HARTMANNSDORF, Germany - German bicycle manufacturer Diamant Fahrradwerke GmbH has concentrated on the German-speaking country market since its takeover by Trek Bicycle Corporation (aka Trek Group) in 2002. This year, celebrating its 140th anniversary, the East-German brand is also burgeoning in Benelux, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Poland.
TAIPEI, Taiwan - For the second year in a row the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS) held a forum during the Taipei Cycle show to update the industry on the progress of the initiatives of its members. This year a focal point was the introduction of human rights code of conduct signed by all 82 members of the BAS to protect workers rights within the bicycle industry in Taiwan. The occasion was somewhat marred later in the day when a protest contradicted the progress being made.
SKI, Norway - Just south of Oslo, the first highly automated tyre factory of reTyre has been completed after a construction period of 10 months. "We are the world's first tyre company that can injection-mold tyres instead of manual vulcanization," said eTyre COO Alexander Gjendem Gjørven, who has raised more than 200 million Norwegian kroner (€17.2 million) for reTyre.
DÜSSELDORF, Germany - Following European success in Paris, Mechelen and Berlin, French e-bike refurbishment specialist Upway has opened its second UpCenter in Germany. The location in Düsseldorf, strategically chosen for its gateway to western Europe, will facilitate furthering Upway's international growth. The company also counts two locations in the US in its growing portfolio.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - E-bike brand Cowboy has fully moved its e-bike assembly operations to France. In a strategic nearshoring move, the partnership with Rebirth Group subsidiary ReCycles aims to reduce delivery times, and strengthen customer support as the brand seeks to meet demand for its e-bikes across Europe.
ANNECY, France - After 10 years of research and development and a €19 million investment, active mobility developer, Cixi has announced that its Pers chainless technology is ready to hit the market. The first four bicycles featuring PERS technology will be available for purchase at this year's Eurobike.
WARSAW, Poland - In 2025 a series of significant industry trends will mark the future development of the bicycle and e-bike industry. One of these trends is the ongoing reshoring of production and improving market flexibility by manufacturing in Europe instead of Asia.
PODGRODZIE, Poland - The combination of aluminum frame production, a painting line and assembly on one location gives Romet a rather unique market position. Only a few factories in Europe operate their own frame production. What did the frame production bring to Romet, 5 years after the opening of the facility?
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.
OTTOBRUNN, Germany - This time, car manufacturer Porsche AG seems to be taking the e-bike subject really seriously: Porsche eBike Performance GmbH, which was founded in 2022, has just announced its intention to set up its own e-bike battery production facility in Croatia. This is scheduled to start at the beginning of 2026 - "at the same time as the market launch of the first Porsche e-bike drive system."
TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Frame manufacturer Astro-Tech Co., Ltd. has clearly outlined its strategic direction for its future development initiative. Astro-Tech president Samuel Hu gave Bike Europe a look into what these plans entail, which includes the construction of a new production facility in Vietnam, where Astro-Tech has been producing frames for 24 years.
REHE, Germany - Welcoming almost 5,000 people at their head office in Wetter, Germany, bike security company Abus celebrated their 100th anniversary in the first week of December. On this occasion the company also opened their doors to visitors of their newly built high-tech production hall for mobility products.
TAICHUNG, Taiwan - An increasing number of companies follow the China +1 approach for their sourcing strategy. To meet this demand from their customers, one of Taiwan's leading frame manufacturers is currently developing a new production facility in Vietnam with a capacity of 600,000 units. Above all, Sunrise aims to reduce their carbon footprint and raise their level of sustainable production.
BERLIN, Germany - Germany as a manufacturing base might not be the most logical choice for the bicycle industry when looking at the rising cost of labour. The strategic location in central Europe and the long heritage of production and engineering has always given the country a strong position in the industry. A group of industry leaders spoke out whether Germany is losing its appeal as a business location for bicycle companies or 'Made in Germany' is a concept for the future.
MÜHLTAL, Germany - Riese & Müller is setting new standards in sustainable logistics by becoming the first bicycle manufacturer to adopt reusable packaging for e-bike shipments across Europe. Following successful multi-month trials, the BikeBox will now be the standard packaging for over 1,000 dealers in Europe, significantly reducing environmental impact.
KORTRIJK, Belgium - The ambition to create a global distribution network was one of striking parts of Tenway's vision when they rushed onto the market in 2021. Today the brand has established its position and built a network throughout Europe. Tenways's area sales manager Europe Tony Vos elaborated on the outlook of the market for this young lifestyle brand.
ITTIGEN, Switzerland - Two key topics challenging the bicycle and e-bike industry, sustainability and geopolitical issues are addressed in a new study by McKinsey & Company and the WFSGI (World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry). Is the industry prepared for 2025?
TAICHUNG, Taiwan - In a circular economy it is often a challenge to find a new purpose or customers for recyclable waste. ZIPP owner SRAM had been looking for a source of the waste which comes from the production of its carbon components, including wheelsets, handlebars, stems and seat posts. This issue was addressed through their collaboration with Velo.
TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Following allegations by LeMonde Diplomatique about indicators of forced labour according to the International Labor Organization (ILO) in the Taiwanese bicycle industry, the trade association Taiwan Bicycle Association (TBA) felt the urge to respond. "Taiwan as the crucial global supply chain has the responsibility to do things right in every aspect and we appreciate your effort in providing us the guidance and advice regarding the foreign labour issues," the TBA told Bike Europe.
TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Any frequent visitor of bicycle industry factories in Taiwan, has seen that a lot of the workers come from countries like Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand or Indonesia. Often the signing in the factories is multi-lingual to facilitate the foreign workers. In a recent publication, LeMonde Diplomatique reports that they have found indicators of forced labour according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), particularly in the Taiwan bicycle industry.
