ZEIST, The Netherlands - Incase it didn't arrive on your doormat, the February edition of Bike Europe magazine (issue 1/2022) is now available to read online in our digital magazine section. Read about the impact of Specialized's move to roll out a global D2C sales strategy and Davide Campagnolo's view on the supply chain bottlenecks.
PLOCHINGEN, Germany - It wasn't easy at first for the world's leading sports chain Decathlon to conquer the German market, but the French have learned quickly. For several years now, they have been reaping the fruits of their labor. With current expansion plans setting the tone, Decathlon Germany's 2021 financial figures underline that they are currently doing everything right.
OSAKA, Japan - Increased production capacities in factories in Japan in combination with a booming cycling market, made 2021 a best-ever year for Shimano in both turn-over and profit. Shimano also notes that the economic outlook for 2022 and the electronic components shortages might impact the industry.
ARNHEM, the Netherlands - The announcement last week that Specialized starts to offer online bicycle and e-bike sales and distribute directly to the consumer was to be expected. The question was: when will the American brand decide to launch this new service and why then? Koos de Boer, of Specialized Europe explains.
AMSTELVEEN, the Netherlands - The average retail price for e-bikes increased between 4% and 12.5% last year in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. The annual GfK E-bike Monitor 2021 shows that a growing number of consumers are interested in buying more premium bikes.
ZEIST, the Netherlands - Together with Switzerland, the Netherlands and Belgium were always regarded as an example for the potential of speed pedelecs. Slow sales were manifest in 2020 and the trend continued into 2021. Together with Switzerland, the Benelux countries are still the main markets for speed pedelecs.
BOCHOLT, Germany - "Supply chain bottlenecks? These won't end before 2024," says Thorsten Heckrath-Rose, Managing Director of the D2C brand, Rose Bikes. But it's not all doom and gloom as companies like Rose have changed their approach over the last two years and are continuing to do so. An interview about dependencies, customer patience and creative solutions...
HAMBURG, Germany - The huge mismatch in the global container market is far from over. That is the conclusion of Container xChange, an online platform that brings together supply and demand for containers. Whilst containers are now moving in and out of China at record speeds, port congestion in Europe and the US continues to slow the return of boxes to Asia.
VICENZA, Italy - In an open-faced conversation, Fulcrum CEO Davide Campagnolo who is closely involved in the Campagnolo operation, spoke out on the difficulties, challenges and opportunities encountered by Fulcrum and Campagnolo as well as the bicycle industry in general.
WELS, Austria - Pierer Mobility, whose two-wheeled portfolio includes Felt Bicycles, GasGas and Husqvarna e-bikes but also KTM Motorbikes, has reported record sales for 2021. In a successful year for the bicycle division, e-bike sales were up 37% and traditional bicycle sales reached a 40% year-on-year increase.
