, becomes an investor in mtrl.
2021
The development: focus on sustainability
Both companies are now concentrating on increasing the proportion of plastic in the joint prototype. igus supplies know-how and production in the area of moving parts, mtrl is responsible for frames and wheels.
2022
A revolution rolls onto the stage
The first prototype of the igus:bike plastic bicycle is ready and is now being used as a showcase by customers, at trade fairs and at igus itself. Research and development are intensified, the team around the bicycle grows.
2023
Development is progressing
The prototypes of frames and components are tested, optimised and given the finishing touches. The proportion of recycled frame material is now 50%. Development is so far advanced that the first 100 bikes will be produced at the beginning of 2024.
WHAT OUR EMPLOYEES SAY
Our attitude, our demand
“The igus:bike opens completely new doors. This allows us to offer bicycle developers as well as producers a variety of new ideas and solutions”
Andreas Hermey
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT E-CHAINS
“Who wouldn't wish to be able to maintain a bike without lubricants and thus keep clean hands?”
Lena Wölke-Glomb
MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT XIROS
“The vision is that the world's plastic waste dumps will become valuable resources for bicycles.”
Frank Blase
CEO IGUS
“With the igus:bike, you save valuable maintenance time thanks to the high-performance plastics used. Above all, a bicycle gearbox made mainly of plastic was unthinkable for a long time.”
Michael Otrebowski
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DRYLIN
SUSTAINABILITY IN PRODUCTION
Climate neutrality by 2025: Our big step toward a green future
We at igus have made the aspect of sustainability the focus of our corporate activities. By 2025, we want our buildings and production to be COâ‚‚ neutral. Find out what else we are up to.
Sustainability at igus