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How One Woman Changed The Cycling Industry Forever
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- Опубликовано: 12 авг 2024
- How did one person revolutionise cycling for millions? Isla Rowntree, an ex-professional cyclist and one of the few female founders and CEOs in the bike industry, started Islabikes in 2005. Her company redefined kids’ bikes with a focus on fit, lightweight design, and safety. Nearly a quarter of a million bikes were sold in almost 20 years.
Now, we’re meeting Isla to find out more about her, understand how she was able to transform the kids' bike industry and discover what she’s up to now.
00:00 How could one person have revolutionised cycling?
00:57 Who is Isla Rowntree?
01:15 What is Islabikes?
04:35 Riding with Isla
06:03 How did you start Islabikes?
10:20 What has Isla been building?
11:38 Was it hard to run a company and design bikes?
12:20 The quality of Islabikes
15:08 What’s next for Isla and Islabikes?
16:01 Why did Islabikes stop selling bikes?
19:52 Islabikes’ Legacy
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Have you ever owned an Islabike? 🚲✨ Let us know in the comments! 💬
My daughter had two of them 😍
for my family it started many years ago when my nephew bought an isla bike for his first born. and he told us about the differences between isla bikes and the kids bikes commonly sold in the US.. that bike is on it's 4th kid..
Starting as a toddler and now a teenager, my daughter rode 4 Isla bikes. Thank you so much Isla for making something that she will always remember as part of her childhood! And thank you to GCN for highlighting Isla's story!
I've never heard of it before if I'm honest. Sorry :(
Bought an Islabike second hand for my son when he started cycling, it got passed down to his sister, and eventually sold to a friend for the same price that we bought it for. It was a great little bike and my kids loved it. :)
May I say, what a lovely woman. Kudos to Isla.
Came to say the same.
Well said what a lady and it’s a pity she didn’t have someone who she could of trusted to continue on 😢 what a shame lovely lady
Hear, hear! This interview was one of the best from GCN. I think it's a smart decision (and not an easy one) to sunset the business as opposed to sell it out and dilute the quality. Thank you Isla for all that you've done!
Before ‘lovely’ I would say brilliant, intelligent, talented, insightful, and an amazing entrepreneur.
@@Originallyadressmaker ofcourse, goes without saying. I do believe my message strings on other words. If only more people could be like Isla.
Important people like Isla often go unrecognized. It's wonderful to see you (GCN) using your platform to share amazing stories like hers. They deserve all the attention they can get!
Isla deserves all the praise she can get! We loved getting this chance to film with her 🙌
I could spend ages commenting on this video, but if the world was full of people like Isla what a fantastic place it would be.
My family loved this video. Our two kids grew up on Islabikes from the balance bike through to the teenager's first mtn bike. All the bikes were passed on to friends and family and one bike has taught six children to ride and is still going strong. Isla is a hero.
Best GCN video ever, what an absolute hero Isla is. Also, Simon's undoubtedly the best GCN presenter (just saying, no bribe involved).
Wow ... we won't tell the others 😉
One of the best interviews that gcn has ever had as far as I'm concerned🎉👏🏼👏🏼
Very true really really good
I completely agree with her point about not being able to trust that whoever bought the company would continue producing good bikes. How many times have we seen previously-good products or companies turn into complete crap with a change of owner or management. We call this “enshittification” in IT. Margins get squeezed, corners get cut, ethics go out the window and you end with a company or product that has no hint of the things that made you like them in the first place
As in Boeing…
like disney star wars
Can I name one of those brands? Cannondale.
Shame but true, you can sell your company but not your passion!
Every now and again GCN produce an absolute gem of a video I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Isla
Well done GCN
Every now and again = every week? 😉
@@gcn hehe Great videos every week, yes and absolute gem occasionally 😊
Oh what a beautiful and inspiring video! I didn’t know her. I’m from the US, and when I lived in Europe I was amazed by all the children riding bikes. Always wondered how better our country would be if we had the same.
The best present I’ve ever gotten was a Mountain Bike (when I was 6). My dad saved for months and surprised me with it, which made it even more special. I firmly believe that bike was pivotal to my upbringing and later success.
