Jan-Willem van Schaik

TOKYO, Japan - After 40 years since its first introduction, the Shimano 105 group set is receiving the ultimate upgrade with a move to Di2 electronic shifting technology. This introduction not only delivers Di2 to an entirely new range of riders, but also offers Shimano's flagship 12-speed, wireless shifting with easy operation and increased reliability.

TALLINN, Estonia - After making Comodule successful as supplier for e-bikes and scooters with connectivity systems, CEO and co-founder Kristjan Maruste is handing over the CEO role to Teet Praks, also co-founder of Comodule.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - In March 2023 the physical edition of the Int'l Taipei Cycle Show will open its door again, organiser TAITRA has announced. As the world is gradually lifting its travel restrictions and co-existing with COVID-19, TAITRA expects more international visitors to attend the show.

BEVERWIJK, the Netherlands - Optima Cycles has taken the production of its Dutch ID e-bike line to a higher level with the introduction of an all-new assembly line. "In order to guarantee our quality and innovation, production optimising is a constant process," explains COO Michiel Dreef. "The implementation of the Marchetti Airline is an important step in that process."

HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands - The initial offer of the KKR-led consortium for the Accell Group's share was not welcomed by all parties involved. Especially the smaller shareholders were not content and felt being put under pressure to register their shares anyway. Now KKR will start legal buy-out proceedings in order to obtain 100% of the shares.

LONDON, UK - To facilitate its European expansion, insurance company Laka has secured additional funding from Porsche Ventures, the venture capital unit of Porsche AG. This brings its Series A, led by Autotech Ventures and by Ponooc, who has close ties to Pon, and ABN AMRO, to €12.7 million.

REDDITCH, UK - After significant increases in e-bike and bicycle sales volumes last year, Halfords UK gave a clear indication that rising inflation and the cost of living will impact this year's demand. Still Halfords UK remains confident on the longer-term outlook for bikes as government infrastructure and climate needs necessitate greener modes of transport.

HINCKLEY, UK - Clarks focus on the OEM marketplace throughout 2020 and 2021, has delivered a successful programme of expansion and in turn accelerated company growth. "The success of our OEM sales in the UK, Europe, Taiwan and China is built upon a JIT programme which delivers quality products, efficiently and at speed, despite the problems caused by the pandemic, allowing us to forge partnerships with over 300 cycle brands across the globe," Clarks reports.

SUZHOU, China - Bafang introduces its new 3-speed automatic gear hub. This intelligent-acting hub takes over the manual process of changing gears in accordance with the speed. Weighing only 1.7 kg, this 80Nm hub can be supported by both chain- and belt-driven motors.

TALLINN, Estonia - The recent initial public offering on the Baltic First North market gave room for expansion of the Estonia cargo-bike manufacturer Hagen Bikes, also known as KP Cyclery. Recently the company launched three new models and expanded to Germany and France.