Travel and Leisure | igus® Engineer's Toolbox

igus® US Bike Tour Mexico X Brazil Send Off

What an incredible journey it has been across the States! From the sun-drenched boardwalks of California to the historic monuments of our nation’s capital, the igus:bike has proven its plastic power in every corner of the country. We’ve seen the Golden Gate Bridge, toured the halls of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, and celebrated a meaningful homecoming at our Rhode Island headquarters. But as they say, every ending is just a new beginning. After a final celebration with our team in Rumford, it’s time to give the igus:bike a true traveler’s send-off. We are thrilled to announce that the next leg of this global adventure will take place in Mexico! The bike is officially packed and heading south of the border. We want to give a massive “Thank You” to everyone in the U.S. and across the globe who made this incredible adventure possible!

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7 days ago

igus® US Bike Tour US City of Providence Ride

After the coastal vibes of Narragansett, Providence felt like the perfect urban next stop for the igus:bike tour. Caitlyn jumped back into the saddle and took our plastic powerhouse on a journey through some of the city’s most breathtaking and historic sites! The adventure kicked off on the Providence River Pedestrian Bridge, a modern marvel that connects the Fox Point neighborhood to the city’s Innovation & Design District. Opened in 2019, this bridge is a masterclass in recycling, as it was built right on top of preexisting piers from an old highway bridge! From there, Caitlyn pedaled over to the Rhode Island State House. Built back in 1901, its stunning marble and brick plaza provided the ultimate backdrop for the bike’s south facade debut. Not to be outdone by architecture, the next stop was India Point Park, offering picturesque views overlooking both the Providence Harbor and the Seekonk River. As the trip was winding down, it was time for a quick cruise past the industrial-cool Crook Point Bascule Bridge before reaching the final destination of the day: Waterplace Park. This spot is legendary as the home of the yearly WaterFire community events—a celebration of light and art that igus, Inc. was even proud to co-sponsor back in 2022!

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7 days ago

igus® US Bike Tour US Ocean State Ride

For this next exciting portion of the tour, the igus:bike made its way back north, landing right in Rhode Island! With its rich history, beautiful coastal sights, and the fact that igus, Inc. is proudly located here, it was the perfect next stop on the tour. The first day of riding in Rhode Island saw Caitlyn Cornell, Digital Marketing Manager at igus, Inc., brave the crisp air and take the bike right along Narragansett Beach. It was there she cruised by The Towers, an iconic, historic landmark! The Towers is all that remains of the massive Narragansett Pier Casino, originally built in the mid-1880s, and to this day, it serves as a beautiful venue for plays, weddings, and upscale dinners. The scenic ride ended with a fantastic stop at the Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown. While the modern lighthouse was built in 1856, earlier structures on the same site date all the way back to 1749! That original structure was known as the Newport Light, and was the third-ever lighthouse established in the original Thirteen Colonies. Talk about history standing tall!

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7 days ago

igus® US Bike Tour US Headquarters

The final stage of the U.S. leg of the igus:bike tour brought the bike back to where the heart of the operation beats: our igus, Inc. headquarters in Rhode Island! This was such a momentous occasion that we decided to switch things up. Instead of just one or two riders, we had four different team members lead the bike through a victory lap across our massive U.S. campus. The journey kicked off at the 257 Ferris building with our Head of Product Management (dry-tech), Sebastian Bloechl. As the largest building on our campus, it’s home to the igus Motion Plastics Show (iMPS) — our very own in-house tradeshow experience. It’s the ultimate place for customers to get hands-on with our tech, and if you’re lucky, you might spot one of the many igus:bikes currently stationed throughout the building! Next, dryspin Product Specialist Sean Fournier took the handlebars to visit the newest addition to our family: the lead screw production facility! Located right next door on Ferris Avenue, this site is gearing up to launch full-scale production in 2026. After the Ferris Avenue stops, it was time to head over to North Broadway to visit our injection molding and RBTX facilities. Greenwood Facility: Helmed by e-chain Senior Product Manager Dan Thompson, the bike visited this powerhouse of production. This facility produces over 100,000 plastic parts every single day, ranging from high-performance bearings to our reliable cable carriers! The Robotics Campus: Finally, RBTX and Low-Cost Automation Product Manager Jan Hennecke brought the bike to the igus Robotics Campus. This building is special—it’s the exact location where igus, Inc. was originally founded over 40 years ago. Talk about a full-circle moment!

