During the pandemic, almost all components in the bicycle industry were hard to come by. Now the component manufacturers are delivering again. For industry giants like Bosch, however, other problems are now arising.
The bicycle industry in Germany is no longer slowed down by delivery bottlenecks. All mechanical components such as frames, gears, brakes or suspension elements, but also electronic components are available again in sufficient numbers, said the managing director of Bosch eBike Systems, Claus Fleischer, at the Eurobike bicycle fair in Frankfurt. Bosch is one of the largest suppliers of e-bike components and software for connected bicycles.
The bicycle industry is on a rollercoaster ride, Fleischer told the German Press Agency. “During the pandemic period, there was huge demand and at the same time major problems in the supply chain. This affected mechanical components on the one hand, but also electrical components such as semiconductors. At that time, the demand could not be met because everything was scarce.”
demand has decreased
In the meantime, the signs have reversed, said the Bosch manager. Due to the uncertainty of consumers – for example due to the Ukraine war and high inflation – demand has decreased somewhat. “At the same time, the goods that were missing before arrived. These high stocks are now putting economic pressure on the business, with retailers and bicycle manufacturers, but also with component manufacturers such as Bosch and other suppliers.” It will probably take a year or two for supply and demand to level off again. “But then we expect a return to healthy growth.”
In the e-bike market, Bosch is pinning its hopes on a new type of motor and battery system that together only weighs four kilos. E-bikes have become increasingly heavier in recent years because customers have wanted more power, i.e. higher torque, and at the same time a longer range, i.e. larger batteries. “But we are now seeing another trend, that e-bikes can also become lighter again.”
Fleischer also sees a good development in the second generation of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) for bicycle brakes. This is becoming increasingly popular in the market. Here, Bosch was able to transfer its know-how from automobile construction first to motorcycles and then to bicycles. ABS on a bicycle prevents the front wheel from turning sideways or the rear wheel from lifting off dangerously in the event of emergency braking.
Source: Stern
