Founded in 2004 and spearheaded by Naren International—a Government of India-recognized export house headquartered in Ludhiana—Suncross Bikes has carved a formidable presence in India’s premium bicycle segment. Over the years, the brand has earned accolades for its uncompromising commitment to quality, relentless innovation, and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction.
Suncross offers an extensive portfolio of bicycles, including Hard Tail MTBs, Full Suspension Bikes, Hybrid Bikes, DTBs, City MTBs, and Trekking series, along with an impressive range for children. Each model reflects a meticulous design ethos, emphasizing ergonomic frame geometry, saddles, and handlebars to deliver a smooth and comfortable riding experience. Furthermore, many variants come equipped with front or full suspension systems, ensuring enhanced control and ride quality across rugged terrains and off-road trails.
Visually appealing and functionally superior, Suncross bicycles come in a spectrum of vibrant designs and colours, catering to diverse age groups and rider preferences. Built with top-tier components sourced from globally trusted brands, these bikes combine reliability, performance, and durability. Despite their premium-grade features, Suncross strikes a fine balance between quality and affordability, offering exceptional value for money. To elevate the ownership experience, the brand backs its products with robust after-sales support and dependable maintenance services.
Quality remains non-negotiable. The company adheres to rigorous international standards such as EN-14766 and EN-14764, enforced through an expert engineering team and cutting-edge R&D processes. On the global front, Suncross maintains a strategic sourcing presence in the Far East—spanning China, Taiwan, and Vietnam—to procure high-quality parts and accessories that meet evolving global expectations. Notably, Suncross holds the official licensing rights to the iconic Raleigh brand in India, further cementing its leadership in the segment.
At RideAsia, in an exclusive dialogue with The Interview World, Rajesh Kalra, CEO of Suncross Bikes, shared his bold vision for the future. He unveiled the strategic relaunch of Raleigh bicycles in India, elaborated on the unique differentiators that set Suncross apart, and emphasized his firm belief in prioritizing quality over low-cost competition. Kalra also shed light on emerging export avenues and the broader growth potential of India’s bicycle industry.
Here are the key takeaways from this compelling conversation.
Q: How has Raleigh, as India’s oldest bicycle brand, evolved over the years to meet changing consumer aspirations and expectations?
A: We reintroduced Raleigh to the Indian market in 2010, bringing the iconic brand back from the UK after its earlier operations had shut down. Since then, we’ve been proudly manufacturing bicycles under the Raleigh name, consistently upholding its legacy of excellence. Today, Raleigh stands as one of the most sought-after international bicycle brands in India—renowned for its cutting-edge specifications, superior build quality, and unmatched value for money.
Q: How do the features and amenities offered in your bicycles differentiate them from other products in the same market segment?
A: At their core, bicycles serve the same function. However, the key difference lies in their specifications. Each model—whether entry-level, mid-range, or high-end—comes with distinct features tailored to its category. Accordingly, we select components that align precisely with the performance expectations of each segment.
Q: How are you ensuring that your bicycles remain affordable and accessible to a wide range of Indian customers?
A: We don’t produce substandard or scrap products like many others in the market. First and foremost, brands like Raleigh and Suncross stand far above that category. Our commitment to quality defines us. As a trusted export house, we supply premium bicycles to Europe and beyond.
Today, our presence spans over 30 countries. This global reach stems from one core reason—uncompromising quality. Customers consistently value our exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, which continue to set us apart on the international stage.
Q: Could you provide detailed insights into your bicycle export landscape, including key markets, export volumes, and recent growth trends?
A: Europe is our primary market, and it remains our largest. We are experiencing rapid expansion there, with growth accelerating steadily. Following the recent US tariffs, we anticipate an influx of business shifting towards India. This presents a significant opportunity for us to capitalize on and further boost our operations in India.
Q: How do you perceive the current growth trajectory of the Indian bicycle industry, considering recent market trends and future projections?
A: COVID-19 catapulted the bicycle industry to the forefront, making it one of the top sectors globally. However, this surge was followed by a notable decline as many overstocked goods for the long term, leading to a market crash. Despite this setback, the industry is steadily recovering.
In most countries, inventories are depleting, yet Europe remains under pressure, with some regions still burdened by excess stock. This shift has driven an increase in exports from India. Technological advancements have played a significant role, with substantial investments pouring into factory upgrades.
We have made considerable investments in cutting-edge technology. Our machinery, sourced from Europe, Taiwan, and China, positions us as a leader in this space.
