Wheels of innovation

Thanks to a growing awareness of carbon emissions and green transport, cyclist numbers continue to increase in cities worldwide.

Companies on the island have long led the world in bicycle production, in both quantity and quality. Local manufacturers have been trying to anticipate market trends and create durable, innovative and powerful bicycle products through key research and development.

The industry supplies a wide range of bicycles, components and accessories and is always developing high-end models with new materials, features and functions.

According to the Taiwan Bicycle Exporters Association (TBEA), customs statistics indicate that bicycle exports for the island totalled over US$ 1.6 billion (€1.2 billion equivalent) in 2011 with total units exported to the value of over US$ 4.3 million (€3.3 million equivalent) and the average bicycle price being approximately US$ 380 (€289 equivalent).

The major export markets were the European Union (62.8 per cent), North America (16.5 per cent) and Japan (6.1 per cent).

The TFP has covered some of these transactions involving the import of bicycles and accessories to the economies where the EBRD invests, mainly Russia and Moldova.

The momentum does not seem to be slowing down either, judging by the success of the 2012 International Cycle Show held in Taipei. Over 6,400 buyers from 88 countries attended the world-class festival, making the show Asia’s first and the world’s third largest platform for the bicycle industry.

Innovation is the key for growth

The island’s bicycle producers focus on developing new materials and manufacturing technologies, pursuing high-tech and value-added products rather than high volume.

The bicycle industry here has consistently demonstrated innovation since its first foray into foreign markets. Beyond conventional road bicycles, the bicycle industry has launched a variety of new designs, including off-road bicycles, touring bicycles and folding bicycles. The bicycles are designed not only for fashion and comfort but also for the price/performance ratio, safety and light-weight factors.

Two of the world’s three largest bicycle manufacturers are to be found on the island. Giant Manufacturing, based in Taichung, is the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer.

Beginning in 1972 as an original equipment manufacturer (wherein it manufactured products for purchase by other companies who then sold them under their own name), Giant Manufacturing eventually established its own brand to compete in the rapidly expanding high-end bicycle market.

Today, the company has sales in over 50 countries and in over 10,000 retail stores worldwide.

Other major bike and bike accessory brands on the island include Tern Bicycles, Ming Cycle, Fairly Bike and tyre maker Kenda Rubber.

Their success is due largely to their endless innovative ideas. For example, the Eclipse X20 bicycle by Tern Bicycles, winner of a 2012 Eurobike Award, is fast enough to chase down road bikes but flexible enough to fold in 10 seconds to get on the train and head home.

Fairly Bike’s Flow electric bike resembles an ordinary sports bike but has a battery integrated into the seat post, which is activated when the rider sits down. The battery is also removable which is an excellent thief deterrent, as the bike is inoperable without it.

And Ke Chiuan Technology Corporation’s SABS (Safe Anti-locking Braking System) is the only such system for bicycles in existence worldwide.

As well as innovative designs and features, the island’s bicycle makers have invested considerably in the bid to shed more weight from the frames without sacrificing strength. One of their achievements in this area is the development of frames made of carbon fibre, one of the most lightweight and durable materials available for bicycle manufacture.

Antony Lo, TBEA President and CEO of Giant Manufacturing, said that innovation represents the future of the bicycle industry.

With the island’s manufacturers, continued commitment to excellence and innovative designs, we can expect even more outstanding bicycle products to be produced and traded from this island to the rest of the world.