PENDLR enters into exclusive and sustainable partnership with E-pal
PENDLR is expanding its micromobility range with E-pal, an innovative smart plug that optimises the charging process for e-bike batteries. Thanks to this smart technology, batteries can last up to three times longer, which is good for cyclists and the environment. The collaboration underlines the shared ambition of both brands: to make micro-mobility smarter and more sustainable. E-pal will be available exclusively through PENDLR from November. Smart charging, longer life E-pal has developed a smart plug that can be easily placed between the original charger and the power outlet. Using an intuitive app, the system ensures that e-bike batteries are charged to 75 per cent as standard, significantly reducing wear and tear. Of course, it is also possible to charge to a higher percentage when more range is needed. The app offers features such as charging schedules, a winter mode, insight into charging data and the ability to share plugs within a household. The technology is not only suitable for e-bikes, but also for other light electric vehicles, such as e-scooters and e-mopeds. This makes E-pal a perfect fit for the growth of micro-mobility. Shared vision on sustainable mobility According to Elwin Baijlé, Category Developer at PENDLR, the collaboration fits perfectly with the company's mission: ‘With E-pal, we are adding a product that perfectly embodies what PENDLR stands for: smart innovations that make micro-mobility more flexible, efficient and greener. It is a small innovation with a big impact, both for cyclists and for the future.’ Jeroen Huijbers, founder of E-pal, adds: "The idea for E-pal arose from personal frustration. When my own e-bike battery started to deteriorate noticeably after only two years, I knew there had to be a better way. After two years of development, we are proud of a product that helps micro-mobility users get the most out of their batteries without any hassle. In PENDLR, we have found a partner that shares our vision of sustainability and ease of use." Available soon via PENDLR The E-pal smart plug will be available from November via PENDLR. With this, the micromobility partner offers its dealers an innovative solution that contributes to a more sustainable way of travelling. ‘At PENDLR, we believe that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. Technologies such as E-pal show that smart design can really make a difference in the lifespan of components,’ says Elwin. ‘E-pal not only aligns with our sustainability goals, but also offers real added value for both dealers and end users. Together, we are making daily travel more flexible, efficient and greener.’
28. Okt. 2025
•Bram van Duinen
•3 Min. Lesezeit
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 student’s 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, we’ll make the new school year a success!
5. Aug. 2025
•Bram van Duinen
•4 Min. Lesezeit
PENDLR and PCS Fietsspecialist: United in a fast-moving market
Recently, we visited PCS Fietsspecialist, where we spoke with father and son Remco and Sander Steinz. About 45 years ago, Remco started a bike shop together with his parents and brother. Today, his son Sander is also active in the business and has been running his own store under the same name for five years. Although they each have their own physical location, they work closely together. We talked to them about their early years in the bicycle industry, their strong family bond, their vision on the evolving market, and their long-standing partnership with PENDLR. From Vinyl Records to Bicycles PCS Fietsspecialist was founded in the 1980s, when Remco and his family decided to open their own store. “We actually had no experience with bicycles,” Remco recalls with a smile. The original product range was far from traditional: customers could buy not only bicycles, but also vinyl records, jeans, and mopeds. That unusual mix formed the foundation of the family business PCS Fietsspecialist has become today. The early years were challenging. With limited resources and knowledge, the family built up the shop step by step. They took turns working in the store while juggling other obligations. Remco and his brother were still in school, and their parents also had jobs on the side. The inventory was small, so creativity was essential. “It was a real balancing act back then,” Remco says. But through perseverance and determination, PCS Fietsspecialist quickly grew