Extinct bicycle brands recall a bygone era of cycling, marked by innovations, distinctive styles, and models that shaped the history of cycling. These brands, sometimes bought or relaunched under another name, have been victims of market developments, increased competition, and industrial upheavals. Here are some of these iconic brands:
1. Motobécane:
Motobécane is a French brand, founded in 1923, is famous for its lightweight and affordable racing bikes, as well as mopeds. After financial difficulties, it disappeared in its original form, although the name was taken over by an American manufacturer, who today offers bikes very different from the originals.
2. Peugeot Cycles:
If the Peugeot cycles brand still exists in the automobile sector, its bicycles, which were immensely popular in the 1970s and 1980s, have almost disappeared from the main ranges. The name survives under licenses, but the models that marked cycling enthusiasts no longer exist.
3. Raleigh:
Founded in 1887 in the United Kingdom, Raleigh has grown into one of the world's largest bicycle brands with iconic models like the Chopper and various racing bikes. Although the name persists, production has been refocused and the original spirit has evolved under the influence of new owners.
4. Gitane:
Gitane, a renowned French brand in the 1960s to 1980s, equipped legendary cyclists and became known for its road bikes. The brand was integrated into the Cycleurope group, but its production has declined significantly, and it no longer has the international influence it once had.
5. Bianchi USA:
Although Bianchi still exists in Italy, Bianchi USA, the American subsidiary which offered models adapted to the North American market, has ceased operations. The Bianchi brand remains strong in Europe, but the American segment has been largely restructured.
6. Schwinn:
An iconic brand in the United States, Schwinn has left its mark on generations with popular bikes like the Sting-Ray. After several bankruptcies and takeovers, the brand moved into the mass distribution segment and its emblematic models are no longer produced as originally.
7. Topbike:
Topbike was a French brand of mountain bikes, hybrid bikes and road bikes available in supermarkets.
8. Pyrenea sport:
Pyrenea Sport was a French brand that was founded by the José Alvarez group. They disappeared in the early 2000s.
9. Rando cycles:
Rando cycles was a framer based in the Paris region specializing in the design and manufacture of touring bikes.
These brands have left a lasting legacy in the world of cycling. Their disappearance evokes a time when cycling was also a matter of craftsmanship and local innovation, long before globalization and mass production. Vintage enthusiasts continue to restore and admire these historic models, which remain highly sought-after collector's items.