Production

“Managing our own distribution in Europe via Tern ZE will allow us to react quicker in the modern fast-changing market,” said Joshua Hon. – Photo Tern
Distribution

Tern to establish own European distribution centre

COLOGNE, Germany - Taiwanese bicycle manufacturer Tern has announced plans to establish its first distribution office in Europe. Dubbed Tern ZE, the Cologne-based facility will begin operating on 1 July 2025 and should enable the firm to better support its customers in Europe.

“Simplon stands for inspiring quality, sustainable innovation and Austrian tradition - and that's exactly what we want to continue to drive forward at full speed,” emphasises new Simplon CEO Christoph Mannel. - Photo Simplon
Company

Restructuring complete as Simplon starts anew in season 2025

HARD, Austria - Modular bike builder Simplon Fahrrad GmbH has successfully completed its restructuring process under self-administration. With the support of the previously announced new owner SOL Capital Management, Austria's second-largest bicycle manufacturer is now starting the upcoming cycling season in a stronger position.

At the Taipei Cycle Show 2025, the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS) will release the ‘Human Rights Code of Conduct’ for all BAS members and following action plan. – Photo Shutterstock
Taiwan

Taiwan Bicycle Association responds to LeMonde's allegations on...

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Following allegations by LeMonde Diplomatique about indicators of forced labour according to the International Labor Organization (ILO) in the Taiwanese bicycle industry, the trade association Taiwan Bicycle Association (TBA) felt the urge to respond. "Taiwan as the crucial global supply chain has the responsibility to do things right in every aspect and we appreciate your effort in providing us the guidance and advice regarding the foreign labour issues," the TBA told Bike Europe.

Kalkhoff is setting new standards with low-temperature powder coatings at its facility in Emstek, Germany – Photo Kalkhoff
Paint & coat

Kalkhoff adopts more sustainable painting practises at Emstek factory

EMSTEK, Germany - Pon-owned brand Kalkhoff is transitioning to low-temperature powder coatings in the painting process at its bicycle factory in Germany. This reduction in temperature brings significant benefits in terms of energy consumption and reduces CO2 emissions.

It is not the first time that the bicycle industry in South-East Asia is accused of illegal labour practices. - Photo Shutterstock
Taiwan

LeMonde paints grim picture of bicycle industry in Taiwan

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Any frequent visitor of bicycle industry factories in Taiwan, has seen that a lot of the workers come from countries like Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand or Indonesia. Often the signing in the factories is multi-lingual to facilitate the foreign workers. In a recent publication, LeMonde Diplomatique reports that they have found indicators of forced labour according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), particularly in the Taiwan bicycle industry.

In 2024 there was a 2.9% year-on-year growth in units manufactured in Spain. - Photo AMBE
Spain

Bicycle production in Spain rebounds to growth in 2024

MADRID, Spain - Following a dip in 2023 after two very successful years, bicycle production in Spain rebounded in 2024 with a 2.9% year-on-year increase in volume. Despite the value of the output dipping slightly, the Spanish industry is proving to remain robust compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Cixi already displayed its’ Pers technology at Eurobike in 2024 in a collaboration with Ateliers Heritage bike on a two-wheel drive e-MTB. – Photo Cixi
France

Cixi's chainless bicycles enters series production in France

ANNECY, France - After 10 years of research and development and a €19 million investment, active mobility developer, Cixi has announced that its Pers chainless technology is ready to hit the market. The first four bicycles featuring PERS technology will be available for purchase at this year's Eurobike.

On site for the symbolic handover of the keys (from left to right): Adrian Zellner, member of the management board Garbe Industrial Real Estate, Heiko Burret, Investment management JobRad, Dr. Nela Murauer, managing director at Bravobike and Steffen Kunnig, Mayor of the municipality of Kabelsketal. – Photo Garbe Industrial Real Estate.JPG
Second-hand / Refurbished

JobRad subsidiary Bravobike expands as ex-lease market grows

FREIBURG, Germany - Bravobike GmbH, the subsidiary of leasing pioneer JobRad has signed an agreement with Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH, which claims to be a "specialist for logistics real estate and light industry in Germany and Europe." The agreement will see Bravobike make use of a 23,500 sqm property in Kabelsketal, Germany to accommodate the strong growth in the number of ex-lease bicycles that will become available for the second-hand market in the coming years.

Sidi will always keep their production in Italy, next to their existing factory in Romania, says Sidi Sport CEO Davide Rossetti. – Photo Sidi Sport
Interview

Sidi Sport CEO forecasts bright future for production in Italy

MASER, Italy - Sidi Sport S.r.l., was sold by founder Dino Signori to the Milan-based investment holding company, Italmobiliare S.p.A. in 2022. Soon after the takeover of the company specialising in the production of cycling and motorcycling footwear, Davide Rossetti was appointed CEO and that marked the start of a complete overhaul of the company. What is the current status of this iconic brand?

Global player, GXO has built a strong reputation as a trusted outsourcing partner for blue-chip companies. – Photo GXO
Logistics

Shimano Europe expands distribution contract with GXO

EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands - Shimano Europe is extending its cooperation with GXO, a company that manages outsourced supply chains and warehousing, to perform logistic services across Europe. The component manufacturer will now move its warehouse operations in Belgium to GXO's facility in Venray, the Netherlands.