into a trusted name in the region. “We started with an American concept: we sold vinyl records, jeans, and of course mopeds and bicycles.” From Global Events Back to the Shop Sander grew up surrounded by bikes, but initially chose a different path. He found his passion in the event industry and traveled the world organizing large-scale events. When the COVID-19 pandemic brought that sector to a standstill in 2020, it created an opportunity for reflection. “It felt like the natural moment to step in,” says Sander. With fresh eyes and new experience, he brought immediate innovation to the business. He gave the store a modern look and shifted focus toward high-quality electric bikes. “E-bikes are really exciting these days,” he says enthusiastically. “The technology and possibilities are vast, and that’s what I find fascinating.” Tradition and Future: Father and Son at the Helm The relationship between Remco and Sander is a balance of experience and innovation. While Remco is a bit more cautious these days, Sander looks ahead and thinks strategically about the next steps. That sometimes leads to different approaches, but it’s exactly this dynamic that gives them strength. “He’s often still focused on this year, while I’m already thinking about next year,” Sander jokes. Still, there's a lot of mutual respect. Sander appreciates the strong foundation his father laid: “Because of that groundwork, I was able to make big strides quickly.” At the same time, Remco sees much of himself in his son: “I’ve become a bit more reserved, but sometimes he has to experience things for himself. That’s how it went between me and my parents too.” They admit that work and private life often blend together in a family business. “Sometimes we have to remind ourselves not to talk about work at Christmas,” Sander laughs. Cycling Is Becoming a Complete Lifestyle One major trend Remco and Sander have noticed is the growing demand for accessories. As cities become more crowded, more people are leaving the car behind and using bikes as their main form of transportation. This brings new customer needs. Cyclists are looking not only for a good bike, but also a complete setup that fits their daily routines. “We’re seeing more demand for full packages,” Sander explains. “A premium pannier bag for groceries, a stylish helmet for added safety, a reliable lock, a mirror for city traffic. People increasingly see their bikes as a true alternative to the car.” Remco adds that the shift toward electric bikes is accelerating this change. “People want to invest in quality, including accessories that make riding even more comfortable.” “There’s more to it now. Customers don’t just want a good lock and a nice bag — accessories like mirrors and helmets are becoming more and more popular. It’s really turning into a total package.” A Partnership of Over 25 Years Remco has been working with PENDLR (formerly Kruitbosch) for over a quarter of a century, and that long-standing partnership has proven invaluable. “We’ve been working with PENDLR for more than 25 years, and we’ve always been satisfied,” he says. “They deliver what we need and are reliable.” When Sander joined the company later, it was a natural choice to continue the collaboration. “Continuing with PENDLR was an easy decision,” he explains. “When you see how well everything runs and how much trust there is, there’s no reason to question it.” What makes this partnership so strong is the consistency and reliability that PENDLR offers. Their product range is not only broad and up to date, but almost always in stock. “What we need is simply available,” Sander says. “That might seem obvious, but during busy periods it really makes a difference.” “We’ve been working with PENDLR for more than 25 years, and we’ve always been satisfied.” A Future Full of Ambition Looking ahead, Sander has big plans. He wants to continue innovating, with a strong focus on service, quality, and customer experience. One of his ideas is to open a larger, joint store where all locations come together. Remco looks to the future with confidence. He is gradually stepping back, but remains involved in the business he helped build. “It’s great to see how Sander is charting his own course and shaping the future of the company.” PCS Fietsspecialist shows the power of a family business where tradition, innovation, and passion go hand in hand. With a focus on quality, service, and progress, father and son continue building a bright future — together.
