A Retrospective Look at the 2008 European and American Bike Shows & Markets. Special Reports. 56 BMU 2009 Spring

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1 A Retrospective Look at the 2008 European and American Bike Shows & Markets Text & Photos: Editorial Dept 56 BMU 2009 Spring

Bigger than Ever Eurobike A Bigger Than Ever Eurobike A The 2008 Eurobike set a new size record. The 938 participating vendors hailed from 36 countries, and 70% were from outside Germany.

But even with a new record amount of space, the supply of booths was still inadequate to meet demand.

After the completion of expansion work in 2009, the total area available for the show will exceed 100,000 square meters. Eurobike is the world s largest bicycle show.

Carbon fiber technology is more mature than ever, and it is being used more widely than before. Even city bikes and long-travel This rear shock absorber on the Scott Genius Ltd.

2 Bigger than Ever Eurobike A Bigger Than Ever Eurobike A The 2008 Eurobike set a new size record. The 938 participating vendors hailed from 36 countries, and 70% were from outside Germany. Because it had run out of space in the past, this year s Eurobike began using new room A7, which increased the total floor area to 85,000 square meters. But even with a new record amount of space, the supply of booths was still inadequate to meet demand. Especially now that IFMA is out of business, it s certain that even more vendors will be flocking to Eurobike, and the show will continue to expand. After the completion of expansion work in 2009, the total area available for the show will exceed 100,000 square meters. Eurobike is the world s largest bicycle show. A look at this year s new models revealed that carbon fiber is still the material of choice in high-end bikes. Carbon fiber technology is more mature than ever, and it is being used more widely than before. Even city bikes and long-travel This rear shock absorber on the Scott Genius Ltd. has three travel settings that can be changed using a handle: 150mm, 95mm, and lockout. (left to right) Head of the MOEA's Frankfurt office, Shen Chang-chin, EBMA Chairman Brian Montgomery, WTO delegation head Lin Yi-fu, and TBEA Chairman Y. M. Yang, participate in Taiwan Bike Night. full suspension bikes now often sport carbon frames. One example is the Scott Genius Ltd, a full suspension bike with 150 mm travel employing the allnew Scott Equalizer 2 rear shock, which is cable-controlled and has three settings. This bike is suitable for long-distance cross-country races and marathons. An even more distinctive model is the GT Fury Downhill, which has a full carbon fiber one-piece molded frame and travel of 203 mm. This bike features an all-new Ilink pivot design and 8.65 rear travel; it is equipped with Shimano s brand-new Saint system and Avid disc brakes. E-bikes are growing increasingly popular in Europe, and ordinary models usually sell for a bit more than 2,000. Most are powered by lithium batteries. Trekking bikes are still dominant in the European market, but new models have even lighter weights. Retro styling is flourishing, and steel frames and singlespeed bikes are rebounding in popularity. Manufacturers are still working hard to develop integrated designs. Giant s City Speed has a built-in lamp in the seat tube. Topeak s Jango has built-in lamps in front and back, as well as disc brake locks and an anti-theft head badge. Boasting fluid, spare lines, the Jango is a reminder that a single frame, together with different accessories, can provide different functions. Bianchi's Pista classic steel-frame singlespeed bike. Giant Tianjin President Young Liu Spring BMU 57

Eurobike Numerous innovative BB and chainwheel designs were introduced this year.

Look introduced the Zed one-piece carbon chainwheel and crank set.

Many manufacturers followed along after the BB30 specifications were issued; for instance, FSA

As far as shift systems were concerned, an 11-speed shift introduced by Campagnolo and giving

This shift system is offered in the Super Record, Record, and Chorus3 grades, and Giant's early

Campagnolo's 11-speed shift system was a big attention-getter.

