2012 Taipei Cycle Show | Day 1 gallery |
Taipei Cycle Show is to the bicycle industry what BaselWorld is to the jewellery and timepiece sector. It s the mass platform for brands and factories to connect with buyers all the way down the supply chain. Now in its 25th year, almost 1,100 exhibitors are competing for attention within the reinforced walls of the Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall.
Of course, there are other bicycle exhibitions: China Bike, EICMA, Interbike, Outerbike, Cycle Mode, Eurobike, etc. Taipei Cycle Show differs from all of these in a fundamental way most of the world s mid to high-end bikes are being made just down the road , figuratively speaking. This proximity to the bicycle manufacturing sector enhances the feeling of connectivity as does the need to sometimes physically push through large crowds when walking from booth to booth to the industry s key decision-makers and their customers.
Cycling iQ has been writing for the Taipei Show Daily (the official magazine of the show) since arriving in Taiwan, but there have been several photo opportunities between TSD interviews and fact-finding.
Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou and Ernesto Colnago met at Colnago’s Taipei Cycle show booth during a brief visit by the President. Quite a lot of pushing and shoving (by security) while taking this photo – apologies for the red flash light flare.
Ernesto Colnago with his company’s new C59 – fitted with Formula hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano Dura Ace Di2.
Merida’s Senior Vice President and spokesperson, William Jeng (Related article to be posted soon)
Though Fuji already had a ‘Gran Fondo’ road bike in MY2012, other brands – such as BMC – will introduce new endurance platforms in their 2013 model ranges.
There was a beautiful irony in the title of this 120 minute presentation. It ended up being a complete waste of time, and left me wondering “Y”.
The International Bicycle Trend Forum panel (Left to Right): Mr. Shi-Guang Yu (Director of China National Information Center for Bicycle Industry), Mr. Marc Sani (Publisher of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News), Mr. Yozo Shimano, (President of Shimano), Mr. Rene Takens (CEO of Accell Group) and Mr. Tony Lo (CEO, Giant Bicycles). Lo was hosting the event.
Wheel brand ‘Equinox’ has a distinctive design.
Chain manufacturer ‘KMC’ had a full time barista at its booth.
Manufacturer and brand, side by side.
Marwi spokes are sold under the name ‘Union’ in the USA and EU. This Marwi wheel set is nothing special – the rim manufacturing is outsourced – but this could be an interesting new direction for the Taiwanese parts manufacturer. Marwi are also a sponsor of the upcoming UCI2.1 Tour de Taiwan stage race.
Campagnolo EPS-branded Pinarello Dogma
From the China Pavillion – just one of several lugged-steel road bicycle frames being marketed by mainland factories.
Definitely a personal favourite from Day 1. Miyata’s new ‘Elevation Extreme’ frameset. Made in Japan.