On April 26 and 27, the Spezialradmesse – SPEZI 2025 – will open its doors in Lauchringen, Germany. To help visitors make the most of their time in the historic former textile factory Lauffenmühle, the organizers have a few tips to share.

For the third time, Lauchringen will host Europe’s leading gathering of the special bike community on the last weekend of April. Everything beyond the classic diamond-frame bicycle will be in the spotlight – from cargo bikes and folding bikes to trailers and brand-new innovations. And, of course, recumbent trikes, bikes and velomobiles! SPEZI is all about discovery, conversation, and most of all: test rides.

SPEZI has become well known for its extensive test tracks. The indoor-outdoor course weaves through the exhibition halls and yard of the former textile mill and stretches over 800 meters (about 0.5 miles). But for those who want a real-world challenge, there’s also a longer 1.5-kilometer (about 0.9 miles) track that leads up a nearby ridge. While not a high mountain, the route includes a steep uphill climb and a fast downhill section – perfect for testing everything from motor power, handling, and suspension to stability, speed, and braking performance.

The People Behind the Ideas

SPEZI’s extensive program also gives the stage to a number of inspiring individuals who bring fresh perspectives to the cycling world. You’ll meet adventurers like Matt Galat, who explored Asia on a recumbent trike, or Andreas Eller, who traveled through Denmark with a dog and a bike trailer camper. There’s also Simon Walch, a paraplegic mechanical engineer whose passion for mountain biking challenges expectations. At the on-site Inventors’ Lab, you’ll find creative minds working on the mobility solutions of tomorrow—open and ready to share their ideas with visitors.

SPEZI 2025 Exhibitor Highlights

With around 100 unique and fascinating exhibitors, picking just a few to highlight isn’t easy, say the organizers. Still, some exciting developments stand out.

At the booth of French association Aveli, visitors will find a variety of velocars – innovative vehicles that aim to bridge the gap between bicycles and cars, designed for transporting people or goods. Vello will showcase new entries in the compact and folding bike category. Biketechnology will bring a range of suspension forks designed for bikes with special size or performance needs.

Reset from Austria will present high-performance mountain bikes for people with disabilities. Eovolt, based in Lyon, is focused on fully foldable e-bikes. Hase Bikes, known for their rehab trikes, will be in attendance, as will Etribike from Switzerland, which has developed a solution for transporting a wheelchair along with its rider.

And for velomobile fans, this year’s show is a treat: at least three new velomobile models are expected to be unveiled at SPEZI – a clear sign that innovation in this niche continues at full speed.

Many exhibitors also come from the southwest of Germany, bringing local innovation to the international stage.

Travel, Local Culture, and Food Tips

“The trip to Lauchringen is most beautiful when coming from Freiburg,” says co-organizer Gabriel Wolf. “Taking the train and cycling over the Black Forest – it’s an experience in itself!” Florian Wolf adds that the region is well worth exploring for a few extra days. SPEZI tickets are valid for all public transportation within the Waldshut-Tiengen district on the day of your visit.

As a Lauchringen local, co-organizer Franz Furmaniak has some insider tips too. The newly opened Gmeindshus, a sight in itself, is home to the charming Café Fräulein Linde. Other great spots include Gasthaus KüssaburgblickGartenhotel Feldeck, and Hotel Adler. For cycling day trips from Lauchringen, he recommends heading east to the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen – an easy 30 km ride through the scenic Klettgau Valley – or heading west along the Rhine to Bad Säckingen, ending at the town’s historic wooden bridge. If you’re up for something shorter, be sure to check out the beautiful old town centers of Waldshut and Tiengen, known for their timber-framed architecture.