The Lokhalle in the north of Freiburg is where the engineers from Specialized were supposed to have invented new bikes a long time ago. But this has come to nothing: as the Badische Zeitung reports, the US bike manufacturer has cancelled its move into the modern, converted premises, but is still paying the rent.

According to the Badische Zeitung report, Specialized has informed the owners of the Lokhalle that the move will not go ahead as the plans have changed. Although there has been no communication from Specialized, it seems that the slump in the bike industry with oversupply, price wars and low demand is the reason for this change of plans.

Lars Bargmann, Managing Director of Planwerk Freiburg GmbH, which owns the Lokhalle, told the local media outlet that Specialized had always adhered to the rental agreement and had not caused any damage.

According to Specialized's information on the launch of the development site in 2022, non-motorized bicycles were to be developed in Freiburg under the direction of Peter Denk at the European Innovation Center, while the development of e-bikes was to be driven forward in Cham, Switzerland.

Few developers have shaped the mountain bike as much as Peter Denk. His early own brand Hot Chili produced legendary bikes. Denk's subsequent exclusive development work for Scott, Cannondale and Specialized helped these brands reach new heights. In 2022, the development company Denk Engineering, based in Freiburg, became the property of Specialized.

specialized.com