TAIPEI, Taiwan - Merida Industry Co., Ltd. reported an 8.5% year-on-year decline in consolidated revenue to NT$21.8 billion (€610 million) for the first three quarters of 2025, as weakening demand across Asia continues to weigh on the Taiwanese manufacturer's performance. Net profit for the parent company fell 18% to NT$1.44 billion (€39.5 million) during the same period, while earnings from associates, including Merida's stake in Specialized, contributed NT$511 million (€14 million).

HANGZHOU, China - Over one million dollars' worth of counterfeit bicycle goods have been seized by the Chinese government, in cooperation with American bicycle brand Specialized and e-commerce platform AliExpress. AliExpress announced this month that the sting operation, carried out in March 2025, resulted in the seizure of $1.1 million (€950,000) worth of counterfeit Specialized road racing frames, handlebars, wheels, seatposts, forks and 9,500 decals. Pinarello, Cannondale, Cervelo, and Trek also had fake items seized during the raid.

DRESDEN, Germany - E-commerce platform Bike24 Holding AG has continued its strong growth path in the third quarter of 2025. The company recorded revenue growth of 31.7% to €82.8 million in the reporting quarter. In the first nine months, revenue rose by 25.5% from €176 million in 2024 to €220.9 million this year. Significant growth was achieved in all European markets, driven by localisation strategy and a strong core market in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

FRANKFURT, Germany - The e-bike industry is entering uncharted territory. In 2025, brands are no longer just selling e-bikes, they are selling access. The practice of applying after-market subscription fees for premium features or creating tiered pricing structures for e-bikes based on software differentiation has been heralded as innovative by some, and exploitative by others.

CHANGUA, Taiwan - The long-awaited turnaround from a declining to a rising bicycle market is becoming increasingly visible. Industry leaders remain cautious in their forecasts but dare to express themselves more positively. This was already clear last week at Eurobike. Merida Industry's financial report for the first half of 2025, in combination with their statement "to gradually expand our e-bike production capacity," indicates that the company is once more regaining trust in its future.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - London-based design and marketing consultancy Conductor has announced its expansion into Asia with the opening of its second location in Taipei, Taiwan. Conductor has made a name for itself in the biking industry for its work with big brand names like Specialized, Canyon and Classified - as well as its recent acquisition by Gruppo Media.