Last Monday, the Shad Bikes team traveled to the Prodays fair in Paris. The main purpose of this visit was to attend the stand of our official distributor in France, TecnoGlobe, to hold work meetings and analyze the current state of the European cycling market. This in-person activity allows us to compare the product development carried out in the laboratory with the commercial reality of the sector.
Visit to the TecnoGlobe stand and commercial feedback
The day was mainly focused on the TecnoGlobe exhibition area, where direct meetings were held with their sales team. This contact is fundamental for our strategy, given that these professionals are the ones who interact daily with points of sale, workshops, and urban cyclists.
The exchange of information yielded a very positive balance and provided constructive data for our product lines:
- Performance of current products: The sales team confirmed the good reception of our current luggage lines, highlighting the durability of the materials and the ease of use of the anchoring systems.
- Evolution of customer demands: We discussed the expectations of contemporary users, concluding that they require accessories that integrate safety and aesthetics, going beyond traditional load functionality.
- Projection of future launches: The meeting served to discuss expectations and future products. We took the opportunity to present new products that will reach the market before the next cycling season.
Sector analysis in France: Growth of urban mobility
We also took advantage of our visit to the French capital to see the most representative brands in the sector and exchange opinions on the economic situation of the industry. France strategically represents a vital territory for our commercial expansion.
The French market is currently undergoing an adjustment phase, registering a total turnover of approximately 1,726 million euros. However, urban mobility contrasts with this general trend by experiencing double-digit growth in metropolitan areas such as Paris or Lyon. This increase is directly driven by the development of new cycling infrastructures and by state aid programs, such as the Bonus Vélo plan.
Currently, urban bicycles consolidate a share ranging between 20% and 25% of the total market in France. As it is a recently adopted sector, driven by users looking for alternatives to cars or public transport, there is a high demand for "starter" accessories. In this commercial segment, products such as front baskets, panniers with a strong aesthetic component, and quick-release attachment systems like KlickFix are reporting excellent results.
Market trends in Prodays: Electrification and cargo capacity
The tour through the different halls of the Prodays fair confirmed the macro-trends on which we base the development of our offer. Electrification remains the cross-cutting and undeniable trend in the sector. Electric bicycles (e-bikes) not only facilitate continuous utilitarian use but also dominate industry revenue at a European level.
After viewing and analyzing the proposals of brands focused on urban, trekking, and cargo bikes, the sector's conclusion is unanimous: the bicycle is adapting as a precise logistical tool. Manufacturers are incorporating more robust supports and specifically designed racks as standard to tolerate heavy loads, responding to a user profile who uses the vehicle for commuting, daily errands, or school transport.
The return from Prodays provides us with clear and operational conclusions, setting the pace of work to continue offering efficient transport solutions, adapted to the growth of the urban cycling ecosystem in Europe.
