Pilen bicycles is about love – for cycling, craftsmanship, material and bicyclists
The roots of Pilen bicycles trace back to the childhood of founder Martin Avander, who often pondered how to modify and improve his bikes to prevent rusting. Martin wasn’t satisfied with simple answers; he sought to understand, improve, and create his own solutions. Among his friends, he was the one fixing their bikes in his father’s garage. In 1998, Martin met Louise, and together they founded Pilen Cykel AB in Småland, Sweden. The factory later moved to Målilla, where Martin had spent school holidays working on the family farm.
Initially, Pilen combined production with other activities like German teaching, and sales of mushrooms, tractors, and bicycles in local markets. This simple yet rich life remains reflected in the values and design of Pilen bicycles. As Pilen’s reputation grew, so did the business. A key to Pilen’s success is its efficient and customized production line, built from the ground up and constantly improved.
The team’s passion, commitment, and deep interest in bikes and components, along with skills in welding, turning, and milling, contribute to Pilen’s quality. The process involves advanced echo and directional machines, hydraulic tools for torque drawing, and assembly stations, all handled by a few highly skilled employees.
In the summer of 2016, the Avander family moved to Västervik, relocating the factory to nearby Gamleby to be closer to the Baltic and their family base. Today, Martin, Louise, and two employees produce about 2,000 bikes a year. Customers can choose colors and components according to their tastes. They have realized their dream—a small-scale bike factory near the sea in beautiful Småland, producing handmade quality cycles that speak to the heart. Join the warm community of happy Pilen riders, growing closer each year. Come on in! You’re welcome!