Shimano of course was unwilling to play second fiddle, and introduced the Di2 electronic shift

Taiwan-designed products honored at the Eurobike Awards included Pacific s IF MODE folding bike,

3 Eurobike Numerous innovative BB and chainwheel designs were introduced this year. For instance, Specialized s Epic full suspension bike features integrated cranks and frame. Look introduced the Zed one-piece carbon chainwheel and crank set. SRAM and Bionicon simultaneously introduced two-speed internal shift systems. Many manufacturers followed along after the BB30 specifications were issued; for instance, FSA and SRAM both introduced chainwheels complying with the BB30 specifications. As far as shift systems were concerned, an 11-speed shift introduced by Campagnolo and giving road bikes 33 possible gear combinations was one of the hits of the show. This shift system is offered in the Super Record, Record, and Chorus3 grades, and Giant's early logo can be seen on this retro singlespeed bike. Campagnolo's 11-speed shift system was a big attention-getter. had already appeared on many of the new 2009 models at the show. Shimano of course was unwilling to play second fiddle, and introduced the Di2 electronic shift system allowing faster and more precise shifting. Taiwan-designed products honored at the Eurobike Awards included Pacific s IF MODE folding bike, Topeak s Allay 2.1 color saddles, KTM s Lycan 1.0 MTB, SR Suntour s XCR The Jango M.A.B. (Multi-Activity Bicycle) overturns conventional bike design concepts. Look introduced the Zed carbon integrated chainwheel and crank. Tange introduced this steel-frame single-speed bike. Shimano introduced an electronic shift system series. 58 BMU 2009 Spring

Giant's City Speed won a gold medal at the Eurobike Awards. Pacific's IF MODE folding bike won Eurobike Award honors. Eurobike Topeak's Allay 2.

KindShock's cable-controlled seat tube lets the rider control saddle height without getting off the bike, and was a Eurobike Award winner.

842 million bikes at of the end of July 2008, and this figure represented an increase of SR Suntour won a Eurobike Award with its XCR FX chainwheel and crank.

503 million bikes during the first half of the year; the 590,000 bikes exported during this period had increased by 79.

German bike sales were valued at 1.7 billion in 2008, while aftermarket and parts and components sales were valued at roughly 1.45 billion.

There was a significant increase in aftermarket sales attributed to increased use of bicycles by consumers in recent years.

The value of bicycle sales in Germany rose from 1.5 billion in 2006 to 1.6 billion in 2007. Data from ZGA indicated that roughly 2.

4 Giant's City Speed won a gold medal at the Eurobike Awards. Pacific's IF MODE folding bike won Eurobike Award honors. Eurobike Topeak's Allay 2.1 saddle using AirSpan technology won a Eurobike Award medal. KindShock's cable-controlled seat tube lets the rider control saddle height without getting off the bike, and was a Eurobike Award winner. FX chainwheel and crank, Kind Shock s KS i950-r seatpost, and the gold medal-winning Giant City Speed. According to ZGA data, the German market had an annual supply of million bikes at of the end of July 2008, and this figure represented an increase of SR Suntour won a Eurobike Award with its XCR FX chainwheel and crank. KTM won a Eurobike Award with its Lycan 1.0 MTB. 1% compared with the same period of Germany produced million bikes during the first half of the year; the 590,000 bikes exported during this period had increased by 79.8% compared with the 328,000 bikes exported during the same period of Germany s bicycle imports rose by 8.3% from million in 2007 to million in German bike sales were valued at 1.7 billion in 2008, while aftermarket and parts and components sales were valued at roughly 1.45 billion. The German bicycle market as a whole thus had total sales exceeding 3 billion. There was a significant increase in aftermarket sales attributed to increased use of bicycles by consumers in recent years. Compared with other EU countries, Germany s bicycle industry is relatively successful and employs a total of 30,000 persons, including retail sales personnel. The value of bicycle sales in Germany rose from 1.5 billion in 2006 to 1.6 billion in Data from ZGA indicated that roughly 2.4 million bicycles were manufactured within Germany in 2007, of which 600,000 were exported to other countries, and 2.75 million bicycles were imported during the same year. Taiwan was the largest source of Germany s bicycle imports, followed by Poland, Thailand, and Vietnam in that order. A total of approximately 4.58 million bicycles were sold in Germany in 2007, of which 40% had been domestically produced and 60% had been imported. As for bicycle types, trekking bikes are still the most popular variety in Germany, and account for 32% of sales. After trekking bikes come city bikes and MTBs. E-bikes are growing steadily more common, and their sales are surging in many EU countries. As far as channels are Spring BMU 59

Eurobike Messingschlager is a well-known importer in Germany,

Shown are GM Benno Messing Schlager (left) and Kenda Vice

Maxxis Maxxlite 285 tires weigh only 285g, and are made from

concerned, increasing numbers of consumers are purchasing

Bicycle prices average 370 at ordinary stores, and 440 at

million to 68 million over the past ten years; 81% of

The 2009 Eurobike will be held September 2-5.

develop suspension fork features this 15QR system.

