World News Briefs – October 2024

A cruiser e-bike parked in a field

16,500 Non-Compliant Fat Bikes Seized in the Netherlands Many Australian bicycle dealers are concerned about the impact upon their businesses of the sale through online and other channels of fatbikes that greatly exceed the legal 250 watt power limit (500 watt in NSW). These dealers would probably like to see Australian government authorities take actions…

Trade News Briefs: Things are on the Move in Melbourne!

Group of people cycling on a track in bush setting

World Trail Breaks Ground on Warburton MTB Destination After a decade of planning, extensive environmental studies, community opposition and setbacks, the huge Warburton MTB Destination is finally under construction. This mountain bike park will include a massive 160 kilometres of singletrack and is located only about 30 minutes from the eastern edge of Melbourne’s suburbs…

Pon’s Global CEO is Upbeat About Industry’s Future

Two men standing at bicycle event. Pon Bike CEO

Adelaide, SA At the start line of Stage 3 of the 2023 Tour Down Under, all eyes of the huge crowd were on the elite professional cyclists. Few people would have noticed the casually dressed Janus Smalbraak unobtrusively visiting some of the teams. A study of his online media shows that Janus likes it that…

Advance Traders Confirmed for Micromobility Expo

Royal Randwick Racecourse

Sydney, NSW Exhibitor confirmations for the 2022 Micromobility Conference & Expo have reached a crescendo, with Australia’s largest bicycle company, Advance Traders Australia, signing up to be part of the expo. The Brisbane-based wholesaler will have a selection of its e-bike brands on display: Merida, Norco, Moov8 and VeletriX. They will join a number of…

Here’s Some Highlights You Can See at the Micromobility Conference & Expo

Specialized e-bike

Sydney, NSW With just over a fortnight until the inaugural Micromobility Conference & Expo, here’s a recap of recent news about just some of the attractions to see and experience: Specialized’s large-scale expansion into the urban bike market will be on full display, with confirmation its exhibit will focus on its commuter bikes and e-bike…

Specialized Ready For Active Promotion at Micromobility Conference and Expo

Specialized e-bike

Sydney, NSW Specialized’s large-scale expansion into the urban bike market will be on full display when Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse hosts the inaugural Micromobility Conference and Expo on 25th and 26th November. The company has confirmed it will be exhibiting at the expo, with a particular emphasis on its commuter bikes and e-bike models. Specialized Product…

‘SUVs’ Bringing New e-Bike Audience

e-SUV Bike

Frankfurt, Germany E-Bike ‘SUVs’ are emerging as the most important e-bike sectors to attract newcomers to cycling, according to industry leaders at a Eurobike workshop. Authorities speaking at the e-Bike: A Game Changer workshop said these ‘sports utility’ e-bikes, combining the sportiness and youth appeal of e-MTBs with practical features more typically seen on urban…

Letter From America: Rationale Behind the Great White Feeding Frenzy

Wheat Ridge Cyclery shop front

Santa Fe, New Mexico It’s as if someone tossed a ton of chum into the turbulent waters surrounding independent bicycle dealers, attracting a scrum of swift-moving sharks snapping up prime retail locations in the prosperous suburbs of major metropolitan areas. Look at a map and it’s easy to see where the Great Whites — Trek,…

Globe Lights Specialized Path to Everyday Commuting

Globe e-bike

California, US Australian buyers will have to wait patiently to access a new commuter e-bike venture launched by Specialized this month. The new business unit, Globe, will initially focus exclusively on the US market when it starts taking orders in late 2022, and Specialized Australia has confirmed there is no identified time frame for its…

Specialized Appoints First Chief of Worldwide Markets

California, US Former Pon.Bike and Canyon chief Armin Landgraf has been appointed Specialized’s Chief of Worldwide Markets. A statement by Specialized says Armin will be “responsible for driving excellence and innovation in rider and retailer engagement to create a modern ecosystem that amplifies benefits to riders, retailers, and the brand”. “Armin knows how to lead…