YUNLIN, Taiwan - The transformation to a more sustainable bicycle production and products is largely made possible thanks to technological developments of Tier-2 and Tier-3 suppliers. Formosa Taffeta is one of those companies as they produce tyre carcasses and anti-puncture fabric made of recycled fishing nets.
Did you see the horror crash of Formula 1 racer Zhoa at Silverstone this year? He survived, miraculously, due to a mandatory safety measure that was introduced in 2018 by car sports federation FIA: the halo. The halo is a titanium part that is placed over the driver's cockpit. The design has a strong resemblance with the upper part of a flip-flop - just look at your Havaianas.
There are two types of people: those who have seen the movie Inglorious Basterds and those who have seen it more than once. If you have not yet seen the movie, please look the other way or close your eyes. I will let you know when you can continue reading again.
BRUSSELS, Belgium — The European cycling industry, after navigating a pandemic and the subsequently volatile market, is showing signs of a steady recovery, according to data from the Cycling Industries Europe's (CIE) annual survey among its members. Insights from the last few years of CIE surveys show a sector transitioning from cautious optimism to a more tangible stabilisation.
GOTHENBURG, Sweden - Swedish e-bike manufacturer Ecoride has scooped two Red Dot Design Awards for its latest models, Ambassador 4 and Tripper 4, in recognition of their Scandinavian design and integrated GPS security. The jury cited the e-bikes' clean, urban-focused frame design and seamless look as central to their Red Dot wins.
LONDON, UK - When looking for an indication of how dire the current market situation is in the bike industry, look no further than the recent financial results of folding bike manufacturer, Brompton. The renowned British manufacturer has reported a dramatic decline in profits, plummeting from £10.7 million (€ 12.9 million) to just £4,602 (€ 5,543) for the fiscal year ending March 2024.
NUNSPEET, The Netherlands - The future of a former market leader for e-bikes in the Netherlands, Stella, has been secured. Dutch investment company Scheybeeck and chain store owner Ilias Salhi have announced a relaunch of the recently bankrupt e-bike manufacturer albeit in a downsized form.
UTRECHT, The Netherlands - With the introduction of zero-emission zones from 1 January 2025, developments in the cargobike field are more relevant than ever. This was the message at the 2024 edition of the International Cargo Bike Festival (ICBF) which took place in Utrecht, the Netherlands on 25 and 26 October. With a mix of expo and conference programme the event is fully developing into something relevant for all stakeholders in the cargo bike business.
UTRECHT, The Netherlands - 80% of bicycle industry representatives in a recent survey stated that their companies are taking a strategic approach to climate action, with 35% having made considerable progress and are able to track their results. This is a key finding of the first edition of the Climate Action Pulse Check, a global survey that will function as an annual assessment of climate action progress within the cycling industry. However, consumers are less optimistic at the progress gained.
REICHSHOF, Germany - At Eurobike tyre brand Schwalbe unveiled what it calls "a revolution for bicycle valves'- the Schwalbe Clik Valve (SCV). The brand claims it is much easier to use than existing systems and boosts air flow by up to 50%. Schwalbe predicts that the intuitive click system could become the new industry standard for inflating tyres.
REICHSHOF, Germany - One year after the launch of the Green Marathon, Schwalbe is converting large parts of its existing tyre range to the same circular concept. From now on, 70% of all Schwalbe tyres will be made with recycled carbon black (rCB), the tyre brand reports.
TAIPEI, Taiwan - Robotics specialist Da Shiang Automation (DSA) premiered a frictionless hub motor at this year's Taipei Cycle show. Entering the market under the brand name DTboost, the FMS01 hub motor features the DNGate Clutch System which allows the user to ride without resistance from the motor and gearbox when exceeding 25 km/h.
TAIPEI, Taiwan - Formed in 2016, CKC Environmental Technology focuses on using fibre particulate composite materials from the rice farming industry to manufacture environmentally friendly products. At Taipei Cycle it presented its newest pedal, the CK-TB7, which besides being made of biomass material is fully repairable.
OBERWANGEN, Switzerland - Despite overall stagnant or declining markets in Europe, myStromer AG, parent company of premium e-bike brands Stromer and Desiknio, bucked the general trend and continue to expand its market shares in the Netherlands and Belgium. In the challenging e-bike market in the US, the company achieved double-digit (consolidated) growth.
ERKRATH, Germany - When e-bikes began to make a market entrance, global brand Giant determined that innovation in integrated in-house technologies would be the key to success. Since 2023 all R&D is carried out at the European headquarters in Lelystad, the Netherlands where a new development centre has been opened. Now, in-house service is an additional benefit to boost sales in saturated and fragmented European e-bike markets.
LONDON, England - Newcomer Skarper has developed a retrofit solution to turn any bicycle into an e-bike. What started with the backing of six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy, the start-up has also teamed up with the Red Bull Formula 1 team's Advanced Technologies division to prepare the device for market launch later this year.
LONDON, UK — "Senior leaders in the bicycle industry are overwhelmingly white, heterosexual men" and "women and those from minority groups are more likely to leave the industry" - these are key finding from a new Diversity in the Cycling Industry Perception Survey Report. With other results shedding light on diversity and inclusivity issues, a roadmap for change has been proposed.
OSAKA, Japan - Shimano has announced two new mechanical groupset introductions. The Shimano 105 12-speed Mechanical groupset completes the 12-speed road family. Meanwhile for the gravel segment, Shimano's new GRX Mechanical 12-Speed provides more gearing options for gravel cyclists.
HAIBACH, Germany - German battery specialist Akku Vision has added a cargo bike battery solution to product range. The Fusione, which was launched at Eurobike, is "the result of deep market studies, analysis and feedback from customers which has been honed to make the product ready for commercial use," the company states.
NANTES, France - Connectivity solution producer Velco is now collaborating with Shimano to offer IoT and digital solutions to bicycle brands and manufacturers. After 2 years of development, Velco announced at Eurobike that it has officially become an off-shelf IoT device partner of the Japanese giant bicycle parts and engine manufacturer.
