Overstock and supply chain dynamics In 2024, the bicycle industry will face unprecedented challenges characterized by overstock and complex supply chain issues. These challenges are primarily due to the high consumer demand witnessed during the pandemic, compounded by global crises such as the COVID-19 aftermath and the Ukraine conflict. The rising costs of essential materials like aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber have significantly increased production costs and, consequently, retail prices. The industry is currently grappling with the "Bullwhip effect," where small fluctuations in demand lead to significant supply chain disruptions and inventory accumulation. Retailers, who anticipated continued high demand, ordered excessive stock. However, an unforeseen slowdown in consumer demand has resulted in bloated inventories, exacerbating the overstock problem. The situation is further complicated by the seasonal nature of the bicycle industry. Historically, the industry has seen fluctuations in demand based on seasons, with higher sales in warmer months. This seasonality has traditionally required careful inventory management to avoid overstock during off-peak periods. However, the pandemic-induced surge in demand led many in the industry to miscalculate future demand, resulting in the current overstock situation. The supply chain has also been strained by disruptions caused by global logistics issues, including port congestions and shipping delays. These factors have led to unpredictable lead times for components and finished products, making it challenging for companies to manage inventory levels effectively. Market stabilization and adaptation strategies As the industry confronts these challenges, market stabilization has become a primary concern. The unpredictability in lead times for various components has severely disrupted supply management, compelling retailers and manufacturers to anticipate requirements years in advance. To mitigate these challenges, manufacturers are exploring a range of strategies. One such approach is the relocation of production facilities to regions with shorter lead times, aiming to regain control over the supply chain. For example, the decision by Bianchi, an Italian brand, to invest in carbon fiber manufacturing in Italy is a direct response to the prolonged order times experienced due to supply chain disruptions. Additionally, the industry is witnessing a significant shift in consumer behavior. There is a growing preference for sustainable and efficient modes of transportation, which has been a boon for the bicycle industry. The rise of e-bikes and smart cycling technologies is reshaping the market, offering new growth opportunities. These technological advancements are not only enhancing the cycling experience but are also aligning with consumer desires for more sustainable and efficient transportation options. The growing awareness of environmental issues and the desire to reduce carbon footprints are driving consumers toward bicycles and e-bikes as viable alternatives to traditional motor vehicles. Moreover, the industry is also adapting to the changing retail landscape. The rise of online sales and direct-to-consumer models is transforming how bicycles are sold. Consumers are increasingly comfortable with purchasing bicycles online, leading to a shift in how manufacturers and retailers approach sales and distribution. This shift is also influencing marketing strategies, with a greater emphasis on digital marketing and online engagement to reach potential customers. Future outlook and bike-industry resilience Looking forward, there is cautious optimism within the bicycle industry. As the market gradually adapts to the new normal, a resurgence in demand is anticipated, particularly in segments like e-bikes and commuter bicycles. Brands are focusing on innovation to differentiate their offerings, targeting evolving market needs and consumer preferences. This focus on innovation is not limited to product development but extends to service models and customer engagement strategies. The challenges of overstock and supply chain disruptions have necessitated a reevaluation of business strategies, emphasizing the need for adaptability, technological innovation, and alignment with changing consumer preferences. While the road ahead may present challenges, the industry's resilience and capacity for innovation suggest a promising future. The industry's response to these challenges, including the adoption of sustainable practices and the integration of advanced technologies, will shape its trajectory in the years to come. 2023 stands as a pivotal year for the bicycle industry. The overstock and supply chain issues have been a wake-up call, prompting a comprehensive rethinking of how the industry operates. As it navigates these complexities, the focus will be on embracing adaptability, fostering innovation, and aligning with the evolving needs of consumers. The bicycle industry's journey through 2023 and beyond is poised to be one of transformation and growth, driven by resilience and a commitment to meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Gaia Tormena, at only 21, has already etched her name in the annals of mountain biking history. Her journey in the sport began in her early teens, fueled by a passion for cycling and an innate talent for navigating rugged terrains. Born in the Aosta Valley, a region renowned for its challenging mountain landscapes, Tormena found the perfect training ground to hone her skills. Dominance in the eliminator discipline The Cross Country Eliminator