Milestones

1986

The company is founded, the company held the licence for building and distributing Raleigh bikes in Switzerland.

1994

The BMC brand (bicycle manufacturing company) is born.

1998

Andy Rihs, president of the board of directors and founder of Phonak Hearing Systems becomes a partner.

2000

BMC establishes a reputation as a producer of innovative mountain bikes with efficient suspension systems (VPS – virtual pivot system) and pioneers hybrid bikes with the Alpen Challenge. Despite a good dealer network in Switzerland the company still makes heavy losses.

2001

Andy Rihs takes complete control of the company. At the same time sponsorship of the Phonak Cycling Team signals a new direction in product strategy. It is followed up by focused investment in development, design and marketing. The first team bike the SLT01 becomes the basis of the legendary Skeleton Concept that gives every BMC bike its unmistakeable identity.

2002

BMC enters the professional road racing scene for the first time with the Phonak Cycling Team. Additionally high quality components are made under BMC’s own Scor brand.

2003

Turnaround in Switzerland and the start of export activity: BMC distributes its bikes internationally for the first time. The Carborazer is released, an agile city bike which is the first in the world to see a carbon fork with disk brakes.

2004

Launch of the time machine TT01 (fastest bike in the Athens Olympics time-trial) and the fourstroke full suspension series.

2005

Launch of the pro machine, the first CNT (Carbon Nano Tubes) full carbon frame that weights under one kilogram. This bike wasn’t only a huge commercial success, but was also honoured with various design prizes.

2006

ISH International Sport Holding AG if founded in which BMC is integrated and opens the door to further brands in the future..

2007

BMC today:

- 2007 turnover: ca. USD25 million

- 2007 sales: ca. 22,000 units

- Number of employees: ca. 50

- Is part of ISH International Sport Holding, based in Grenchen, Switzerland

- Numerous national and international teams und athletes in road cycling, triathlon, mountain biking and cyclo-cross are supported by BMC