Islabikes will cease the production and sale of bikes once remaining stocks are sold, the Shropshire-based manufacturer revealed today.
The producer of adult and children’s bikes says it remains solvent and has no outstanding creditors.
But it says a “turbulent and difficult time for the cycle industry” is behind the decision.
No wish to continue
Islabikes was founded in 2005 by Isla Rowntree, who stepped back from the day-to-day running of the company in January 2021, handing majority ownership to the current managing director, Tim Goodall.
In a brief press release, Islabikes says neither Goodall nor Rowntree “wish to continue” the business, following a tricky few years in the cycling industry.
Islabikes is known for producing high-quality children’s bikes, adult bikes and specialist bikes.
Last year, Islabikes released the Joni, a bike for adults with dwarfism informed by feedback from the Dwarf Sports Association UK. In March 2023, it introduced the Creig and Luath, for adults between 4ft 11in and 5ft 9in.
Islabikes says Rowntree “improved the cycling lives of hundreds of thousands of children”.
In a statement, the founder says: “Today, it’s easy to forget just how bad most children’s bikes were when I started Islabikes 18 years ago.
“They were monstrously heavy, fitted with outsized components and had dreadful brakes that were out of reach.
“They were so poor I believed they had the potential to put many children off cycling for life and I founded Islabikes to change that – to give children a better experience of cycling with the many benefits that brings.”
Goodall, speaking to BikeRadar, says Rowntree and himself are “just two people who would like to move on from a company after 18 years”.
Islabikes gained recognition from larger cycling brands.
Rowntree claims others followed its lead, producing “good quality, well thought out children’s bikes”.
Remaining stock and parts
Islabikes says there are still models left to buy while remaining stock lasts.
There will be an ongoing supply of spare parts and existing guarantees will be honoured, according to the company.
Rowntree and Goodall say they would like to thank Islabikes’ customers, colleagues and suppliers.
