History
MORE THAN 40 YEARS OF QUALITY THAT UNITES GENERATIONS: KETTLER ALU-RAD
As a pioneer of lightweight bicycle construction, KETTLER Alu-Rad has stood for quality "Made in Germany" since 1978. We developed and assembled the first ever aluminium bicycle.
A lot has happened since then – as a material, aluminium has revolutionised the bicycle market, innovative research has helped us to optimally adapt our bicycles to their riders and electronics has created a new dimension in two-wheeled mobility through the e-bike.
However, one thing has never changed and we are extremely proud of it:
just like 40 years ago, every KETTLER Alu-Rad bike is meticulously designed, assembled, painted, technically approved and quality-controlled in our factory in Saarland. For individual models in the children's and youth ranges, the production site may vary.
After all, only this way can we guarantee that you receive the bicycle that is perfect for you. Because this is what we do best – make bicycles that adapt ergonomically. To give you the best riding experience possible. For all ages, sizes and requirements. We know exactly what you need. Because we listen and believe that this is the only way to make bicycles capable of moving generations.
INNOVATION AS TRADITION – ALUMINIUM AT KETTLER ALU-RAD
Heinz Kettler also made a pioneering contribution to the area of bicycle development in 1977. Instead of using the conventional, heavy steel that was the industry standard, he was the first manufacturer to launch an aluminium bicycle onto the market. With the Kettler Alu Rad 2600, Heinz Kettler revolutionised the bicycle sector.
With good reason, too – the light metal has properties that permit the development of top-quality bicycle and e-bike frames. Our loyalty to this material was never in doubt. Today, our tradition of aluminium bicycle construction fills us with pride, united with our constant spirit of innovation.
After all, thanks to continuous development, our KETTLER aluminium bikes are the best and safest of their kind today.
The quality of a bicycle depends on its core piece, the frame. It determines the optimal sitting position, handling, stability and, not least, the aesthetics. As aluminium pioneers in bicycle construction, we have spent the last forty years studying, developing and researching the light metal, identifying potential and discarding whatever failed to keep up with our development. We have pushed the material to its limits and got the very best out of it. The same applies to weight: our bikes are now lighter than ever thanks to the best aluminium alloys.
And when it comes to safety, our tubes are hydroformed!
This enables highly precise work and tube dimensions that are individually adapted to each model and size. Frame rigidity is increased as a result, thus yielding outstanding riding stability, even at thresholds – and especially for e-bikes and e-mountain bikes.
Our demands on the material are also high in terms of wear – special powder coatings are applied to the frame in a special baking procedure. This optimally seals and protects the metal against scratches and impacts.