OSAKA, Japan - Shimano regards 2023 as an "in-between year" as Marc van Rooij, President Shimano Europe Group already explained at Eurobike. This is reflected in the financial results for the first half of 2023. The Japanese manufacturer reports a net sales decrease in bicycle components of 17.7% to JPY 204,986 million (€1.3 billion) year-on-year, and operating income decreased 39.5% to 42,093 million yen (€270 million).
DRESDEN, Germany - In its latest financial statement, online retailer Bike24 Holding AG speaks of a "persistently uncertain economic environment" which results in a year-on-year decline of its net sales by 10.5% to € 55.27 million in Q1-2023. In addition, increasing financing expenses exceeded € 10 million in the first three months of this year.
OLDENBURG, Germany - Mass merchant supplier Prophete GmbH & Co. KG and IBD supplier Cycle Union filed for insolvency yesterday. Already in mid-2019 Prophete ran into difficult waters and owner families Lönne and Prophete brought in a turnaround consultancy. It now turns out that this was not enough.
FRANKFURT, Germany - Urban Mobility Group designer Peter van der Veer took off to Eurobike to see the latest developments in cycling and test them on the extensive track. Two days turned out to be too short to take a good look at all the novelties, but here's an overview of the many remarkable bicycle innovations.
REUTLINGEN, Germany - The launch of Bosch's new ABS system for e-bikes has been long awaited. Incorrect braking is seen as one of the main causes of accidents. "The front wheel brake on a bicycle is crucial for a short braking distance," says Claus Fleischer, CEO of Bosch eBike Systems. The new Bosch e-bike ABS with brake components from Magura will be available from this summer.
The bicycle industry is usually not shy about using eye-catching slogans and representations when it comes to introducing new products. In the middle of a fast-growing and challenging environment with constantly new demands for product innovation, brands need to bring top-notch products to the market in order to grow and differentiate themselves.
SUZHOU, China - E-bike battery manufacturer, Phylion, has received a new strategic investment of 950 million yuan (€135 million). The total financing round is expected to reach 1.5 billion yuan (€210 million), with which the company plans to accelerate its innovation in technology, products and business strategy to create more value for the lithium battery industry.
STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Swedish battery developer and manufacturer, Northvolt has marked a new chapter in European history with the first cell to have been fully designed, developed and assembled at a gigafactory by a homegrown European battery company. A breakthrough for Europe's budding e-bike industry?
SUZHOU, China - During this year's Eurobike, e-bike drive system manufacturer, Vinka debuted its latest hub drive system, the Auto VA+. The hub-motor can be applied to a range of e-bike models, including urban e-bikes and has additional features including automatic assist.
LUND, Sweden - Terranet AB has made a major step forward in e-bike safety. The Swedish company developed 'BlincBike' which comprises a rear-view monitoring system that empowers cyclists to avoid accidents.
INDIANAPOLIS, USA - 3D printing which was commonly used in the bicycle industry for prototyping is increasingly being implemented for the production of final products. Silca is one of first to take full advantage of this technology by offering a lightweight bike computer handlebar mount.
SHANGHAI, China - Chinese e-bike component manufacturer, Wuxing, unveiled a new mid motor during the China Cycle show 2021 earlier this month. The large domestic e-bike parts supplier presented not only the new e-bike mid motor, but also associated displays and lighting solutions.
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.
MÜHLHAUSEN, Germany - Another German bike manufacturer has filed for insolvency and the search for investors is now in full swing. Despite gaining interest for its patent protected 'Cyfly' drivetrain, rising debts have sealed Möve Bikes fate. On February 5th, Marcello Di Stefano from Diligens Rechtsanwälte & Insolvenzverwalter GbR was appointed as provisional insolvency administrator.
SANGERHAUSEN, Germany - Troubled German bicycle producer, Sachsenring Bike Manufaktur, is out of insolvency having been bought by a group of unspecified investors. The newly founded Zweirad Union E-Mobility has taken over 75 of the employees and will "continue bicycle production at the old MIFA site in Sangerhausen."
MILAN, Italy - Blubrake, the Italian company that designed ABS to be integrated into an e-bike frame, has announced a partnership with Stromer, the high-end Swiss speed-pedelec manufacturer. The partnership agreement will see the launch, in June 2021, of Stromer ST5 ABS, the first speed pedelec with a frame integrated ABS.
REDDITCH, UK - In its most recent interim results Halfords Group, the UK's biggest cycling retailer, has declared a doubling of pre-tax profits in the six months to October 2nd when compared to the year prior, reaching £56 million (€65 million).
WIESBADEN, Germany - German investor Schuhe24 Group has acquired a majority stake in the IBD platform Bike-Angebot.de. The future growth strategy of both parties includes a clear expansion course outside of the home market and the German-speaking region.
TURNHOUT, Belgium - The Belgium start-up Classified Cycling presented an all new smart shifting technology which will make conventional front derailleurs a thing of the past. The company is strongly embedded in the Belgium cycling culture with former road racer Tom Boonen as ambassador as a new shareholder and Ridley as launching partner.
OTTOBRUNN, Germany - Drivetrain manufacturer, Fazua, has optimised the connectivity of its system by rounding out the 'evation' experience with a 2.0 software update. The software update is the first big step towards a wide-ranging Fazua connectivity environment.
