The central analysis tool of ZIV's market data service has been officially launched, with participating German bicycle dealers now having access to the dealer dashboard. "This is an important step towards greater transparency in the German bicycle market and an important milestone for business planning for the entire industry," says Katharina Hinse, ZIV Head of Industrial and Economic Policy.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how businesses handle data. AI tools can now map fields, convert formats, and identify inconsistencies. For many industries, including the bicycle industry, this raises an important question: if AI can manage, translate and interpret data automatically, do companies still need to invest in digitalisation and industry standards?
As the bicycle industry asks for better product data, three European bike-tech companies, NOCA, DST and BikeFolder have combined resources to connect PLM and PIM software, an independent industry data standard and aftermarket digital twins into one practical industry solution. The collaboration is being rolled out under the name Smart Bike Brand.
The bicycle industry is entering a new phase of digital maturity. Connected e-bikes, rider apps and smart diagnostics are generating unprecedented volumes of user data, turning bikes into "a data collector on wheels." Bike Europe sat down with Paolo Balboni, an expert European lawyer specialised in privacy, data sharing and cybersecurity law, to better understand how companies can mitigate risk and stay compliant.
As the industry seeks to align the supply chain and match demand more effectively, reliable market data becomes essential. To provide the much-needed sourcing information and mid-term outlook, the Global Bicycle Purchasing Index (GBPI) serves as an indicator that anticipates future trends. Bike Europe discussed with Schwalbe's Head of Supply Chain Management, Vanessa Schulte, how the GBPI supports Schwalbe in the planning process.
ROTORUA, New Zealand - Bike Matrix, the New Zealand-based compatibility technology startup, has completed a 50-day A/B test with European online seller Bike24, to demonstrate the value of its data-based tool. Having previously tested on several smaller retailers, this was an initial test to see if the solution is ready for large-scale deployment. With a 69% increase in conversion rate, the test validated how data can set a new standard for online component sales by answering the customer's key question…
