Hey Offbeat friends, Mandalyn here. I just got back from Eurobike 2025, and wow—what an experience. I wanted to share some moments about the trip because I came home energized and inspired! The ideas showcased at Eurobike reminded me why we’re so obsessed with cargo bikes here at Offbeat and what they can do for urban life. I often say I think bikes can change the world and I saw that in person during this trip.
At the Eurobike show in Frankfurt I got up close with the latest gear and updates from Bosch, Tern, Gates, Enviolo, and a few new brands as well. It’s incredible to see how far e-bike technology has come in making riding effortless yet fun. It was great to make a real human connection with so many people working to make these brands great.
Tern made big waves at Eurobike this year with the GSD Gen 3, which won a prestigious Eurobike award! It’s easy to see why—this bike is the ultimate cargo machine. The Gen 3 boasts a stronger frame, improved modularity, more carrying capacity, and thoughtful touches that make it feel like a fully capable urban utility vehicle rather than just a bike. We’re thing it’s a perfect blend of power, versatility, and practicality—everything a family or urban commuter could want.
Visiting Riese & Müller's HQ in Muhltal deepened my appreciation for the brand. Seeing the care that goes into every bike from sustainability initiatives to factory and assembly standards helped me appreciate how a company can balance cutting-edge engineering with a humanistic approach. Every detail, from the frame materials (a higher percentage of recycled metals are used every year) to the testing process is centered around people, not just performance. I'm inspired to bring that ethos to our small but mighty shop here in Chicago.
Then there was the headquarters of Urban Arrow in Amsterdam. Seeing the original Family model released 15 years ago and riding a FamilyNext bike across the city was peak cargo bike actualization! If you've ever visited Amsterdam you can envision the streets being alive with riders of all ages, from parents hauling kids to commuters to elderly folks to tourists. It's a city built around bikes, and you feel it everywhere: the culture, the infrastructure, the sheer joy of moving through the city under your own power. More of that here!
Paris was the same story: there were bikes everywhere, literally everywhere. It was evident that for many riders, cycling was their primary mode of transport. Kids rolling to school, families on cargo bikes, delivery couriers, and commuters on sleek city e-bikes. Yet another reminder of what’s possible when a city values cycling as more than just recreation, but as a core part of daily life. Taking notes!
Coming back to Chicago, I'm more excited than ever about the possibilities here. Imagine streets with more protected bike lanes, better intersections, and dedicated cycling corridors. Imagine more access to rentals, a robust used bike market, and bike-friendly transit connections. Imagine schools, workplaces, and businesses integrating cycling into daily routines, making it not just safe and practical, but fun. At Offbeat we want to help push the city toward this vision—advocating for better planning, sharing knowledge about bikes as lifestyle, and showing everyone how accessible and joyful riding can be.
Eurobike 2025 reminded me why we do what we do. Bikes aren’t just machines—they’re tools for community, sustainability, health, and urban magic. With the right infrastructure and mindset, our streets could echo those in Amsterdam or Paris. We’re here to help make that happen, one ride at a time.
See you on the streets! ✌️ Mandalyn
