Shad Bikes

The high quality of the bicycles produced in Spain in recent years is the reason why it has managed to gain ground in various markets, not only in the traditionally most important ones such as Germany, Austria or Switzerland, but also in practically all the countries of the European Union.

 

However, the bicycle industry in Spain, according to data presented by AMBE, has experienced a reduction for the second consecutive year, reaching a turnover of 2.475 billion euros in 2023, which represents a decrease of 8.79% compared to the previous year. Despite this decrease, the sector's turnover is 32% above the pre-Covid figures for 2019, highlighting the continued growth and relevance of the electric bicycle.

 

In 2023, more than 301,000 bicycles were produced in Spain (the third best year in the historical series) for a value of 245.5 million euros.

 

Choosing the right bike brand is important to meet your specific needs, whether you're riding around town (urban or folding bikes), exploring mountain trails (cross country, trail, gravel or downhill bikes) or riding on the road (trekking, gravel or road). Depending on the use you're going to give to the bike, it requires unique characteristics to guarantee your performance, comfort and safety when riding a bike.

 

History of bicycles in Spain

The first Spanish bicycle was made in 1867 in Huesca by the blacksmith Mariano Catalán. He was a pioneer in national cycling, like the Aragonese Manuel Ricol and José Javierre.

The idea of ​​building a vehicle with two wheels, a frame, handlebars and a pedal-powered self-propulsion system did not come to Mariano Catalán's imagination on its own. Joaquín Costa had received a scholarship from the Provincial Council of Huesca to attend the International Exhibition in Paris in 1867 and take note of the advances of the time, especially in the agricultural field. There he was drawn to Ernest Michaux's bicycle, a primitive model, which you can see in the accompanying photo, with the pedals on the front wheel.

The Basque Country was of great importance in the early days of the bicycle industry. At the beginning of the 20th century and after the Great War, the arms industries based in Eibar experienced a major crisis that forced some of them to look for new products and markets in which to grow and develop. The most important were: Beistegui Hermanos (BH), Orbea, and Gárate Anitua y Cia (GAC). This is the historical moment in which the birth of the bicycle industry in the Basque Country and in Spain can be dated, since outside the Basque area there are hardly any noteworthy industries.

Bicycle brands made in Spain

In Spain, brands such as Orbea, BH and Mondraker are reinventing the world of cycling. These brands not only capture the essence of Spanish cycling tradition, but also lead the way with sustainable and customizable solutions.

If you are looking for a bicycle, Spain designs and manufactures true engineering gems, perfect for any adventure, no matter how you use the bike.

Here we present some of the main Spanish brands that manufacture bicycles in Spain with a brief history and some of their main characteristics.

Orbea

Orbea was founded in Eibar around 1840, starting out as an arms manufacturer before moving towards bicycles in 1930. Its current focus on customization allows cyclists to adapt their bike to any route or challenge, with a wide range in any cycling discipline. In addition to always being linked to sport, it sponsors and supports both cycling teams and bicycle sporting events.

 

BH (Beistegui Brothers)

BH was founded in 1909 in Eibar, BH has evolved to become an icon of cycling. An innovative brand in e-bikes and carbon bikes, BH is synonymous with quality and performance. The company has been promoting and supporting cycling through various sponsorship activities.

 

Mondraker

Founded in 2001 in Alicante, Mondraker is a pioneer in technologies such as Zero suspension and Forward geometry, standing out above all in the world of mountain biking (XCO) and downhill (DH) competitions. Its focus on extreme performance, always present in different world championship events, satisfies the most demanding and experienced cyclists.

 

Berria

Founded in 2011, Berria pushes the boundaries of cycling with customised bikes, with a choice of colours and builds, as well as lightweight, high-performance carbon frames for racing and leisure. They specialise in road and mountain bikes for serious competitors, fusing advanced design with competitive needs.

 

Massi

Massi is a brand with a long history in cycling. Since its inception in 1934, the brand has assembled bicycles in an artisanal way focused on competition. Its bicycles can be seen both in the mountains, on the road and in professional races, standing out for its commitment to quality and innovation, always assembling high-quality products on its bicycles.

 

Megamo

Megamo started its journey in the late 80s in Girona. Megamo became known in biketrial and mountain bike competitions, becoming a leading brand in mountain bike in the 90s, as well as a reference in mountain bike. A brand that has quickly adapted to market trends with a wide range that includes road, mountain, gravel and trekking bikes as well as e-bikes. It is a brand appreciated for its quality, innovative design and excellent value for money.

 

MMR

MMR, an acronym for Machines Made for Racing, is a brand that was founded in Avilés, Asturias, in 2008. It manufactures a wide variety of models for different disciplines such as mountain road cycling, triathlon and cyclocross, standing out, as its acronym indicates, for its racing bicycles, as well as for its high level of commitment to technology, engineering and its own designs.

 

Urbanbiker

Urbanbiker is a brand that manufactures electric bicycles in León. It focuses on sustainable mobility, creating urban electric bicycles that combine quality, durability and functionality, ideal for urban environments. Their commitment to the environment and advanced technology positions them as pioneers in urban bicycles.

 

Ossby

Ossby is a brand that was founded in 2011 in Arganda del Rey, with its innovative approach, they want to revolutionize urban transport with folding bicycles that make life in the city easier. It is a brand that in its few years of life has received different awards such as in 2024 the European Product Design Award that reaffirms its position as a bicycle brand focused on unique and adaptable design.

 

Phlebi

Flebi is a brand founded in Seville in 2010, which brings freshness to the world of folding electric bicycles, focusing on portability and functionality for the urban cyclist who values ​​practicality and a compact design. It is ideal for those looking for efficiency on short trips.

 

Ruina Bikes

Ruina Bikes is a bicycle brand born in Valencia that reinvents the concept of the folding BH bikes of the 80s, offering bicycles that can be quickly assembled on a table. Their utilitarian and durable design makes them the ideal choice for both commercial and personal challenges.

Differential characteristics of Spanish bicycles

Spanish bicycles are highly valued in various international circles, distinguished by their elegant design and technological orientation. These qualities not only reflect Spain's passion for cycling but also the desire to transform each bicycle into a unique product. Manufacturers such as Orbea, BH and Mondraker specialise in offering customisation options that allow each cyclist to adapt their bike to their specific needs, thus guaranteeing a unique buying and riding experience.

In the technological field, brands such as Mondraker lead the way with innovations in suspensions and advanced geometries that significantly improve control and performance on difficult terrain.

The commitment to sustainability is evident in brands such as Urbanbiker, Ossby and Flebi, which focus on urban bikes designed to optimise mobility in cities. These bikes offer an efficient, stylish and practical solution for daily commuting, promoting a more active and eco-friendly lifestyle.

Thanks to these unique features, Spanish bicycles not only lead in innovation and style, but also provide real benefits for cyclists, such as greater comfort, exceptional performance and a commitment to a more sustainable future.

Spanish bike brands offer a perfect fusion of functionality and style, tailored to all types of cyclists, from urban to mountain adventurers. Combine them with the best bike accessories from Shad Bikes .

We invite you to support our local manufacturers by exploring and experiencing for yourself the quality and passion that each of these Spanish brands puts into their bikes. Discover for yourself why they are so special and help foster a sustainable future.

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