Revenue amongst Dutch bicycle retailers increased sharply in every month of the second quarter of this year, rising by an average of 13.3%. In the first quarter, revenue growth compared with the previous year was just 1.6%. The second quarter of 2026 was therefore exceptionally strong, according to figures from the H&L Benchmark Group. In the first six months of 2026, revenue increased by a total of 8.6% compared with the same period last year.

The relaunch of Austrian custom bike builder Simplon by Austrian SOL Capital Management GmbH in February 2025 appears to be failing. The company, now known as 2Rad Produktions GmbH, formerly Simplon Fahrrad GmbH, filed for insolvency proceedings without self-administration. Reopened claims from the previous insolvency proceedings appear to have been an insurmountable burden for the young company.

Bike Europe's Factory Floor series takes readers inside production environments, showing how bicycle manufacturing is evolving through automation, vertical integration, specialist expertise and investment. This online magazine shows there is no single model for modern bicycle manufacturing: companies are combining technology, in-house capabilities and specialised know-how in different ways to improve efficiency, quality, flexibility and resilience.

The motor system has been selected. Fork, drivetrain, brakes and wheels are locked in. The product manager works through the BOM, and then comes the question: Are we actually connected-ready? Surprisingly often, the answer is: not yet.

Over the years, but consistently, belt drives have made their entry into the e-bike and bicycle market. More than 15% of all new bicycles sold come with belt drive systems. 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.

With the acquisition of Roxim, Herrmans is strengthening its presence in Taiwan, adding new lighting expertise, R&D capacity and local customer support. For CEO Dan Liljeqvist, the move is not only about chasing market volume, but also about developing the business by becoming faster, smarter and closer to customers.

Swapfiets continued its path towards profitability in 2025, with the Amsterdam-based bicycle subscription company nearly halving its net loss while increasing revenue. CEO Marc de Vries says the company could reach profitability if the current trend continues.

For a while the folding bike category seemed to fade away as segments like eCity, eCargo, eUrban attracted more attention from brands and riders. But e-mobility rarely moves in a straight line. Changes in commuting habits, infrastructure, fuel prices, public transport use and more continue to shape which bike categories gain ground.

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.

In 2027, CycleExpo Amsterdam aims to create a major meeting point for OEM producers and buyers of the cycling industry. In an attempt to bring the industry together, the organisers are reaching out to stakeholders to shape the new trade show together.

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.

USWE Sports Group's shift from distributor sales towards a higher proportion of direct sales to retailers weighed on its first-quarter performance. The Swedish outdoor and sports equipment supplier reported an 18% year-over-year decline in currency-adjusted net revenue for the first quarter of its 2026/2027 fiscal year.

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 Commercial Court of Dijon has officially opened the judicial reorganisation (redressement judiciaire) of Cycles Lapierre as it seeks independence from the now-bankrupt Accell Group. The French brand's CEO William Perrier is happy with the development: "We've got an opportunity. It's up to us to transform it into a future."