THE i:SY STORY
You have always wondered where the i:SY comes from? Rightly and with a certain pride, we can claim that our i:SY models are “Made in Germany”. From the very first idea in 2007 until today’s production. We were able to look behind the scenes of our cutting-edge production site in St. Ingbert in the Saarland.
But see for yourself how wheels are spoked, handlebars are prepared, components are mounted – to make a whole new i:SY at the end. We hope you enjoy it!
Ride it! Love it!
From the initial idea in 2007 until today, the i:SY has revolutionised the bicycle market. Being the Original among compact bikes, it has long been regarded as the benchmark. Whether new frame shape, innovative accessories or minimal weight - our i:SY models and developments have been winning numerous awards and prizes.
In our i:SY office in the creative Ehrenfeld district - right in the epicentre of art and culture – new ideas keep flowing. We never tire of making i:SY just that little bit better - thanks to the invaluable feedback from our customers.
What began with the award at EUROBIKE in 2008 quickly became made a name for itself in the industry. The first electrified i:SY models with PANASONIC drives were produced by BIKETEC AG (now FLYER AG). The change to a new licence partner, the Hermann Hartje KG, took place in 2013. As a result, the i:SY models were built with BOSCH motors from now on. The next milestone came in 2022 - i:SY becomes independent. The production returns to Germany to KETTLER's state-of-the-art production facility in St. Ingbert.
The start of an extraordinary story
Martin Kuhlmeier is the inventor of the i:SY. He built his first bike when he was just ten years old to win a cycle race. He won on a fast, extra lightweight 20 inch wheel and never raced again. However, Martin had a new goal from then on: re-invent the bicycle. Over the years, he has developed a concept for a bicycle with unparalleled capabilities and unrivalled riding characteristics.
"I always say that E.T. would not have survived if they had ridden 28-inch wheels instead of 20-inch ones. That's a clear statement in favour of 20 inches.”
MARTIN KUHLMEIER
i:SY FOUNDER & DEVELOPER
THE i:SY HOME STORY
In an intimate portrait, Martin Kuhlmeier and his wife Nora Rolfsmeier give an insight into the evolution of the i:SY - from the initial idea, to finding the right name, to the independence of the i:SY brand.
