Since 1993, we have produced over 15,000 test reports and specialise in bicycles, e-bikes and cargo bikes. Gradually, we have developed an ever-increasing range of testing capabilities and – without any ‘ifs or buts’ – devised test methods and testing systems that are accepted and used worldwide.

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We not only supply components to customers across five continents prior to the start of series production, but also carry out expert assessment commissions from the USA right through to Israel.

Given all this growth, the German company name of the expert assessment division is no longer appropriate. We have therefore decided to fully integrate our specialist division, ‘GDFS – Gesellschaft der Fahrrad-Sachverständigen mbH’, into the ‘Zedler-Institut’ brand, which is globally established in the cycling industry.

The successful and top-rated training programme for bicycle experts and insurance claims handlers will also continue at the Zedler-Institut.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration!

The German-language VSF’s #bikes4future podcast, hosted by Uwe Wöll and Thorsten Larschow, explores how bicycle repair shops can organise themselves efficiently whilst preparing for future challenges.

In this episode, Sebastian Martin (B.Sc.), Head of Bicycle Expertise at the Zedler Institute, discusses the growing importance of professional damage assessment in the bicycle industry. Factors behind this include rising accident figures and the trend towards high-quality bicycles, e-bikes and cargo bikes, which are creating new requirements

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in the claims settlement process.

During the discussion, it becomes clear why insurers are increasingly relying on qualified expert reports and how repair shops can speed up their processes by drawing on their own expert knowledge – for example, by reducing the time damaged bicycles spend in the workshop. At the same time, this qualification opens up new opportunities to position oneself clearly against the competition.

Anyone wishing to develop their skills in this area will find practical training opportunities in the Zedler Institute’s multi-stage training programme – featuring experienced instructors, a state-of-the-art test workshop and realistic insights, such as through practical testing procedures.

>> See below in this newsletter for training dates

Arne Macher and Fynn Heit’s training as two-wheeler mechatronics technicians specialising in bicycle technology came to an end with their graduation ceremony. Arne, in particular, impressed the examiners with his performance, and was presented with a certificate of commendation by the Freiburg Chamber of Crafts (HWK Freiburg) in recognition of his achievements.

Both began their careers with us on the two-year apprenticeship as bicycle fitters and brought their passion for mountain bikes and technology with them right from the start.

In the examination workshop and the test laboratories of the Zedler Institute, they expanded their knowledge of

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Our colleague and professional triathlete Julian Großkopf consistently impresses us with strong performances at the very highest level. His speciality is the triathlon – where he once again made his mark with impressive results in the 2nd Triathlon Bundesliga South: At the Memmert Rothsee Triathlon, he finished second (0:57:16), whilst he won the TenneT POWERTRIATHLON Trebgast in 0:49:56. He also took first place (1:47:49) at the Schluchsee Triathlon over the Olympic distance.

Julian also

demonstrated his class as a runner: at the German Championships in Uelzen over 10 km on the road, he finished 22nd in 29:37 minutes; at the Frankfurt Half Marathon, he came 5th in 1:04:53 hours; and at the ADAC Marathon in Hannover, he finished 15th in 2:18:16 hours – setting a personal best in each race.

He won the Ludwigsburg Baroque Run over 10 km – on the eve of the Schluchsee Triathlon – in a comfortable 33:33 minutes, whilst at the adidas Runners City Night Berlin over 10 km he achieved a strong 7th place in the men’s classification (29:14 mins). An impressive season with top performances in his speciality, the triathlon, and strong running performances.

Now another highlight awaits him: the BMW Berlin Marathon on 27 September 2026. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for Julian for a successful race.