Rosie Burgin

GIRONA, Spain - Rotor Bike Components has launched new wireless electronic groupsets for gravel and MTBs. Known for its high-end components, the Spanish company is adopting a different course with the new product range named Rotor Uno. "With Rotor Uno, we are aiming to challenge the status quo of the mainstream market," confirmed Rotor CEO Jose Garcia Alegre during the launch at this year's Sea Otter Europe.

GLIWICE, Poland - EMBS assembles several million battery packs a year for a multitude of applications from its location in Poland. Having recently transferred in ownership from UK chemical conglomerate Johnson Matthey to German company Prettl Group, the battery manufacturer has a renewed focus on expanding its e-bike battery customer base in Europe.

ZEIST, The Netherlands - The international bicycle industry, once heralded as a long-term growth story thanks to the e-bike boom, now finds itself grappling with uncertainty. Tariffs, shifting trade flows, regulatory ambiguity and fragile consumer demand are reshaping strategies across the value chain. In Bike Europe's Industry Insider series, four leading manufacturers — Bosch eBike Systems, Schwalbe, Bafang and Velo —paint a picture of an industry both challenged and transformed, where resilience increasingly depends on innovation and adaptability.

VALAIS, Switzerland - "We want to disrupt." That is the clear goal of the new project by ex-Stromer co-CEO Tomi Viiala. Joining forces with an elite set of partners, he is launching a new brand, Viiala, to push the current boundaries of innovation within the bicycle industry. The e-bike and speed-pedelec range hitting the market in 2028 will have a price tag to match its space-based technology and watch-industry backing. Is the bicycle industry ready for a giant leap?

Źródła, Poland - From their shared base on the outskirts of Wrocław, Ecobike and Mobility One have built a two-track operation: a consumer-facing brand and a production partner for external labels. It's a set-up that, in export manager Krystof Dobrowolski's view, plays to Poland's growing strengths as a hub for bicycle manufacturing while staying true to Ecobike's family roots.

MUNICH, Germany - With a very heavy lean towards the automotive sector despite a recent attempt to diverge to all forms of mobility, one voice stood out for the bicycle industry at this year's IAA as cars dominated the halls. "Germany has more than just a car industry. The bicycle industry and public transport are also strong players - and deserve political visibility and a level playing field," Sandra Wolff, CEO of Riese & Müller said during the 'Why diverse mobility is so important' session, which was moderated by Politico.

WASHINGTON DC, United States - The number of bicycles imported into the United States in the first half of 2025 has dropped 25% year-on-year. When looking at Q2 specifically this is a 35% drop compared to 2024. The impact of tariffs and trade wars has seen China's relevance as US bicycle supplier slip considerably.

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - Retail giant Decathlon and KwikFit are starting a partnership in Amsterdam for the maintenance and repair of Decathlon bikes and e-bikes. The sports retailer has three stores in the capital, only two of which have bike repair workshops. Now, Decathlon customers can also visit the centrally located KwikFit location. If successful, a national roll-out is on the cards.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark - "All operational activity has ceased," reads the email from Lasse Almgren, the CEO of the Danish start-up known as Pentalock. The company, under the name of Danish Mobility System 1 ApS, filed for bankruptcy on August 11.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European bicycle industry is losing a key face in Brussels. Manuel Marsilio has officially stepped down from his position as general manager of the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI). This marks the end of more than a decade of leadership. Meanwhile, the ECF has welcomed its new CEO, who is tasked with advocating for better cycling infrastructure across Europe.