70 years of Kruitbosch: Quinten Hofman on his experience in the industry and the already strong collaboration with PENDLR
With his down-to-earth outlook and sharp entrepreneurial spirit, Quinten Hofman (25) is a textbook example of how passion and vision can lead to growth and impact. While many young people dream of starting their own business, Quinten put his words into action at a young age. What started in a shed in Wezep grew into a thriving bicycle shop within a few years: Fiets Weer. As part of Kruitbosch's 70th anniversary celebrations, we visited Quinten and talked to him about his entrepreneurial journey, his view of the industry and his collaboration with Kruitbosch and now PENDLR. First gear: from part-time job to entrepreneurial dream His love for bicycles started early on. âI did a work experience placement at a bicycle repair shop. From that moment on, I knew: this is it,â says Quinten. His career began at Hageman Tweewielers in Berkum, after which he worked for various employers, including a shop in Ermelo that he was supposed to take over, before deciding to strike out on his own. âThe idea was that I would gradually take over the business. But if plans are not translated into concrete agreements, then it comes to nothing.â And so it happened. He bought a toolbox, started from home, and took the first step towards Fiets Weer. From barn to showroom His parents' barn quickly grew into a serious workshop. âIn the beginning, it was just trial and error, but eventually my father had to park his car elsewhere to make room for bicycles, and things started to get more serious.â In 2023, Quinten opened his shop on the outskirts of the centre of Wezep. âWe started with 60 square metres, now we're already at almost 100, and even that's too small.â His shop layout is evidence of thoughtful entrepreneurship. âEverything has to be arranged logically: frequently used products at the front, larger items neatly arranged at the sides.â The power of collaboration: Kruitbosch & PENDLR Quinten Kruitbosch was already familiar with the company from his previous work experience. âThe transition to my own purchasing account was a logical next step,â he explains. That collaboration quickly developed into a stable and supportive relationship. âWhat I appreciate about Kruitbosch, and now PENDLR, is that it goes beyond just supplying products. The network behind it is simply pleasant to work with. Deliveries are fast, the ordering environment is clear, and if there is anything, from warranty to service, it is dealt with quickly.â The support from PENDLR in the areas of shop design and marketing also makes a noticeable difference for Quinten. âThe step-by-step plan used to design my shop not only gave me structure, but also immediately resulted in increased sales. Neatly presented products sell themselves faster, I truly believe that.â This professional approach and personal touch ensure that Fiets Weer does not feel like a number, but a partner.zorgen ervoor dat Fiets Weer zich geen nummer voelt, maar een partner. âThat trust is mutual. I feel that I am taken seriously. My ideas are listened to, and I notice that there is room to contribute my thoughts, including about the future. That gives me energy.â Quinten Hofman - Fiets Weer An entrepreneur with vision What stands out about Quinten is his ability to think creatively. He experimented with selling second-hand bicycles, had his shop professionally designed and is constantly working on the customer experience. âI want to offer customers something unique. People come to me for the personal touch. I don't want to lose that.â The future of the bicycle industry He is positive about the future. âThe bicycle is becoming increasingly important. Not only for recreation, but as a fully-fledged means of transport. I think the longtail bike will replace the cargo bike. And yes, people are also willing to invest more in a good bike. Its value is increasingly being recognised.â He has also noticed a clear increase in demand for accessories. âWhereas people used to be satisfied with just a bicycle bag, they now buy a lot more for their bikes: mirrors, saddles, phone holders, lights or repair kits. Bicycles are becoming truly personalised, functional and stylish.â For him, this development confirms that bicycles continue to play a central role in the daily lives of his customers. Fiets Weer: a story of drive and daring Quinten Hofman is not just any bicycle repairman. He is an entrepreneur with a vision, a driver of change and an ambassador for craftsmanship. His story reflects not only his personal growth, but also the role that a company like Kruitbosch has played for 70 years in strengthening bicycle retail in the Netherlands. In his own words: âI want to do what I'm good at. I outsource the rest. But I do want to know what's going on in my business. Because ultimately, Fiets Weer is my name, my work, my pride.â
Oct 1, 2025
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘5 min. reading time
Car Free Day: A glimpse into the city of tomorrow
Today is Car free day. A day when cities around the world showcase what the future of urban mobility could look like. Residents and visitors are invited to leave their cars behind and try alternatives such as bicycles, e-bikes, or public transport. Of course, this doesnât mean that nobody uses a car at all. Businesses and residents still drive when necessary. Car free day is more of an aspiration: a moment of awareness that shows how our cities change when micromobility and other sustainable modes of transport are given more space. Fewer Cars, More Living Space While Car free day mainly symbolizes change, more and more cities are introducing structural policies to restrict cars and reshape urban mobility. Paris, for example, is investing heavily in car-free zones, transforming hundreds of streets into green, low-traffic areas. Madrid has introduced âMadrid Central,â a strict low-emission zone that keeps polluting vehicles out of the city center. In Ghent, a circulation plan has turned the historic center into a largely car-free zone without making the city inaccessible. These measures result in cleaner air, safer streets, and above all: more room for people, micromobility, and quality of life. The Rise of Micromobility Within this transition in urban mobility, micromobility is playing an ever greater role. Where the car once dominated, bicycles, e-bikes, cargo bikes, and folding bikes are now gaining ground. For distances up to ten kilometers, the bicycle often proves to be faster and more practical than the car, especially in busy city centers. And the numbers speak for themselves. Research by Grand View Horizon and McKinsey shows that the European micromobility market is growing at nearly thirteen percent annually. By 2030, the global market could reach an astonishing 340 billion dollars. Whatâs more, the use of shared e-bikes and e-scooters in Europe grew by almost forty percent in 2022 compared to the year before. These figures prove that micromobility is not a passing trend but a lasting and powerful force shaping the future of how we move. The Power of the Last Mile An important element in the shift toward smarter urban mobility is the so-called âlast mile.