The inventory crisis, which hit the sector since 2022, has hardly been resolved by the international bicycle industry as the next major concern hits the market. Increasing oil prices, raw material shortages, and threats to shipping routes were among the many topics discussed at the Taipei International Cycle Show 2026. The industry gathered for this leading annual event from March 25 to 28 in Taipei, Taiwan.

Although the March Global Bicycle Purchasing Index (GBPI) data points to sustained improvements in new incoming order levels and the own purchasing levels of bicycles, the assessment of the current industry situation remains poor or average at best. Business sentiment has failed to recover from the drop following Eurobike 2025.

The trade show landscape is adrift and in uncertainty since German industry organisations announced that they will pull out of Eurobike. For decades, the show served as a stable base for the bicycle trade. It was the place to be for the industry and was its window to the rest of the world. Since the organisations ZIV and Zukunft Fahrrad turned their back on Eurobike, this seems to be history, especially for the German companies. Even more telling, newcomers are jumping at the opportunity to capture the audience's attention.

With "Retail First", Eurobike is launching a program that consistently focuses on specialist retailers. It offers bike, sports, and micromobility retailers many exclusive benefits related to their visit to the trade show - from free admission and networking opportunities to a special program for professionals.

Turkish bicycle manufacturer Kron was waiting for the right time to buy. In its 25 years, the company had manufactured for a variety of small OEMs, but was looking for a new European brand to invest in. So when Nishiki, a Nordic heritage brand with a signature look and a reputation for quality, came onto the market, Kron jumped at the opportunity.

In the coming weeks, the 2025 financial results of the leading companies in the sector will be published. Many will likely look back on 2025 as another lost year. Hopes have been pinned on 2026, but will they prove realistic? What is your level of new incoming orders and purchasing? We would love to hear your expectations for the coming period in the Global Bicycle Purchasing Index (GBPI).