ZEIST, The Netherlands - It became apparent within the first few months of the year that 2025 would not be the turnaround year the bicycle industry needed. A muted Taipei Cycle show made clear that the supply chain was nowhere near back to being in full swing, and despite reasonable spring sales, the European market retracted again in the summer. Business-wise, there were reports of insolvencies, closures and redundancies. Knocks came from all sides: tariffs, human rights accusations, and very public non-alignment within the industry itself on several topics. However, pockets of innovation and newcomers managed to shine through, reminding the industry that its products are well-positioned for the long term. As the industry looks to realign and prepare for 'the fix in 2026', Bike Europe looks back at the articles that shaped 2025.

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - The perceived relevance of trade shows is the next challenge the bicycle and e-bike industry is having to face since the start of this decade. Until the pandemic, the overall mood was positive and upbeat, but that's no longer the case, and it is difficult for the industry to get back on track. After the German industry associations ZIV and Zukunft Fahrrad questioned the purpose of Eurobike, the next challenge in the industry surfaced. How to communicate in the trade market? How is the transformation of the show landscape evolving? Time for a deep dive...

FRANKFURT, Germany - The dissatisfaction within the industry about the recent edition of Eurobike and the German industry association's decision to pull out, has prompted the show to change its leadership. Long-serving show manager Stefan Reisinger is making an exit, and will support the new management during a transitional phase. Will this change mark a turnaround from the industry organisations? "It makes sense that the Eurobike will be completely revised by 2027, and negotiations could begin at the beginning of next year, provided that the necessary conditions are met," confirms Burkhard Stork, managing director of ZIV.

BAUNACH, Germany - Despite its long-standing history and supplying to over 2,500 customers in more than 60 countries, Messingschlager's key activities were largely known only to industry insiders. In the past decade, the company expanded into various business fields, which became very distinct over time. "Demand from customers these days is so much more diverse than just a product at a competitive price," says Messingschlager CEO Christoph Bantle.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The CONEBI and CIE merger has reached two important milestones this week, with the announcement of a new name and the election of the new board and president. The Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI) and Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) will be renamed as European Cycling Industries, as decided last weekend during an extraordinary general meeting. This announcement marks the start of the new organisation representing the bicycle industry in Europe.

ZEIST, the Netherlands - 2025 once again may prove how difficult forecasting is for the global e-bike and bicycle industry. A strong first half boosted confidence, but the latest Global Bicycle Purchasing Index (GBPI) reveals that optimism is fading fast.