27. Juli 2025
•Bram van Duinen
•5 Min. Lesezeit
PENDLR and Brooks provide stylish commutes
Within the assortment offered by PENDLR, the British brand Brooks England holds a strong position. This is reflected in the role of Erik Westerlaken, who serves as Brand Ambassador. NieuwsFiets.nu spoke with him and Category Manager Remco Lagendijk about the search for dealers that align with this exclusive brand. Close cooperation Erik Westerlaken started at PENDLR on October 1st last year as Brand Ambassador for the brands Brooks England and Eovolt, the electric folding bikes. His position differs slightly from that of the other account managers, who represent all brands. This allows him to focus more attention on PENDLR’s exclusive labels. “My role is actually a blend of sales and marketing. Because of the close contact with the team at Brooks, market feedback reaches them quickly. This contributes to future product development and service. I also look at ways to bring Brooks closer to the end consumer,” he says. A tailored approach Remco Lagendijk, with a background at Shimano and Craft Sportswear, is Category Manager at PENDLR and responsible for Brooks England. “This is a niche brand that requires a different approach than other brands. PENDLR has been working with Brooks England for a long time. The brand has been part of the Selle Royal Group for many years. Brooks focuses strongly on innovation while staying true to its origins and purposefully choosing a different path. That calls for more selective distribution, which we are now able to concentrate on.” Westerlaken focuses on the Dutch market only, since Brooks England works with different distributors abroad. A behind-the-scenes experience Within the cycling trade, there is no need to explain what Brooks England is or what it represents. “It’s a brand with a rich heritage and a beautiful story worth telling. Everyone knows Brooks for the leather saddles, but the brand has evolved with a second saddle line and bikepacking bags. We see that this part of the range is still unknown to many. There is a lot of potential in upgrading bikes with beautiful accessories,” says Westerlaken. Together with a colleague, Lagendijk and Westerlaken recently visited the Brooks England factory in Birmingham, where the leather saddles are made. They were given a detailed look behind the scenes and got to know the Brooks team better. “When you walk through the factory, you see how much craftsmanship is still involved. A Brooks saddle may carry a relatively high price, but once you see how it is made, you completely understand why. Everything is handmade. Dedicated people work together, step by step, on a single saddle. It’s impressive to see how much passion and skill goes into it, with incredible attention to detail. There is very little automation involved.” “Some machines are more than a hundred years old, and the production process has hardly changed,” adds Lagendijk. “Some steps are still done exactly as they were sixty years ago. In some cases that could be a disadvantage, but here it works in their favor. There’s a growing group of consumers who are looking for artisan products, whether it’s leather, wood, or steel. Brooks England fits perfectly in that renewed appreciation of craftsmanship.” PENDLR as Brooks Repair Center PENDLR recently completed advanced technical training in Birmingham to become an official Brooks Repair Center. Some saddles could already be repaired by PENDLR’s service and warranty department, but soon they will also have special tools that allow them to repair almost any Brooks saddle, even the more complex ones. “Unless the leather is completely torn, of course. But with the new service we can offer, a Brooks saddle becomes a truly durable product,” says Westerlaken. “If someone’s saddle breaks, even outside of the warranty period, it is still worthwhile to have it repaired. That saddle is already broken in and fits perfectly. If it can be repaired, that’s ideal. Breaking in a new saddle is quite a process.” Sometimes the saddle rail breaks. “Normally the rail is machine-pressed into the nose piece, with more force than you could apply by hand. That makes repairs challenging, but soon we’ll be able to offer this service in-house,” Westerlaken explains. “Brooks England designs their saddles with the question in mind: how could this be repaired? That’s why nearly all parts are available individually.” Brooks focuses on the person behind the bike PENDLR takes a broad approach to the mobility market. As more cities restrict car access, more people turn to bicycles as a means of transport. The bicycle becomes an extension of the individual. “People want to show who they are. Brooks also looks beyond just the cyclist. The bags can be used both on and off the bike. Brooks now focuses more on the person behind the bike, which fits well with PENDLR’s philosophy,” says Lagendijk. According to the Category Manager, Brooks mainly appeals to lifestyle-oriented consumers. “Take gravel biking, which is hugely popular. Even within that group, there are two types. On one side you have competitive riders, and on the other, adventurous cyclists who ride for fun and relaxation. That philosophy matches perfectly with Brooks England. Many gravel riders also use their bike for everyday trips and want to show that. Brooks England serves that purpose and therefore aligns well with PENDLR.” “The versatility of gravel bikes plays an important role here. You can fit a removable rack and carry several bags, making it ideal for urban mobility too.” Social rides and factory visits planned Later this year, PENDLR and Brooks England will organize a special ride-out for dealers. Next year, they are looking into taking a select group of dealers to the factory. “That is really valuable. When entrepreneurs see with their own eyes the passion behind the product, the brand truly comes alive,” predicts Westerlaken. “We are also looking into ways to support our dealers at the point of sale. A better store presentation helps increase sales.” Will you be the next Brooks dealer? Do you want to be part of the exclusive Brooks network, visit the Birmingham factory with us, and take part in inspiring social rides? Join PENDLR and discover what this iconic brand can mean for your store. Become a PENDLR customer today.
