Bicycle Helmet Day
Today is Bike Helmet Day â a moment to reflect on a simple yet powerful tool that can literally save lives: the bike helmet. Although the Netherlands is known as the biking capital of the world, wearing a helmet is unfortunately far from a given. It's time to change that. A biking country without a helmet culture? We bike in large numbers â to work, school, and the supermarket. Yet only 3 to 5% of Dutch cyclists consistently wear a bike helmet. Among e-bike users, this percentage is slightly higher, but even there, many still skip the helmet. And yet, the risk of serious head injury in an accident is significant, especially now that speeds in micromobility continue to increase. Did you know that one in three seriously injured cyclists suffer head or brain injuries in an accident? What a helmet really does A bike helmet doesn't prevent accidents, but it can make the difference between a bruise and permanent injury. In the event of a fall or collision, your head is the most vulnerable part of your body â and itâs the one that deserves protection. A bike helmet is designed to absorb and distribute the impact. The foam layer inside the helmet deforms upon impact, absorbing much of the force before it reaches your skull. This can help prevent serious brain injuries â such as concussions, skull fractures, or permanent neurological damage. Research by the SWOV shows that wearing a helmet reduces the risk of: ⢠Head injury by 62% ⢠Brain injury by 36% ⢠The risk of fatal head injury by 71% These are not small numbers. These are numbers that matter. Increasing speed in micromobility E-bikes, speed pedelecs, and other forms of micromobility are now an integral part of the streetscape. And rightly so: they are fast, sustainable, and ideal for commuters. But with higher speeds comes an increased risk of more severe injuries. Yet, wearing a bike helmet in this category is still not the norm. It is precisely users of micromobility who benefit most from additional protection. Want to know more about road safety at high speeds? Check out our blog about the Day of Maximum Speed. Safe biking in style? These brands show how it's done A bike helmet is no longer just a safety measure â itâs also a statement. Brands like CRNK (exclusively available at PENDLR) and ABUS combine smart technology, lightweight materials, and sleek design to create helmets youâll actually want to wear. Here are a few standout models. CRNK: Bike helmets that combine safety and style Whether you're biking to work every day or going on sporty rides, a CRNK helmet ensures you're not only well-protected, but also look great. Lightweight, comfortable, and featuring smart features â CRNK has a model for every cyclist. CRNK Angler Weighing just 180 grams, this CRNK bike helmet is exceptionally lightweight and offers a high level of comfort while wearing. The specially designed Memory Foam pad adjusts to the shape of your head, ensuring the helmet fits perfectly. CRNK Veloce The Veloce bike helmet is the perfect choice for both men and women looking for a combination of durability and style. Equipped with an in-mold EPS system and a PC shell, the CRNK Veloce offers a lightweight design (213 grams) with optimal protection. ABUS: Smart safety for every ride With ABUS helmets, you choose German reliability, innovative technology, and sleek design. Whether you're zooming through the city, commuting to work on an e-bike, or heading out with your longboard: ABUS offers stylish protection without compromise. ABUS Purl-Y E-bikes and S-pedelecs also bring high speeds within reach outside the cycling world. NTA-classified helmets, like the Purl-Y, are adapted to meet the new requirements for rides up to 45 km/h. But the Purl-Y city helmet is also a good choice for a non-motorized bike. It combines safety with comfort. ABUS Skurb The ABUS Skurb is the perfect solution for commuters and trendy sporty people, but itâs also suitable for inline skating, longboarding, or BMX. Those who previously had to wear a heavy ABS hard-shell helmet in one-size-fits-all will certainly appreciate this trendy, stylish helmet. ABUS HUD-Y The HUD-Y is the perfect companion in the city: It represents an urban lifestyle and is a real eye-catcher in any city. The popular rechargeable rear LED of these models protects cyclists in the often chaotic urban traffic. In the ACE version, the glass visor replaces the flip-up/down screen of the HUD-Y. Time to set a good example The numbers don't lie: a bike helmet can truly make a difference. Whether you opt for the high-tech style of CRNK or the innovative reliability of ABUS â every ride with a helmet is a step towards safer traffic. Become a customer at PENDLR and discover our full collection of bike helmets from CRNK and ABUS. Together, we make safety visible â and wearable. Celebrate Bike Helmet Day and show that style and safety go hand in hand.