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7 days ago

igus® US Bike Tour Washington DC

Stephen Bowman led the igus:bike through a rainy and foggy tour of Washington, D.C., using the damp conditions to highlight the bike’s impressive corrosion-resistant design. The journey took him past world-famous landmarks, including the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument, creating a stunning visual contrast with the bike’s modern engineering. After a final stop at the Smithsonian Castle, the team began preparing for the ultimate finale of the U.S. tour at the igus, Inc. campus in Rhode Island.

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7 days ago

igus® US Bike Tour West Coast Highlights

For one unforgettable journey, the igus:bike hit the open roads of the United States, crossing mountains, deserts, and city skylines to celebrate American innovation, sustainability, and motion on two wheels. The adventure began in Colorado, where the team rode through rugged mountain passes, showcasing the spirit of exploration and engineering at altitude. From there, the igus:bike rolled into Utah, riding through its red rock canyons a reminder that progress and nature can coexist beautifully. Next stop: Las Vegas, where even Elvis himself couldn’t resist a ride. Amid the city’s neon glow, the igus:bike stood as a symbol of the bright future of sustainable mobility. The tour then hit the California coast, cruising from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz, stopping at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, tracing a route where innovation, film, and technology meet the sea.

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7 days ago

igus® Bike Tour – Santa Cruz & San Francisco CA

No trip to Santa Cruz is truly complete without a stop at the famous Santa Cruz Beach, which is exactly where our riders headed next! The cloudless sky and warm weather made for a perfect day of biking along the boardwalk — our riders even caught a seal sunning itself near Seal Rock! While they were visiting the nearby Lighthouse Point, a father and son on their own bikes stopped to chat with Chris and Philip and ask all about the igus:bike. They each took the bike for a brief ride, and, in a moment of pure fun, even rode it together! While it definitely isn’t designed as a tandem bike, the plastic powerhouse still stood up to the challenge. Chris and Philip wrapped up their incredibly busy day with one last cruise along the beach before packing up and turning in for the night and setting out the following morning for the final destination on their leg of the tour: San Francisco, California! After a quick drive north, our riders reached the iconic city and set out to put their final miles on the bike. They made their way up through the city’s famous hills, drawing the attention of curious onlookers as always. Finally, they reached the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, where their portion of the tour officially came to a triumphant close. It was a bittersweet moment — Chris and Philip didn’t want the adventure to end, but they couldn’t help but feel incredibly proud of how the tour went and excited to see what the second half of the U.S. tour had in store for the igus:bike! Chris Sandven has been with igus® nearly nine years as a Territory Sales Manager for Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. He started as the Bike Industry Specialist in 2024, and as an avid sports fan and outdoor enthusiast, the opportunity to join the igus:bike tour was too good for him to pass up. Philip Pauli started with igus® in 2022 in International Sales for iglide® bearings, and by September of 2024 had become the bike industry manager at our headquarters in Germany. He loves the outdoors, whether it’s hiking, climbing, or mountain biking, and knew he couldn’t miss out on the igus:bike tour.

