Ērenpreiss Bicycles
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bicycle manufacturing |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Toms Ērenpreiss |
| Headquarters | Riga , Latvia |
Key people | Toms Ērenpreiss (Founder) |
| Products | City bicycles |
Number of employees | 12 |
Ērenpreiss Bicycles is a manufacturer of city bicycles headquartered in Riga, established and managed by Toms Ērenpreiss, the great-grandnephew of Gustavs Ērenpreiss. During the 1930s, the original Gustavs Ērenpreiss Bicycle Factory was recognized as the largest bicycle producer across the Baltic states.
Design
The bicycles produced by Ērenpreiss combine traditional style with contemporary elements, incorporating steel frames, riding postures that are upright or semi-upright, and 622 mm (700 C) wheels. As of 2015, their lineup includes models equipped with gearing systems ranging from one to five speeds.
Models
The names assigned to each model correspond to their specific bicycle category. The premier models, Paula and Gustav, come with various gearing options, frame sizes, and color choices. The matte-black Tom and Greta models provide two-speed gearing and multiple frame dimensions; Paula and Greta are designed with women's frames, whereas Gustav and Tom feature men's frames.
These model names pay tribute to the company’s legacy: Gustav honors Gustavs Ērenpreiss; Greta is named after actress Greta Garbo; and Tom commemorates the founder Toms Ērenpreiss.
In 2014, the company introduced two additional models: Sparrow and Finch. The Sparrow offers a semi-upright riding posture, comes in silver grey, is available in male or female frames across two sizes, and includes single or two-speed “kick-shift” gearing. Meanwhile, the Finch is tailored for women, featuring an upright position, three-speed gearing, two color options, and a single frame size.
These avian-inspired names symbolize the sense of freedom and lightness associated with cycling.
Company
The enterprise was founded in 2010 by Toms Ērenpreiss and evolved from a restoration workshop that began operations in 2006 focusing on vintage bicycles. This workshop restored over 100 bicycles, including Latvian brands such as G. Ērenpreis, Latvello, and Omega, alongside notable international models like Triumph, Brennabor, as well as bicycles from the Soviet era.
Building on this restoration background, Toms Ērenpreiss and his team launched their inaugural bicycle collection under the name Ērenpreiss Original in 2012. That same year, they received the "Young Entrepreneur of the Year" accolade at the Swedish Business Awards.
In 2013, Ērenpreiss Original unveiled its second collection of bicycles. The following year saw the company earn the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia’s Export and Innovation Award for Industrial Design.
Today, the Ērenpreiss team consists of 12 experts located in Riga. The company actively supports cycling safety campaigns and hosts events such as Riga's Tweed Run, which attracts cyclists dressed in vintage clothing while boosting brand recognition.