What if I told you that the spirit of Norwegian cycling innovation thrives here at DBS Bicycles in Jakarta? DBS Bicycles may seem like a local bike shop. Yet its story stretches back to Norway in 1892. It is a tale of innovation and enduring quality.
Jonas Øglænd founded Øglænd Cyklelager in Sandnes. At first, the company acted as an agent. They distributed German Hengstberg and American World bicycles. These bikes were assembled in Norway. The company also assembled bikes under the Fram and Viking brands.
In 1906, Øglænd began manufacturing its own bicycles. The current brand name DBS which means “the best bicycle” came about in 1932. A 12-year-old boy suggested it in a competition.
DBS expanded and started exporting in 1949. However, the company later faced competition. Inexpensive bicycles from China and the Far East challenged DBS.
Monark bought DBS in 1989. It then became part of Cycleurope AB in 1996. Cycleurope AB owns brands like Monark and Peugeot. Despite these changes, DBS maintains its Norwegian identity.
Today, Cycleurope Norway’s office is in Oslo. The product development and design still occur in Norway. DBS bikes are produced in several countries. This includes Cycleurope’s factory in Sweden.
DBS is part of a family of Scandinavian and European bicycle brands. These brands share a similar history. Crescent, Kildemoes and Bianchi are among them.
DBS faced a cycling market that has changed significantly since its beginning. Competition is fierce and providers are many. Cycleurope Norway works hard. They ensure that DBS continues to represent Norwegian quality. The brand stands for performance and design.
Even though racing frame production stopped around 1972, DBS continued. They sourced frames from other manufacturers. Holdsworth and Daccordi were known suppliers. Piazza and Mercier were also mentioned.
DBS bikes were once Norway’s equivalent to Schwinn. They were family bikes without sophistication. Some remember DBS making bells and jack knives. The company seemed to make all sorts of things.
Some older DBS models had interesting features. These include 50-tooth and 48-tooth front chain rings. Others recall the lightweight Huret Jubilee group.
The legacy of DBS continues here. DBS Bicycles in Jakarta offers quality and service. It echoes the brand’s long history. Next time you see a DBS bicycle, remember its journey. It is a journey from a small factory in Norway. It is a journey to the streets of Jakarta. It is a story of lasting quality.