I’m ‘gutted’ (as y’all would say) after knowing new Isla bikes aren’t being made, but I understand why. I also liked her vulnerability in sharing her story.
Somehow this video feels like something ‘owed’ and much needed to honor someone who truly care for our children. Bravo to the team, writers, producers. And a BIG thank you.👏🏽
That was a tear jerker! My kids learned to ride on Isla bikes and their friends. We used to all go out together 3 mums, 6 kids. Such amazing memories. Thank you Isla Rowntree. ❤
Simon, this is one of the best GCN videos ever!
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙌
I have always been baffled by the fact that a bike for a 5 year old would weight more than mine. Islabikes are amazing and they gave my son so much joy, his next one as he grows will be an Islabike again!
Second had maybe as the company as far as I’m aware does not exist anymore that sells them new.
@@bikepackingadventure7913 yes mate, both his Islabikes so far have been second hand. Same as I sold them off for almost the same price as bought. Amazing bikes.
@@bikepackingadventure7913 You think? This video was like 50% about why she quit making new bikes and how she still finds passion in selling spare parts :D
That's awesome! It's all about pushing the next generation of cyclists 🥳
@@gcn Pushing.... or pedaling? ;)
What a lovely lovely person. The world needs more people like Isla.
Kudos to Isla for continuing to support (with spares, etc) the bikes that bear her name.
Thank you for doing this video. I think many parents, as well as admiring Isla in their youths, have heartfelt appreciation for her commitment to building beautiful bikes for their kids and her contribution to their love and enjoyment of cycling. I thank and love Isla for my daughter's exclamation "Oh wow, it feels like flying!" when everything clicked on her third riding lesson using Islabikes instructions and aboard her beautiful new Cnoc 16. Through Islabikes Isla must have contributed to the launch of THOUSANDS of cycling careers over the years!
Simply want to say Si you are a great presenter. This was lovely storytelling and all the best to Isla
I grew up riding Islabikes, and am so grateful for it. I’ve never raced or done anything like that, but the love I have for cycling is entirely down to those bikes. Legend!
This is what Isla bikes are all about 🙌 So cool to see what these bikes have done for people
Islabikes have been a part of our family life for the last 10 years. Thanks to this incredible woman, my children have had such a great experience with learning, riding and racing bikes. Thanks GCN for making this.
Isla Rowntree was a legend. Great bikes too. The Islabike instructions on teaching your child to ride a bike are pure gold ♥️
Thanks so much for what you’ve done Isla. A Beinn 26 took my 11 yo daughter from lands end to John o groats with me 6 years ago. 2000km in 20 days - the bike was epic and perfect for Erin.
Memories to last a lifetime!
@@chrisspray8010 wow, what a ride!
Isla is a wonderful women with an incredible drive. My first bike was an Isla bike and I love it. I am proud to be able to say Isla is my friend and she is one of the best women I have ever met. See you at cross season Isla!!
Thanks very much GCN, that was fantastic. What a craftswoman and thoughtful and humanist person! The world would be a better place with some more Islas.
Great video... we had five Islabikes that were used by our three children, a mix of Beinns and Luaths. They were the perfect bikes for us and were used for family holidays, road riding, mountain biking and some cx racing. Some we bought new, some second hand, all of them were sold on for close to what we paid for them, one for more than we paid! They helped to make cycling from a young age a really positive experience for my kids. Isla has made a huge contribution to cycling.
Legend. My kids benefitted throughout their upbringing from Islas passion and design common sense. I bumped into her at a race once and able to thank her personally; you have created a wonderful legacy in a generation of lucky children. Be proud.
Thanks Si and crew for an outstanding video on one of the sports unsung heroes. Isla is a visionary and articulate lady who definitely wears her heart on her sleeve. How many founders of other brands have sold out to venture capitalists and then spent sleepless nights seeing the direction their baby was heading. Not Isla for sure.
I remember Isla racing in the 90s, she was awesome and really friendly. Also, her race bikes she made herself were beautiful.
I would love to see a quiver episode :)
Her hand made bike are next level! 👌
Absolutely love this. What a brilliant person Isla is. Inspirational.
My kids have one each. Fantastic quality, very low weight (handy for when you inevitably have to carry them), mine take them everywhere as they prefer to ride instead of walk!