discipline in mountain biking, where explosiveness and agility are paramount, has been Tormena's forte. She excels in this high-octane, short-format race, which requires cyclists to sprint over a short, obstacle-laden course. Tormena's ability to combine speed with technical prowess sets her apart from her competitors. The journey to Indonesia: World Championship glory In 2023, Tormena's journey took her to Indonesia for the World Mountain Bike Eliminator Championships. The event was a showcase of the world's best, and Tormena was up against seasoned competitors. Her victory here wasn't just a testament to her physical abilities but also her mental fortitude. Tormena's strategic approach to each race, understanding her opponents' strengths and weaknesses, played a crucial role in her triumph. Rivals on the track One of Tormena's notable rivals is Marion Fromberger, a formidable athlete in her own right. Their rivalry has been marked by close contests and mutual respect. Tormena's ability to consistently outperform Fromberger and other top competitors like Dara Latifah highlights her exceptional talent. European Championship: a testament to consistency Tormena's victory at the European XCE Championships in Sakarya, Turkey, was a display of her dominance in the sport. Winning her fifth consecutive title, she proved that her world championship victory was no fluke. The European Championship posed different challenges, with varied terrains and a highly competitive field, yet Tormena's adaptability and resilience shone through. Training and preparation: the key to success Tormena's training regimen is rigorous and tailored to the demands of mountain biking. She spends countless hours on the trails, mastering every turn and jump. Her preparation also involves mental conditioning, as the sport requires quick decision-making and a high level of focus. Inspiration for young athletes Tormena's success serves as an inspiration for young cyclists, especially girls, who aspire to take up the sport. Her journey underscores the importance of dedication, hard work, and a love for the sport. The future of mountain biking As Tormena continues to set new standards in mountain biking, her career trajectory looks promising. With her talent, determination, and the support of the cycling community, Tormena is poised to achieve even greater heights in the coming years.

Introduction The bicycle industry, once buoyed by a surge in demand during the pandemic, is now facing a starkly different reality. This change is epitomized by the recent insolvency crisis engulfing the SIGNA group, a major player in the bicycle e-commerce market. The group's struggles reflect broader challenges in the industry and raise critical questions about the future of bicycle e-commerce. The SIGNA Group's downfall At the heart of this turmoil is the SIGNA group's insolvency. Signa Real Estate Management Germany, a subsidiary of the conglomerate, has filed for bankruptcy, signaling deepening troubles within Rene Benko's property group. This move has significant implications, given the group's extensive portfolio of valuable properties​​. Further exacerbating the situation is the plight of Signa Sports United (SSU), a subsidiary specializing in sports e-commerce, including a strong focus on the bicycle market. The termination of a €150 million equity commitment by SIGNA Holding GmbH has jeopardized SSU's operational stability, sparking concerns across the industry. With brands like WiggleCRC, Fahrrad.de, and Bikester under its wing, SSU's challenges reflect a broader market vulnerability​​. Industry-wide impact The troubles at SSU send a ripple effect through the bicycle e-commerce market. As a leading player, SSU's instability could disrupt supply chains, affect pricing strategies, and limit consumer access to a wide range of products. This situation is particularly concerning given the industry's already strained supply chains and the recent shifts in consumer buying patterns. Analyzing market dynamics The current crisis also sheds light on the evolving dynamics of the bicycle e-commerce market. During the pandemic, there was an unprecedented increase in demand, leading to a rapid expansion of online bicycle retailers. However, the post-pandemic period has seen a shift back to physical stores, and many e-commerce platforms are struggling to adapt. Moreover, the market faces saturation with numerous new entrants, leading to intense competition and thinner profit margins. The crisis at SIGNA group and SSU illustrates the fragility of over-leveraged business models in such a competitive landscape. The path forward: resilience and adaptation In light of these challenges, bicycle e-commerce companies must rethink their strategies. Diversifying product ranges, investing in technology, and building robust supply chains are crucial steps. Emphasizing customer experience, both online and offline, can also help retain customer loyalty in a fluctuating market. Moreover, the crisis underscores the need for financial prudence and diversified investment strategies. Companies must balance growth ambitions with sustainable financial practices to withstand market pressures and unforeseen challenges. Conclusion The crisis within the SIGNA group and its impact on the bicycle e-commerce sector is a stark reminder of the industry's volatility. As the market continues to evolve, companies must adapt to remain competitive and resilient. The coming months will be pivotal in shaping the future of bicycle e-commerce, as companies navigate these challenging times and look towards sustainable growth and stability.

