TAIPEI, Taiwan - The combined revenue of Taiwan's two largest bicycle manufacturers Giant and Merida hiked 48% year-on-year in the first two months of 2025. At the last presentation of the annual results, Giant pointed out that the most difficult period for the industry has passed and is cautiously optimistic about the market performance in 2025. This statement doesn't mean the industry's warehouses are empty again and the market has passed its rock-bottom. However, after hearing Giant and Merida's announcements, component manufacturers have breathed a sigh of relief.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Taiwan's leading role in the international market for ICT products could play an important role in regenerating the supply chain for e-bikes. In 2017-2018 the country's bicycle industry made a successful transition to the production of e-bikes. The strong focus on this high-value product category gave Taiwan the opportunity to move forward in this innovative market. However, the strong fluctuations in supply and demand has seen Taiwan completely lose momentum in the e-bike market.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - The excess inventory of Giant Group's own brands in Europe and the US in particular, continued to impact the financial performance of the company. The board of directors reported a 7.4% decline in consolidated sales to NT$71.28 bn (€1.98 bn) in 2024. While all financial indicators were negative for 2024, Giant Group remains positive for 2025.

MASER, Italy - The brand relaunch of Sidi after the takeover by Italmobiliare Group in 2022 has turned out to be very profitable. The Italian cycling and motorcycle shoes manufacturer reports a 33.1% year-on-year growth in turnover to €31.7 million.

TAICHUING, Taiwan -Taiwan´s third-largest bicycle manufacturer Ideal Bike Corporation significantly reduced its costs in 2024, according to the limited financial information communicated by the company. However, last year's revenue of TWD 2.65 billion (€737.46 mln) still represented a year-on-year drop of 27.5%.

CHANGHUA, Taiwan - For Merida Industry Co. Ltd., the excess inventory situation continues to have an impact on the financial performance. Yesterday the company reported a relatively steadily performance in 2024, with full-year revenue growing by 8.7% to NT$29.63 billion (€ 823 million). The company pointed out that the entire bicycle industry is still in the stage of destocking and inventory impairment. For Merida this means a net loss NT$732.66 million (€20.4 million) before tax which can be attributed to a one-time provision and did not affect cash flow, and it could still be used to offset taxes when profits are made in the future.

DRESDEN, Germany - After a strong final quarter in 2024, German e-commerce bicycle retailer Bike 24 Holding AG says it has not only confirmed its return to growth, but has also fully achieved its year 2024 profitability target. However, the full results for the 2024 financial year will not be published until March 26.

OGDEN, USA - Scott recently announced the roll-out of a multichannel sales strategy including a consumer direct option. In an official statement, they have now made public that the webshop will open soon. "We aim to strengthen the brand and expand consumer reach to drive more awareness and demand for our dealer network," remarked Hap Seliga, president and CEO of Scott USA.

ZEIST, The Netherlands - The next edition of Bike Europe magazine (issue 1/2025) is now available to read online in our digital magazine section. In the run up to Taipei International Cycle Show the first cautious signs of a market recovery are there. In the past years, the industry has learned to be careful about making bold statements about market developments as these often turned out to be incorrect.

LONDON, United Kingdom - The total bicycle market in the UK saw sales drop a further 2% year-on-year in 2024 to a new low this century. This latest drop continues the long post-COVID downturn which began in the second half of 2021. However, the latest figures from the Bicycle Association (BA) suggest there is light at the end of the tunnel.

BERLIN, Germany - Massive discounting campaigns to reduce inventory levels in the market pushed down the average e-bike retail price and market value in Germany last year. While sales volume remained relatively stable, the revenue from bicycles and e-bikes totalled €6.33 billion, down 10.1% from €7.06 billion in 2023. This is still significantly higher than the sales value of €4 billion in 2019.

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - E-bikes continue to be the driving force for the Dutch market. The total e-bike market volume ended at 409,467 units, representing a market share of 47.7%. The total number of bicycles and e-bikes combined ended at 858,126, down from 919,101 in 2023. This year, the national industry association RAI Vereniging included fatbike sales for the first time in their annual report which has resulted in a major shift in the statistics.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - That 2024 was a challenging year for European e-bike markets is no secret. How bad though, is now revealed in the latest EU e-bike import statistics published by Eurostat. The volume of e-bikes imports dropped 27% year-on-year to 642,000 units, slipping below the pre-covid level of 705,000 units in 2019. The import value fared even worse, with a 33% drop year-on-year.

FRANKFURT, Germany - DJI was one of the biggest newcomers on the e-bike market last year creating a lot of rumor during the tradeshows. What makes the e-bike market so interesting for this leading manufacturer of drones which generates a multi-billion revenue? The introduction into the e-bike market was put in the hands of drone pilot and DJI Product Experience Director Ferdinand Wolf.

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?

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.

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.