Pierer New Mobility is scaling back its activities in the e-bike business. - Photo Pierer New Mobility
Financial

Ailing Pierer New Mobility AG streamlines bicycle and e-bike business

MATTIGHOFEN, Austria - The financial struggle at the motorcycle division of Pierer Mobility AG could not take place without having an impact on the e-bike department. The company has now announced that its regional activities in South Africa, Germany and the UK will gradually be wound down in a controlled manner.

Founded in 2002, Bike24 has evolved from a specialised online retailer in the cycling sector to a leading e-commerce platform in continental Europe with a focus on the premium segment. – Photo Bike24
Financial

Bike24 adjusts 2024 sales forecast downwards

DRESDEN, Germany - The Management Board of online bicycle retailer Bike24 Holding AG has adjusted its revenue forecast for the 2024 financial year downwards. At the same time, the company confirms its previous forecast for the adjusted EBITDA margin "based on the indicative results for the fourth quarter of 2024".

Last year Giant managed to temper their sales decline to 7.4%. – Photo Giant Group
Financial

Giant Group tempers decline in revenue amidst destocking industry

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - In an attempt to improve the financial situation, bicycle manufacturers massively tried to lower their inventory levels even when it came with huge discounting. Giant Group managed to mitigate its decline in turnover to 7.4% as the company's 2024 monthly revenue report shows. This is compared with a decrease of 16.4% in 2023.

The Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator is dedicated to promoting 10 tech startups focused on cycling. – Photo Shutterstock
Investment

Arkansas cycling accelerator open to global bicycle industry

BENTONVILLE, USA - Open to companies based in North America, Europe, and Asia, an innovative program dedicated to promoting 10 tech startups focused on cycling has been initiated by the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator (AGCA). The accelerator will offer a 10-week hybrid program designed to support cycling-related tech innovation.

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Matt Jones on the Helfare x Shimano Line at Caersws Bike Park. Photo: Dan Griffiths / Madison.Sponsored
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Business

Sponsored Sustainable pathways: Shimano shares vision for safer MTB trails

It's no secret that cycling in nature has its benefits, from getting fresh air to improving one's overall health. But proper mountain bike trails don't just appear by themselves. They take careful consideration and planning. That's why Shimano has pledged a sum of 10 million USD to global trail building projects over the next 10 years.

BikeFolder provides a wealth of data on the history of a bicycle from the start until the end-of-life-cycle. – Photo BikeFolder
Company

Shimano Nordic steps into BikeFolder bicycle data project

OSLO, Norway - The innovative software of BikeFolder might potentially create so much relevant data for the industry, that Shimano Nordic announced a partnership with the start-up in the Nordic region. BikeFolder offers a solution for bicycle manufacturers that gives them insights into where their products go once they leave the factory and what happens during their lifecycle.

In his new role, René will be responsible for the management of all commercial matters involving Darfon Energy, Astro Tech and Kenstone. – Photo Darfon
People

René Timmermans joins Darfon Group as OEM/ODM director

VELDHOVEN, the Netherlands - Darfon, announced the appointment of René Timmermans as European-based director of OEM/ODM, effective immediately. In this role, René will be responsible for the management of all commercial matters involving Darfon Energy, Astro Tech and Kenstone, bringing a wealth of expertise and leadership experience to the team.

At the introduction the company launched three crankset models. – Photo QO
Component manufacturer

Rotor Bike founders start new component brand QO

MADRID, Spain - Two Rotor Bike Component founders have launched a new performance cycling brand. Pablo Carrasco and Ignacio Estelles merged their vision and manufacturing expertise carbon manufacturer YMA to develop bicycle components. QO's first product line is a series of carbon fiber cranksets on display at Velofollies earlier this month.

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“Leasing is pushing up the market in Belgium,” said Paul Glorieux, secretary general of the Belgium industry association Traxio-Velo – Photo Bike Europe
Market trends

Belgium Traxio-Velo: Mismanagement caused excess inventory, not the...

KORTRIJK, Belgium - Is Belgium the 'most promising market' amidst the other European markets where companies are struggling with financial burdens and slow demand? "2024 has not been a crisis year for the bicycle industry," said Paul Glorieux, secretary general of the Belgium industry association Traxio-Velo at the presentation of the 2024 market statistics.

2,900 e-cargobikes were dedicated to last-mile delivery in France in 2024, according to a report from the Professional Cyclomobility Observatory. – Photo Shutterstock
Cargobike

Cargobikes at the heart of urban transformation in France

PARIS, France - With already 3,400 cargo bikes and 600 trailers used by approximately 650 businesses in France, this alternative to conventional utility vehicles is gaining traction a study led by the French association Les Boîtes à Vélo has found. The 2024 report from the Professional Cyclomobility Observatory sheds light on this growing trend, revealing promising figures and ambitious prospects for the sector.

Despite positive indicators in 2023, 2024 proved to be a year of more downhills as opposed to the much-needed stabilisation in the market. Will growth come again in 2025?, 2026?, 20...? -  Photo Shutterstock
Year in review

2024: A year of false hope in the bicycle industry

ZEIST, The Netherlands - In late 2023, after a difficult year, industry insiders were looking hopefully towards the new year. However, predictions of inventory level recovery and stability in the market were pushed back at every contact moment during 2024; from Taipei Cycle at the beginning of the year, to Taichung Bike Week at the end. This 'hope' was abandoned in the second half of the year as insolvencies and closures began to dominate the headlines. As hopes now push forward to those that have 'survived to 2025', here, a perhaps unwelcome look back at 2024.

