ALLEGRO – SWISS CYCLING CULTURE SINCE 1914
Founded in 1914 by racing cyclist and four-time Swiss champion Arnold Grandjean, Allegro was the first producer of racing bicycles in Switzerland. The company began in a small workshop in Fleurier before moving its production facilities to Neuchâtel in 1923.
The brand name “Allegro” originated from the enthusiastic cheers of Grandjean’s fans: “Allez, Gros!” Together with his brothers Ali, Ulysse and Tell, as well as a business partner, Grandjean developed the company into Switzerland’s leading two-wheel manufacturer. By 1939, Allegro had become the country’s largest producer of bicycles and motorcycles. Around 200 employees manufactured more than 20,000 vehicles each year, supported by over 500 retail representatives. One of them, Daniel Grandjean, later opened his own Allegro store in Couvet.
Despite the challenges of the Second World War, the company managed to remain stable and continue its growth.
The Grandjean family remained closely connected to the brand: in 1957, another production facility was opened in Marin. Tell Grandjean, one of the brothers, also competed in motorcycle races on Allegro machines – often riding sidecar races together with his wife.
Allegro remained an independent company until the 1980s, when the brand was acquired by bicycle manufacturer Mondia. In 2014, Zurich-based Colag AG acquired the trademark rights and brought Allegro into the modern era with a new design language and electric drive technology.
Today, Allegro is part of the TVS Group – and more than ever stands for innovative, sustainable mobility deeply rooted in Swiss cycling culture.
The brand name “Allegro” originated from the enthusiastic cheers of Grandjean’s fans: “Allez, Gros!” Together with his brothers Ali, Ulysse and Tell, as well as a business partner, Grandjean developed the company into Switzerland’s leading two-wheel manufacturer. By 1939, Allegro had become the country’s largest producer of bicycles and motorcycles. Around 200 employees manufactured more than 20,000 vehicles each year, supported by over 500 retail representatives. One of them, Daniel Grandjean, later opened his own Allegro store in Couvet.
Despite the challenges of the Second World War, the company managed to remain stable and continue its growth.
The Grandjean family remained closely connected to the brand: in 1957, another production facility was opened in Marin. Tell Grandjean, one of the brothers, also competed in motorcycle races on Allegro machines – often riding sidecar races together with his wife.
Allegro remained an independent company until the 1980s, when the brand was acquired by bicycle manufacturer Mondia. In 2014, Zurich-based Colag AG acquired the trademark rights and brought Allegro into the modern era with a new design language and electric drive technology.
Today, Allegro is part of the TVS Group – and more than ever stands for innovative, sustainable mobility deeply rooted in Swiss cycling culture.