Thanks Simon , crew , and Isla ! What a remarkable person ! Thanks for showing , so many good people and new places !
This just underlines to me the importance of supporting local industry. Whether it’s bikes, spare parts, or maintenance. They are more often than not run by passionate (and hopefully slightly eccentric) people who live and breathe cycling.
You've got to be passionate to make great bikes like Isla. Community is everything 🙌
What an amazing and inspiring woman!
Thank you, Isla, for your work to better cycling - and you, @gcn for this incredible film! 🚴
Such a well-deserved and timely video, well done GCN. Getting a taste for the outdoors, building a sense of confidence and independence on two wheels and deriving all the benefits that entails, starts with having confidence in what you’re riding. Isla’s done more than her share for the environment into the bargain, helping fewer BSOs being slung into the waste stream - a well-built, well-equipped and thoughtfully-designed kids bike is much easier and more satisfying to maintain for parents, too. Isla deserves a mention in the next New Year’s Honours List, if the list is worth anything these days. From kids to adults with dwarfism, Isla’s work has transformed and improved lives.
This is such a good video. My brain was stretched. There was something to learn. Something to inspire. Someone to respect. Good work GCN 👍
Amazing story, what a legend
What an amazing and inspiring person! Thanks so much GCN for putting this doc together, and thank you Isla for everything you do.
We loved getting to speak to Isla 🙌
Really inspiring video and one of the best you guys have put out recently I think. I'm not at an age where I've had to think about buying childrens' bikes but I did once sell a pair of used Isla bikes as a favour for a neighbour and I remember being very impressed by how well-thought-out they felt. I can attest to their value on the second hand market!
What a lovely person and a great job by Si telling the story. After 40 years in and around the bike industry I have gotten a by cynical it's great to know people like Isla are still involved.
One of the best videos I have seen on gcn
Some heroes don't wear capes...
They wear great spectacles 👌
Triumphentfocals…
Everything is wonderful about this video.
Isla, first and foremost, but also the old images of her early mtb career, her stories, her genuine passion, Simon's sincere interest in her story, the footage of the ride, the workspace, the area surrounding it all. Truly wonderful.
What a wonderfully genuine and genuinely wonderful human being. Thank you.
I used to coach at a Go-Ride club in Lancaster, and loads of the kids had Islabikes - still do. They were _the_ bike to have, and our go-to when it came to answering parents' questions about recommendations. Isla came to speak at our AGM once, maybe 14 years ago. Shame they are no more, but I'm sure all the ones already out there will be passed from child to child for many years to come.
There are many more miles left for most of those bikes 🙌
Fantastic film about an absolute legend - really well done and inciteful!
I have two 2nd hand Islabikes in the shed with one Beinn 26 in gorgeous light-blue, still being ridden by my 12 yr old daughter, when I bought it my daughters only condition was not pink! It even feels nice when I test ride it even though its far too small for me!
One of the best films GCN has produced. What an inspirational and ethical trailblazer she is. Maximum respect ❤
Wow Isla is amazing what an inspiration.. a real life legend of the sport and someone who really has the drive to push cycling forward for everyone.. 😊 🚴🏻🚴♀️😊😍 Pete
I would like to say very inspirational this person Isla. Kudos to you. It’s very important to have people like you.
What an absolutely wonderful Video. Thank you Isla and Simon for a beautiful look back at Isla bikes, a company I stumbled on when looking for a bike that would last through my 4 children’s start at cycling, which it did. Thank you and please can we hear more from Isla in the future.
Incredible interview. Thanks Isla, Simon, and GCN.
My son always had an Islabike starting with the balance bike. They held their value which meant that as he grew we sold one on and got a bigger one for him. Living near Ludlow it was easy to pop into the workshop and pick the one that suited him. What a legend Isla is and I'm so glad to hear she's still lives around here enjoying our great trails. Thanks GCN for a great video👏
Soon as i seen that bob trailer i knew i liked this Lady straight away. Great video keepemcoming
Fantastic video about an incredible person. Thanks for continuing to make such good content.
