Jan-Willem van Schaik

Suddenly, the industry is questioning the purpose and setup of all trade shows in the industry which have for many years been anchored in people's agendas. On the opening day of the annual product managers' event, the Taichung Bike Week exhibitors were looking at many empty spots in their meeting schedule for the third consecutive year. This quickly raised the question among many: why are we here again?

A 'World Leading Show' doesn't just appear out of nowhere, as became clear after the first presentation of 'towards tomorrow - European Bike Show' at the fairground in Cologne, Germany. Building a leading trade show takes time, so the industry will have to live with a fragmented show landscape for some years as Eurobike is also ambitious. The German industry association has taken on a major responsibility for the industry worldwide by pulling out of the Frankfurt show and launching a new one.

Accell Group's bankruptcy has created significant uncertainty in the industry. Throughout the value chain, companies are closely following all developments around the potential takeover. September is the best time in Europe for retailers to decide which brands to offer in their shop next year and to order 2027 models. Retailers are now unsure what to do, as they can't wait too long.

Accell Group's bankruptcy has shown how essential information is for effective purchasing planning. Insufficient supply-chain information led to excessively large order volumes between 2020 and 2022. Excess inventory continued to drain Accell Group's financial position for several years and ultimately led to the demise of the once-largest bicycle factory. The Global Bicycle Purchase Index (GPBI) gives you insights into the supply chain thanks to the industry's input.

hGears Schramberg GmbH has filed an application for insolvency proceedings under self-administration with the Local Court of Rottweil, Germany. According to a company statement, the aim is to advance the necessary restructuring of the Schramberg site within an orderly legal framework and to create the conditions for a viable structure for the future.

In response to rising raw material, energy, and logistics costs, the industry's largest component supplier, Shimano, announced a temporary 3% surcharge on all orders with a delivery date between 1 August and 30 November 2026. How does the industry absorb these costs while consumer prices are already under pressure? Are there still enough options for alternative sourcing, component specifications, and efficiency improvements, or will it just kill margins, as Giant Bicycles announced in their half-year results?

The German bicycle market rose 10% year on year between January and June, while e-bike sales increased slightly by 2%. Despite this positive market development, the German industry association ZIV is careful in its reporting and calls it only a 'slow recovery'.

The relaunch of Austrian custom bike builder Simplon by Austrian SOL Capital Management GmbH in February 2025 appears to be failing. The company, now known as 2Rad Produktions GmbH, formerly Simplon Fahrrad GmbH, filed for insolvency proceedings without self-administration. Reopened claims from the previous insolvency proceedings appear to have been an insurmountable burden for the young company.

Over the years, but consistently, belt drives have made their entry into the e-bike and bicycle market. More than 15% of all new bicycles sold come with belt drive systems. What gave reason for this transition in drive systems? "The bicycle is becoming a more practical form of everyday transportation, and riders increasingly expect the same reliability and ease of use they receive from other mobility products," says Chris Sugai, General Manager, Mobility Business Unit at Gates Belt Drives.

Campagnolo can enter the next phase of reorganisation after receiving a minority stake from the Swiss investment company SPAC SA. The Campagnolo family will retain control and majority ownership. This follows the execution of an investment agreement with Campagnolo's existing quotaholders.