It’s been just over 24 hours since Italy’s first medal at the World Cycling Championships in Glasgow 2023, and it’s from the track that our tricolor brings home another victory: in the final for the world title of individual pursuit, Staged on the evening of August 6, Filippo Ganna proclaims himself in a spectacular way World Champion winning in comeback on the British Dan Bigham. The audience of the velodrome Sir Chris Hoy witnessed an extraordinary victory of the cyclist from Verbania. Started at a net disadvantage on Dan Bigham who with a time of 4'02"030 was vying for gold. Filippo a kilometer from the end - out of 4 - was detached of 2'168: an infinity. And still of 1"7 to less 500 meters, of 0"558 to -125. But despite everything he won with a resounding comeback, winning the victory of 0"054, that is 84 cm, with a time of 4'01"976. Ganna has made himself known for these sensational recoveries, which make the final heart-pounding like that of a few hours ago live. To name one, Tokyo 2021: it was he who dragged his very strong teammates Lamon, Consonni and Milan to the Olympic gold in the quartet. New Zealand, in the first round, led by 3/10 at minus 500 meters, burned for 0"090. Denmark, in the final, 0"166 after entering the last km ahead of 0"867. Even against Jonathan Milan himself, last year, in the Italian final of the chase, he was down after 2 km. The magic with Top Ganna does not happen only on track. We return for a moment to the world time trial of 2021 in Bruges when the Belgian public silenced recovering Van Aert winning the second title of specialty: lost 6"68 after 13.8 km, 0"84 at 33.3 km, before rushing to the finish line 10 km after with the 5"37 needed for gold. We had already discussed this in this previous article. The question arises: how does it do? To try to better understand the characteristics of our champion, we talked to the technicians who take care of his preparation: Marco Villa, c.t. of the track; Diego Bragato, head of performance of the FCI; Dario Cioni, technician and coach of Ganna in the club Ineos-Grenadiers.   PERSONAL MANAGEMENT. Filippo suffers from a quick start, so it is better to give him time to "align with the chronometer" and give him the opportunity to express everything by the end - explains Villa -. Logical, to do so you have to know yourself perfectly to start pushing at the right time. If you run like this and lose by coming to the end with something still in you, you’ll regret not having started before. But in management, in the administration of effort, he became a master». Now. But in the past... "It was not so. I think of the first individual chase from Jr, to Anadia in Portugal. A disaster. He was already the strongest, but he came fourth. In qualifying he started slowly against a weak opponent. He saw him ahead, he pushed, the last two laps went faster than the Under 23. But "only" the third time. In the final third-fourth place, he started with a rocket and came to a standstill. We worked hard. Training, competitions, analysis, progressions". MUSCULAR STRUCTURE. In the specific recovery on track - says Diego Bragato -, to Filippo you can not ask a start of the level of a Milan. It depends on the type of fiber, the power peak. Jonathan is also "great", but he is faster. In fact he wins the group sprints and can be the starting man in the quartet, while Ganna is perfect as a 'fourth' and has fibers that are still fast, but more resistant. Two key concepts are those of lactic acid power and lactic acid capacity, two physiological components that emerge precisely in the final phase of the chase. Its history shows that it is at the top because it has excellent values. In short, the lactic acid power is the ability of the organism to express power on maximum efforts between 2' and maximum 4-6'. While the lactic acid capacity concerns the ability to redeem the accumulation of lactic acid after maximal efforts beyond the minute. That is to prolong the effort, to be able to carry it out for more time than others». STRATEGY. The reasoning of Dario Cioni - who has already studied in detail the path of Friday, which ends uphill at the castle of Stirling - starts instead from a simple but not at all obvious consideration: Compared to the track, in a time trial there are many more variables. I think about the type of route, the weather, the different departure times. And the strategic component must vary according to all this. In Bruges 2021 he won by a comeback, but for example the year before at Imola he made the difference in the first part, because for him he was better suited to gain an advantage; in the second was Van Aert to recover something. But surely the ideal time is when you arrive knowing you have spent everything, just everything you had. In a test against time, the greater energies are consumed in the parts where you can gain more time. And certainly Filippo has everything to finish his trials in crescendo, if needed. He learned how to dose».     source: Gazzetta dello Sport, 08/08/2023  