My daughter had three of their bikes. She loved everyone, and I loved watching and riding with her, fantastic memories
She is a lucky girl! They are amazing bikes. 🙌
What an amazing person, rare to find people with such integrity. If she ever wrote a book, I would love to read it! Cycling has key figures, that really and truly love riding bicycles. Not many other industries/sports seem to have such devotion, and reverence.
Inspirational Woman. Thank you for sharing
Cycling is better for having her play a part in the community 🙌
A great video about a great person who started a great bike brand. A true inspiration. Our Beinn 20 has been a great bike to 3 kids. Will continue to be to many more. Thank you Isla! Thank you GCN.
This is the best, best sort of video, so inspiring, thank you Isla; and Simon, you exude "compassion" and "care" like a boss. Yes, a definite 'thumbs up'
Thanks Isla! You've done a fantastic job. And thank you too from my kids.
Are your kids still riding?
Isla is a great, loved the care and detail not only into the bikes but things like the most tidy workstations for building the bikes that I'd seen. Clever stuff, everything in the right place.
What a fantastic video about an extraordinarily ordinary woman whom very quietly and modestly changed an industry. More videos about people please rather than all tech and gizmos please.
Thank you Simon for a fascinating presentation - a truly remarkable woman and her devotion to designing really good childrens' bikes was ground breaking.
This is such a great video and story. As a yank, I've never heard of Islabikes. But I'm glad I know now! Thanks for bringing this to us GCN!
Bravo Isla. I wish i had you bikes when I was growing up. But I hope you have shaped the industry a bit and kids bikes will be safer going forward. But you did your part. And you are keeping many of those bikes alive for the next generation.
Thanks for introducing this to me, its right up my cycling street. I feel that the cycle industry has lost its way in terms of sustainability, compatibility and making good and very good bikes for ordinary people who want a tough, lightweight easy to use bike that isn't for racing.
Isla bikes are doing thing different ... and we love it!
When we were looking at bikes for our children we looked at both Isla and Frog specifically because of the child friendly but good quality design and also knowing they held their value so would help pay for the next size up. A great brand and Isla has certainly helped generations of children moving from BSOs to proper small bikes ideal for children.
They really are leaving a great legacy 👌
It is amazing to see, how much thoughts, love and effort she has put into the development of those bikes! Big thanks for sharing this story with us! 💕
Total appreciation for Isla, her phenomenal careers as a cyclist and bike maker. Being values driven has changed children's bike manufacturing. I have 3 grown up children aged 16-21, we bought 3 Islabikes from new about 16 to 17 yrs ago, then second hand Islabikes after that that. A couple of the bikes going to friends. I was sad to hear Islabikes closing. However this interview was great, and the legacy of Isla continues through the long life of her bikes and spare parts. Thank you Isla and GCN for the interview
Wow, what an extraordinary story. Congratulation. Not only parts, race and advertising but also interesting background information about people who have made outstanding contributions to our compulsion.
great video, I love seeing people without the proverbial "Proper Education" make and create some of the best businesses on the planet and have the best lives and life stories
What an inspiration. I empathise strongly with the struggle to find an ethical ‘end’ for a company. As an owner of six Islabikes over the years (only three were bought new) I can testify to their quality and will continue to order spare parts as long as we can keep the last two adult sized bikes on the road which I am sure will be many years. To see Isla packing spare parts makes me very happy. You should be so proud of what you have achieved. Thank you Isla.
What a gem of a video. Well done.
Thank you for a fantastic little video.
I usually like your videos but this one is very special. I did not know about Isla and her bikes but her story is definitely an extraordinary one. Thank you for bringing this story and congratulations to Isla. I am wishing her a great life and many superb rides with her bikes. Passion is everything!
You absolutely nailed it with this video. This type of content is what you should be doing rather than bodybuilding Vs cyclist and other nonsense. This is promoting cycling. Great story, great woman 👏
I was not aware of the existence of this a amazing person. Thanks Si and GCN for bringing this fascinating story.
Thanks Simon and GCN for this episode- what an important piece. Not just for those into bikes, but for a life lesson of whats still possible in modern society if you dont always take the easy money.
Isla what a complete legend. She’s the opposite of a sell out.
So pleased she took the decision she did to walk away to keep the integrity of her brand and didnt just take the money.