â In the past, many people drove their entire journey by car. Now, commuters increasingly combine different modes of transport. You might take the train to the station and then cover the last few kilometers to the office or an appointment effortlessly with a folding bike or shared bike. Even drivers are seeking micromobility solutions for those final stretches. As city centers become harder to access and parking spaces more scarce, many turn to folding bikes to save time and reduce stress. This is especially true for electric car drivers, who often park their vehicles at a charging station and complete the remaining distance quickly and efficiently by folding bike. From Transport to Urban Logistics The impact of micromobility goes far beyond daily commuting. Urban logistics is rapidly transforming as well. Cargo bikes deliver parcels, groceries, and even collect waste. Where delivery vans are often stuck in traffic, bicycles and other light vehicles glide easily through narrow streets. Even independent professionals such as painters and other tradespeople are embracing cargo bikes to transport their tools and materials efficiently. This shift demonstrates how micromobility also provides smart business solutions, perfectly aligned with the broader context of sustainable urban mobility. Together, we make our cities more efficient and more livable. The City of Tomorrow Begins Today Car free day shows that the city of tomorrow is closer than we think. A city where micromobility and smart solutions for urban mobility become the new standard. At PENDLR, youâll find everything you need to adapt to this change. From high-quality parts and accessories to the knowledge and expertise that help you grow with the rising demand. Join PENDLR today and help build the city of tomorrow. Together, we make the daily commutes more flexible, efficient, and green.
Sep 22, 2025
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘4 min. reading time
70 Years Kruitbosch: Jan van Dalfsen on the Strong Collaboration with Kruitbosch and PENDLR
For the 70th anniversary of Kruitbosch, we visited Jan van Dalfsen from Rijwielhuis van Dalfsen. Jan is a well-known name in the region and has been running his family business with heart and soul for many years. As a child, he already went along with his father to Kruitbosch to pick up parts, so the collaboration literally goes back to his earliest memories. Much has changed since then. At the end of 2023, Kruitboschâs wholesale branch continued under a new name: PENDLR. The trusted people, service, and products remained, but with a fresh identity and a forward-looking direction. In an open conversation, he talks about his early years in the business, developments in the industry, and the close relationship he has built over the years with Kruitbosch, and now with PENDLR. From school desks to the workshop Jan joined his fatherâs business at a young age. "I was seventeen, had just finished high school, and immediately started working in the shop. We took over a store in Hasselt, and my brother went there. I stayed in Genemuiden." At first, father and son worked together as a duo, until things got busier and the staff started to grow. The store was still in a building that was later renovated. "In 2022, we completely rebuilt it. Everything was torn down â it literally became one big hole. After that, we created a modern, spacious store, including an upstairs floor with bicycles â clearly visible from the entrance, exactly how I wanted it." A childhood among bicycle parts The collaboration with Kruitbosch goes back to Jan van Dalfsenâs childhood. "Iâve never known it any other way than being a customer at Kruitbosch," he says. "In the past, my father drove to Zwolle himself to collect parts. Sometimes my brother and I were allowed to come along, even before school." There was also the sales representative who visited every two weeks. "An older man, always with a box of sweets in his car. When he came on a Wednesday afternoon, just when we were free from school, we knew: today weâll get a sweet. You never forget that." From an early age, Jan became familiar with the people, the warehouse, and Kruitboschâs way of working. "That involvement and recognition made it personal. It laid the foundation for the strong collaboration that still exists today with PENDLR." A true family business The love for the craft runs deep, as does the appreciation for the family business. "My father started in the 1960s with bicycles and sewing machines. He came from a bulb growerâs family but was more drawn to technology. Entrepreneurship runs in our family." Today, Janâs son Robert also works in the business. "I love that. You are involved in everything. It makes the work varied and engaging." Growing together with Kruitbosch and PENDLR The relationship between Rijwielhuis van Dalfsen and Kruitbosch, now PENDLR, is not only long-standing but also strong in substance. For Jan, the collaboration has always felt natural and self-evident. "PENDLRâs range fits perfectly with our store and our customers. We mainly focus on the everyday cyclist, not racing bikes or mountain bikes, but solid city bikes and electric models. And at Kruitbosch, I always find exactly what I need." But itâs not just about products. "The personal contact really makes the difference for me," Jan explains. "You knew the people on the phone, you knew who was walking around the warehouse, and if something came up, it was solved right away. Those short lines gave confidence. Over the years that has changed somewhat, the organization has become larger, but the good relationship thankfully remained." From sewing machines to e-bikes The industry has changed enormously over the years. "In my early years, mountain bikes emerged, and now electric is dominant. Currently, about 65% of our sales are electric. It happened gradually, but now itâs indispensable. Even young people ride them to school." Still, Jan remains down-to-earth about the growth. "I never had the ambition to grow bigger at all costs. But when my colleague in the area quit, it got busier here. I took the opportunity. Now we work with a team of five, and the building is already almost too small." The strength of family businesses When asked about the secret of long-term entrepreneurship and collaboration, Jan answers without hesitation: "Family businesses have an extra drive. You feel a responsibility towards previous and next generations. You see that at Kruitbosch and PENDLR as well. There are people with true passion for their work. That creates trust, for seventy years already."
