James Yaffa
Our publisher, James Yaffa, visited Eurobike for the first time last week and found it lived up to its reputation.
After hearing all the amazing reviews from various Bicycling Australia editors and contributors, I finally made it to Eurobike. So here I am, and it’s definitely living up to the hype! The event is an absolute hub for the cycling industry, and its scale has only grown over the years. In 2025, Eurobike will likely be bigger than ever, with more international exhibitors and a diverse array of cycling categories showcased. Here’s a breakdown of the experience:
Size and Layout
Frankfurt’s Messe is huge. Eurobike typically sprawls across multiple halls, often occupying most of the exhibition space. The event is neatly divided into different zones to help manage the flow of visitors. Expect halls filled with companies showcasing everything from premium road bikes and e-bikes to more niche, emerging sectors like cargo bikes, gravel bikes, and bikepacking gear.
There’s a good mix of outdoor/technical cycling products, digital tech, and sustainable innovations, so the event doesn’t just focus on bikes but also includes a whole ecosystem of accessories, wearables, and even software platforms for the cycling industry. One area of focus is most definitely the road bike cargo space. Whilst this suits the European markets, I can see this as a growth opportunity in Australia.
Exhibitors and the range of focus
Brands: You see big names like Giant, Shimano, and Schwalbe, as well as tons of smaller, high-performance, or boutique manufacturers. These will showcase cutting-edge materials (carbon fibre, titanium, even aerodynamics) and new design philosophies.
E-bikes: These have exploded over the last few years. Massive attention is being paid to e-bikes for all purposes—urban commuting, mountain biking, and even cargo solutions. The latest e-bike tech (battery improvements, integrated smart systems, and powertrains) is front and centre.
Sustainability: There’s a definite trend towards eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes, with many brands focusing on reducing carbon footprints and developing long-lasting, recyclable products. Whether it’s sustainable bike materials or carbon-neutral production, green tech is a key topic.
Smart tech & software: Wearables, smart helmets, performance analytics, and bike fit technologies will be a hot topic in 2025. Expect new app ecosystems for tracking rides, integrating fitness, and using advanced data analytics to improve cycling performance.
Gravel and adventure: Gravel riding is expected to remain a major trend, and exhibitors will likely highlight rugged bikes for bikepacking, touring, and all-terrain adventures. Specialized gear (bags, tents, solar chargers) showcased for those long-haul cyclists.
Cycling infrastructure and urban mobility: With growing interest in sustainable city living, there’s a focus on integrating bikes into urban spaces—think bike-sharing systems, innovative bike lanes, and micro-mobility solutions.
Key Trends in 2025
A few trends that will probably dominate the conversation:
E-Bike evolution: In 2025, we’ll likely see more hybrid e-bikes that cater to specific niches like urban commuting, fitness, and long-range touring. Expect lighter, faster, and longer-lasting batteries, with improved motors that feel more natural to ride.
Integration with smart cities: Companies will probably discuss how bikes can integrate with public transportation systems, micro-mobility, and smart city tech. Think bike lanes designed with sensors, bike-sharing apps that connect seamlessly with public transport, and a general focus on lowering the carbon footprint of urban travel.
Carbon-free and eco-friendly products: Cycling will continue to push for better sustainability, so expect to see more discussions around using recycled materials, biodegradable bike components, and efforts to make cycling more eco-conscious. Companies might even debut new technologies around carbon capture or offsetting emissions.
Performance & personalisation: With more precise data available (via wearables or apps), we’ll likely see personalised bike fitting, health tracking, and even nutrition guides integrated into cycling systems to improve rider performance. Customisation in bike frames, saddles, and handlebars will also be a focus.
Networking and the cycling community
Aside from the exhibits, Eurobike is a great place to see cutting-edge tech and a space for networking. Expect lots of talks, panel discussions, and product launches. There’s always buzz in the air with industry experts, designers, and cycling legends showing up to share their knowledge. Expect some larger brands showcasing innovation alongside smaller, agile companies, often making huge announcements about the future of cycling.
Conclusion
Eurobike 2025 highlights the ever-growing intersection of technology, sustainability, and performance. Whether it’s a lightweight e-bike with cutting-edge battery tech, new smart helmets with integrated AR features, or a focus on reducing the industry’s environmental footprint, it’s going to be a major event for anyone interested in the future of cycling.
