News
Sea Otter Springs Back From COVID Hibernation
Monterey, California Sea Otter Classic roared back to life in October. Never mind that it was a late-season interim expo, or that some exhibitors like SRAM, Santa Cruz, Cannondale and others passed because of ongoing uncertainty posed by COVID-19. Visitors were greeted by clear blue skies and warm weather tempered by afternoon gusts that kicked…
How’s Business? November 2021
Welcome to our monthly chat with retailers across Australia and New Zealand. We all know that bike supply is tight, particularly for higher-end bikes, say anything over $2,000. But just like covid, you can get sick of hearing the same news. And of course, supply is only one of the two key factors that will…
Please Help me Celebrate 60 or Bust!
VanMoof Hyperbike Accelerates Debate on Top Speeds
Amsterdam, Netherlands Dutch e-bike manufacturer VanMoof has weighed into the debate on assisted maximum speeds, with the unveiling of its first high-speed “hyperbike”. VanMoof announced the VanMoof V will be capable of speeds up to 50 km/h and would be “optimised for long commutes”. It will feature two-wheel drive, front and rear suspension, thicker tires…
Report Launch a New High for Australian Cycling
Canberra, ACT Last week’s official launch of the We Ride Australian Cycling Economy Report was an unprecedented high point for the Australian cycling industry and bike advocacy in this country, according to the Director – National Advocacy for We Ride, Stephen Hodge. The compelling figures in the national report, the calibre of politicians and business…
TEBCO Highlights Supply Nightmare
Melbourne, Victoria Australia’s leading manufacturer and importer of electric bicycles has offered insight into the massive supply challenges currently confronting bike distributors. TEBCO this week issued an update to its customer retailers on shipping delays as a result of the COVID pandemic and consequent shortfall in containers and shipping services. The company has more than…
UCI Announces Gravel World Series and World Championships
Aigle, Switzerland A new UCI gravel world championship and world series being launched next year are unlikely to have much impact on gravel bike sales in Australia, at least in the short term, according to prominent members of the industry. The new additions to the UCI calendar were announced as part of a statement from…
Link Sports Adds Brands and Relocates to Larger Premises
Sydney, NSW Link Sports has shifted headquarters while adding three bike brands. The company, which has served as a long-term distributor of brands including Burgtec, Spank, KS and Slikoleum, has moved to a larger warehouse in Rydalmere, NSW, while shifting its servicing and warranty support to a satellite service centre in East Maitland, NSW. Director…
Army Trialling e-Bikes for Rapid Reconnaissance
Queensland High-speed e-bikes could soon become part of the Australian Army’s tactical arsenal, following an ongoing trial of Stealth reconnaissance bikes. Victorian e-bike manufacturer Stealth is working with the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment to test the bikes’ capacity to help soldiers quickly and quietly scout for information on a battlefield. An initial army report states…
How Many More IBDs will Bike Brands Acquire?
San Francisco, California, USA Are we beginning to see a wider pattern of major bicycle companies looking to ‘vertically integrate’ by buying out some of their dealers or starting new stores from scratch? Already for several years, Trek has been progressively buying dealers and in some cases starting new stores. This is USA head office…