Leader 96: A turbulent year in review

Leader 96: A turbulent year in review

The year 2022 has been a milestone for Leader 96 Ltd, one of the largest e-bike manufacturers in Eastern Europe, with over a quarter of a century of experience in production and distribution of bicycles, exporting to Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, and others. Rebranding, new factory and corporate acquisition are just a few examples of the changes that occurred in the last twelve months.

Corporate rebranding with focus on people and quality

For the last two years, Leader 96 has experienced three-digit percentage growth and decided to make the best of it. In the beginning of 2022, Leader announced its rebranding and the result of it can be seen in the corporate outlook, products, and attitude. The rebranding is a serious step that companies usually undertake when they want to make a point. The point here is clear: Leader has become a renowned and respected partner and is now aiming higher – to become a name in the e-mobility business through modernization, effective supply chain management and strict quality control to cover the requirements of the ever-growing number of customers.

Production and warehouse facilities

The company continuously invests in production and warehouse facilities, totalling more than 40,000 sq. m., including painting shop, wheel production, engineering, internal bicycle testing laboratory and training center. With 9 production lines, the factory capacity has reached 250,000 e-bikes per year, all according to European Quality Standards.

Spectacular return to Eurobike

Leader’s participation at Eurobike 2022 in Frankfurt has been much anticipated as unique opportunity to present the new rebranded look of the company and the modern collection of e-bikes that its R&D specialists developed. The spectacular design on a booth area of 120 sq.m., with integrated ride track and illuminated platforms, undoubtedly attracted the eyes of visitors.

New investment project for Leader 96

During Eurobike, Leader 96 unveiled its new investment project: a modern factory for high-end e-bikes built on 25,000 sq.m. of total 47,000 sq.m. area, integrated eco-systems, and 300 employees. The facility will open in early 2023 and the expectations are high. It promises a one-of-a-kind process organisation model, ensuring lean, agile, and cost-effective workflow. With no operational stock and fully integrated Quality Assessment, the factory will be highly progressive in terms of supporting the operators, leading to a production capacity of over 250,000 e-bikes per year.

Corporate acquisition

The other news came directly from the business world: the Rohatyn Group, a global asset management firm, announced in the beginning of July that it has completed the acquisition of electric bicycles producer Leader 96 from KJK Capital. The ownership will allow Leader to rapidly accelerate its e-bike production and broaden its product offering to address burgeoning demand from customers across Europe. Founded in 2002, The Rohatyn Group is focused on emerging markets and real assets, headquartered in New York, with a global presence in the US, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia.

Leader 96 e-bike models

While ardently working on all existing e-bike product lines, the company is busy offering models oriented specifically towards urban environment, with variety of looks, technical characteristics and overall performance. The city, trekking and folding e-bikes are inspired by urban life and make travelling across the city effortless.

The MTB models are equipped with full suspension or hard tail, comfortable and versatile in wheel standard options. The battery capacity ranges from 400 to 625Wh and the integrated motor is overwhelmingly central, using a Bosch or Ananda system. The new frames are carefully selected, with outstanding designs, and combined with high-quality components from approved suppliers.

All models are easily customised and monitored on every step of the development. Here are three featured Leader models, all being on the top of their game.

Wild Fully 10

No matter how rugged the road gets, Wild Fully 10 is always reliant and empowering. This original model is part of the new collection, which is developed to deliver the impeccable e-performance and high riding value. The amazing geometry of the frame is combined with SR Suntour fork, XCR 34 Boost travel and air shock, finely tuned to fit in a perfect composition. The e-bike is equipped with Shimano Deore 10 speed system, widely tested and customer approved, while the Shimano hydraulic brakes ensure seamless control and poise on the road.

E-SUV H

E-SUV H is a premium power package for cyclists, with aesthetic lines and selected durable components. The smooth shifting Shimano Deore 11 gear and the hydraulic disc brakes make travelling and everyday use safe and pleasurable. The models are equipped with Bosch Intuvia LED display, comfortably placed in the center of the handlebar, right before the eyes. SUV makes electrically assisted cycling a real fun!

The Motion 7 City.
The Motion 7 City.

Motion 7 City

Motion 7 City is a unisex city model, finely equipped for excellent urban performance. The ergonomic frame, with 28” wheels, perfectly matches the selected Zoom suspension fork. The integrated battery is economic type 400Wh and is combined with Bosch Active Line Gen3 motor. Shimano speed system Nexus 7 Coaster and Magura hydraulic brakes ensures optimal support in various landscapes and sceneries.

Hybrid

Universal, ultra-comfortable, and steady, Hybrid is a new generation urban e-bike, suitable for commuting and street-riding. The model is equipped with the newest Ananda mid motor M81 and a lasting integrated 11Ah battery that provide highly functional assistance.

Reliable Shimano hydraulic brakes and Shimano Sora 9-speed system ensure confidence and impeccable performance. The adjustable seat Selle Royal Hertz and tyres Schwalbe Big Apple promise extra-comfort and maximum ease of handling. Hybrid is friendly, easy-going, and elegant enough to ride across the city and beyond.

This article is sponsored by Leader96