Why the Eurobike has been so successful!

The premiere of Eurobike 2022 in Frankfurt am Main is in the books. We look back on five intense days in the banking metropolis. Our short conclusion right up front: the new trade show concept and the new location are firstly a milestone and secondly a real success factor.

Think Big!
If you are familiar with the small atmosphere and short distances at the former trade fair center in Friedrichshafen, you will be 'beaten to death' at first in Frankfurt. Long footpaths at the trade fair, several levels and what feels like a jumble of (escalator) stairs and long corridors. But one thing becomes clear right away, here everything is and must be thought a bit bigger. This is exactly the path that our industry has taken in recent years and that we must continue to follow. The bicycle is the future. We as an industry must think confidently and big and act accordingly. The popularity of the customer days and the capacity utilization of the outdoor and test area clearly show that demand for bicycles, accessories and bicycle-related services remains at a high level. And our conversations with dealers and manufacturers also confirm this: high demand, unfortunately with the current shortcoming of the sometimes faltering supply chains and lack of materials for post-production. But let's be honest: Fortunately, this is more of a luxury problem.

Change of location factor
So what significance has the change of location brought to the show? In our eyes, the platform that the trade fair (city) of Frankfurt am Main offers clearly lives up to that of a leading international trade fair. Also in terms of external perception, the bicycle industry can present itself more confidently and significantly in Frankfurt. Internally noticeable: better accessibility, especially for international visitors, and more space and possibilities on and around the exhibition grounds. All in all, the change of location was a real milestone in our eyes.

How did it go for Smartfit?
We went into the five days of the fair really positive and our expectations were even exceeded. Great discussions and an openness for the topics of sizing and fitting that we have not experienced in this way in recent years. You can see that many retailers are really thinking about how they can refine their customer journeys and want to raise their own service to a new level. All in all, we experienced an industry that is really up for the event and the upcoming model years and innovations.

Trends that we can identify
One trend is clearly service - dealers and manufacturers increasingly want to offer their customers added value that goes beyond the pure product and is aimed directly at the fun on two wheels. That's also exactly our thing - promoting the joy of cycling. Service bonuses and further consulting offers such as sizing or fitting in specialist stores and online are experiencing a real boom. The next trend that we have noticed more and more: Individualization. End customers want a solution that is tailored to their needs. Whether it's a complete wheel or accessories - everything should be optimally tailored to their own needs. Here, too, sizing solutions are key, because only those who sit properly on the right bike will enjoy it. A subliminal trend is cross-sector solutions and orientations. We noticed it before and then clearly at the trade show: The reorientation of companies from the automotive industry, for example, which are now also entering the sale of bicycles with verve, is clearly noticeable. The future is obviously increasingly riding on two wheels.