The latest edition of Bike Europe magazine (issue 1/2026) is now available to read online in our digital magazine section. This edition highlights cautious optimism voiced amid ongoing ­industry doubts. The inventory situation — the big hurdle of the past years — is also stabilising.

In the competitive global economy, the European Union (EU) continues to expand and modernise its network of trade agreements to promote economic growth, strengthen geopolitical ties and set global trade standards. Recently, agreements were concluded with India, Mercosur and Singapore. For the bicycle industry, the agreement with India was the most striking. What can the industry expect?

Giant Group has started 2026 with a significantly weaker January performance than previous years, posting a sharp decline in revenue of 21.6% for the first month of the year. The Taiwanese company's downturn comes following a year in which Giant dominated the headlines — and not always for good reasons.

The close connections between Triangle's and Hero Motor Company (HMC) have progressed into a strategic technical and sourcing partnership. The two companies agreed to combine Triangle's engineering excellence with India‑based industrial scale at HMC to create a competitive aluminium bicycle-frame-building conglomerate. HMC will get access to technical know-how, while Triangle's can more easily supply entry-level and mid-premium frames for the European Union market.

The European and Indian bicycle industries have always maintained close ties, although the trade volume remained relatively low. This might change drastically now: after almost 20 years of difficult talks, the Free Trade Agreement was agreed on 27 January in New Delhi. It's the biggest deal ever made by either side, which has also been eagerly awaited by the bicycle industry.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The ongoing market and inventory issues have seen the total number of e-bikes imported into the European Union drop 13% in the first nine months of this year, compared to the same period last year. Eurostat's latest data also shows a 14% decline in value. Similarly to 2024, in Q3, China has taken the top spot from Taiwan as the leading EU e-bike supplier. But with a difference of just 341 units, there can be no talk of Chinese dominance in Europe - yet.