THE HISTORY OF MONARK EXERCISE
Monark Exercise has its roots in Swedish bicycle manufacturing, with Monark in Varberg dating back to 1908 and Kroon in Vansbro to 1910.
During the 1950s, Dr W. von Döbeln developed a method for accurately determining the braking power of a cycle ergometer. At around the same time, Per-Olof Åstrand at GIH was working on the development of the ergometer and its use in physiological testing.
Shortly afterwards, Monark was asked to produce the pendulum ergometer. In 1954, the first Monark ergometer with the pendulum weight system was produced, a principle that is still used in many of our ergometers today.
Over time, the development of ergometers became an increasingly important part of Monark’s business. Since 1995, Monark ergometers have been manufactured in Vansbro, and Monark Exercise AB was established the following year.
Today, Monark Exercise is fully focused on ergometer bikes and testing equipment for performance, health, research and rehabilitation.
Our history began even earlier, at the historic Kroon bicycle factory in 1908 in Vansbro, Dalarna. From Kroon, we have inherited a tradition of robust, high-quality bicycles that lives on to this day. Quality that has been with us throughout the years.
KROON IN VANSBRO
In 1910, the Kroon bicycle factory was founded in Vansbro, Dalarna. This marked the beginning of a long tradition of Swedish bicycle manufacturing, focused on robust construction and quality.
Vansbro would later become the home of Monark ergometer production.
MONARK AND THE ERGOMETER
During the 1950s, Dr W. von Döbeln developed a method for accurately determining the braking power of a cycle ergometer. At the same time, Per-Olof Åstrand and GIH were working with physiological testing and the development of the ergometer as a testing tool.
Monark was then asked to produce the pendulum ergometer, and in 1954 the first Monark ergometer with the pendulum weight system was produced.
The principle became an important part of Monark’s continued development of ergometers and is still used in our products today.
MONARK EXERCISE IN VANSBRO
In 1995, production of Monark ergometers moved to Vansbro. The following year, Monark Exercise AB was established.
Vansbro became the centre for the development and production of Monark professional ergometers.
Since then, the business has continued to develop with new models, control systems and applications.
ERGOMETERS IN FOCUS
Over the years, Monark Exercise has also included Monark Cargo, bicycle service and the distribution of Bianchi.
In 2025, the business was streamlined when Monark Cargo and bicycle service left Monark Exercise.
Since then, the company has been fully focused on ergometers and professional testing equipment for performance, health and rehabilitation.
MONARK EXERCISE TODAY
Today, Monark Exercise develops and manufactures professional ergometers in Vansbro for use in sports, medicine, research and rehabilitation.
Technology has developed significantly since the first Monark ergometer in 1954, with modern control systems, digital solutions and new connectivity options.
At the same time, the fundamental measurement principle remains in our products.
HERITAGE
Monark Exercise has more than 70 years of experience in ergometers, with roots in Swedish bicycle manufacturing and physiological research.
From the first Monark ergometers in the 1950s to today’s operations in Vansbro, generations of experience have shaped who we are today.
SUSTAINABILITY
For us, sustainability is about taking responsibility over time.
Our ergometers are manufactured in Vansbro with a focus on robust construction, long service life and good access to service, repair and spare parts.
We also work closely with local and Swedish suppliers whenever possible.
The result is products developed for long-term professional use and designed to remain in operation for many years.
QUALITY
Quality is part of everything we do at Monark Exercise.
It runs through the entire business, from development and manufacturing to service, support and customer care.
Our products are designed to be robust, easy to use and to deliver reliable results with high precision and measurement reliability.
For us, quality means creating products and relationships that stand the test of time.