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?

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.

The appointment as President of Shimano Europe Group was like coming home for Fabio Takayanagi. At the start of his career at the Japanese component manufacturer in 2006, he was assigned to Shimano Europe, based in the Netherlands. He stayed here for one year to gain experience in the bicycle business. Since then, he has travelled the world for Shimano before coming back to Europe. A brief introduction of this industry insider and his view on the European market.

As FSA Europe celebrates its 25th anniversary, the company reflects on a quarter-century of innovation and partnership within the cycling industry. According to Claudio Marra, Global Vice President of FSA-Vision, the anniversary is an important milestone that underlines the relevance of the European organisation and its long-term commitment to supporting bicycle and e-bike manufacturers with high-quality components and engineering expertise.

There are still no larger signs of recovery at the publicly-traded Fox Factory Holding Corp. In its second sales quarter 2026, the US-based suspension expert posted net revenue of USD 358.12 million (€309.82 million). Compared to the same period last year, this represents a 4.5% decline. Sales remain weak in the company's bicycle component division.

The uncertain economic outlook due to trade policy trends of various nations, as well as rising geopolitical risks, such as increasing energy prices amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, is gaining growing influence on Shimano's financial results. As a result, net sales in bicycle and e-bike components in the first half of 2026 equalled last year at 181,379 million yen (€974 million), and operating income decreased 15.1% to 20,064 million yen (€107.8 million).