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'.

Revenue amongst Dutch bicycle retailers increased sharply in every month of the second quarter of this year, rising by an average of 13.3%. In the first quarter, revenue growth compared with the previous year was just 1.6%. The second quarter of 2026 was therefore exceptionally strong, according to figures from the H&L Benchmark Group. In the first six months of 2026, revenue increased by a total of 8.6% compared with the same period last year.

For a while the folding bike category seemed to fade away as segments like eCity, eCargo, eUrban attracted more attention from brands and riders. But e-mobility rarely moves in a straight line. Changes in commuting habits, infrastructure, fuel prices, public transport use and more continue to shape which bike categories gain ground.

For Fundracer Partner René Wiertz, the next decade will not simply be about selling more bicycles; it will be about making two-wheel mobility dramatically safer, smarter and more connected. "Those companies enabling that transformation are likely to create the greatest long-term value," says Wiertz. Bike Europe asked him about the market outlook from the perspective of an investment fund manager.

The European bicycle industry has continued its transition towards a more balanced and demand-driven market. Following the exceptional surge in demand during the Covid boom, supply chain disruptions, and the subsequent market correction, the latest 2025 data clearly indicate that the industry is stabilising. "This is a sign that the inventory troubles that we have had coming out of COVID are now finally at the end," said industry body ECI CEO Paul Walsh at the presentation of the 2026 Bicycle Industry & Market Profile (BIMP).