Velofollies

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Frequently asked

Glossary

1

E-bike (pedelec)

A bicycle with pedal-assist electric motor that helps up to 25 km/h in Europe; the rider must pedal to receive assistance. At Velofollies, compare motor position, battery integration and weight rather than only peak wattage.

2

Speed pedelec

A faster pedal-assist class that can assist up to 45 km/h. Rules on helmets, registration and insurance vary by country, so ask the exhibitor how a Belgian-registered speed pedelec would be classified for your commute.

3

Mid-drive motor

A motor mounted at the bottom bracket, driving through the bike's gears. It suits hilly terrain and balanced handling; test how it feels in low gears on the show floor.

4

Hub motor

A motor built into the front or rear wheel hub. It is common on city and cargo bikes and can be simpler to maintain, but weight distribution and wheel removal differ from mid-drive systems.

5

Torque sensor

A sensor that measures how hard the rider pedals and varies motor assistance accordingly. It gives a more natural ride than a simple cadence sensor; ask which mode and sensor a model uses.

6

Cadence sensor

A sensor that triggers assistance when the pedals turn, without measuring pedal pressure. It is common on entry-level e-bikes and can feel less progressive than a torque sensor.

7

Battery capacity (Wh)

Watt-hours express battery energy, calculated as voltage multiplied by amp-hours. A larger Wh figure usually means more range but also more weight and cost; compare cells, warranty and removable versus integrated design.

8

Cargo bike

A bicycle built to carry children or goods, often with a longtail, front box or trike layout. At the show, check turning circle, kickstand stability, child-seat standards and whether the motor is rated for the loaded weight.

9

Gravel bike

A drop-bar bike with wider tyre clearance and relaxed geometry for mixed-surface riding. Compare tyre clearance, mounting points and gearing if you plan bikepacking or commuting on poor roads.

10

Groupset

The matched set of drivetrain and brake components from one manufacturer, such as shifters, derailleurs, cassette, chain and brakes. Groupset tier affects weight, gear range and replacement cost.

11

Derailleur

An external gear system that moves the chain across sprockets. It offers wide gear ranges and is easy to service, but can be exposed to mud and impact on off-road bikes.

12

Hub gear

An internally geared rear hub with the mechanism sealed inside. It needs less cleaning and allows shifting at a standstill, which suits city and cargo bikes; servicing may require a specialist.

13

Belt drive

A carbon or polyurethane belt replaces the chain, running on toothed pulleys. It is clean and low-maintenance, but frame design must allow belt tensioning and the belt cannot be repaired like a chain.

14

Thru-axle

A fixed axle that threads into the frame or fork instead of sitting in an open dropout. It stiffens the bike and makes wheel alignment repeatable; check axle standards when buying wheels or racks.

15

Tubeless tyre

A tyre run without an inner tube, using sealant to close small punctures. It allows lower pressures for grip and comfort, but needs compatible rims, tape and regular sealant checks.

16

Bike fitting

The process of adjusting saddle height, reach, cleat position and cockpit to match the rider. A good fit reduces pain and injury; ask exhibitors whether a purchase includes a basic fit session.

17

Local bike shop (LBS)

An independent retailer that sells and services bikes in a local market. At Velofollies, LBS owners and staff compare brands, margin structures and service support before choosing what to stock.

18

OEM and aftermarket

OEM parts are supplied to bike manufacturers for new-build spec; aftermarket parts are sold for upgrades or replacement. Exhibitors may serve one or both, so ask which channel they are targeting.

19

Bikepacking

Multi-day riding with soft bags strapped to the frame, bars and saddle instead of panniers. The term signals demand for mounting points, lightweight luggage and wide-range gearing at the show.

20

Cycle tourism

Travel by bike, often on signed routes with luggage transfers or rental fleets. Flanders has a dense network of cycle paths, so Velofollies attracts route operators, rental firms and destination stands.

21

EN 15194

The European standard for electrically power assisted cycles (EPACs) up to 25 km/h and 250 W. It covers electrical safety, battery and control system requirements; ask exhibitors for the declaration if you plan to sell or insure the bike.