The evolution of electric bikes has revolutionized the way we experience mobility and the pleasure of cycling. These modern engineering works combine the strength of human legs with the power of electricity, creating a perfect combination of technology and tradition. In this article, we’ll walk you through the hottest e-bikes of the moment, breaking them down by specialty. Whether you are an urban, off-road adventurer or a long-distance enthusiast, you will surely find the perfect model for you.   E-bike from City: Style and Sustainability Urban e-bikes are experiencing a golden age, with new models that combine style and sustainability in a surprising way. Designers and engineers are committed to creating sleek, fluid, contemporary electric bikes that blend seamlessly into urban life. These e-bikes not only meet the need for an ecological alternative to traditional transport, but represent a statement of intent towards a more conscious lifestyle. The adoption of eco-friendly materials and high-efficiency batteries underlines the commitment to an ecological alternative. In addition to the green look, city e-bikes offer an unparalleled driving experience, making daily journeys a pleasure. Whether you’re heading to work or exploring the city centre, these ebikes represent a step into the future. Some models stand out for their style and integrated sustainability. Renowned brands like Brompton with its Electric, VanMoof’s S3 & X3 series, are redefining the concept of urban mobility. Equipped with powerful batteries and quiet engines, these bikes offer an indispensable smooth riding experience in the city. Features such as intuitive displays, intelligent connectivity, integrated closures and GPS anti-theft alarm system make them reliable and safe companions. Attention to detail is evident in models such as the Cowboy 4 and the Stromer ST5, with minimalist details and high quality materials. While these e-bikes offer a premium experience, many brands are working to keep prices affordable, making this marriage of sustainability and style within reach of a wider audience. While luxury e-bikes like the Stromer ST5 can reach a higher price, there are also cheaper options such as the VanMoof S3 & X3 and the Cowboy 4 that offer exceptional performance and refined style at a lower price, making the e-bike city experience for everyone.   E-MTB: Off-Road Adventures Boosted If off-road is your passion, electric mountain bikes are the answer. To date E-MTB are redefining the concept of off-road adventure. They combine the power of electric assistance with the agility of a traditional MTB. Steep climbs and adventurous descents become more accessible thanks to powerful engines and long-lasting batteries. Models like the Specialized Turbo Levo and Trek Powerfly are taking the off-road experience to new heights. The Specialized Turbo Levo offers a perfect combination of power and control thanks to the Brose engine and integrated battery, which guarantee smooth acceleration even on challenging terrain. The Trek Powerfly, on the other hand, shines with its lightweight but durable aluminum frame, coupled with the powerful Bosch engine. Both models introduce features such as high-quality suspension and the integration of high-end components for a superior riding experience. High-end e-mtbs like the Turbo Levo can come at a higher price, but they are an ideal choice for mountain bikers looking for excellent performance. At the same time, there are more affordable options like the Powerfly Trek that still offer an amazing riding experience without breaking the budget. In both cases, these E-MTB are opening new doors to a new frontier of off-road.   