With sustainability at the core of 2024, many companies are moving towards using bikes for business. The low-cost accessible transport option has many benefits, but a bike chain can only withstand a few thousand kilometres before it needs to be replaced, which leaves companies with significant maintenance costs.
FRANKFURT, Germany - After a catastrophic 2022, many insiders were not looking ahead to 2023 with optimism. A year later it can be concluded that the global stock market performed better than expected. What role did the bicycle industry play in this development?
OBERWANGEN, Switzerland - To reduce the carbon footprint of the Stromer ST5, the e-bike manufacturer developed a special fender material in cooperation with Lehvoss group. Instead of sourcing in Asia, the Stromer fenders will be produced by Isoco in Saalfeld, Germany.
OSAKA, Japan - Shimano reports a big difference in market performance between Europe and North America. In its January-October 2023 financial statement, the component manufacturer reports that despite high inventories in general, a strong interest in bicycles continued in its major market, Germany and the Benelux countries.
INNSBRUCK, Austria - US digital marketing and e-commerce strategy agency, CrankTank, is expanding its services to Europe and has opened an office in Innsbruck, Austria. This expansion will enable them to better serve both their US and European brand partners in e-commerce strategies. Susanne Pfrengle has been appointed as managing director of CrankTank Europe.
MARCLOPT, France - Mach1 has taken-over Red-Motion, the innovative French company behind the Baramind shock-absorbing handlebars. "This acquisition is in line with our strategy to diversify our product portfolio and strengthen our position as the supplier of choice for OEMs," writes Mach1 in a statement.
VILLENEUVE D'ASCQ, France - Decathlon, known for its development of mid-end e-bikes and bicycles, has added an e-bike with automatic transmission to its range. "This is not just a bike. It's a statement of innovation and design that is set to change what we know about cycling," the French retail giant states.
PARIS, France - Rebirth Group, formerly Easybike Group and founded by Grégory Tréboal, intends to reach new milestones in production volumes in 2024. Also, to support European production, the company has announced a partnership with Yahama for its brands Matra and Solex.
KEMPTEN, Germany - Starting just five years ago with an online market place for buying and selling second-hand premium e-bikes, today's business of e-mobility provider Rebike Mobility GmbH's consists of two strong pillars: subscription (which was expanded this year to a B2B business for rental fleets) and used-bikes. But the heart of all this is - refurbishment. Refurbishment is predicted to go big.
OSAKA, Japan - The forecasted slowdown in bicycle component sales for Shimano was less strong than expected. For the first quarter of 2023 the Japanese manufacturer reports a net sales decrease of 12.5% from the same period of the previous year to JPY 126,071 million (€ 856 million).
SUZHOU, China - At this year's Taipei cycle show, Chinese battery manufacturer, Phylion took the opportunity to show its new self-developed flagship battery cell models, the Golden Brick Version 30110 and 19118 Battery Cells, and the first generation of its weather resistant Sodium-ion battery cell. The manufacturer predicts this could bring in a new era for e-bike batteries.
OBERWANGEN, Switzerland - Speed pedelec manufacturer, Stromer had a successful year in 2022 despite a complex year for the bike industry. With global sales up 17% the company is looking positively to 2023 and again has set a goal of double-digit growth. Personnel changes are being made to support this ambition.
RHEDA-WIEDENBRÜCK, Germany - Following a "lively bidding process" the German bicycle and e-bike manufacturers Prophete and Cycle Union have been successfully taken-over. No stranger to the bicycle industry, the new owner Singapore-based Dutech Group, is on a path to strategically expand its focus on green technology. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.
Smartbikes are the future of e-bikes. As an extension of our connected lifestyles and expectations for services, the mobile application is a must-have, the medium between the e-bike and the rider. The good news is that it is not necessary to be a full digital brand, to have an enormous budget or to have a complete dedicated team to offer an app to riders. Here's why and how.
BUSNAGO, Italy - FSA developed a compact and low weight e-bike system. The full system weights just 3,98kg which ensures sleek integration for e-road, e-gravel and commuter bikes.
HANGZHOU, China - HMI display manufacturer Velofox, presented the newest releases from its DM Series during Eurobike in July. With a range of 10 models varying in size and offering colour or high contrast black and white displays, the company offers a solution for all biking categories from e-cargo to e-road.
SUZHOU, China - Seekrun designs a wide range of display products with varying screen types, sizes and accessories which can be customised. During Eurobike, the company's newest model, the A1 hub drew the most attention.
OSAKA, Japan - In its latest financial report, Shimano reports that market inventories of completed bicycles, especially the high-end bicycles remained at a low level, as strong demand continued. Meanwhile, inventory of entry-level bicycles has increased to a high level as their supply caught up with the demand.
Suzhou, China - E-bike drive system manufacturer, Bafang, has introduced its new M510 mid-motor, the successor to the M500. Designed to be stronger and lighter, the mid-motor is geared towards the e-MTB market. Due to in-house component sourcing, Bafang states that the motor has a delivery time of 60-90 days.
HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands - Investment funds led by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. LP (KKR) including Teslin Teslin Alpine Acquisition has made a public offer on all issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Accell Group. The total offers amounts to €1.56 billion.
