Jan-Willem van Schaik

CHICAGO, USA - Not for the first time, it is hinted that components manufacturer SRAM has developed an e-bike drive system. The American's have a sort of love-hate relationship with electric drive systems. After each attempt to enter the market, they went back to their roots. However, the rapidly growing e-MTB market in the US has changed this situation drastically.

FRANKFURT, Germany - The relocation of the biggest industry show from Friedrichshafen to Frankfurt am Main will bring major changes to the event. What will it look like after so many years at Messe Friedrichshafen? Eurobike show manager Stefan Reisinger and his team gave an inside look.

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - Pon Holdings has announced that Peter Woods is step down as President and CEO of the recently acquired Dorel Sports. The decision is in mutual agreement and effectively immediately.

MUNICH, Germany - Automotive manufacturer Porsche has made a next step into the e-bike industry. The Bavarian company secured a 20% minority share in compact e-bike drive train manufacturer Fazua. Via a new strategic partnership, Pon Holding's investment company Poonoc is involved in this investment.

OSAKA, Japan - Increased production capacities in factories in Japan in combination with a booming cycling market, made 2021 a best-ever year for Shimano in both turn-over and profit. Shimano also notes that the economic outlook for 2022 and the electronic components shortages might impact the industry.

KOPRIVNICE, Czech Republic - Shimano components for the production of 10,000 bicycles have been stolen during transport from Germany to Czech-based manufacturer Bike Fun International. The truck driver was sent to sleep by gas in a parking lot whilst the important Shimano parts were stolen.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Micro fuel cell company myFC has signed an agreement for the development and integration of their technology in e-bikes with a global leader in bicycle and e-bike systems from Japan. myFC is not willing to disclose the name of their partner.

ARNHEM, the Netherlands - The announcement last week that Specialized starts to offer online bicycle and e-bike sales and distribute directly to the consumer was to be expected. The question was: when will the American brand decide to launch this new service and why then? Koos de Boer, of Specialized Europe explains.

AMSTELVEEN, the Netherlands - The average retail price for e-bikes increased between 4% and 12.5% last year in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. The annual GfK E-bike Monitor 2021 shows that a growing number of consumers are interested in buying more premium bikes.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The e-bike brand Cowboy has announced a €71 million Series C financing milestone. This new capital injection, bringing the total raised by Cowboy to €107 million, will provide the Belgian company the funds to focus on its 2022 growth themes: 'product design, on-demand services, fitness and customer delight.'