Trekking e-bikes: Unlimited travel Trekking e-bikes have become the ideal companion for those who love off road on two wheels. Designed for long-range exploration, models like the Explorer Adventure Plus allow you to tackle epic journeys with ease. High capacity batteries give you a long life, while intelligent electric assistance allows the rider to adapt to any terrain. From urban roads to dirt tracks, with these bikes you can explore new terrain without limits. Intelligent electric assistance on trekking e-bikes is one of the most significant innovations in the world of electric bicycles. This advanced pedal assist system automatically adjusts the amount of power delivered by the electric motor based on pedaling intensity and path conditions. In practice, when cycling with more force or uphill, the system detects the rider’s commitment and provides more power to help overcome the obstacle. On the contrary, when cycling with less effort or downhill, the assistance is reduced or even interrupted, allowing the cyclist to work only with his own strength. This intelligent technology not only optimizes the efficiency of the electric assistance, but also helps to extend the battery life. Because the power output adapts dynamically to your needs, you can travel a greater distance with a single battery charge. To date the market a wide range of models to choose from, ranging between various price ranges and technical characteristics, but can all offer high standards of versatility and comfort. Not to limit your riding experience. The Bosch Trekking ebike stands out for its reliability thanks to the Bosch motorization system, which offers a smooth and adjustable assistance according to the needs of the cyclist. The Giant Explore E+, on the other hand, is appreciated for its comfortable geometry and the integrated EnergyPak battery that guarantees a longer battery life. Both of these Trekking e-bikes have various mounting options for accessories, making them ideal for long rides. As in any other industry, high-end models offer cutting-edge features and higher-quality materials, while driving up prices. However, there are also cheaper options like the Bosch Trekking ebike, which can still guarantee an exceptional driving experience and remarkable performance. Regardless of the model you choose, these Trekking e-bikes open new horizons to riders always ready for exploration that do not want to set limits.   Folding e-bikes: Compact, But Uncompromising Folding e-bikes represent a brilliant evolution in the landscape of urban mobility, the essence of versatility. Their practicality is undeniable: the ability to bend them in a few moments makes them extremely versatile, adapting to any situation. This makes it the perfect choice for dealing with the daily challenges of big cities such as using public transport, storage in confined spaces or even car transport. The growing popularity of folding e-bikes is due to several reasons. First of all, they respond to the needs of a constantly changing life, in which mobility becomes increasingly dynamic. They are ideal for those who want to avoid traffic, save time and at the same time contribute to the environment with a zero-impact vehicle. Compared to other e-bike models for the city, the folding bikes are distinguished by their practicality in parking and transport. While classic e-bikes require adequate parking spaces and are sometimes more difficult to store, folding bikes can be stored easily in the office, at home or even in public places, without taking up too much space. Designed to meet the challenges of big cities, offering user assistance with electric motors. Leading brands such as Brompton and Xiaomi are proposing models that combine practicality and style. Models such as the Brompton Electric and the Xiaomi Himo Z20 boast integrated engines and batteries, ensuring smooth service even on the toughest climbs. These e-bikes introduce an intelligent approach to mobility, with smart connectivity and dedicated apps that allow you to monitor battery status and adjust assistance. While the Brompton Electric ranks among premium models, offering a personalized driving experience and iconic design, the Xiaomi Himo Z20 stands out for its affordable price without sacrificing cutting-edge performance. Whether you seek the elegance of Brompton or the convenience of Xiaomi, folding e-bikes are the trendy choice for uncompromising urban travel.     Electric bikes are the new frontier of sustainable and adventurous mobility. Whether you want to navigate the city’s streets, challenge off-road trails or embark on epic Trekking adventures, there is an e-bike model for every enthusiast. With a combination of eye-catching design, state-of-the-art technology and enhanced performance, these bikes give you the opportunity to explore the world with a touch of electricity. Choose your ideal e-bike and start discovering new horizons without limits.