Jan-Willem van Schaik

Editor in Chief

The premature termination of the disputed distribution contract by Selle Italia in 2017 was unlawful. – Photo Shutterstock

Premature termination of Paul Lange contract by Selle Italia ruled...

STUTTGART, Germany - In a distribution dispute between Paul Lange & Co and Selle Italia Srl the Italian court 'Tribunale de Treviso' took a final decision last March. The court made the final judgement that the premature termination of the disputed distribution contract by Selle Italia in 2017 was unlawful and thus invalid.

A somewhat imaginative photo accompanied Specialized introduction of the business unit Globe. – Photo Specialized

Specialized introduces Globe business unit to target e-mobility market

MORGAN HILL, USA - As a model range, the name 'Globe' is not new to Specialized, but with the creation of a new business unit baring the same name, the company will target an all new group of customers.

Revonte CEO Otto Chrons (l.) and hGears CEO Pierluca Sartorello partner to manufacture the Revonte ONE e-bike motor. – Photos Bike Europe

Revonte and hGears partner in e-bike drive production in Europe

TAMPERE, Finland - Revonte has made an important step forward to get its ONE e-bike motor ready for mass production. The Finnish e-bike drive system developer announced a partnership with hGears for manufacturing the Revonte ONE e-bike motor in Europe. Both companies see the long term commitment as beneficial for their business.

Samsung SDI started to build facilities for the pilot project to make sold state batteries. – Photo Samsung

Samsung SDI to roll out safer than lithium-ion battery technology

SEOUL, South Korea - South Korean battery maker Samsung SDI has said it will roll out solid-state batteries early next year in its pilot production line near Seoul. Solid-state batteries are regarded as 'next-generation products,' which experts point out are safer and more powerful than conventional lithium-ion batteries.

E-bike supply from Asia is still essential to meet demand in Europe. – Photo Bike Europe

E-bike imports soar to meet rapid growing market in Europe

BRUSSELS, Belgium - To meet demand for e-bikes on Europe's markets, the increase of e-bike imports is outperforming investments in local production. In 2021 the total import hiked by almost 30% from 884,862 units in 2020 to 1,144,597 e-bikes last year.

The 5 hectares Vittoria Park is situated close to Milan, Italy. – Photo Vittoria

Vittoria aims to change the rules of Bicycle Tyre Development

BERGAMO, Italy - Vittoria reports the construction of the world's first all-discipline cycling experience, innovation center and knowledge hub for bicycle tyre development. Called Vittoria Park, the testing facility and proving ground will open in September.

How the most trendy colors look like on model year 2023 and 2024 bikes was show during the Color Trend Days. – Photo the sppot

Color Trend Days see successful premiere

WELS, Austria - The cooperation between a group of surface finishing suppliers, the sppot, launched its first live event to present the industry the latest trends in colours and innovations. More than 250 people were reported to attend the event at TIGER Coatings in Austria.

Accell Group no longer accepts a lower registration rate than 80%. – Photo Accell Group

KKR's take-over offer for Accell Group enters uncertain phase

HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands - The take-over of Accell Group by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. LP (KKR) and Teslin Alpine Acquisition has entered an all new phase now that Accell Group has provided more clarity on the acceptance of the order.

Shimano has reported that Q1 net sales in its Bicycle Components division increased 13.9% - Photo Shimano

Shimano reports: cycling boom cooling down

OSAKA, Japan - Economic sanctions imposed on Russia by Western nations have created global energy shortages and a sudden rise in raw material prices, putting downward pressure on personal consumption, reports the Japanese components manufacturer in its Q1-2022 financial statement. Nevertheless demand for bicycles is still high according to Shimano.

Loading of new Bafang components under Covid conditions - Photo Bafang

Bafang overcomes challenges of COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai

SUZHOU, China - The severe spread and skyrocketing infection of COVID-19 figures in the Shanghai area, including Suzhou, has posed a major challenge for e-bike system manufacturer Bafang. Recent lockdown measures have escalated difficulties like raw material shortages, sluggish logistical efficiency, severe supply delays in Corona-related sealed-off areas and suspension or impediment of battery exports.