Sep 22, 2025
â˘Rogier Hoeksma
â˘4 min. reading time
70 years of Kruitbosch: a bond between generations with Widek, Kruitbosch and now PENDLR
Kruitbosch is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the perfect moment to reflect on the relationships that have helped us grow. One of those special relationships is with Widek, a true family business from Krimpen aan de IJssel, founded in 1936. What began as a small bicycle and radio shop has grown into the producer of bicycle bells, bungee cords, handlebar grips and child seats. Kruitbosch has been a loyal partner of Widek since its early years. Much has changed since then. At the end of 2023, Kruitboschâs wholesale division continued under a new name, PENDLR. The trusted people, service and products remain, but with a fresh identity and a future focused direction. We spoke with Mike de Kwant, Commercial Director at Widek and great grandchild of founder Wim de Kwant. From Grandpa Wim to the fourth generation The history of Widek reads like a family story full of perseverance. Founder Wim de Kwant, great grandfather of current director Mike, opened a shop selling radios and bicycles in 1936. He was known for never shying away from a challenge. When he was told at a trade fair that making bicycle bells would be âtoo difficultâ for him, he immediately took on the challenge and the rest is history. And as if history repeats itself, years later Mikeâs grandfather, Wimâs son, faced a similar remark, this time about bungee cords. Manufacturers in the market complained about quality and wondered if Widek could do better. That comment was all it took: he dove in, researched everything and within a short time Widek added bungee cords to its range. In the years that followed, the company developed into the producer of bicycle bells, bungee cords, handlebar grips and child seats under the brand name Qibbel. A partnership that adapts In Kruitboschâs early years, Widek was already working with the Zwolle based wholesaler. Over the years, the relationship evolved into a direct partnership. âTwo family businesses that complement each other. We bring production capacity, Kruitbosch brings market knowledge and reach,â says Mike. This partnership received a new boost with the transition from Kruitbosch to PENDLR. What once began as a small wholesaler in Zwolle has grown into more than just a wholesaler: it is the partner in micromobility. âThe name has changed and the course has been renewed, but the cooperation still feels just as familiar,â Mike explains. âThe same personal approach and shared drive for quality are still the foundation.â From K3 flags to lightweight seats In the 1990s, the collaboration between Widek and Kruitbosch was boosted by successful childrenâs accessories licensed from brands such as Disney, Nickelodeon and Studio 100. This resulted in colourful bicycle bells, flags and handlebar grips featuring characters like K3, Bumba, SpongeBob and Winnie the Pooh. Widek excelled in production and creativity, while Kruitbosch, and now PENDLR, brought market knowledge and distribution power, resulting in millions of products sold, loved by both children and parents. In 2012, Widek launched the brand Qibbel, offering modular, colourful child seats that were popular with parents but challenging for retailers in terms of stock management. âWe learned a lot from that,â says Mike. âWith Qibbel Air, we solved those issues â lightweight, ready out of the box and easy to mount. A hit.â The Qibbel Junior, designed for children aged six and up, became the best selling model. Today, the seat is also gaining ground outside the Benelux, thanks in part to the rise of cargo and longtail bikes. Building the future together At Widek, sustainability is deeply embedded in the way they produce. What makes them unique is that the entire production process still takes place in house and on Dutch soil. From design and injection moulding to assembly and quality control, everything happens under one roof in Krimpen aan de IJssel. This approach allows Widek to respond quickly while maintaining maximum control over quality, innovation and environmental impact. The company uses a zero waste injection moulding process, where colour changes and defective products are shredded and reused in production. More than 1,200 solar panels now cover the roof, supplying over half of the companyâs annual electricity needs. âBecause we do everything ourselves, we can produce with great awareness. That is not only good for the environment, but also makes business sense,â Mike explains. A collaboration rooted in trust What began in the 1950s has grown into a partnership where generations have connected through shared values: craftsmanship, reliability, innovation and entrepreneurship. That Widek produces everything in house aligns perfectly with PENDLRâs ambition to work with partners who are close by, both literally and figuratively. It ensures short lines of communication, quick decision making and a high level of involvement. Above all, it shows that with strong cooperation and a clear vision, you can continue building the future together. From Kruitbosch to PENDLR, from then to tomorrow. Are you ready to write the next chapter Are you ready to write the next chapters together? Join PENDLR and discover how, with strong brands like Widek, we can help your store grow. With our products, service and dedication, we make sure you can focus on what you do best: making your customers happy. Become a customer and let us create a great story together.