Apr 15, 2025
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘5 min. reading time
Spring is here: Make your store bloom with PENDLR
Spring has arrived! The days are getting longer, the sun is making more frequent appearances, and the bike shop once again becomes the bustling starting point for new cycling adventures. And for you as a cycling specialist, this is the perfect opportunity to inspire your customers and equip them with the newest, smartest, and most beautiful products. At PENDLR, weâre happy to help you do just that. Discover our spring favorites for the new cycling season! Travel in style with CHPO sunglasses CHPO cycling sunglasses offer the perfect unisex models for a stylish look, both on and off the bike. These sunglasses combine design, comfort, and functionality, making them ideal for cyclists seeking both protection and style. The frames are made from 100% recycled plastic, making them a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious riders. Eovolt Afternoon Pro: Winner of the Design & Innovation Award 2025 The trend is unstoppable: compact folding e-bikes are booming. The Eovolt Afternoon Pro is a true standout in this segment â and for good reason, as it has been awarded the Design & Innovation Award 2025! This e-bike combines user-friendliness with power, and thanks to its smart folding mechanism, you can take it anywhere. Perfect for city rides, camping holidays, or commuters who want to cycle the last stretch flexibly. With its modern looks and high-quality finish, this is a bike your customers will definitely want to be seen with. Pro-User bike carriers: carefree bike transport Taking your bike along on an adventure? Thatâs not possible without a reliable bike carrier. The Pro-User Diamant and Diamant SG2 are among the most user-friendly and safest carriers on the market. They are tiltable, easy to mount, and suitable for e-bikes. The sturdy construction and smart design ensure your customers can hit the road with peace of mind, whether itâs for a day of cycling in nature or a bike holiday abroad. BoBike Exclusive Evolve: family cycling fun Spring is also the season for family outings on the bike. With the BoBike Exclusive Evolve child seats â available in both front and rear versions â parents can take their children along safely and comfortably. These seats not only feature modern, stylish designs but also offer extra safety and adjustability. A great combination of convenience and top quality, for worry-free rides with the whole family. Basil Move: the new favorite for every cyclist New in Basilâs range is the Basil Move: a versatile pannier bag perfect for daily use. Lightweight, water-repellent, and equipped with a handy carrying strap. Whether itâs for groceries, sports gear, or work essentials â with the Basil Move, your customers always have a practical and stylish solution on hand. An indispensable addition for anyone who takes cycling seriously. Hedgren: stylish and practical With the Hedgren Commute Bike bag, functionality and style go hand in hand. This premium bag is specially designed for the modern commuter who wants to cycle to work in an organized, comfortable, and stylish way. The bag is water-repellent, spacious on the inside, and equipped with smart compartments for a laptop, documents, and other daily essentials. Thanks to the simple click system, the bag can be easily attached to the luggage carrier, and with the detachable shoulder strap, itâs just as easy to carry into the office or to a meeting. The Hedgren Commute Bike combines timeless design with top quality and is the ideal choice for customers who demand both functionality and elegance. This range is available in four different models. New Looxs: three new models for every type of cyclist This spring, New Looxs is going big with three new pannier bags, each with its own character: ⢠Oslo â A modern, sleek bag perfect for commuting. Waterproof, spacious, and smartly organized for laptops and other essentials. Ideal for business cyclists who like to stay organized on the go. ⢠Tulum â A playful, colorful bag that combines cheerfulness with functionality. Perfect for recreational cyclists heading out for a day trip. With plenty of space for picnic items or a day of shopping. ⢠Sports â As the name suggests: sporty and functional. A robust bag for longer rides, with reflective details and an extra reinforced bottom. Perfect for anyone who loves to cover long distances. Make your shop bloom this cycling season! Spring is the perfect time to make your shop shine with new products, fresh inspiration, and smart solutions for every cyclist. Want to stock these products from CHPO, Eovolt, Pro-User, BoBike, Basil, and New Looxs to help your customers head into the season with excitement? Become a PENDLR partner today! Together, we make daily travel more flexible, efficient, and greener!
