Namibia has reached another milestone in innovation with the unveiling of what is believed to be Africa’s first 32-inch gravel bicycle, a locally designed and hand-built machine that is drawing international attention for its engineering and craftsmanship.
The bicycle, produced by Onguza Bicycles in Omaruru, was developed for Namibian endurance cyclist Martin Freyer with the support of King Price Insurance Namibia.
It was officially launched in Windhoek by Onguza founder and two-time Olympian Dan Craven, alongside King Price Namibia Chief Executive Officer Braam Vermeulen. Featuring oversized 32-inch wheels and a handcrafted steel frame, the bicycle was designed specifically to tackle Namibia’s rugged gravel roads.
Craven explained that the larger wheels roll more efficiently over corrugated surfaces, potholes and loose gravel, offering riders greater comfort and control on long-distance rides. For Craven, who represented Namibia at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the project is about far more than cycling.
“We take raw metal tubes and turn them into bicycles that are desired by name in places such as London, New York and Amsterdam,” he said during the launch. Each bicycle is individually handcrafted at Onguza’s Omaruru workshop by master frame builders Sakaria Nkolo and Petrus Mufenge, using premium Columbus steel tubing.
Every frame is carefully cut, brazed, painted and inspected before leaving the workshop, showcasing the skill and precision of Namibian artisans. Founded in 2017, Onguza has grown into an internationally recognised bicycle manufacturer, exporting its products to Europe and North America.
Earlier this year, its Bliksem gravel bicycle was named Best Bicycle at the prestigious 2026 Monocle Design Awards, further cementing the company’s global reputation. Onguza bicycles have also proved themselves in competition.
Namibian Olympian Alex Miller rode one to victory at South Africa’s 2023 Race to the Sun, while Martin Freyer won the demanding 2022 Munga ultra-endurance race on another Onguza-built bicycle.
King Price Namibia said its partnership reflects its commitment to supporting home-grown innovation, while the Namibia Cycling Federation praised Craven for transforming his international sporting career into a successful manufacturing business.
The launch not only introduces a groundbreaking bicycle to the African cycling market but also demonstrates Namibia’s growing ability to design, manufacture and export world-class products. “If we can build bicycles in Omaruru and sell them in London and New York City,” Craven said, “what else can we do in this country?”
By Rudi Bowe
