Rixe initially produced parts for other manufacturers.[1][2]
In 1923 they began producing their own line of bicycles under the name Rico and continued to use the Rico name until the end of 1924.[1][2]
In 1924 they trademarked the name “Rixe & Co” and produced their bicycle line under the Rixe name.[2]
In the 1950s through the mid-1960s, Earnest Reyersbach imported Rixe Bicycles to the United States through his company, Victoria Distributors in Lancaster, PA. [1][4] West Coast Cycle Supply Company in Los Angeles, California, also distributed Rixe Bicycles they purchased through Victoria Distributors.[4][1]
During this time, Rixe and Co was advertising 2 million sold the world over on their bicycles and their advertising.[8]
Also during this time, Rixe was involved in European and American bicycle racing. Ted Earnst, who later started Bicycle Super Mart-Manhattan Beach, CA, raced on Rixe bikes.[1]
While there is no published date to when Victoria Distributors stopped importing Rixe Bicycles to the United States, there was an ad for Rixe Bikes as late as January 1964 in the American Bicyclist Magazine. [1][4]
In 1935, Rixe and Co started producing small motorcycles. In the beginning, they consisted of a bicycle frame with a 98cc Fichtel & Sachs engine attached above the pedals.[2]
Rixe motorized division began to see success with the introduction of models using the Fichtel and Sachs engine, the Saxonette, a motor that was attached to the rear wheel.[2]
In December 1939, Rixe & Co stopped producing bicycles and motorized two wheelers to produce materials for World War II.[1][2]
In 1948, motorized two wheel production resumed.[9] Post-war the need for affordable transportation was great. Rixe utilized the more affordable 2 stroke engine technology and produced mopeds and small motorcycles using Fichtel and Sachs and ILO engines with displacements of 47 cc (2.9 cu in) and 98 cc (6.0 cu in), 150cc (9 cu in), and the range topping 250 cc (15 cu in).[10][11]
Production of mopeds and small motorcycles continued until Rixe & Co declared bankruptcy and closed their doors in 1984.[3]