Plastics for bikes - Plastic bicycle components

igus has been producing plain bearings for the bicycle industry for over 30 years and is now becoming a manufacturer of bicycle components. The know-how from plastic processing and the development experience of the plastic bicycle RCYL presented in 2022 will flow into the new products. The components are made from high-performance plastic via injection moulding, which allows for cost-effective high-volume production. Following the completed development and ongoing production of plastic e-bike frames for city and trekking bikes, we are also developing modular frame concepts. In addition, igus offers bicycle handlebars, wheels, cranks and other components made from high-performance plastics.

Tomorrow's mobility made from yesterday's waste

A solid plastic bike that doesn't rust. No maintenance, no lubricants. igus builds the urban bike of tomorrow: robust, durable and sustainable, produced from 50% recycled plastic waste.

Find out more on the RCYL website

Do you have questions about the bike? We have the answers! From price to recycling to production, you can find our answers to the most frequently asked questions here.

To the RCYL FAQ

Areas of application for igus plain bearings and bicycle components

Mountain bike with components and bearings shown around it.

Sustainable bicycle components made of plastic

igus focusses on high quality and sustainability in production - but how do sustainability and plastic go together? It's simple: Plastic bicycle components require less energy to produce than those made of aluminium or carbon and have a smaller CO2 footprint. Recycling is also much easier than with competing materials. In addition, some recycled materials are already used in the production of igus:bike components.

It is the company's goal to manufacture the products entirely from recycled materials and to take them back at the end of their service life. These are then used for new products - creating a circular economy. Another factor: Thanks to production in Cologne, there are no long transport routes with container ships.

White paper: Thermoplastics

Components made of plastic? Why? What advantages do they offer over materials such as aluminium or carbon? This white paper compares the materials with each other, highlighting topics such as design freedom and repeatable manufacturing tolerances. Many interesting aspects provide a new perspective

Download now

Whitepaper on bicycle components with open pages about thermoplastics in the bike industry and a warehouse photo.

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Application examples of our bearing technology in MTBs and cargo bikes

MTB pedal with crank arm and chainring in a technical render.

igus plain bearings in the bicycle industry - for over 30 years

Electric mountain bike with marked bearing points.

Mountain bikes

Durable bearings for pedals, shocks, seat post, rear frames etc.

Further application examples for E-MTBs

Cargo bike with numbered parts and marked components for a technical overview.

Cargo bikes

Robust bearing for handlebars, box flaps, bike stands and more

Further application examples for cargo bikes

Several igus applications on bicycles and a scooter, with bearings, mounts and guide elements.

Further areas of application

Durable components for other bike types, bicycle accessories and further means of transport

Discover more application examples

Our expertise - from the idea to the product and beyond

Bicycle with plastic frame for city and trekking use.

Design

The developers at igus combine design and function - for products that not only function perfectly, but also look good.

Development

Product development is the driving force behind igus - up to 150 new product launches per year from in-house development demonstrate the innovative capacity of igus.

A prototyping tool shapes a plastic part on a CNC machine.

Prototypes

Rapid prototyping - initial samples can be produced within a few days using 3D and SLS printing, a fast-line mould or by turning them from bar stock.

Simulation

Various simulation options for perfect products.

In-house compounding

Material development for high-performance plastics.

Toolmaking factory with several machines and one employee in the production hall.

In-house toolmaking

The award-winning in-house toolmaking department develops customised injection moulds quickly.

Test bench with a bicycle handlebar and blue cables connected to test equipment.

In-house test laboratory

Safety is the top priority at igus. The company has its own test laboratory, which covers an area of 3,800m². Here, all bicycle components, such as frames, handlebars, wheels and cranks, are tested on over 25 bicycle test rigs.

Large production hall with many conveyor and test systems for energy chains and cables.

High-volume production

With over 800 injection-moulding and rotomoulding machines in Germany and other production facilities at the igus locations around the world, we guarantee short distances and fast delivery times.