In a significant move to bolster the digital transformation of the bicycle industry, BICO Zweirad Marketing GmbH has become a limited partner in DiBike Digitize Bike Business Group GmbH & Co. KG. The partnership, formalised on April 1, 2026, during a visit to BIKE&CO in Verl, marks a pivotal step in integrating the retail sector’s insights into the industry’s digital initiatives.
This collaboration follows the recent inclusion of BIDEX as a product data standard within DiBike, further enhancing the initiative’s comprehensive approach to digitalisation. By incorporating BICO, one of the largest retail associations in the bicycle sector, DiBike strengthens its commitment to developing open, reliable, and European data infrastructures for the industry. (dibike.org)
The partnership aims to harmonise and advance the digital foundations of specialist retail, focusing on product data, process standards, and interfaces. BICO brings the perspectives of over 900 affiliated specialist retailers, while DiBike coordinates standardisation efforts around Veloconnect and open product data structures. This synergy aligns key components—product data, processes, and retail perspectives—to foster a more efficient and interconnected industry. (dibike.org)
Nick Becker, Managing Director of DiBike, emphasised the importance of this partnership:
“The participation of BICO demonstrates that the digitalisation of the bicycle industry can only succeed through collaboration. We need strong partners from the retail sector who bring practical experience and take responsibility for open standards. This is a crucial step toward more stable and efficient digital processes.”
This alliance underscores the active role of the specialist retail sector in shaping digital standards. By integrating real-world operational requirements into ongoing developments—from product data and Veloconnect to emerging use cases like leasing and regulatory matters—the partnership enhances practical relevance and provides greater clarity for the industry, associations, and software providers.
About DiBike
DiBike is a not-for-profit initiative supported by VSF, ZIV, BIDEX, BICO, and other partners from industry, retail, and associations. Its goal is to build an open, reliable, and European data infrastructure for the bicycle industry. DiBike coordinates and develops open standards such as Veloconnect and BIDEX Basics and is also working on future data infrastructures, including within the Bike-X project. (dibike.org)
For more information, visit www.dibike.org.