Bionicon introduced the B-Boxx front internal shift system;

SuperLogic is Ritchey's newest grade of parts, and is

5 Eurobike Messingschlager is a well-known importer in Germany, and is Kenda's German agent. Shown are GM Benno Messing Schlager (left) and Kenda Vice President Jimmy Yang (right). Maxxis Maxxlite 285 tires weigh only 285g, and are made from high density, wear-resistant, low rolling-resistant material. concerned, increasing numbers of consumers are purchasing bicycles at IBD bicycle shops (IBDs account for 59% of sales). Bicycle prices average 370 at ordinary stores, and 440 at IBDs. The total number of bicycles in Germany grew from 62 million to 68 million over the past ten years; 81% of families own bicycles, which is up by 10% compared with The 2009 Eurobike will be held September 2-5. Shimano and Fox Spinner's 320 pneumatic collaborated to develop suspension fork features this 15QR system. lockout and adjustable rebound. Bionicon introduced the B-Boxx front internal shift system; the design is different from Truvativ's HammerSchmidt, but the result is equally effective. FSA's K-Force Light top-end carbon fiber chainwheel and crank weigh 670g and comply with BB30 system. Truvativ's HammerSchmidt two-speed internal shift system. SuperLogic is Ritchey's newest grade of parts, and is positioned above WCS; this photo shows SuperLogic carbon fiber road bike handlebar. Kenda's Kwick Trax tires are exclusively for city and trekking bikes. Alex Rims introduced this 1,500-gram tubeless wheelset for road bikes. 60 BMU 2009 Spring

Eurobike Colnago and Ferrari jointly introduced the CF7

modulus carbon fiber, and is equipped with the Campagnolo

Merida's 'Ninety Six' has won many major awards.

is a full carbon fiber all-mountain bike.

extra-large head tube lends added strength to the frame.

6 Eurobike Colnago and Ferrari jointly introduced the CF7 limited edition frame; this all-new design employs high modulus carbon fiber, and is equipped with the Campagnolo Super Record 11S. Merida's 'Ninety Six' has won many major awards. Cannondale's Moto Carbon Ultimate Ltd. is a full carbon fiber all-mountain bike. Specialized's Epic features integrated frame and cranks; the extra-large head tube lends added strength to the frame. Fuji and Rock Racing jointly introduced the 'London Rocks,' which combines Fuji's SL-1 top-end competition frame with Rock Racing's unique design Spring BMU 61

Interbike Specialized's Langster fixed gear bike features graphic designs inspired by such major world cities as San Francisco, Tokyo, and New York.

orders, and signed contracts at Eurobike, which made Interbike almost superfluous.

This situation definitely favors Eurobike at the expense of Interbike.

Kona's CoilAir boasts of striking an amazing compromise between pedaling efficiency and suspension function; it is intended for trail riding and freeriding.

market go to Interbike. As a result, Interbike is increasingly a regional, and not an international, bicycle show.

As far as trends were concerned, numerous companies displayed fixed gear bikes, including those with and without brakes.

7 Interbike Specialized's Langster fixed gear bike features graphic designs inspired by such major world cities as San Francisco, Tokyo, and New York Interbike 2008 Interbike Because Eurobike was held about three weeks earlier than Interbike, many multinational distributors had already seen the new year s products, negotiated new orders, and signed contracts at Eurobike, which made Interbike almost superfluous. Even manufacturers in neighboring Latin American countries felt that Interbike was held too late, and opted to sign contracts at Eurobike. This situation definitely favors Eurobike at the expense of Interbike. Firms that wish to do international business all go to Eurobike, while those that seek to do business in the American Interbike's exciting Outdoor Demo won high marks. Kona's CoilAir boasts of striking an amazing compromise between pedaling efficiency and suspension function; it is intended for trail riding and freeriding. Fixed gear seemed to be getting hotter and hotter. Some models even had their brakes removed, which certainly gave them slick looks. JD's Trans X is an e-bike aimed at the US market. market go to Interbike. As a result, Interbike is increasingly a regional, and not an international, bicycle show. Such prominent brands as Trek and Cannondale only took part in the show s Outdoor Demo, but were absent from the indoor exhibition area. As far as trends were concerned, numerous companies displayed fixed gear bikes, including those with and without brakes. In addition, freeride bikes boasted even longer travel and more functions. Freeride bikes are eating up the downhill market, which illustrates the growing trend toward one type of bike performing several different functions. The subprime loan crisis, soaring oil prices, banking crisis, and stock market crash have dealt harsh blows to the US economy. No less than former US Treasury Secretary Paulson warned that the worst is yet to come. According to the organizers, a total of 6,000 people took part in the much-acclaimed two-day Outdoor Demo new product try-out activity. In contrast, the threeday indoor show was sparsely attended. There were 3,115 booths at the show, which was a slightly lower number than in The 2009 Interbike will be held September BMU 2009 Spring