How can the Taiwanese industry sustain the financial losses it has accrued in 2024? - Photo Bike EuropeSubscribers only
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Market trends

Subscribers only Taiwan on course for €500 mln e-bike export value loss

TAIPEI, Taiwan - The fact that the Taiwanese supply chain has struggled during 2024 is fully evident in the latest custom statistics. In Q3, the island nation exported around 75,000 e-bike units, a 44% drop compared to 2023. E-bike exports to the EU specifically dropped 55% to a mere 34,000 units between July and September. Most significantly, the country is on course to see its export value drop half a billion euros this year in total.

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Sidi will always keep their production in Italy, next to their existing factory in Romania, says Sidi Sport CEO Davide Rossetti. – Photo Sidi Sport
Interview

Sidi Sport CEO forecasts bright future for production in Italy

MASER, Italy - Sidi Sport S.r.l., was sold by founder Dino Signori to the Milan-based investment holding company, Italmobiliare S.p.A. in 2022. Soon after the takeover of the company specialising in the production of cycling and motorcycling footwear, Davide Rossetti was appointed CEO and that marked the start of a complete overhaul of the company. What is the current status of this iconic brand?

“In the first half of 2025 we expect the market situation will improve again while in the second half of the year and in 2026 the market will recover again.” – Photo Bike Europe
Interview

Romet president: 'Now is the moment to invest for the future'

PODGRODZIE, Poland - Based in the southeast of Poland, Romet has been in the bicycle industry for more than 75 years. Operating in a total of three factories spread out over the country, Romet holds a strong position in its home market, but is also one of the well-known players in the European OEM market. Romet president Wieslaw Grzyb is now preparing the company to take the next step on the export market, both for OEMs as well as the brand Romet.

“For our OEM customer we can take full control of product development, logistics, assembly, and provide delivery in the right place on time, so they can focus on sales,” says BFI CEO René Gasser. – Photo BFI
Interview

Bike Fun Int'l to accelerate growth thanks to "know-how in city bikes"

KOPRIVNICE, Czech Republic - The long-time experience in the production of city bikes for a leading Dutch brand, gave Bike Fun International (BFI) a strong position in the expanding urban mobility cycling market. Bike Europe talked with CEO René Gasser about the manufacturer's ambition to serve the central European markets as a leading distributor, but also how they can distinguish themselves as an OEM supplier.

“We don’t expect a normalisation of the market before 2026,” says Flyer CEO Andy Kessler. - Photo Peter Hummel
Interview

Flyer CEO Andy Kessler: "We have a year's worth of stock of some...

HUTTWIL, Switzerland - The reorganisation plans for Flyer as announced last week by ZEG caused a big scratch on the image of the Swiss company which once stood at the forefront of the e-bike boom in Europe. Shortly before the announcement, CEO Andy Kessler discussed the inventory situation at Flyer and finding a way back to 'normal', but also their relationship with owner ZEG and the market dominance of Bosch during an interview with Bike Europe.

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Shows & Events

Sponsored Experience the future of cycling at 2025 Taipei Cycle

The Taipei Cycle Show returns from March 26 to 29, 2025, at halls 1 and 2 of the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. Recognized as a leading B2B event in the cycling industry, the show is expected to host 950 companies from 35 countries, occupying 3,600 booths. It remains a key meeting point for high-end bicycle supply chains, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.

In early 2023, JCL Logistics opened a new 34,000-square-meter facility, increasing its total bike storage capacity to over 190,000 bicycles. Sponsored
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Logistics

Sponsored JCL Logistics opens dedicated storage for e-bike batteries

Over the past decade, JCL Logistics has grown into perhaps the largest logistics service provider for the bicycle industry in the Benelux and West Germany. With the opening of a new storage facility for lithium-ion batteries, the company is set to deliver even more tailored services.

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e-bike

Sponsored Rotor: from Madrid workshop to OEM leader in bike components

In the cycling industry, the importance of selecting high-quality components cannot be overstated. These elements are essential not only for achieving optimal performance but also for ensuring a safe and enjoyable riding experience. One company making its mark in this space is Rotor, known for its focus on precision and innovation in designing and manufacturing components. By prioritizing quality and functionality, Rotor contributes to the success of the leading bike brands in the industry.

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Shows & Events

Sponsored Taipei Cycle 2025: A hub for innovation and sustainability

From March 26-29, 2025, the Taipei Cycle Show will return to the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, bringing together key players in the cycling industry. With 950 exhibitors across 3,600 booths, the event promises to showcase the future of innovation and sustainability in the cycling industry.

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Innovations & products

Sponsored Supreme Dutch launches durable airless tyre for urban mobility

Supreme Dutch, a bicycle tyre innovator based in the Netherlands, has unveiled its next generation airless tyre specifically designed for bicycles. The new patented product is aimed at transforming the bike-sharing, food delivery, and cargo bike transportation sectors, where reliability, durability, and minimal maintenance are critical. With over a decade of research and development, the company is known for its focus on airless solutions for urban (E-) mobility. The company collaborated with tyre brand Schwalbe - Ralf Bohle for nearly five years before branching out independently to expand its reach globally.

From left to right: Niels Penning, Greg Schouten, Ferry Post, Jeroen van Kester.Sponsored
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market trends

Sponsored Tracefy expands organization to drive international growth

To support its rapid growth, Tracefy recently expanded its management team. Ferry Post has been appointed as sales director and Greg Schouten as technical director. This allows Niels Penning, as general manager, to focus more on overall company leadership, while Jeroen van Kester, director of marketing and new business, will concentrate on international markets and opportunities for Tracefy's GPS solutions beyond the bicycle industry.

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