Plastics for bikes - Plastic bicycle components from igus

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.

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To the bearing technology application examples

Discover our expertise

To the plain bearings for bicycle components

Our products in use

Discover our bike made from recycled plastic

Download our white paper

Download our bike technology brochure

Contact our expert

60 years of igus ... 6,000km ...

The igus:bike made from recycled plastic is travelling the world

12 months - over 6,000km - 16 countries - 0% lubrication

igus:bike world tour - experience it now

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

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

Application examples of our bearing technology in MTBs and cargo bikes

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

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

Further application examples for E-MTBs

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

Further application examples for cargo bikes

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Recycling/sustainability
With chainge, igus relies on its own sustainability program and thus ensures the recycling of its own products.

Tested in the igus test laboratory for use in the real world

Tested for continuous load, media resistance and quiet operation

In the largest plastics test laboratory in the industry, iglidur plain bearings are put through their paces. The tests focus on push/pull forces, coefficient of friction, wear as well as abrasion and drive forces at various speeds and bearing loads. The results are integrated into our service life calculation tools and allow precise durability predictions.

Upon request, igus performs customer tests to check product use under specific conditions.