16. Juli 2025
•Bram van Duinen
•6 Min. Lesezeit
Eurobike 2025: Sustainability, Innovation, and Opportunities in Micromobility
Despite the current challenges in the market, the bicycle industry continues to evolve rapidly. At Eurobike 2025, the international trade fair for bicycles and micromobility, numerous developments came together that show where the future of cycling and smart mobility is heading. Several colleagues from PENDLR were present, and we are pleased to share key insights on sustainability, innovation, and micromobility. Sustainability Becomes the New Standard Brands such as Basil and New Looxs presented their latest collections, featuring fresh designs and clever solutions. Both are making strong efforts to use recycled materials, responding to the growing demand for sustainable alternatives within the micromobility sector. Schwalbe also emphasized sustainability in its latest product range. Selle Royal expanded its Stracciatella line and introduced the new Nivo grips, which offer improvements in both grip and comfort. Sustainability is no longer a niche topic, but a fundamental part of product development across the entire micromobility landscape. Innovation at Brand and Product Level There were many exciting new developments. ABUS introduced two new helmets: the ultra-light and aerodynamic Airbreaker 2.0, and the Taipan, specially designed for gravel riders but also relevant for various forms of micromobility. AXA launched the Atlas, a new generation of ring locks that smartly combines safety with user convenience. Eovolt also made a big announcement: the company will continue under a new name, UTO. Why the change? Because UTO is expanding with its very first non-electric model. The name Eovolt mainly suggested e-bikes, while UTO reflects a broader ambition to reach more people, both with and without electric assistance. The electric version, the UTO PRO20 E-bike (formerly known as Afternoon Pro), won the Eurobike Gold Award in the e-bike category, an important recognition within the micromobility market. Cargo Bikes and Light Electric Vehicles on the Rise Traditional cargo bikes have long been dominant, but now we are seeing a growing number of longtail solutions. These extended bicycles offer a more flexible option: they are lighter, easier to handle, and suitable for various transport needs. Innovations such as smart trailers also allow a standard bike to be temporarily converted into a longtail, giving users additional cargo capacity with minimal investment. At the same time, the supply of Light Electric Vehicles is growing rapidly. These compact, electrically powered vehicles are becoming an important part of the micromobility market. They are designed for efficient urban travel, often without a chain and with a drive-by-wire system. Since they are legally considered bicycles, no driving license is required. This makes them attractive to employers and fleet operators who want to involve a broader group of employees in urban delivery and service tasks. Bicycle Retail Is Visibly Changing One noticeable trend on the Eurobike 2025 exhibition floor was the changing approach to product presentation. In the past, the focus was often on filling the shelves with as many products as possible. Now, more and more brands are choosing to highlight atmosphere, experience, and a strong brand identity. This shift toward storytelling and brand building matches the changing expectations of consumers within the micromobility sector. Micromobility Is Gaining Visibility, Also at Eurobike That micromobility is no longer a niche becomes clear from a strategic change Eurobike will implement from 2026. The familiar trade fair will focus more on the world of sports and performance cycling, while organizer Fairnamic is launching a new specialized event called mobifuture. This new fair will focus entirely on electric micromobility, with special attention to e-scooters, cargo bikes, microcars, and shared mobility solutions. The two fairs will continue as separate brands, but will take place at the same time and at the same location in Frankfurt. This creates a clear distinction: Eurobike will highlight sport, performance, high-tech, and cycling culture, while mobifuture will be the central place for urban and sustainable micromobility solutions. Seizing Opportunities Together The bicycle industry is accelerating. Innovation, sustainability, and flexibility are no longer trends but essential requirements. At PENDLR, we believe micromobility is the key to sustainable transport in cities and beyond. Whether it is about smart parts and accessories, cargo solutions, or the layout of your product shelves, we are your partner in micromobility. Together we make daily commutes more flexible, efficient, and green. The opportunities are here, let us seize them together.
9. Juli 2025
•Bram van Duinen
•4 Min. Lesezeit
We make the daily commutes in and around the city more flexible, efficient and green. We are your partner in micromobility.
