E-Bike Prices Continue to Rise, Tenways Goes Front-Load Cargo, Canyon’s Unique Bike | TWR Ep 28

Two of the leading American cycling brands, Trek and Specialized, have announced upcoming price increases. Trek has not specified the exact amount but stated that most bikes and e-bikes in both the Trek and Electra lineups, including backorders, will be affected. The company noted it will work strategically to minimize the impact on key entry-level models.

Specialized, meanwhile, will implement a 10% surcharge starting May 1. The increase will apply to bikes, e-bikes, and equipment, with the brand noting that pricing may be adjusted in response to changes in the ongoing tariff situation.

Our Take:
While not unexpected, it’s still disappointing to see. Many brands are attempting to limit the amount of added cost passed on to consumers, but in practice, this is proving difficult.
The bigger question now is: with two of the industry’s top-selling brands announcing increases, how long will it take for the rest of the market to follow?

Several small to mid-sized companies have already raised prices on select models or across their entire lineups to stay viable. With major players now making similar moves, we expect to see more announcements or quiet price adjustments from other brands feeling the pressure.

​Tenways, best known for its commuter and cruiser e-bikes, is expanding into the cargo space with the launch of the Cargo One, a front-loading cargo e-bike. While most of the U.S. cargo market focuses on short-, mid-, or long-tail options, front-loaders (also known by the Dutch term “bakfiets”) are less common and typically associated with higher-end brands, such as Riese & Müller or Urban Arrow.

The Cargo One features a Gates carbon belt drive paired with an Enviolo continuously variable hub, a Bafang mid-drive motor (model and power specifications pending), a 960Wh battery, and hydraulic brakes. Its front-loading compartment offers an 800-liter volume for kids, pets, or cargo, and can be easily removed to create an open platform.

At a starting price of $5,499, the Cargo One will undercut most comparable models, which typically range between $6,000 and $8,000.

Our Take:
We’ve been impressed with many of Tenways’ past models, so expectations are high for the Cargo One’s performance. The front-load cargo market in the U.S. remains relatively limited compared to Europe, so it will be interesting to see if a more affordable entry like this helps broaden adoption.

Revel announced in an email to its network of dealers that the brand will be shutting down operations.

“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.”

The email also expressed hope that a buyer may emerge to continue operations with the existing team, but Revel is proceeding under the assumption that it will soon close its doors.

The brand reportedly owes more than $8 million to its bank and is offering discounts of 40–50% on bikes in an effort to repay creditors.

Our Take:
The closure of another cycling brand reflects the ongoing challenges in the bike industry. Revel’s situation feels especially unfortunate, as it had just debuted new models a few weeks ago at the Sea Otter Classic, including a new eMTB. With rising consumer uncertainty, economic pressures from tariffs, and a slowdown in bike purchases, many brands are struggling to stay afloat.

Photo Credit: BikeRadar

German direct-to-consumer brand Canyon has unveiled a futuristic e-bike concept, the MPACT, which features a highly customized look.

The MPACT is made from recycled aluminum, with both the frame and wheels designed to be personalized with artwork or decal kits. The wheels also feature removable, hubcap-style discs.

Key specs and features include:

For now, the MPACT remains a concept, with Canyon seeking public feedback to gauge interest before considering production.

Our Take:
It’s a fresh design and consider us fans. While it may not appeal to everyone, pushing boundaries is a worthwhile endeavor, and soliciting audience input before moving forward is a prudent move.