The boom years of the bike industry are over. The market is saturated and manufacturers are sitting on their goods. This is currently putting a number of companies under pressure, including Established cult brands. ++ In addition: Many helmet manufacturers recommend replacing helmets after five years. Sensible or commercial? We clarify. ++ And: A new Film tour focuses on action on two wheels: The Bike Film Tour celebrates its premiere in 2025.
Cult in crisis
Rocky Mountain initiates consolidation proceedings: Rocky Mountain is not yet insolvent in the true sense of the word. Instead, the manufacturer is resorting to a procedure under Canadian law, which allows ailing companies to maintain operations for the time being.
The cult brand GT from California is also doing badly. In December, Managing Director Jason Schiers announced measures aimed at significantly reducing costs and emphasising the brand's strengths. According to Schiers, the main priority is to reduce stock levels. GT will not be producing any new bikes for the time being. In short: GT is taking a break. The future is uncertain.
A detailed article on other bike companies in crisis can be found here: Bike industry without power?
Risk: Old helmets
How long should a helmet be worn? Are old helmets no longer safe? Five years, say the manufacturers, then a new helmet is Helmet due. However, they are forced to make this statement by law, which stipulates an "expiry date".
This is not scientifically sound. There are no long-term studies. However, the fact is that the materials are very resistant to ageing. Frequent use, UV light and temperature fluctuations accelerate the ageing process - apart from a fall, because the helmet has to be replaced afterwards anyway.
As a rule of thumb, however, if the helmet does not show any visual changes such as cracks or severe fading, it can be worn for longer than five years without any loss of safety.
One question, one answer... to TÜV engineer Christiane Reckter
BIKE: Mrs Reckter, when does a helmet have to be replaced due to age?
Christiane Reckter: Nobody knows! We carried out tests and tested a really old helmet against a new one. There were hardly any differences. However, the authorities demand an expiry period for plastics. But that doesn't mean that the helmet is no longer safe after 5 years due to material ageing. It can still protect just as well after 20 years.
Good to know: Wearing a cycle helmet reduces head injuries by 48 per cent and serious head injuries by 60 per cent. Helmets also reduce the risk of facial injuries by 23 per cent.
Source: Meta-analysis of 55 studies from 1989-2017, Alena Hoye, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Roll the film!
EOFT, Ocean Film Tour, BOFF, BANFF - film tours are more popular than ever and delight sports enthusiasts in front of the big screen. Instead of a mixture of different action sports, the Bike Film Tour, newly conceived by the makers of the EOFT, concentrates on films dedicated exclusively to cycling.
In its premiere year 2025, the Bike Film Tour will make 17 stops in Germany, plus one visit each to Austria and Switzerland. Visitors can look forward to 120 minutes of film from the world of bikes. The tour starts on 13 March in Munich. bikefilmtour.eu
A detailed Article about the new film tour can be found here.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