Aug 14, 2025
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘5 min. reading time
Back to school with the right bike accessories
The new school year is approaching, and for many students, this means cycling to school every day. As a dealer, you want to provide your customers with the best products for these commutes. PENDLR helps you with a wide range of cycling accessories that make daily transportation for students more flexible, efficient, and greener. AXA: Carefree School Commute Safety is a top priority, especially for students who cycle to school every day. AXA offers robust chain locks that effectively protect your customers' bikes from theft. Sander Toenhake, category manager at PENDLR and responsible for the bike lock product category, says the following: "With AXA, our dealers can offer their customers reliable and durable chain locks, allowing them to park their bikes worry-free at school," says Sander Toenhake, category manager at PENDLR and responsible for the lock product category. "Bikes are a daily means of transportation for students, and we understand how important it is for them to leave their bikes safely behind. AXA provides not only top-quality theft protection but also user-friendly and sustainable solutions that make the cycling studentâs life a lot easier. With these locks, students can rest assured that their bike is well protected, contributing to a worry-free cycling experience both on the road and at school." Urban Proof: Combining Style and Functionality Urban Proof offers a wide range of practical and stylish cycling accessories that make the daily ride to school easier. Think of sturdy bike baskets and handy bike bags that ensure students can transport their belongings safely and dryly. "Urban Proof provides our dealers with the opportunity to offer students practical cycling accessories that make their daily ride to school much easier," explains Frank Bronkhorst, category manager at PENDLR and responsible for bike baskets and bags. "With the sturdy baskets and handy bags, students can safely and dryly carry their belongings, and with the fashionable bags, they immediately have a trendy school bag. It's the perfect combination of style and functionality in these cycling accessories that ensure a carefree ride to school." Insight Almost 80% of high school students cycle to school every day, according to figures from DUO. These statistics highlight the popularity of cycling among students. Since high schools are often located a few kilometers away, and students are often loaded with books, laptops, and gym clothes, there is high demand for practical cycling accessories that make biking more comfortable and easier for this target group. Consider a handy front and rear rack or a stylish bag where they can carry everything, both on the way and at school. Steco: Practical and Safe on the Go Steco offers practical accessories such as rain covers for backpacks, battery locks, and front racks, which are perfect for students who bike every day. These products not only contribute to a more comfortable ride but also increase safety, regardless of the weather or the amount of gear. Frank, who is also responsible for Steco, explains: "Steco offers a wide range of practical accessories that make the daily ride to school much more flexible, efficient, and greener. Think of the front or rear rack, allowing students to carry their belongings practically and comfortably. Products like the battery lock and the rain cover for the backpack ensure that the ride to school is not only comfortable but also that students can spend the day at school worry-free." Vici: The 3-in-1 Growth Bike for Students The Vici 3-in-1 growth bike is ideal for young children taking their first steps in preschool. This bike grows with the child, ensuring they always have the right size. The Vici offers a safe and sustainable way to learn cycling through different stages. It is an ideal option for parents investing in a durable bike that will support their child's cycling adventures for years to come. Ready for the School Year? Are you ready to provide your customers with the best cycling accessories? Become a PENDLR customer and add these top brands to your product range. Together, weâll make the new school year a success!
Aug 5, 2025
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘4 min. reading time
We make the daily commutes in and around the city more flexible, efficient and green. We are your partner in micromobility.
