Interview Pendix/Velotech: The golden years of bicycles are just beginning

VM: And does it always have to be Made in Germany for you?

Ernst Brust: The term is difficult. A modern bicycle consists of so many individual parts – I think it's impossible for every screw, every spring, and every coil to be manufactured in Germany. I don't know of a single company that sources all components entirely from Germany. Made in Europe would be a better fit. I'm generally suspicious of bicycles from other parts of the world, especially if I don't know the manufacturer. There are good and bad companies everywhere, so I wouldn't want to measure the quality of a bicycle solely based on its country of origin. In general, I always recommend getting good advice and, if in doubt, spending a few extra euros. Because those who buy cheaply often buy twice. Unfortunately, that saying turns out to be true all too often.

Thomas Herzog: I can confirm that, which is why I always pay attention to quality, not just with Pendix. We rely on regional suppliers wherever possible. That's also the reason why we're based in Zwickau – we benefit from synergies with the VW plant here. But it doesn't work without international partners. It has its pros and cons. Supply chains are no longer what they used to be. We also have to plan more in advance now; the quality must not suffer. For me, the Made-in-Germany principle goes beyond the actual manufacturing. It's about selecting high-quality components, having the shortest possible delivery routes, and ensuring fair working conditions. This is how a quality product is created.

VM: In October 2022, the Johnson Electric Group from Hong Kong joined Pendix as a strategic partner. Does this change the direction?

Thomas Herzog: No, definitely not. Johnson Electric has similar quality standards as we do. It was clear to us from the beginning that such a step would only work with a partner on equal footing and with the same goals. Since Johnson Electric is a global company, the cooperation mainly facilitates access to raw materials and components for us. However, the procedures remain unchanged. We continue to produce in Wilkau, work with our long-standing partners, and will continue to deliver the usual Pendix quality in the future.

VM: Finally, a look into the crystal ball: Will Germany become a bicycle country?

Ernst Brust: Certainly in terms of the industry. The car is out, I keep hearing that. Many people from the automotive sector are switching to bicycle manufacturers because they see future potential there. And for many young engineers, the bicycle business is often the first choice now. In terms of traffic planning, I see a lot of room for improvement. Countries like Holland or Norway currently have a significant lead. Municipalities need to invest more; covered bike paths, for example, are still a rarity here. As driving in city centers becomes less enjoyable, the number of cyclists will likely increase automatically.

Thomas Herzog: I think we are on a good path. However, such developments take time. Many people no longer use their bikes just in good weather and for tours, but as a means of transportation year-round. People ride them to work, to shop, and even for vacations. It's a lifestyle, a lifestyle product. And in the area of micromobility – the so-called last mile – it's on the rise. Where suppliers once clogged the streets in the second row, there are now more and more cargo bikes. In my opinion, this trend will continue to grow; the golden years of the bicycle are just beginning.

Ernst Brust is the founder of the renowned testing institute Velotech and Thomas Herzog is the CEO of Pendix, a specialist in drive systems and the market leader in retrofitting bicycles from Zwickau. The five founders developed an e-retrofit drive for bicycles. Development, optimization, and production take place exclusively in Germany. The company currently employs over 50 people. The group also includes VSC BIKE GmbH based in Saxony-Anhalt, which manufactures industrial bikes, among other things, for the German Post.