Jan-Willem van Schaik

Over the years, but consistently, belt drives have made their entry into the e-bike and bicycle market. Last year alone, Gates sold one million bicycle belts globally, demonstrating the increasing adoption of belt drive technology worldwide. What gave reason for this transition in drive systems? "The bicycle is becoming a more practical form of everyday transportation, and riders increasingly expect the same reliability and ease of use they receive from other mobility products," says Chris Sugai, General Manager, Mobility Business Unit at Gates Belt Drives.

Campagnolo can enter the next phase of reorganisation after receiving a minority stake from the Swiss investment company SPAC SA. The Campagnolo family will retain control and majority ownership. This follows the execution of an investment agreement with Campagnolo's existing quotaholders.

The move back to the June/July time window for Eurobike 2027, as Bike Europe reported last week, was only part of the new show concept Fairnamic developed. CEO Philipp Ferger and show director Matthias Pietsch have now explained what they learned from the previous show and how they implemented that in the 2027 edition. In a new turnaround, "the date and the rhythm of Eurobike had to be reviewed," they said.

The appointment as President of Shimano Europe Group was like coming home for Fabio Takayanagi. At the start of his career at the Japanese component manufacturer in 2006, he was assigned to Shimano Europe, based in the Netherlands. He stayed here for one year to gain experience in the bicycle business. Since then, he has travelled the world for Shimano before coming back to Europe. A brief introduction of this industry insider and his view on the European market.

As FSA Europe celebrates its 25th anniversary, the company reflects on a quarter-century of innovation and partnership within the cycling industry. According to Claudio Marra, Global Vice President of FSA-Vision, the anniversary is an important milestone that underlines the relevance of the European organisation and its long-term commitment to supporting bicycle and e-bike manufacturers with high-quality components and engineering expertise.

No less than 10,000 e-bikes and e-scooters seized in the course of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) investigation Calypso have been auctioned at bargain prices. According to EPPO, the sale generated €1.85 million, a small part of the financial effects from the ongoing investigation. "This is not what we want, and we would rather have them scrapped," said an EBMA spokesperson representing the European bicycle industry.

Giant Group has announced the acquisition of approximately 36% of D.Mag (Kunshan) New Material Technology Co., Ltd. for RMB 597 million (€ 76 million) raising its consolidated stake from 60.39% to 96.63% upon completion. D.Mag is a manufacturing subsidiary of Giant Group and the Samoa-registered investment firm, United King Limited.

Eurobike is still adjusting its future concept for the international trade show. Ahead of the official presentation next week, exhibitors have already received a letter from Messe Frankfurt including the show's 2027 dates.

The next generation will spearhead SunRace Sturmey-Archer's strategic restructuring now founder Tony Hsu has handed over the chairmanship to his daughter, Sandy Hsu. The Board of Directors unanimously approved her appointment, marking a pivotal leadership transition for the 54-year-old company.

For Fundracer Partner René Wiertz, the next decade will not simply be about selling more bicycles; it will be about making two-wheel mobility dramatically safer, smarter and more connected. "Those companies enabling that transformation are likely to create the greatest long-term value," says Wiertz. Bike Europe asked him about the market outlook from the perspective of an investment fund manager.