Chapeau.
I have never heard of Isla Rowntree before. Must be mostly known in the UK. Though well done doing so much for cycling.
This is great, if this is what being independent means I’m looking forward to more!
Almost more impressive than the whole Islabikes story is pedalling a single speed cargo bike with each day's batch of spare parts.
She's a strong strong rider!
Well done GCN team ❤ the overwhelming consensus is we love Isla and this video.
Thank you Isla for changing the bike industry just in time for my kids to enjoy cycling. We live in Romania and 9 years ago it was difficult to order new bikes here. I was lucky to find SH bikes, one ISLABIKE and one Frog bike for my kids. They loved them, and still love cycling. We owe you a lot!!!
She's literally changed lives 🙌
@@gcn Yes, very much so. I really appreciate the fact that she is not looking just for the highest profit. She is extraordinary! So many better kids bikes are now on the market after she showed everyone that we want bikes that the kids like to ride...
Isla, thank you for sharing your journey and your brand with us.
Simon, the care you and the team placed in readying this for the world is very apparent. Truly gifts that inspire and transcend. All the best.
Nothing better than getting a new bike when you're a kid 🙌
2:47 - simple innovation which helps so many, great stuff!
A shining light in, and for cycling. Thanks for sharing her story.
Excellent story telling and production. Just lovely!
Our kids grew up with Islabikes. Isla got it absolutely right. Wonderful lady, fantastic achievement. Chapeau and thank you.
An incredible story and Isla... what a legend!
Pure respect to Ms. Isla. What an exceptionally amazing person.
I loved this video/ A very big thank you to Isla for some lovely family memories. We had an Isla Trailerbike when our son was little (he is now 32!) It enabled us to continue our love of cycle touring holidays. The attachment to a pannier rack over the rear axle was really stable and my husband could still carry panniers enabling us to take all our camping gear. Sturmy archer gears meant he could add 'turbo power' when called for on the hills. He even used to go to sleep while we were riding along! Thank you Isla.
My son's first proper bike was an Islabike, it was amazing! It really got him off on the right foot with cycling. It's such a shame that they're no longer in the new bike business. But good on Isla - what a legend!
As someone who owned multiple islabikes, and still rides them to this day (yes, even as an adult) Islabikes is the best bike brand I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with.
The continual accessibility to parts is just a testament to this great company.
Great content. The sort of thing previously found on GCN+. Hope more like this after regaining control of GCN!
Nice piece guys! Isla is a legend. Have always respected her and always thought she looked so cool on her Zinn with campag group. I was also really fortunate to see the new old factory which had a great setup. I will one day have the courage to go up to her at an event and say thanks for all she has done for cycling. Chapeau!
@@caveboy9988 I know! I really liked her Zinn, would have bought one but their geometry was specifically designed for women back then 😭
What a great story! Well done Isla, Simon, and GCN!
Islabikes were/are a gamechanger. Our four children all learned on Islabikes and are now confident cyclists (well mostly!). Brilliant design, top quality and made the difference in wanting to go out. Well done Isla for turning your vision into reality and making our reality all the richer. Thank you!
What a wonderful lady, so clever and kind. We brought our son his first Isla CX bike in June, and he loves it. We will definitely be on the hunt for the next size up. Thank you, Isla, for making kids' bikes fun and easy to enjoy 😊
More videos like this please...
I almost didn’t watch this one, so glad I did, such an inspiring video, what incredible ethics, determination and love this woman has!
Thank you GCN for this video. I won't bore you with details but our kids grew up with and through the range of Islabikes, including the peerless tag-along. I would like to give my sincere thanks to Isla for the passion, skill, ingenuity - and so many other superlative qualities she put into her bikes.
Like many no doubt , I had wondered at the decision to cease trading, assuming that competition and the current climate in the bike industry were the cause. The actual explanation shows Isla's deep integrity and gives me renewed respect for this wonderful cycling icon. Thank you again Isla.
In a way her story is like the GCN story created sold on went side ways a bit and now back where it belongs with people who love cycling !!! Isla what a lovely lady and it’s a shame she could of not got someone she trusted to continue the brand but I totally understand where she is coming from