Jan-Willem van Schaik

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Cycling as a lever for economic growth was the key message of the CIE 2024 Summit on October 2, organised by Cycling Industries Europe in partnership with the Benelux Union. Over 200 attendees discussed a blueprint for cycling industry policies heeding the EU Declaration on Cycling's call for the 'development of a world class cycling industry'.

OSAKA, Japan - To hit back on e-bike drive system suppliers who overshadow Shimano's leading market position, the component manufacturer will start mass production of its AI-integrated drive train system Q'Auto. Launched as a concept at Eurobike 2023, the first bikes featuring this system will be on the market soon. CEO Yozo Shimano explains the business decision to take this step forward.

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - Support from Pon.Bike makes it possible for Ziemi to venture its innovative bicycle lighting system into international markets. Pon.Bike is, among others, the largest of seven parties that recently participated in an investment round raising €300,000.

ROMILLY SUR SEINE, France - The operation of Cycleurope Group and Grimaldi Industri AB in France will be taken-over by the Rebirth Holding SAS as of 7 October. In a short announcement Cycleurope reports the transfer of 100% ownership to Rebirth Holding SAS for an undisclosed amount.

HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands - Accell Group reached an agreement with a majority of its financial stakeholders and could improve its financial position. The transaction will lead to a reduction of Accell Group's debt by approximately €600 million, or around 40% of the total debt, from approximately €1.4 billion.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - The lack of one central organiser of Taichung Bike Week might turn out to become the biggest hurdle for the event to overcome the current problems in the bicycle industry. Three hotels in Taichung's business district open up their rooms and banquet halls for exhibitors who invite their customers to come over. For the rest it is wait and see. This means a solid foundation and future vision for TBW are lacking.

TAINAN, Taiwan - For Kind Shock the LEV Circuit wireless dropper seat post, presented at Eurobike, is a game-changer. It eliminates the need for cables and internal routing, streamlining bike design and reducing maintenance.

MEINERZHAGEN, Germany - It was announced as a revolution in bicycle headlights by Busch+Müller: the Briq-XL reacts to the lean of the handlebar in a progressive sequence to provide a magnificent illumination of the bend while riding the curve.

LONDON, UK - Award-winning e-bike brand Gocycle has started a crowdfunding campaign to launch its new range of urban folding bikes. Founder and CEO of Gocycle owner Karbon Kinetics Ltd Richard Thorpe explains why he turned to this tentative way of funding, having founded the company already in 2002. "Institutional capital has fled most industries including bike companies, as well as small innovators like Gocycle."

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - The slow start of the annual Taichung Bike Week reflects the overall mood in the market. The inventory situation is still delaying product innovations and the development of new models. Over the past years the market has moved away from the annual model year cycles. All of this combined makes attending an annual sourcing show like Taichung Bike Week less relevant for product managers.