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7 days ago

igus® Bike Tour – Venice Beach, Los Angeles CA

After the trip through Hollywood and facing the steep inclines of L.A., it was time to hit the beach to bring the bike back to (almost) where it all started. While this wasn’t the same beach Frank first came up with the idea for the igus:bike, it felt appropriate to cap off the day with a ride along the same type of environment that served as his inspiration. And here’s where the magic happened: right there on the boardwalk, Chris and Philip ran into an actual igus customer in a perfect moment of sheer coincidence! This customer knew all about igus due to his work in the machine tool industry, where our e-chain® cable carriers are a popular, maintenance-free, and vibration-damping solution. He instantly recognized the classic orange color of the bike and eagerly approached our riders to learn all about the tour and the plastic bike itself. It was the perfect, organic moment to highlight our diverse impact. With another wonderfully busy day checked off, it was time for Chris and Philip to embark on the long trek up to Santa Cruz to meet with the last customers on their leg of the tour and make even more fantastic local connections! Chris Sandven has been with igus® nearly nine years as a Territory Sales Manager for Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. He started as the Bike Industry Specialist in 2024, and as an avid sports fan and outdoor enthusiast, the opportunity to join the igus:bike tour was too good for him to pass up. Philip Pauli started with igus® in 2022 in International Sales for iglide® bearings, and by September of 2024 had become the bike industry manager at our headquarters in Germany. He loves the outdoors, whether it’s hiking, climbing, or mountain biking, and knew he couldn’t miss out on the igus:bike tour.

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7 days ago

igus® iglide® bearings X DVO Suspension US Bike Tour

Chris and Philip zipped straight to DVO Suspension in Santa Clarita, CA. DVO manufactures high-performance components for mountain bike suspensions and, naturally, uses igus® bushings in their premium rear shocks. The guys met with the entire DVO team — from the engineering group all the way to marketing and finance. A few employees couldn’t resist taking the igus:bike for a spin, and they all came away genuinely impressed by the bike’s innovative design and industrial feel. Chris Sandven has been with igus® nearly nine years as a Territory Sales Manager for Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. He started as the Bike Industry Specialist in 2024, and as an avid sports fan and outdoor enthusiast, the opportunity to join the igus:bike tour was too good for him to pass up. Philip Pauli started with igus® in 2022 in International Sales for iglide® bearings, and by September of 2024 had become the bike industry manager at our headquarters in Germany. He loves the outdoors, whether it’s hiking, climbing, or mountain biking, and knew he couldn’t miss out on the igus:bike tour.

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7 days ago

igus® Bike Tour – Las Vegas NV

Chris and Philip rolled into Las Vegas late Sunday night, ready to turn in and rest up for the gauntlet of visits planned across California. But even while gearing down, they carved out some time to soak in the sheer spectacle of the city, checking out famous spots like the gorgeous Fountains of Bellagio and the replica Eiffel Tower (though, if you ask us, the igus:bike was just as stunning!). The next morning, on their way back to the car, our riders ran right into a true Las Vegas staple: an Elvis impersonator! This larger-than-life rockstar was thrilled to learn all about the bike, our journey, and igus itself. After grabbing some fantastic photos and videos and exchanging contact info so he could follow these blogs (Hi Elvis!), it was time once again to say, “thank you, thank you very much” and pivot to the next big stage of the U.S. tour: California! This brief Vegas visit was extra special because it marked the approximate halfway point of Chris and Philip’s portion of the tour! In what felt like a blink of an eye, so much had been accomplished. Our riders couldn’t help but draw parallels to the igus:bike itself, reflecting on how far it has come since Frank Blase first hatched the idea. Given the overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic reactions the bike received in this initial leg, it’s clear the worldwide tour is definitely not the end of the bike’s wild journey. Speaking of wild journeys, on their drive into California, our riders took full advantage of the opportunity to stop at an Area 51-themed attraction! While we can’t guarantee the igus:bike suddenly learned how to fly, we could swear something about the bike seemed… different after that visit. Perhaps it picked up some alien engineering tips! The fun didn’t stop there! A few engineers even joined Philip for a brief, 15–20 minute ride, and they took him over the semi-famous “Lost Boys Bridge.” Yes, it’s the bridge used for a scene in the iconic movie The Lost Boys! Thankfully, no vampires were around to interrupt the ride, just great views and even better conversation. Chris Sandven has been with igus® nearly nine years as a Territory Sales Manager for Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. He started as the Bike Industry Specialist in 2024, and as an avid sports fan and outdoor enthusiast, the opportunity to join the igus:bike tour was too good for him to pass up. Philip Pauli started with igus® in 2022 in International Sales for iglide® bearings, and by September of 2024 had become the bike industry manager at our headquarters in Germany. He loves the outdoors, whether it’s hiking, climbing, or mountain biking, and knew he couldn’t miss out on the igus:bike tour.

