Taipei Int'l Cycle Show 2010 -- Fun @ Cycle!

TAIPEI, Taiwan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just the ship itself was worth a story, a huge paddle-wheeler of a vintage that use to grace rivers from the Mississippi to the Klondike. But the turnout of 20 reporters on board the River Queen on Nov. 17 discovered a lot more. There was a Taipei CYCLE Preview Press Conference where they got briefed on the hottest items coming to the spring show. That Conference was launched as they pushed off from Guandu Wharf. Walter Yeh, executive vice president at TAITRA, led the talks and fielded several questions from the press.

Among the press scrum were journalist from Bicycle Retailer & Industry News (USA), Cycle Press (Japan), SAZ Bike (Germany), Cycling Plus (UK), Bicycling Australia (Australia), Solo Bici (Spain), and Wieler Revue (Netherlands). This was the same river that Hollywood used in the early sixties to film the classic The Sand Pebbles starring Steve McQueen. But the press people were all too busy for this and blackjack since most were dazzled by the unique and innovative sample products being displayed after the conference. And when the voyage ended, they got a chance to extend their adventure with a bike expedition up the Tamsui Riverside Bike Trail.

Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the media showed great enthusiasm while getting a hand’s on ride of premium cycle products and riding conditions in Taiwan. Along the 15-kilometer trail to the port town of Tamsui they explored the 300-year old Guandu Temple, a rare mangrove conservation area, harbors and fishing villages, and the bustling town of Tamsui.

During the tour Executive Vice President Yeh pointed out that Taipei CYCLE ranked among the three largest bicycle shows in the world and the largest in Asia and that this event would be entering its 23rd year next year (2010).

Products on-board at the pre-show press conference included:

- A limited edition diamond bicycle by CSK and the ergonomic sliding bicycle with the innovative sliding design by Sliding Bike.

- TD HiTech Energy, specializing in energy system planning, development, design, and management, displayed the battery module.

- DK City defied traditional philosophy and introduced the groundbreaking db0 folding bicycle. Jaysen Trading introduced the removable rack certified by Automotive Research & Testing Center (ARTC) of Taiwan

- ASHIMA focused on their compact and light PCB brakes. The electric bicycle by Ballistic International was equipped with high capacity lithium batteries, which are light and easy to remove

- TruShine tires by Duro with wider reflective bands for enhanced nighttime safety.

Reporters at the conference also learned that Taipei Cycle 2010 will unfold in the three display areas of bicycle parts and accessories, light electric vehicles (LEVs), and complete bicycles. The spring show also welcomes the premiere of the French National Pavilion.

Already more than 900 domestic and foreign manufacturers have registered for the show that hosts more than 3,900 booths to offer the largest such event in its 23-year history. That immense scale has forced the organizer to make fresh space on the sixth floor and its outdoor exhibition area.

Did you know?

- Taiwan accounts for more than 60% of global volume in terms of both bicycle production and export volumes.

- The number of people riding bikes in Taiwan has exploded to nine million cyclists and composes more than 40% of the isle’s 23 million population.

- Taiwan is increasingly emphasizing cycling as a healthy way of life. It reflects the global success of the industry as staged at Taipei Cycle

TAIPEI CYCLE 2010 to field a full slate of exciting activities!

Visitors at the coming spring show will be able to join a full slate of exciting and enlightening activities. These include the wrap-up of the round-the-island Tour de Taiwan, LEV Conference, International Bicycle Design Competition, Taiwan Cycle Night, display of winners of the Annual Innovative Products Competition Award and contenders of the International Bicycle Design Competition, and outdoor hands-on bicycle test drives.

This event also features a hundreds of face-to-face meetings where buyers can place their short list of specifications before the entire industry of complete bicycles and parts.

With the growing importance of cycling for health, environment, and transportation concerns, Taipei CYCLE, like the industry itself is soaring into a bright green future.

Photo: http://www.cna.com.tw/postwrite/cvpread.aspx?ID=44394