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 countries of the European Union.
However, the bicycle industry in Spain, according to data presented by AMBE, has experienced a decline 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 decline, the sector's revenue is 32% higher than pre-COVID 2019 figures, 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.
Choose one The right brand of bike is important to meet your specific needs, whether you're pedaling around town (urban or folding bikes) or exploring mountain trails (cross country, trail, gravel or downhill bikes). or pedaling on the road (trekking, gravel, or road). Depending on the use you intend to give the bike requires unique features to ensure your performance, comfort and safety while riding a bicycle.
History of bicycles in Spain
The first Spanish bicycle was manufactured in 1867 in Huesca by blacksmith Mariano Catalán. He was a pioneer in Spanish cycling, along with fellow 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 didn't come to Mariano Catalán alone. Joaquín Costa had been awarded a scholarship by the Huesca Provincial Council to attend the 1867 Paris International Exposition and observe the advances of the time, especially in agriculture. There, he was struck by Ernest Michaux's bicycle, a primitive model you can see in the accompanying photo, with the pedals on the front wheel.
The Basque Country had great importance in the beginning of The bicycle industry. At the beginning of the 20th century and after the Great War, the arms industries based in Eibar experienced a severe crisis, which forced some of them to seek 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 to which the birth of the bicycle industry in the Basque Country and Spain can be dated, as there are few notable industries outside the Basque Country.
Bicycle brands manufactured in Spain
In Spain, brands like 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're looking for a bicycle, Spain designs and manufactures true engineering gems, perfect for any adventure, no matter how you use it.
Here we present some of the main Spanish brands that manufacture bicycles in Spain with a brief history and some of its main characteristics.
Orbea
Orbea is born in Eibar around 1840, starting as an arms industry before moving towards bicycles in 1930.Your current focus toward customization, allowing cyclists to adapt their bike for any route or challenge, with a wide range of products in any cycling discipline. In addition, it is always linked to sport, sponsoring and supporting both cycling teams and bicycle sporting events.
BH (Beistegui Brothers)
Founded in 1909 in Eibar, BH has evolved to become a cycling icon. An innovative brand in e-bikes and carbon bikes, BH is synonymous with quality and performance. The company has promoted and supported cycling through various sponsorship activities.
Mondraker
Founded in 2001 in Alicante, Mondraker is a pioneer in technologies such as Zero suspension and Forward geometry, particularly excelling in the world of mountain biking (XCO) and downhill (DH) competitions. Its focus on extreme performance, always present in various world championship events, satisfies the needs of the most demanding and experienced cyclists.
Berria
Born in 2011, Berria drives the avant-garde of cycling with customized bicycles, allowing you to choose colors and different assemblies, as well as lightweight, high-performance carbon frames for competition and leisure. It specializes in road and mountain bikes for serious competitors, combining advanced design with competitive needs.
Massi
Massi is a brand with a long history in cycling since 1934, Since its inception, the brand has handcrafted bicycles focused on competition. Their bikes are seen in the mountains, on the road, and in professional races. They are known for their commitment to quality and innovation, always using high-quality products.
Megamo
Megamo began its journey in the late 80s in Girona, Megamo became known in biketrial and mountain biking competitions, becoming a leading brand in mountain biking in the 1990s, as well as a benchmark in mountain biking. 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's a brand appreciated for its quality, innovative design and excellent value for money.
MMR
MMR, acronym for Machines Made for Racing, It is a brand that was born in Avilés, Asturias around 2008. It manufactures a wide variety of models for different disciplines such as mountain road cycling, triathlon or cyclocross, standing out, as its acronym indicates. for its racing bikes, as well as for the high commitment to technology, engineering and proprietary 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 style. and functionality, they are ideal for urban environments. Their commitment to the environment and advanced technology position them as pioneers in urban bicycles.
Ossby
Ossby is a brand founded in 2011 in Arganda del Rey. With its innovative approach, they aim to revolutionize urban transportation with folding bicycles that make city life easier. In its few years of existence, it has received several awards, such as the 2024 European Product Design Award, which reaffirms its position as a bicycle brand focused on unique and adaptable design.
Phlebi
Flebi is a brand founded in Seville in 2010 that brings a fresh take to the world of folding electric bikes, focusing on portability and functionality for urban cyclists who value practicality and a compact design. It's ideal for those seeking efficiency on short commutes.
Ruina Bikes
Ruina Bikes is a bicycle brand that was born in Valencia and reinvents the concept of the 1980s folding BH bikes, offering bicycles that can be quickly assembled on a tabletop. Their utilitarian and durable design makes them the ideal choice for both commercial and personal challenges.
Distinctive features of Spanish bicycles
Spanish bicycles are valued in different international environments, They are distinguished by their elegant design and technological focus. These qualities not only reflect Spain's passion for cycling but also the desire to transform each bicycle into a unique product. Unique. Manufacturers such as Orbea, BH and Mondraker specialize in offering customization options that allow each cyclist to adapt their bike to their specific needs, thus ensuring a shopping and single drive.
In the technological arena, brands like Mondraker lead the way with innovations in suspension and advanced geometries that significantly improve control and performance on challenging terrain.
The commitment to sustainability is evident in brands such as Urbanbiker, Ossby, and Flebi, which focus on urban bicycles designed to optimize mobility in cities. These bicycles offer an efficient, stylish, and practical for daily commuting, promoting a more active and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Thanks to these unique features, Spanish bicycles not only lead the way 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 bicycle brands offer a perfect blend of functionality and style, suited to all types of cyclists, from urban riders to mountain adventurers. Combine them with the best Shad Bikes bicycle accessories.
We invite you Support our local manufacturers by exploring and personally experiencing the quality and passion that each of these Spanish brands puts into their bicycles. Discover for yourself what makes them so special and help foster a sustainable future.
