Jan-Willem van Schaik

ÁGUEDA, Portugal - 'Present and Future' is the theme of the international conference focused on the two-wheel sector next week on Wednesday, 28 May. Organised by ABIMOTA's Bike Value Innovation Centre Association, the one-day conference will highlight key industry innovations in Portugal as well as market developments in major European countries.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Astro-Tech's unveiling of its new thermoplastic-pressed bicycle frame at Taipei Cycle Show gave attendees a glimpse at the manufacturing feat, but did not fully reveal the characteristics of the product. To produce it, thermoplastic material is heated to a pliable state, formed under high pressure and then cooled to set the shape.

MALLABIA, Spain - The sector has once again experienced an extremely unstable period where excess supply and the search for liquidity forced brands to make widespread discounts, critically deteriorating margins, writes Orbea in its annual report. For Orbea the market situation resulted in an 8% decrease in turnover.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - The bicycle industry is starting to gain some traction again after two years of standstill. Taiwan's manufacturers are now starting to report increased earnings for the first quarter of this year. Profit margins remain under pressure, suggesting that OEMs are making significant efforts to revive market activity.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Giant Group made a remarkably good start to the year with a year-on-year consolidated revenue increase of 4.9% to NT$16.85 billion (€496 million). According to the Giant Board of Directors, this growth can be attributed to a significant rebound in OEM orders.

FRANKFURT, Germany - Recent statements from well-known exhibitors that they will skip Eurobike 2025 raised discussions on the position of the biggest show in the industry. "We attract more and more companies from other industries and newcomers to the exhibition grounds," confirms Eurobike show organiser Fairnamic in the run-up to the 33rd edition.

BAUNACH, Germany - Messingschlager GmbH & Co. KG has appointed Christoph Bantle and Toni Messingschlager to its executive management. This is part of the company's strategic realignment to place an even stronger focus on the needs of manufacturers and wholesalers in the bicycle industry.

ARDOOIE, Belgium - Combining customisation, design and advice in a technical solution is probably the best way to describe how this Belgium component manufacturer is positioned on the market. For Curana, 2024 was more than challenging - and not only because of the market situation.

EINDHOVEN, the Netherlands - Increasing competition, shifting retailer priorities, and supply chain challenges influenced Shimano Europe's decision to discontinue its custom clothing brand, Milremo and to streamline its regular apparel collection. The production and shipment of the Shimano autumn-winter 2025 collection will proceed as planned, while Milremo customers will have the opportunity to place one final order for their custom clothing before operations cease.

PUNE, India - To expand its reach into mobility products, Indian suspension product manufacturer Gabriel is planning to enter Europe's bike market offering innovative fork and rear shock solutions.