MADRID, Spain - In recent years, the supply bottlenecks triggered by coronavirus and the resulting call for close to market production have turned attentions to the relatively young EU production locations of Bulgaria, Portugal and Romania. But what about production in traditional bicycle countries within the EU? Bike Europe takes a closer look - specifically in Spain. Here there is a lot to be found, besides the big names like Orbea or BH Bikes.

Whereas spring 2023 didn't offer an upturn in e-bike and bicycles sales, setting the course for much of the rest of the year, market indicators are suggesting that 2024 could be the year of stabilisation within bicycle market. Major indicators in the Netherlands and Germany are already pointing towards slow but steady recovery in these major markets.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Bicycle component manufacturing close to the market in Europe has long been a difficult part of the process of production reshoring. While the increase in assembly of bicycles and e-bikes in Europe started already some years ago, parts and accessories seeming to be making the same steps now. According to CONEBI, parts and accessories production value hiked by 33% to €4.8 billion, from €3.6 billion in 2021.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - "The energy crisis and a challenging geopolitical situation will make 2023 a difficult year for the bicycle industry," said Erhard Büchel as president of WBIA (World Bicycle Industry Alliance). "However, we see tremendous interest in cycling and that will not disappear. I am therefore very optimistic about the prospects of the bicycle industry."

AGUEDA, Portugal - Portuguese exports in the two-wheel and soft mobility sector grew 38% in the first half of 2022, Eurostat data confirms. Importantly, e-bike exports grew by more than 60%. For the third consecutive year, Portugal continues to be the largest bike producer in Europe.

ZEIST, the Netherlands - The rampant growth that the industry seen has seen in the past two years has made supplies almost uncontrollable. Managing logistics has become vital for brands.

BOCHOLT, Germany - German D2C bicycle supplier Rose Bikes GmbH closed its fiscal year 2020/21, with a sales increase of 8.5% compared to the previous year, totalling €148.7 million. For 2021/22, the company's ongoing expansion plans are said to be the backbone of achieving a two-digit sales increase.

HAMBURG, Germany - The huge mismatch in the global container market is far from over. That is the conclusion of Container xChange, an online platform that brings together supply and demand for containers. Whilst containers are now moving in and out of China at record speeds, port congestion in Europe and the US continues to slow the return of boxes to Asia.

SHANGHAI, China - As the world's major manufacturer of forks, handlebars and stems, Zoom (HL Corp) is facing an influx in orders as a result of the high demand for bicycles and e-bikes across the globe. Effective communication, careful planning and a shift to e-bike parts are key focuses for the company as it offers a Chinese perspective on the pandemic's impact on the market.

GEDERSDORF, Austria - Another well-known motorbike giant enters the e-bike market. To mark the brand's 90th anniversary, parent company KSR Group GmbH is launching a range of ten Malaguti labelled e-bike models.

CURTISOARA, Romania - Italian investors are behind the founding of one of the biggest bike factories in Europe which is to be located in Timisoara, Romania (see the previous report in this newsletter).

DUBLIN, Ireland - Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) visited Google's European Headquarters last week to start a search for connected cycling solutions. "We see this visit as the start of a programme to support businesses that have products or innovations in the Intelligent

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Taiwan's bicycle industry is facing a hard time. The Taiwan Bicycle Association TBA reports a decline of 24.87%

DOETINCHEM, the Netherlands - The need for increasing speed to market is so essential for sporting goods supplier Adidas that they founded a dedicated

It's busy at the production site of Triangle's in Portugal; the 1st company in Europe that is producing aluminium bicycle frames on an industrial scale.

ALLENTOWN, USA - "As one of the most turbulent years for U.S. bicycle imports comes to an end with a decline of 13% in units and a drop of over 8% in ...

TOKYO, Japan - All Shimano financial KPI's clearly indicate that the components giant had a good 2012. For 2013 the company speaks of taking the lead in ...

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Commission decided to revise the tariff codes related to imported parts and components for PTW (Powered Two-Wheelers). ...

ALLENTOWN, USA - The core bike shop customers made fewer purchases from the IBDs in the US in 2012 compared to 2000. These bike shop consumers spent 13% ...

Nowadays bike wear is no longer primarily focused on Mountainbikers and roadracers. The growing market of commuters creates an all new market for the ...