IFMA According to ZEG President Georg Honkomp, IFMA's performance had obviously failed to meet expectations in recent years.

According to Accell Group CEO Rene Takens, Accell's annual European e-bike sales are less than 100,000 units.

IFMA long brought the bicycle industry together and provided a dedicated forum for displaying OEM products.

in recent years. In the end, as its main vendors jumped ship, E-bikes are becoming more and more popular in the EU market.

IFMA was forced to accept reality and go out of business. The numbers of vendors and visitors at IFMA declined noticeably in 2008.

But although ZEG forecasts further e-bike growth, Accell Group CEO Rene Takens noted that since e-bikes are a new type, the market still has plenty of room for growth,

8 IFMA According to ZEG President Georg Honkomp, IFMA's performance had obviously failed to meet expectations in recent years. ZEG GM Egbert Hagebock (right) was disappointed in the IFMA show, but expressed that he would not participate in Eurobike. According to Accell Group CEO Rene Takens, Accell's annual European e-bike sales are less than 100,000 units. Enters History IFMA Enters History IFMA After 45 years of history, Germany s IFMA bicycle show became history following its final episode on September 18-21, IFMA long brought the bicycle industry together and provided a dedicated forum for displaying OEM products. Due to competition from Eurobike in recent years, and the large-scale transformation of the industry environment, however, IFMA had been shrinking and losing business in recent years. In the end, as its main vendors jumped ship, E-bikes are becoming more and more popular in the EU market. According to KTM President Carol Chen, KTM has sold off all its inventory, and can expect 12% sales growth in IFMA was forced to accept reality and go out of business. The numbers of vendors and visitors at IFMA declined noticeably in Thanks to the growth of this market, many of the vendors present displayed e-bikes. But although ZEG forecasts further e-bike growth, Accell Group CEO Rene Takens noted that since e-bikes are a new type, the market still has plenty of room for growth, but fast growth does not translate into a large sales volume. It remains to Poland's Arkus & Romet President Kazimierz Rak. be seen whether e-bike sales will become another victim of the European and American financial crisis. With more than 800 members, ZEG has its headquarters in Cologne. ZEG sells approximately one million bicycles annually, and sales topped 330 million in ZEG s major vendors include Panther, KTM, Accell, Kettler, and Giant. Bulls is ZEG s sports product brand. Although ZEG has always been a key supporter of IFMA, the trade show s Spring BMU 63

IFMA An electric system displayed by SR Suntour. Shown here are President Kobayashi Daiyu (right) and SR Germany GM Mr.

Cycle Union acquired Dutch wholesaler Odice in February 2009.

Shown here are President Lyuben Martinov (third from right), Vice President Lukan Lukanov (third from left), and Sales

Six companies from Bulgaria jointly displayed their wares at IFMA.

Balkan Velo Todorova is the oldest bike manufacturer in Bulgaria. GM Darina Todorova is shown here.

decline forced ZEG to throw in the towel in 2008.

In the wake of IFMA s demise, the organizers announced that they will hold the new Intermo show in October 2010, and once

While this show will focus on motorcycles, it will also feature Sparta has enjoyed extremely good e-bike sales in Europe.

