Rosie Burgin

DOETINCHEM, The Netherlands - Not only in the bicycle industry, but the supply chains of 40% of multinationals proved unsuited to face the impact of the corona pandemic. The global crisis therefore drastically changed companies' attitudes to risk. According to international research from 320 companies, supply chain success now depends on real-time data insights, flexibility and digitization.

BARCHFELD, Germany - Wittkop GmbH, a subsidiary of the Büchel group took over the Italian saddle manufacturer Selle Esse, on May 1, 2021. With this takeover, the company aims to strengthen and expand saddle and saddle parts production in Germany, especially in Zella-Mehlis and Barchfeld in Thuringia, as well as in Bassano, Italy.

OSAKA, Japan - Amid new waves of COVID-19 infections, global demand for bicycles has remained at a high level since last year. As a result, Shimano has reported that Q1 net sales in its Bicycle Components division increased 76.3% from the same period of the previous year to 103,757 million yen (€791 million), and operating income increased 169.3% to 27,730 million yen (€211 million).

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany - Registration has now opened for this year's Eurobike Award. Companies, designers and developers of the international bike and mobility sector have until 8th July to register their new products for the 16th edition of the Eurobike Award 2021. The winning products will be showcased at this year's event scheduled for 1-4 September.

SCHRAMBERG, Germany - "In 2020, our gears were in approximately one of every two e-bikes sold in Europe," declares Pierluca Sartorello, CEO of hGears. On the back of this success, the global manufacturer of high-precision gears and components, who counts Bosch and Schaeffler among its clients, is planning an initial public offering (IPO) at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the second quarter of 2021.

BAUNACH, Germany - Messingschlager, the operator of Europe's largest warehouse for bicycle parts, has modernised and expanded its fully automated high-bay and small-parts warehouse. It has also replaced the existing warehouse management software to ensure short shipping times and flexible processing. At a total investment of €6 million, the warehouse now features modern multi-order picking stations offering high accuracy.

SHENZHEN, China - Folding bike pioneer, Dahon, will display their latest products and innovations during the China Cycle 2021 in Shanghai which takes place this week. Alongside the pandemic special edition bike Hit, new electric bikes to be launched later in 2021 will also be previewed on the stand.

DENKENDORF, Germany - Gearbox manufacturer, Pinion has introduced the durable T-Line gearbox series for heavy-duty cargo bikes. With this new product line, the company says it "is committed to ensuring that cargo bikes become established as the reliable and environmentally friendly choice for 'last mile' delivery of small parcel shipments".

EINDHOVEN, the Netherlands - To solve the drivetrain wear and tear issue in e-bikes and MTBs, Shimano has introduced Linkglide technology to offer increased drivetrain durability. Being introduced initially at Deore XT and Deore level, Shimano says the new technology is especially suited to e-trekking bikes and e-MTBs ridden under high-torque.

VICENZA, Italy - Campagnolo's Bora series of high-performance racing wheels has been given an upgrade with the launch of the new Bora Ultra WTO series. The company says the new disc brake-only wheelset "takes an evolutionary leap ahead of its predecessors, with significant improvements to aerodynamics, stiffness and weight."