Mar 19, 2025
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘4 min. reading time
Partners in micromobility | PENDLR and Schwalbe: How Schwalbe gives old tires a second life
Today is Recycling Day! To mark this special occasion, we visited Schwalbe to learn more about their pioneering recycling program for both inner and outer bicycle tires. Schwalbe, a partner of PENDLR, has been working for years to make its production process more sustainable and to close the material loop. We spoke with Maiko Bakker and Elisa Treling about Schwalbeâs ambitions and the challenges they face along the way. Sustainability as a Core Value "We have always been a manufacturer of bicycle tires, nothing more, nothing less," says Maiko. "Since we donât have a large investment company behind us and focus solely on bicycle tires, we can truly be pioneers in sustainability." The first steps towards recycling were taken as early as the year 2000. "That was when we first started exploring what we could do with the waste streams of bicycle tires. Since a bicycle tire is made of many materials and naturally wears down with use, the remaining material is less pure. This makes reuse more challenging." Innovative Recycling Solutions The first recycling attempts involved compressing tires into rubber mats, like those used in bike workshops and gyms. "That was a great first step, but it was still just âdowncycling.â We wanted to go further." In 2010, Schwalbe introduced a key innovation: a puncture protection layer made from recycled latex. "At that time, we were not yet able to use high-quality recycled rubber for the tread, but we could use it for the puncture protection layer. Today, this layerâone-third of which is made from recycled latexâis found in our most popular tires, such as the Marathon and Energizer Plus." The Major Breakthrough: Recycling Inner Tubes A major breakthrough came in 2015 with the recycling of inner tubes. "Inner tubes are ideal for recycling because they are made entirely of butyl rubber," Maiko explains. "We remove the valves, which can be fully reused, and the rubber is devulcanized so that we can create new inner tubes." The process starts at bicycle shops and dealers. "Dealers collect the inner tubes and can send them to us free of chargeâwe cover the shipping costs," says Elisa. "All the inner tubes are then stored in large containers in Germany before being shipped back to Indonesia for recycling." The program grew rapidly. "In the Netherlands alone, we now recycle about 400,000 inner tubes per year! What I personally find amazing is how skeptical dealers were in the beginning. âIâll just throw them away,â we often heard. But now, nearly 1,300 dealers actively send in tubes. If our recycling portal goes down, our inbox floods with messages," Maiko laughs. The Benelux is not the only region where Schwalbe runs this program. "We are active all across Europe, as well as in the US and the UK, and we are constantly looking for opportunities to expand." Outer Tires: The Biggest Challenge Recycling outer tires turned out to be an even bigger challenge. "An outer tire consists of multiple materials, including rubber, steel, and chemical additives. You canât recycle something that is made up of so many different components," Maiko explains. "Thatâs why we partnered with Pyrum Innovations. Together, we developed a process in which outer tires are shredded and the raw materials are separated again." Once collected, the outer tires undergo a process that recovers gas, oil, textiles, steel, and Carbon Black. Carbon Black is then used in the production of the Green Marathon, which is made from 100% Fair Rubber, 99% free of harmful substances, and consists of 80% recycled and renewable materials. In Germany, the recycling of outer tires has already been a great success, and we hope to introduce it in the Netherlands in the coming years. From Recycling to Conscious Material Choices Beyond recycling, Schwalbe is also critically assessing the origins of its raw materials. "For coffee and chocolate, Fairtrade certification has been around for years, but for rubber, it didnât really exist. There was a small organization called Fair Rubber, but only a few small players were involved. We decided to join Fair Rubber, and now we pay producers 150% of the global market priceâprovided they meet fair production standards. Today, 70% of our production carries the Fair Trade label, and our goal is to reach 100% by 2030." A Taste for More Schwalbe is committed to embedding sustainability even further into the cycling industry. "The strongest part of our story is that this is not just a marketing gimmick. Every sustainable product we introduce has the same price as its predecessor. We only sell the sustainable version. We want recycling and sustainability to become the norm, not the exception." "It should be as natural as collecting and returning glass bottles or batteries." With millions of tires already recycled and a growing international network of sustainable dealers, Schwalbe is proving that a circular economy in the cycling industry is possible. "Weâre only at the beginning of whatâs possible, and we are determined to push even further." Working Together for a Sustainable Future Schwalbeâs innovative recycling programs demonstrate that true sustainability is achievable in the cycling industry. By continuously investing in circular solutions, they prove that sustainability does not have to come at the cost of quality or affordability. At PENDLR, we share the same vision: a cycling world where reuse and recycling are the standard. Thatâs why weâre proud to partner with Schwalbe. Together, we are making daily mobility more flexible, efficient, and green!
