While the cycling industry's post-Covid woes may not be a memory just yet, things are beginning to feel as though they're improving. However, that doesn't mean that nobody at all is struggling, as exemplified by Polish based company 7Anna filing for bankruptcy this week.
The parent company of gravel bike specialist Rondo as well as NS Bikes, Octane One and Creme Cycles confirmed that it filed that bankruptcy petition on August 18, after navigating what it called an "incredibly difficult" last two to three years.
7Anna said it had been beset by numerous difficulties, including client and supplier bankruptcy as well as banking difficulties.
"The last two to three years have been incredibly difficult," the company said in a statement published on social media. "The entire team has put in a superhuman effort to fight and navigate such a brutal environment."
However, it insisted the company continued to operate and would not abandon its brands.
"Such a claim does not mean the end of business or the abandonment of our brands," it says. "Anyone can submit this type of request – in this case it was made by the 7Anna board because of legal regulations.
"The company is operating as normal. We service bikes, we sell them, we even launch new models every day. We want to support you every step of the way. We are constantly talking to big investors and have a great hope that they turn out successful – then the whole company can keep going. We'll throw in a fifth gear then."
It added: "We are doing everything in our power to ensure that our brands survive and continue to inspire. We believe that the capital we have built – as one of the few Polish brands recognized globally in its segment – will be appreciated."
Compared to the last two years, 2025 has be mercifully low on high-profile bike business closures. One exception is London retailer Brixton Cycles, which closed its doors back in April.
Indeed, at one point industry players were being urged to 'Survive to 25', in the hope that this year would bring relief from the post-Covid slump and overstocking issues that have beset the industry.
In the case of 7Anna, overstocking does not appear to be a major factor, which just goes to show that even in the post-Covid era, the bike industry will always face challenges.