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7 days ago

igus® iglide® bearings X Triot US Bike Tour Full

The trikes manufactured here are life-changing, built specifically for riders with muscle deficiencies, prosthetics, or other disabilities that might restrict them from riding a standard bicycle. Each trike is custom-built based on the customer’s specific needs, guaranteeing complete familiarity and total comfort on every ride. How does igus help these magnificent machines roll? Triot trikes rely on both iglide and igubal 2.0 bearings to handle two critical design problems. The original bearings would frequently snap if too much force was applied to a single side of the trike. Plus, because the trikes sit so low to the ground, corrosion from dirt and moisture was a frequent issue with all-metal bearings. Our lightweight, corrosion-resistant polymer bearings provided the perfect fix, ensuring the trikes are durable and reliable for every user. After a fantastic day of enlightening conversation and even trying out the Triot trikes for themselves, our riders were ready to say goodbye to Marty and the Triot team. It was almost time to end their jam-packed week with some well-deserved, high-octane fun — starting off with the incredible Red Bull Rampage mountain biking event near Zion National Park in Virgin, Utah!

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7 days ago

igus® iglide® bearings X Triot US Bike Tour

The trikes manufactured here are life-changing, built specifically for riders with muscle deficiencies, prosthetics, or other disabilities that might restrict them from riding a standard bicycle. Each trike is custom-built based on the customer’s specific needs, guaranteeing complete familiarity and total comfort on every ride. How does igus help these magnificent machines roll? Triot trikes rely on both iglide and igubal 2.0 bearings to handle two critical design problems. The original bearings would frequently snap if too much force was applied to a single side of the trike. Plus, because the trikes sit so low to the ground, corrosion from dirt and moisture was a frequent issue with all-metal bearings. Our lightweight, corrosion-resistant polymer bearings provided the perfect fix, ensuring the trikes are durable and reliable for every user. After a fantastic day of enlightening conversation and even trying out the Triot trikes for themselves, our riders were ready to say goodbye to Marty and the Triot team. It was almost time to end their jam-packed week with some well-deserved, high-octane fun — starting off with the incredible Red Bull Rampage mountain biking event near Zion National Park in Virgin, Utah!

Watch Video

7 days ago

igus® iglide® bearings X QuikrStuff US Bike Tour

Chris Sandven has been with igus® nearly nine years as a Territory Sales Manager for Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. He started as the Bike Industry Specialist in 2024, and as an avid sports fan and outdoor enthusiast, the opportunity to join the igus:bike tour was too good for him to pass up. The second stop on the U.S. leg of the igus®:bike tour saw our riders trek across the sunny state of Colorado! They soaked up the scenic countryside before rolling right into our next customer visit: QuikrStuff in Grand Junction, CO. Much like our first customer visit, our second stayed on the theme of bicycle production. QuikrStuff is the brilliant manufacturer behind the Quikr bike rack, a truly innovative carrier designed to be easier to use, lighter, and frankly, last longer than almost any other rack on the market. It’s the kind of gear that makes loading up for a weekend ride feel like a breeze instead of a wrestling match. So, where does igus® fit into this genius design? Our trusty iglide® R and Q2 bearings and washers are the unsung heroes used in the critical pivot points of the Quikr rack. Why? Because they’re tough! Their exceptional resistance to wear, dirt, and dust makes them invaluable when this rack is inevitably facing harsh outdoor conditions. They keep things moving smoothly, even when the road (and the weather) gets rough. Our visit with QuikrStuff was not only productive, but it also gave us a chance to reflect on the impact igus® has across the entire bike industry. But with one final customer visit to make during the week, it’s time to hop back on the road again as our riders make their way northwest to Kaysville, Utah! And yes, in a hilariously on-brand twist, one of our riders, Chris Sandven, is actually using his personal Quikr bike rack to haul the igus®:bike on his car — proving that when it comes to long-lasting, smooth-moving bike gear, QuikrStuff and igus® are literally carrying the team!

