台灣，台中－經過兩年停滯後，自行車產業再度開始有些起色。台灣製造商現已陸續公布今年第一季獲利成長，不過利潤率仍受到壓力，代表OEM廠正努力恢復市場活絡。

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - The countryside just north of Taichung houses one of those smaller, high-tech companies which characterise the bicycle industry supply chain in Taiwan. The family company Ora Engineering was founded in 1996 as an innovator in the metal forming and welding industry. Today the company supplies a range of frames, parts and components, particularly in titanium, to the global market with an export share of 98%.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Astro-Tech's unveiling of its new thermoplastic-pressed bicycle frame at Taipei Cycle Show gave attendees a glimpse at the manufacturing feat, but did not fully reveal the characteristics of the product. To produce it, thermoplastic material is heated to a pliable state, formed under high pressure and then cooled to set the shape.

WELS, Austria - For quite some time the sparrows have been whistling it from the rooftop: on April 29, Pierer Mobility AG confirmed it will withdraw completely from the bicycle and e-bike business in the current 2025 financial year. Pierer Mobility is seriously struggling with the insolvency of its motorcycle subsidiary KTM AG.

ZEIST, the Netherlands - It's May as I write this blog, the time of year when cockchafers (May bugs) emerge from the ground en masse. This phenomenon is remarkable in itself, as the insect has been largely eradicated in most parts of the Netherlands due to pesticide use. Each time, it's a fascinating spectacle. After spending up to five years underground as larvae - being a persistent nuisance to my garden - they get to live above ground for just a few short weeks.

The demand for e-bikes continues to grow across Europe. While e-bikes have embraced innovations like adaptive lighting and touchscreen dashboards, core systems such as gear shifting still rely heavily on human input. To this day, manual shifting remains the industry standard.

The Taipei International Cycle Show is always a good moment to take stock of the market situation, but this year 'Taipei' prepares the business to become a 'better' industry and put its focus on sustainability and other ESG topics. Besides the current market conditions, this online magazine also explores several Taiwanese companies who have started adopting ESG solutions in their production practises as the industry prepares for the future.

With Preeto, Zhaowei has ventured into e-mobility - with a clear focus on high-performance, compact, and quiet drive systems that are precisely tailored to modern mobility concepts. "Our goal was to develop a drive that delivers maximum performance despite its minimal size," explains Jürgen Ludwig, managing director of the European subsidiary ZW-Drive in Munich. This is made possible by Zhaowei's high level of vertical integration and its in-house development of electronics, software, and mechanics.

Intelligent automatic shifting has become essential for delivering a premium riding experience in today's high-end e-bikes. Whether it's the Pinion Smart.Shift, Enviolo AUTOMATiQ, or Decathlon's integrated e2Drive, riders appreciate the effortless experience: no manual adjustments, no wrong gear—just smooth, seamless riding that adapts to terrain and pedaling style in real time.

Founded in 2013, Crussis has rapidly grown from a small local Czech brand into one of the biggest e-bike brands in the Czech Republic. Known for its bold design, precise engineering, and strong commitment to in-house development and assembly, the company has built a name synonymous with innovation and performance. Now, as the brand looks beyond its home market, 2025 marks a turning point: international expansion, cutting-edge technology, and new collaborations.

Shimano has introduced Q'auto, a new electronic shifting system utilising its existing Cues component line, designed for everyday bikes. What sets it apart is that it doesn't rely on an external battery, drawing power from a rear hub with an integrated dynamo. Q'auto also offers the option for automatic shifting.

荷蘭，恩荷芬（EINDHOVEN）－Shimano Europe推出Nextgen Mechanics新計畫，呼籲各界共同關注歐洲日益嚴重的自行車技師短缺問題。這項與Cycling Industries Europe（CIE）合作推動的計畫，旨在凝聚各界力量，共同提升自行車技師的專業地位及標準，同時激勵新一代技師加入行列。

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Company bike leasing (CBL) has demonstrated the success of salary conversion schemes in boosting e-bike sales. In Germany alone, approximately 2.1 million e-bikes have been sold through leasing over the past decade. This approach could serve as a blueprint for the entire of Europe to regain market momentum. However, before that can happen, national industry associations will need to advocate for suitable tax facilities with their governments.

CHANGUA, Taiwan - The long-awaited turnaround from a declining to a rising bicycle market is becoming increasingly visible. Industry leaders remain cautious in their forecasts but dare to express themselves more positively. This was already clear last week at Eurobike. Merida Industry's financial report for the first half of 2025, in combination with their statement "to gradually expand our e-bike production capacity," indicates that the company is once more regaining trust in its future.

Portugal growing into a major production center for the EU industry, offers opportunities. Who is Jorge Santiago, since last year owner of Miralago/Orbita.

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany - Creating data exchange in the bicycle industry is one of the topics at this year's Bike Europe Conference. A keynote presentation on data and digitalization comes from Bidex which stands for Bike Data Exchange.

INDIANAPOLIS, USA - Zipp has identified a technical issue with respect to a production range of Zipp wheels manufactured with the Zipp 88 front hub and ...

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - The Scott and Trek recall involving over 125,000 bikes is expanding further as Scott is now also recalling e-bikes in ...

WATSONVILLE, USA - Fox Factory is the third American company in the bicycle industry, after SRAM and Trek, who had to issue a voluntary recall this month.

In the US Giant Bicycles issued a voluntary recall of all 2012 model year men's Giant Defy Advanced 0, 1 and 2 model bicycles. These models are also ...