Taipei Cycle Show 2024: 7 takeaways from Asia’s largest bicycle trade show

Asia’s largest bicycle trade show, the Taipei Cycle Show 2024, kicked off on Wednesday. Werner Müller-Schell is in Taiwan, covering the event for Cycling Industry News.

More than 950 exhibitors and 3,500 booths make Taipei Cycle the biggest bicycle exhibition in Asia and a prime business hub for the global bicycle industry and its supply chain. Therefore, the event offers an excellent opportunity to get an early sense of the current mood in the bicycle industry as well as the prevailing trends when it comes to product innovations. During our visit to the exhibition halls at the Nangang Exhibition Center, seven themes particularly stood out.

1. The long wait for the turnaround 

The bicycle industry has been struggling with numerous problems for almost two years now, including high inventory levels, a challenging economic climate, and falling export values. This is also clearly noticeable at the Taipei Cycle Show. Taiwan’s e-bike exports fell by a whopping 21.9% year-on-year. In the components and accessories segment, the decline was even 41.4%. The economic situation is, therefore, one of the most discussed topics at the Taipei Cycle Show. Based on several conversations at the trade fair, it seems that the industry may not turn the corner until the end of 2024 or 2025.

2. Sustainability, sustainability – and more sustainability

Yes, the bicycle is the greenest mode of transportation. Yet, when it comes to sustainability, the bicycle industry still has significant ground to make up. This was already recognised at many bike fairs last year. At Taipei Cycle 2024, however, sustainability is the dominant theme. Many exhibitors are presenting more sustainable products. At the same time, they showcase their corporate sustainability activities.

There are countless examples. Notably, Vittoria caught our attention with their Terreno Pro T60 Mixed gravel tyre, made from 92% renewable and recycled content. Novatec stood out with their booth constructed from recycled materials, including tables fashioned from old wheels. And with the WBIA Sustainable Supply Chain Principles Event, a several-hours-long event dedicated to sustainability took place.

3. E-Mobility continues to be the driving force 

When sales are down, you need products that will fly off the shelves. The good news is that e-mobility is a booming market with a bright future. This is reflected in the wide variety of e-bikes on display at the Taipei Cycle Show. Asian manufacturers are particularly focussing on practical solutions for everyday use, which is why the trade fair features a large number of city e-bikes and e-cargo bikes.

One example is the new Goluck model from Taiwanese manufacturer Kenluck. This versatile cargo e-bike is perfect for everyday use and features a dual-battery system for extended range, a USB power port, a walking mode, and a foldable design for easy transport.

4. The gravel bike is the motor of the sports sector

Gravel bikes have been around for a while now, but the segment keeps growing in 2024. This is evident from the numerous gravel models on display at Taipei Cycle Show 2024. We are particularly impressed by the Giant Revolt X Advanced Pro 0, a model with a keen affinity for off-road riding. Another highlight is the new Merida Silex, a race-oriented bike on which Slovenian Matej Mohorič became UCI Gravel World Champion last fall. Woho Bike also proves that smaller Taiwanese brands can do gravel too: their brand-new DoubleAce Plus+ gravel bike delivers a combination of performance and comfort, thanks to its integrated gravel suspension system. Drawing on classic titanium aerospace tubing for inspiration, this bike is designed with the ideal geometry and specifications for extensive bikepacking and urban exploration.

5. Smart bicycle products

In the age of Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things, even cycling-related products are getting smarter. Several manufacturers are showcasing these solutions in the Taiwanese capital. One example is the South Korean brand Angler and their Alpha Smart Helmet. This helmet features rear LED indicators with remote control, allowing riders to signal braking and turns for improved safety. Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity with phones adds entertainment features like calls and music. Another example is the Strategic Sports CB005. This enduro helmet boasts a modern, ventilated, full-face MTB trail design and meets CPSC, ASTM, CE, and NTA safety standards. The integrated Quin Sensor captures ride data and crash information and can communicate with first responders in case of an emergency.

6. More players enter the e-bike drivetrain market

Ebikes are more diverse today than ever before. A walk through the halls of Taipei Cycle Show 2024 reveals that this trend is also more than just visible in the e-bike motor sector, where numerous exciting innovations are entering the market. Taichung-based manufacturer Hyena shows its new UniDrive 70, a mid-motor that weighs less than 2.4 kg and delivers a peak output torque of 70 Nm. Another example is the Bafang M820. This drive system weighs just 2.3 kg but offers a maximum torque of 75 Nm. Very interesting is also the  Neco MM20 MAX mid-motor with a remarkable torque of 175 Nm, making it a very powerful option for specific application areas such as e-cargo bikes. Also noteworthy: MPF’s new MPF 7, a mid-drive with 90 Nm of torque.

7. Innovation is the motor of the industry

Okay, that pun was a bit too easy, but it’s hard to resist after the previous paragraph. In all seriousness, though, the Taipei Cycle Show this year has shown that companies are still working on new developments. The clear message is that the bicycle industry is investing in innovation, even in times of crisis, whether it’s through sustainability efforts, new products, or other initiatives. We see this as a good sign because even though the 2024 season will be a difficult one, these investments are likely to pay off in the future when the economic situation improves.