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7 days ago

igus® iglide® bearings X QuikrStuff US Bike Tour Brian Wachs Full

The second stop on the U.S. leg of the igus®:bike tour saw our riders trek across the sunny state of Colorado! They soaked up the scenic countryside before rolling right into our next customer visit: QuikrStuff in Grand Junction, CO. Much like our first customer visit, our second stayed on the theme of bicycle production. QuikrStuff is the brilliant manufacturer behind the Quikr bike rack, a truly innovative carrier designed to be easier to use, lighter, and frankly, last longer than almost any other rack on the market. It’s the kind of gear that makes loading up for a weekend ride feel like a breeze instead of a wrestling match. So, where does igus® fit into this genius design? Our trusty iglide® R and Q2 bearings and washers are the unsung heroes used in the critical pivot points of the Quikr rack. Why? Because they’re tough! Their exceptional resistance to wear, dirt, and dust makes them invaluable when this rack is inevitably facing harsh outdoor conditions. They keep things moving smoothly, even when the road (and the weather) gets rough. Our visit with QuikrStuff was not only productive, but it also gave us a chance to reflect on the impact igus® has across the entire bike industry. But with one final customer visit to make during the week, it’s time to hop back on the road again as our riders make their way northwest to Kaysville, Utah! And yes, in a hilariously on-brand twist, one of our riders, Chris Sandven, is actually using his personal Quikr bike rack to haul the igus®:bike on his car — proving that when it comes to long-lasting, smooth-moving bike gear, QuikrStuff and igus® are literally carrying the team!

Watch Video

7 days ago

igus® iglide® bearings X QuikrStuff US Bike Tour Brian Wachs

The second stop on the U.S. leg of the igus®:bike tour saw our riders trek across the sunny state of Colorado! They soaked up the scenic countryside before rolling right into our next customer visit: QuikrStuff in Grand Junction, CO. Much like our first customer visit, our second stayed on the theme of bicycle production. QuikrStuff is the brilliant manufacturer behind the Quikr bike rack, a truly innovative carrier designed to be easier to use, lighter, and frankly, last longer than almost any other rack on the market. It’s the kind of gear that makes loading up for a weekend ride feel like a breeze instead of a wrestling match. So, where does igus® fit into this genius design? Our trusty iglide® R and Q2 bearings and washers are the unsung heroes used in the critical pivot points of the Quikr rack. Why? Because they’re tough! Their exceptional resistance to wear, dirt, and dust makes them invaluable when this rack is inevitably facing harsh outdoor conditions. They keep things moving smoothly, even when the road (and the weather) gets rough. Our visit with QuikrStuff was not only productive, but it also gave us a chance to reflect on the impact igus® has across the entire bike industry. But with one final customer visit to make during the week, it’s time to hop back on the road again as our riders make their way northwest to Kaysville, Utah! And yes, in a hilariously on-brand twist, one of our riders, Chris Sandven, is actually using his personal Quikr bike rack to haul the igus®:bike on his car — proving that when it comes to long-lasting, smooth-moving bike gear, QuikrStuff and igus® are literally carrying the team!

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3 months ago

Salt spray corrosion test for drylin® W pillow blocks

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The future of drone design: lightweight, durable plastic components

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iglide® Bearing Solutions for Windshields

Automotive components, especially those exposed to the elements, need to be reliable, robust, and resistant to all kinds of weather effects. iglide® bearings from igus® meet all of these requirements, and are the perfect solution for automotive windshield wipers. Watch this video to learn more. Learn more about iglide bearings for automotive applications: https://www.igus.com/industries/automotive-onboard-bearings Contact an igus automotive expert: https://www.igus.com/company/contact-us?contact=9843862e-e1d1-4480-9704-aabd91322784

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7 months ago

Advantages in the Marine & Boat Building Industry with igus® inc.

The dry-running, corrosion-resistant plastic components offered by igus® are ideal for use in the marine and boat building industries. Watch this video to learn some of the specific advantages these components offer, and some of the ways they can be used to improve boat designs. Visit our website: https://www.igus.com/industry/boats Read our blog to learn more: https://toolbox.igus.com/11006/dry-running-components-aboard-boats

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8 months ago

Navigating smoothly: the power of dry-running, maintenance-free components aboard boats

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9 months ago

Thermoplastics: a game changer for the bicycle industry

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