Editorial department Contentmarketing

For many years, designing bicycles has mostly been about function. However, in times when the bicycle is increasingly used for daily trips and also increasingly replacing the car as a status symbol, this has changed. How high the demands on bicycle design have become, is shown in a look behind the scenes at the Dutch company VROEGH Design, an agency that is responsible for the design and engineering of several very successful bicycle brands. A look that reveals astonishing parallels to the automotive industry.

While the global economy continues to be in turmoil and uncertainty, more and more bicycle brands put their supply chains to the test. With its headquarter in the heart of Europe, the German company Akku Vision shows that nearshoring is not only an option for the production of complex bike parts but also can help e-bike manufacturers to increase the efficiency of their supply chain management.

With its fully scalable vehicle platform for 4-wheel cargo and family e-bikes, Norwegian-German vehicle manufacturer, CityQ, wants to change the future of urban mobility. A crucial basis for the new project's success is South Korean tier-1 automotive supplier, Mando, and its new chainless drive system Mando Pedalrite.

Leader Fox used the summer vacation time to innovate its facilities. During the production break, the production line was completely replaced. The Czech manufacturer also started a new partnership with Panasonic. Vít Šatný - director of Bohemia, owner of the Leader Fox brand - spoke to us about the recent changes and their partnership with motor manufacturer Bafang.

Fifteen years after introducing its bicycle belts in Europe, Gates is preparing for the next 15 years of growth by increasing belt production in Europe and opening a new factory in Turkey to support the European market. Hands-on engineering support, new technical resources, and sustainability are the focus of the company, explains Joe Menzel, Vice President and General Manager, Gates Global Mobility.

A key element for the success of German company, Akku Vision, a leading e-bike battery producer, is the high standards maintained when it comes to the functional safety of its products.

2022's edition of Eurobike is over but innovations are far from over for Leader 96. The event was an opportunity to present the company's new rebranded look and its modern collection of e-bikes. The spectacular design of the 120 square meter booth area, with integrated ride track and illuminated platforms, presented the last additions to the portfolio in 4 basic lines - MTB, CTB, Trekking, and Folding.

Just like the smartphone in the mobile phone market, the smartbike is a growing segment on the e-bike market. Brands, bike makers, and engine manufacturers who are moving in this direction have understood that connectivity is a source of opportunity, going far beyond geolocation features. An interview with Pierre Regnier, CEO of Velco.

Mando's new series hybrid drive system, the Mando Pedalrite, gives electric vehicles and e-cargo bikes a technological edge. An example is the collaboration with the Spanish company Scoobic. Consumers order more products online and expect faster deliveries - there has never been a time of greater change for the 'last mile' than now. The demand for e-commerce delivery will result in more delivery vehicles in inner cities, leading to a rise in both emissions and traffic congestion without effective intervention. This is one of several reasons why Mando Corporation made its grand entry into the bicycle industry 10 years ago.

The Belgium-based helmet company Lazer has created the world's first fully integrated rotational-impact technology: KinetiCore.