New Bike production in Germany

The innovative plastic bicycle from igus has entered series production under its new name, RCYL. These eco-friendly bikes, manufactured in Cologne, Germany, are made from 50% recycled fishing nets and require no lubrication.

A New Era in Sustainable Mobility: Meet RCYL

Formerly known as the igus, RCYL represents a significant step forward in sustainable transportation. igus, a leading plastics company, uses its lubrication-free, rust-free, and recyclable high-performance plastics to create a bicycle that is as durable as it is environmentally friendly. With the aim to produce 5,000 bicycles by the next season, igus is committed to setting new standards in the cycling industry.

From Concept to Reality

Frank Blase, CEO of igus GmbH, is thrilled to see his vision come to life. After 3.5 years of development, the dream of an urban bike made from plastic waste has become a reality. “With the igus

, we presented a concept in 2022. Now, two years later, we have a series production-ready product,” says Blase. The first 1,200 pre-orders are already being fulfilled.

What Makes RCYL Special?

• Recycled Content: Made from 50% recycled fishing nets, making it the world’s first bicycle of its kind.
• Zero Lubrication: Utilizes igus’s high-performance plastics that are rust-free and require no lubrication.
• Sustainability: Aims to close the plastic cycle with local production at landfill sites worldwide.

Series Production and Future Goals

At CyclingWorld Europe in Düsseldorf, the RCYL bicycle's readiness for series production was celebrated. Trade show visitors praised its improved handling and futuristic design. Priced at €1,200, the RCYL bike will soon be available, with pre-orders currently being processed via the igus.bike website. Future plans include establishing a dealer network and possibly opening stores in major cities.

igus plans to produce 5,000 bikes by June 2025 and aims to double that number by 2026. The company is investing in specialized roto-molding systems to process recycled plastics into high-stability bike components. Collaboration with the Dutch start-up MTRL enhances the production capabilities for wheels and frames.

Vision for Global Impact

igus is not only focusing on German and European markets but also aims to set up production facilities in countries with significant waste generation. This initiative seeks to integrate waste into new cycles, create jobs, and enhance mobility in regions like Africa and South America. An e-bike version of RCYL is also in development.

RCYL: A Platform for Innovation

igus plans to offer all RCYL components to the entire bicycle industry. This platform allows manufacturers to utilize igus’s high-quality plastic components, building local supply chains that are rust-free, lubrication-free, and sustainable.

For more information and to secure your RCYL bike, visit igus.bike.

Embrace the future of sustainable mobility with RCYL, the world’s first bicycle made from recycled plastic, and join us in revolutionizing the cycling industry.