World
Eurobike 2021 a Different Show to Mark End of Era
By Christopher Jones It was up in the air as to whether Eurobike 2021 would be cancelled, after last year’s event was abandoned because of COVID-19. However, most of Europe has adapted to the COVID situation and good vaccination numbers have made it possible to conduct large-scale events, with the necessary precautions. Under new German COVID provisions, known…
Vietnam Shut Down Impacts Australian High End Bike Supply
When you think about bicycle and component manufacturing countries in Asia, chances are that your list would start with China, Taiwan and perhaps Japan. But Vietnam has become an increasingly important production hub over recent years. This has been partly as a way for global brands to avoid the ‘anti-dumping’ measures imposed upon Chinese manufacturers…
Why Has Global Shipping Become So Chaotic and Expensive?
If you’re a wholesaler, you know first-hand that shipping prices have gone through the roof since covid hit. If anything, the situation is getting worse, not better. It’s not just the price that’s problematic. There are long delays, fewer ships sailing to Australia and New Zealand and our ports are chocked with empty containers while…
IAA Mobility ‘Essential to Bridge Rift Between Bikes and Cars’
Organisers of the revamped International Mobility Show Germany (IAA Mobility) have emphasised the event’s value in fostering greater harmony between automobiles, bicycles and other road users. The biennial IAA event was rebadged in 2021 as IAA Mobility to incorporate micromobility exhibitors for the first time, attracting a considerable number of e-bike and e-scooter manufacturers. In…
Have 3D Printed Bicycle Frames Finally Become a Viable Reality?
In global engineering and manufacturing, 3D printing has been big news for quite a while. In the case of bicycle frames, this means rather than joining pre-made tubes together with some form of welding or gluing, the entire frame is built from scratch in one process, by adding many fine layers in quick succession of…
Giant Announces Huge Growth and New Factory in Vietnam
Despite supply constraints, container shortages and unfavourable exchange rates, Taiwan’s leading bicycle producer, Giant Group, reported strong sales results for the first half of 2021. Giant also demonstrated their commitment to further growth in the long term by announcing the construction of a new automated e-bike factory in Vietnam. Giant Group made total consolidated sales…
Global Bike Manufacturers are Still Booming
With more bicycle companies than ever now publicly listed and required to post regular financial reports, it’s plain to see that the bike industry boom is showing no signs of slowing up just yet. Despite covid-induced logistical challenges such as factory closures or restrictions and shipping issues, most are increasing their production. Shimano In its…
Sustainability Report Lifts the Lid on Bike Industry
Many bicycle industry members feel good about the idea that they’re selling environmentally sustainable products. But exactly how environmentally friendly is the process of manufacturing, distributing and selling bicycles? Trek Bicycles have just released their first annual Sustainability Report, which answers some of these questions. In his introduction to the report, Trek’s President, John Burke…
Eurobike 2021 Marks the End of an Era
Despite covid restrictions, the Eurobike Show is proceeding this year, albeit on a smaller scale. After 30 years, the final Eurobike show to be hosted at Friedrichshafen is being held from 1st to 4th September 2021 probably with not one of the usual 200 or so Australian attendees able to visit. For many Australians, it…
Life Time Buys Sea Otter Classic
Frank Yohannan, who has owned and operated the Sea Otter Classic for more than 30 years since he founded the event from scratch, has sold to Life Time, a multi-billion dollar fitness and event company. Life Time already owns a range of major cycling, running and triathlon events across the USA including the Leadville 100,…