Updates
The development of MTB Twente. From the first idea to the official launch: on this page, we keep track of the main developments, milestones and publications around MTB Twente. Along the way, we also share what worked, what changed and what we learned.
Timeline
Below you can read how MTB Twente is developing step by step. In addition, new highlights will be added here along the way.
26 May 2026
Whitsun beats Ascension Day
On Ascension Day we had three bookings in one day for the first time. Naturally, we were already quite happy with that. Over the moon, even, but that sounds a bit dramatic straight away.
Then the Whitsun weekend went one step further. With several bookings per day for three days in a row, this was the best weekend for MTB Twente so far.
It is not quite a reason to retire just yet. Still, it is definitely a good sign that more and more people are finding us. And who knows, maybe the next peak will come around Father’s Day.
8 May 2026
Ready for summer
The mountain bikes have had another thorough check and, meanwhile, the system has been tested inside out. Not just by us, but also by real customers. That last part is still a bit more exciting than making a test booking for the tenth time yourself.
As a result, everything is ready for a summer in which we hope many people will discover Twente by mountain bike. The bikes are ready, the codes work and the helmets are waiting.
5 April 2026
Officially live
Today MTB Twente officially goes live. What started as an idea has grown over the past months into a real rental concept, with a working automated system, a physical location and the first mountain bikes ready to use.
Now the real work begins. Hopefully, we can give many people a great ride and a good experience in Twente.
April 2026
The first booking and straight into the media
Even before the official opening, the first booking comes in: a British couple finds MTB Twente through Google. After that, they are gone for hours, which seems like a good sign.
Around the same time, MTB Twente is featured twice in the local media. Therefore, the launch gets a nice bit of extra visibility right at the start.
Op en Rond de Essen
An article about how MTB Twente started and how the automated rental concept works.
De Glimlach van Twente
An article about the launch of MTB Twente and the idea behind the automated rental concept.
March 2026
Testing, fine-tuning and getting ready
A few small things still need to be done. However, in general the business is now really taking shape: the website is running, the system works and the bikes are here.
So, it is time to test. With help from family and friends, we try everything in practice: from booking and pick-up code to actually using the bikes.
February 2026
Scaling up to a real rental fleet
The choice for the Sensa Livigno XC XT now feels completely right. Because the first bike performs very well, it is time to scale up.
After that, more bikes arrive and helmets and other materials are purchased. MTB Twente changes from an idea on paper into something tangible: a shed full of mountain bikes and helmets.
January 2026
The backend system works
On the front end, MTB Twente looks simple. Behind the scenes, however, quite a few things need to happen automatically after a booking.
First, the system checks availability. Then it decides which bikes are linked to a reservation and automatically generates a personal date- and time-based pick-up code, which is sent by email.
After a lot of building and testing, it works. The first test booking goes through and, finally, a mountain bike can be unlocked neatly with a personal code.
November 2025
The right mountain bike found
During this period we email many manufacturers and visit several large bike companies. However, it does not bring much: hardly anyone seems convinced that MTB Twente is viable, so even getting a small discount proves difficult.
Then Sensa comes into the picture. The approach is slightly different, the response is immediately positive and, in the end, the Sensa Livigno XC XT turns out to be exactly the type of bike that fits MTB Twente: solid, sporty and suitable for rental.
October 2025
The website is live
The website is starting to look like a proper business. By now, all important pages are in place and everything increasingly feels like one brand.
Google Analytics is also connected and the first search queries already bring some visibility. For now, the only regular visitor is still the owner himself…
August 2025
The automated concept becomes concrete
In August, the system idea becomes much more concrete. Customers should be able to pick up and return their bike independently using a key cabinet and a smart lock with time-based codes.
However, that lock turns out to be quite a search. It needs to work through a proper API, and customers should simply be able to enter a code without needing an app, NFC or other extra steps.
Eventually, that “perfect lock” has been found.
June 2025
It becomes real: Chamber of Commerce, bank account and domain names
The idea starts to take shape for real. First, the Chamber of Commerce number arrives. Next, a business bank account is opened and two domain names are registered straight away: mountainbiketwente.nl and mtbtwente.nl. The second one just sounds a bit better.
May 2025
The first idea appears
The wish to start something of my own has been there for a while. Mountain biking is also a hobby; moreover, with Het Hulsbeek practically around the corner, the inspiration is close by.
During a weekend in the Ardennes with friends, that feeling becomes concrete. Renting a mountain bike on the same day turns out to be surprisingly difficult, because emails remain unanswered and calling is not ideal when you do not speak French.
In the end, it is not possible to rent a bike anywhere. Therefore, that is exactly where the idea starts: this should be smarter, easier and more accessible.
Planning a ride yourself?
Want to head out in Twente? Then check availability and book easily online.