9 IFMA An electric system displayed by SR Suntour. Shown here are President Kobayashi Daiyu (right) and SR Germany GM Mr. Ippei Noda (left). Propnete has been enjoying good sales, said GM Severine Lionne. Cycle Union acquired Dutch wholesaler Odice in February Bulgaria's Cross has adopted a marketing strategy combining sales of both branded and OEM products. Shown here are President Lyuben Martinov (third from right), Vice President Lukan Lukanov (third from left), and Sales Manager Stefan Ivanov (second from right). E-Wheels GM Frank Heifmeyer focuses on E-bike system design. Six companies from Bulgaria jointly displayed their wares at IFMA. Shown here on the right is Chairman Dragomir Kouzov of the Bulgaria Manufacturers' Association. Balkan Velo Todorova is the oldest bike manufacturer in Bulgaria. GM Darina Todorova is shown here. Apart from selling through ZEG channels, Panther is also actively expanding its European market. decline forced ZEG to throw in the towel in The organizers of IFMA consequently had to accept the inevitable and announce the show s closing. In the wake of IFMA s demise, the organizers announced that they will hold the new Intermo show in October 2010, and once every two years thereafter. While this show will focus on motorcycles, it will also feature Sparta has enjoyed extremely good e-bike sales in Europe. bicycles. It s widely felt, however, that this show will attract little attention from the cycle industry in the near term. According to ZEG President Georg Honkomp, the German bicycle industry needs a large trade show to attract vendors and buyers from Germany and other countries. This show should be held sometime from mid-august to the end of October, and should be located in a suitable city, such as Hannover, Munich, or Frankfurt. ZEG will not participate in Eurobike because of insufficient booth space and lodging, added ZEG GM Egbert Hagebock. 64 BMU 2009 Spring

EICMA MIC President Dott. Ing Amedeo (right). Milanit emphasizes quality over quantity, and only produces 400 bikes annually.

The Milan city government has copied Paris' 'Velib' bike transit system with its new 'Bike Mi' public bike service.

recent years the EICMA show in Milan has declined in importance and attracted fewer and fewer participants.

Italy produces approximately three million bicycles annually.

10 EICMA MIC President Dott. Ing Amedeo (right). Milanit emphasizes quality over quantity, and only produces 400 bikes annually. The company has roughly 11 employees. Shown here are President Paola Di Domenico and his wife. The Milan city government has copied Paris' 'Velib' bike transit system with its new 'Bike Mi' public bike service EICMA 2008 EICMA Because most bicycle firms take part in the Eurobike show, and because the November time was considered too late, in recent years the EICMA show in Milan has declined in importance and attracted fewer and fewer participants. Compared with the motorcycle room, the bicycle room had noticeably worse attendance. Italy produces approximately three million bicycles annually. Italian bicycles and parts and accessories such as rims, derailleurs, saddles, handlebars, chainwheels, shoes, clothing, and safety helmets are all very competitive. There were no special new bicycles at last year s EICMA, but functions, weights, materials, and paint schemes all revealed new changes. White is still the most popular color, and is associated with clean design and retro looks. The Milan municipal government has borrowed a page from Paris book by providing e-bikes at spots close to subway stations for the use of city residents. Milan made 1,000 e-bikes Compared to cold bike halls, the Motorbike Halls were crowded The crowd was thin at the bicycle show Spring BMU 65

EICMA available for public use at 103 locations starting at the end of

City residents can register online to use an e-bike, or can use a free

The first half an hour of use is free, and every subsequent half-hour

The government of Milan plans to increase the number of e-bikes to

and raise the number of stations to 200 in the summer of 2009.

the urban area, which will conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions.

industryoriented show will be held S e p t e m b e r 1 8-2 1, a n d a

11 EICMA available for public use at 103 locations starting at the end of November City residents can register online to use an e-bike, or can use a free phone card to register. The first half an hour of use is free, and every subsequent half-hour costs two euros. The government of Milan plans to increase the number of e-bikes to 5,000 De Rosa President Ugo De Rosa. and raise the number of stations to 200 in the summer of This program encourages city residents to use bikes more often within the urban area, which will conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions. The EICMA organizers have decided to hold two shows in 2009: A industryoriented show will be held S e p t e m b e r , a n d a consumer-oriented bicycle and motorcycle show will be held November Campagnolo's Eurus wheelsets allow the use of either tubeless tires or conventional inner tube-type tires ( 2 Way Fit ). Each Casati frame is personally signed by President Giauni Casati. Disc brakes for tubular wheels. Hutchinson's tubeless tire wheelsets. San Patrignan's carbon fiber frame weighs only 829 g. 66 BMU 2009 Spring

A Lackluster 2010 Bike Expo. Exhibitions

A Lackluster 2010 Bike Expo. Exhibitions A Lackluster 2010 Bike Expo Supported by the ZEG Group Europe's largest bicycle purchasing group the Bike Expo show has successfully made it to its second year. Although the timing and atmosphere were