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This Week’s E-Bike News Headlines Summary

Trek and Specialized Announce Price Increases. More Brands to Follow?

Two of America’s biggest cycling brands, Trek and Specialized, have announced upcoming price increases. Trek has not disclosed exact figures but confirmed that most of its bikes and e-bikes, including backorders, will be affected. The company aims to strategically minimize the impact on entry-level models. Specialized, on the other hand, will implement a 10% surcharge starting May 1, applying to bikes, e-bikes, and equipment. The brand might adjust pricing further depending on the evolving tariff situation.

Our Take: While price increases aren’t surprising given the current economic climate, they’re still disappointing for consumers. Many brands are trying to limit cost hikes but are struggling to do so. With industry leaders like Trek and Specialized making these moves, smaller brands may soon follow suit, leading to a broader market-wide adjustment.


Tenways Introduces a Dutch-Style Cargo Bike. Will Its Low Cost Win Over Consumers?

Tenways, known for its commuter and cruiser e-bikes, is entering the cargo bike market with the Cargo One, a front-loading (or “bakfiets”) e-bike. Unlike the more common short-, mid-, or long-tail cargo bikes in the U.S., front-loaders are typically associated with premium brands like Riese & Müller or Urban Arrow.

The Cargo One features:
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  • A Gates carbon belt drive paired with an Enviolo continuously variable hub
  • A Bafang mid-drive motor (details pending)
  • A 960Wh battery
  • Hydraulic brakes
  • An 800-liter front compartment for kids, pets, or cargo, which can be removed for an open platform

Priced at $5,499, the Cargo One undercuts comparable models, which usually range from $6,000 to $8,000.

Our Take: Tenways has a solid track record with its previous models, so the Cargo One has high expectations. Its affordability could help broaden the appeal of front-load cargo bikes in the U.S., where the market for such models is still niche compared to Europe.


Revel Bikes to Close

Revel Bikes has announced it will be shutting down operations after exhausting all financial options.

In an email to dealers, the company stated:

“Regrettably, though we have tried every avenue possible, we have exhausted all options and run out of funds to support the business. This decision comes at a critical juncture for our capital requirements, and we cannot weather this one alone. Our circumstance is tough, though not unique in the market, with product delays, significant payments coming due, and a very soft market. We are on the ledge, and we lost our safety net as a result of continued losses with no end in sight.”

Revel is offering 40–50% discounts on its bikes to repay creditors and is open to the possibility of a buyer stepping in to continue operations with the existing team.

Our Take: Revel’s closure highlights the ongoing struggles in the bike industry. Despite recently debuting new models, including an eMTB, the brand couldn’t overcome challenges like product delays, economic pressures, and a sluggish market. This situation reflects the broader difficulties many cycling brands are facing.


Canyon Wants Your Feedback On Its New MPACT

German bike brand Canyon has introduced a futuristic e-bike concept called the MPACT, designed to be highly customizable.

Key features include:

  • Recycled aluminum frame and wheels with customizable artwork or decal kits
  • Modular cargo racks with a 55 lb capacity on the rear rack
  • Custom BMX-style handlebar with internally routed brake cables
  • Proprietary hydraulic disc brakes
  • Integrated headlight and taillight
  • Motor and battery housed within the frame
  • Internally geared hub paired with a Gates carbon belt drive

For now, the MPACT remains a concept, and Canyon is seeking public feedback to determine whether to move forward with production.

Our Take: The MPACT’s innovative design pushes boundaries and could appeal to those looking for a unique, eco-friendly e-bike. Canyon’s decision to gather audience feedback before committing to production is a smart move.


Key Takeaways Across the Industry

  1. Price Increases: With Trek and Specialized leading the way, other brands may soon follow suit due to economic pressures like tariffs and rising production costs.
  2. Market Expansion: Tenways’ entry into the cargo bike market with the affordable Cargo One could help broaden the appeal of front-load cargo bikes in the U.S.
  3. Industry Struggles: Revel Bikes’ closure underscores the challenges many cycling brands face, including product delays, financial strain, and a sluggish market.
  4. Innovation: Canyon’s MPACT concept demonstrates the potential for futuristic, customizable e-bikes, though its production depends on consumer interest.

Looking Ahead

As the cycling industry navigates economic pressures, brands continue to innovate and adapt. While price increases and closures are concerning, the introduction of new models and concepts shows that the industry is still evolving. The key will be balancing affordability with innovation to meet consumer demand in a challenging market.