Harry Kooros
You could feel the excitement and electricity in Taipei over the past week as the Taipei Cycle Show returned for 2023.
It was the first time the show welcomed international visitors since the COVID-19 pandemic, with exhibitors coming from over 30 countries, and industry professionals coming from many more.
It’s easy to get lost in the huge trade halls! This years’ show featured more than 850 exhibitors, some 3,050 booths and covered over 50,000 square meters! A huge number of key global cycling brands had a significant presence at the show, these include Merida, Giant, KMC, SRAM, Shimano, Time, Bianchi, and many more.
Show Themes
This year’s show was founded on the following themes:
Resilient Supply Chain – Being able to prepare and adapt to unexpected events, ensuring there are minimal disruptions to the supply chain and continued operations in the face of adversity.
Digital Connections – e-Bikes and drive units: e-Bikes, electric motors, batteries, electric parts and components
Vibrant Innovation – d&I awards – the design and innovation award ceremony rewarding companies for their innovative products in the cycling industry
Dynamic Lifestyle – Cycling accessories, bike tour services, smart cycling services
Sustainable Moves – Encouraging and fostering sustainability in the industry
The Opening Ceremony
Guests and dignitaries at the 2023 Taipei Cycle Show included Taiwan’s president, Dr. Ing-Wen Tsai and Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ms. Mei-Hua Wang, who both made special mention to the key role that the cycling industry plays in the Taiwanese economy.
With it being such a big part of the economy in Taiwan, President Tsai promised the government’s continued support and investment in the industry.
There was discussion on the economic issues that many key countries are facing right now and the impact this has on the industry, but overall, the outlook is very positive, and there is a lot of excitement about the growth we’re expected to see in certain categories in the coming years.
Industry Updates
What’s very apparent at this year’s show is the heavy presence of eBikes. Whether it be for performance or mobility, the eBike space is continuing to grow at an incredible rate. From 2021 to 2022, the units of bikes exported to Australia fell by 4.29%, but the value of the exported bikes increased by 38.54% in that same period, highlighting this growth.
E-bikes in the mobility space are becoming a critical part of the industry as people look to reduce their carbon footprint and act in more sustainable ways. There are dozens upon dozens of exhibitors with new, innovative cargo and commuter bikes, and it’s great to see such a huge presence of these in the industry now.
Notable New Products
Some interesting products I’ve come across so far include the AIRSHIF Smart Rear Derailleur and the CADEX Tri Frame, both of which were winners in the d&I awards.
We’re very keen to test out the Smart Rear Derailleur, which requires no input whilst riding, and it changes gears automatically based on your predetermined preferences.
While we have seen similar prototypes in the past, it will be interesting to see how this performs.
