1887
Raleigh was founded in 1887 by Sir Frank Bowden. Bowden had discovered a love for cycling after experiencing its health benefits first hand after a spell of bad health.
1920
Despite the rising popularity of the car, the 1920’s saw Raleigh become a world leader in bicycles, capable of producing 100,000 cycles annually as well as 250,000 hub gears 15,000 motorcycles and 50,000 motorcycle gearboxes.
1946
In 1946, Gaston Lapierre started a small bicycle business in Dijon, France (Côte-d’Or - Burgundy), quickly finding success in an industry that was experiencing rapid growth in general.
1948
1948 saw Reg Harris win two silver medals in the Olympic games; one for individual and the other tandem sprints. The following year, Raleigh signed Harris as a professional rider. Reg's famous red Raleigh bike is still kept at Raleigh HQ today.
1969
In 1969 the infamous Raleigh Chopper was introduced to the market and a whole new segment of the market was opened up, both in the UK and other developed markets; toy cycles. The Chopper sold an incredible 1.5 million units!
1976
It was quickly apparent that a follow up to the popular Chopper was needed, and so the Raleigh Grifter was born. The Grifter was launched in 1976 and resembled a BMX bike, but had mudguards and a 3-speed hub.
1980
In the middle of the 80s, by being one of the few European companies to anticipate the MTB phenomenon, Lapierre quickly positioned itself as a leader of this market. Lapierre has since sponsored several competitive MTB teams who have won titles at all levels since the start of sponsoring activities in 1988.
1990
In the 90’s, Raleigh was the first UK cycle maker to mass produce suspension mountain bikes and to market electrically assisted bicycles.
1993
In January 1993, Accell Group (Netherlands) announced its intentions to purchase 33% of Lapierre’s shares. By 1996, the partnership proved to be successful, and in April 1996, the Lapierre family decided to sell the rest of their shares.
1995
In 1995, Haibike was founded in the small German city Schweinfurt. In the beginning these sporty bikes were still offered under the name of our parent brand Winora, but soon became Haibike. Over the next 15 years, the brand developed new models and further advanced, both visually and technically.
2001
2001, was a key year for Lapierre. After three years of research and development, Lapierre introduced an innovative full-suspension mountain bike, the X-Control, equipped with the patented FPS rear suspension system. Riders were now able to find an ideal combination of efficiency and comfort in one bike.
2008
After 2 years of Research and Development, Lapierre rethought its road range and launched its brand-new X-Lite II carbon monocoque frame, the epitome of lightness and technology.
2010
Haibike are one of the first to launch electric off-road mountain bikes. Never before has a manufacturer created a truly off-road suitable electric mountain bike. Haibike’s turned motor concept and the initial design will be copied multiple times in the future.
2011
Design and technology continue to advance. The XDURO RX receives the iF Design Award, one of the most renowned international design awards. The range grows to eleven models, with new versions to come, including an electric bike that combines two mega trends: 29-inch wheels and electric bikes.
2012
In 2012 Raleigh was purchased by Netherlands-based bicycle company Accell Group. The group’s position as the market leader in electric bikes has been invaluable to Raleigh’s product development through shared technologies and developments.
2013
A new sport needs a new name—Haibike introduces the term “ePerformance.“ An abbreviation for "electric performance": the combination of pure human (physical) performance and electric support.
2013
Lapierre launch their Overvolt concept with two electric mountain bikes. The Overvolt range will continue to develop over the following years, opening up mountain biking to more people.
2014
Haibike introduces the first Carbon electric bike with full suspension and a with center drive motor. Three models mark the beginning of the carbon era in the electric bike market and once again confirm Haibike is the pioneer. The electric fat bike “FatSix” is also introduced.
2014
Once again, a busy year for Lapierre’s Teams. Several weeks after its first usage by Team FDJ the Aircode took Thibaut Pinot to third place and best young rider on the Tour de France. The team took numerous victories throughout the season.
2015
A first in history: Haibike is presented one of the most renowned international design awards, the iF Award, five times. This includes three ePerformance and two Performance bikes. This is the first time a single manufacturer wins so many awards at one time.
2017
Haibike introduces the modular rail system and integrated battery design making it possible to mount different components easily and quickly on the bike. Our new InTube Battery Concept (IBC) offers a new level of integration, aesthetic beauty and functionality including extra battery capacity.
2019
Raleigh celebrates heritage with launch of iconic bmx range. The Raleigh Super Tuff and Aero Burners were one of the most iconic and sought-after BMX's of the 1980's, for 2019 we've re-imagined the legend in all it's 1980's glory.
2020
Today Raleigh are one of the market leaders in electric bikes, Raleigh have partnered with Bosch to offer premium quality bikes that are reliable and trust worthy. Raleigh still offers a range of non-electric city and leisure bikes all designed in Nottingham here in the UK.
2020
Today Haibike offers performance electric bikes from Trekking and adventure models to full suspension off road mountain bikes. The designers at Haibike continue to improve the power, range and style of our electric bikes so you can go further.
2020
After almost 70 years in the bike business, Lapierre are constantly moving forward, innovating, and developing our products to offer you a better ride. At Lapierre, numerous new projects are already underway to keep our place as a leader.