Taiwan’s cycle show was once the domain of buyers from the rest of the world taking a peek at Asian manufacturing. While that still goes on, these days we're seeing far more major brands showing here – and even launching new products months ahead of the usual debuting season, at Eurobike or Interbike.
It seems Taiwan not only now produces bikes and components at the higher end of the market (leaving mainland China to the business of cheap and low-end manufacturing); its also taking cycling seriously as both a pastime and means of transport, all wrapped up in the massive economic worth of the country. Some of that is down to the president of Taiwan, Dr Ying Juon Ma, who was present to officially open the show, (can you imagine Obama, or Cameron… or Trump turning up to open a bike show?).
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He explained that not only has Taiwan increased its dedicated bike paths from less than a 1000km four years ago to in excess of 4000km today. The country has also introduced a bike-rental scheme within Taipei city, which currently sees a million rentals per month, putting similar schemes in London and Paris to shame. Taiwan has also introduced events like its brutal KOM challenge, and this year also sees The Tour de Taiwan taking a major leap forward.
Taipei first day highlights
The Taipei show always throws up some interesting new bits and pieces, so here’s our pick of the first day of the show.
High-zoot, low weight cassettes
Cipollini still a champion
Ti goodness and more from Control Tech
Wellgo cadence-sensing pedals
Prototype Lintaman shoes
A few home comforts for a Brit abroad
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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