Mar 17, 2025
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘5 min. reading time
Visiting Madame VĂŠlo: How a passion for cycling grew into a successful business
On March 8, 2025, it was International Women's Dayâthe perfect moment to highlight a female entrepreneur. And who better than Sylvie from Madame VĂŠlo? The name says it all: Sylvie has been passionately working on bicycles for 25 years. Where It All Began Her journey in the bicycle industry started in 2000 when her then-boyfriend opened a moped shop. Sylvie joined the project, on the condition that bicycles would also be sold and maintained. âIt was the golden age for mopeds, but I felt their popularity would decline.â After gaining the necessary training and experience, Sylvie became a fully qualified bicycle mechanic. Four years ago, she opened her own shop: Madame VĂŠlo, located on Gentpoortstraat in Bruges. "The name, of course, comes from French, but in the Bruges dialect, these words are also commonly used. By now, people simply call me Madame VĂŠlo, and I love it!" A Complete Range for Every Cyclist At Madame VĂŠlo, the focus is entirely on electric bikes, speed pedelecs, and electric folding bikes. She has deliberately removed traditional city bikes without electric assistance from her assortment. The collection of accessories is carefully curated and perfectly matches the bicycles available in the shop. âLocks and panniers are the most important additional purchases, and Iâve noticed a significant increase in demand for helmets. Awareness around this is growing rapidly!â Developments in Micromobility Sylvie sees the bicycle industry evolving but also recognizes significant challenges. She believes there is work to be done both in terms of regulations and technology. "A lot still needs to change at the government level. Take speed pedelecs, for example: they simply donât have a proper place in traffic. They donât fit on the bike path, but they also donât belong on the roadway. Yet, hardly anyone is thinking about this, even in new developments." According to Sylvie, this creates a dangerous and illogical situation. âHow does it make sense that speed pedelecs have to share the road with pedestrians, children on bikes, scooters, and cargo bikes? There is an urgent need for better infrastructure and clear regulations.â Besides challenges in traffic infrastructure, Sylvie also sees opportunities within the bicycle industry itself, particularly in battery technology. "The bicycle industry has already made huge strides, but batteries can and must continue to evolve. A bike battery has to endure a lot: it needs to be as compact and stylish as possible to match the bike, but this often comes at the cost of performance and durability." Still, she is optimistic about the future. "I expect breakthroughs in this area in the coming years. There is still a lot of potential in battery technology, and it could have a major impact on the bicycle sector." The Strength of Madame VĂŠlo In an era where large chains and online shops are expanding, personal service is becoming increasingly important. This is where Sylvie truly stands out. "I know every customer and understand exactly what they need. Whether they call or walk in, they always get me on the line or face-to-face. I sell the bikes myself, repair them myself, and personally answer all their questions." This direct, trustworthy approach ensures that customers always know what to expect. It also allows her shop to provide that extra level of service. "That is becoming increasingly rare in all sectors nowadays. But a bicycle is a product that requires intensive service. You also need to be able to solve any issues from the manufacturer. Thatâs why I know every product in my store inside and out." A Source of Inspiration At home, Sylvie has clearly passed on her passion for a hands-on profession. Her eldest daughter will start higher education next year and, like her mother, does not want a desk job. âShe wants a career where people think: wow, a woman doing that?!â This makes Sylvie a source of inspiration for her daughter and for other women who want to stand out in traditionally male-dominated professions. Finally, Sylvie shares a golden tip for bicycle mechanics: âI recently got a brake bedding machine, and itâs truly worth its weight in gold. Once you have one, you canât live without it!â PENDLR: the partner in micromobility At PENDLR, we share the vision of Syl from Madame VĂŠlo: personal service and a passion for quality are key. As an entrepreneur, Syl knows better than anyone how important it is to constantly innovate and respond to her customers' wishes. Would you like to take your passion for bicycles and customer-oriented service to the next level? Or would you like to buy a brakeman yourself? Become a customer at PENDLR and discover how we can support your business with more than 23,000 products, 160 top brands and reliable service.
Mar 9, 2025
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘4 min. reading time
Store Design at Salland2wielers: A fresh new look
In addition to products and knowledge, at PENDLR we also support you with services. Store design is one of those services that can help boost your sales. Some time ago, PENDLR assisted with the redesign of the Salland2wielers store in Dalfsen. We visited Jerry and Marcel, the store owners, to hear how they and their customers are experiencing the new setup. A sense of space and clarity A more spacious layout, where all products are strategically placed along the walls so that customers can easily explore the store â according to Jerry and Marcel, thatâs the biggest change compared to the previous setup. Previously, handlebars dominated the store interior, creating a cramped feeling. âNow the store radiates a sense of space and clarity, without the floor space having changed.â Increased appeal Jerry and Marcel recognize the valuable role PENDLR played in the store design process and appreciate how we were able to take the pressure off their shoulders. By trusting PENDLRâs expertise, they can continue to focus on their core business, knowing the perfect assortment is displayed in their store. PENDLRâs experts carefully selected the ideal accessories and parts that now hang on the slatwalls. Jerry emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity, working with models and brands they fully believe in. The new store layout has not only improved the storeâs aesthetics but also increased its appeal. Bags, in particular, remain the biggest draw. âIâd say we sell a bag with around 70% of all bikes, and since the new presentation of the bags, weâve definitely seen an increase in sales.â âOur relationship with PENDLR and Kruitbosch goes back 25 years. And Iâve been doing business with Kruitbosch for 35 years. If something works well, thereâs no reason to look elsewhere. So it was only natural for us to turn to you as well. Kruitbosch really helped us think about which products should be placed where in the store.â Enhanced store experience The redesign of the Salland2wielers store has brought about a significant change in the shopping experience, both for the owners and their customers. With a more spacious layout and strategic product placement, the store now offers a feeling of openness and clarity, making it more attractive to visitors. The collaboration with PENDLR has resulted in the successful implementation of this new store concept, with quality and expertise at its core. Interested? Let us know! Would you like a modern upgrade for your store and product range as well? Click the link below and let us know â weâll get in touch with you as soon as possible!
Oct 22, 2024
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘3 min. reading time
Daily travels in and around the city more flexible, efficient and green. We are your partner in micromobility.
