Buddybike & V Frames: Injecting innovative thinking

The Covid19 pandemic may have kept the Taipei Cycle Show from going ahead as a physical trade show. But as the bicycle industry keeps innovating, Taiwan’s External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and Taiwan Bicycle Association agreed with iF Design Asia to go ahead with the d & i Awards.

Taiwan’s E-Bikes exports have been the biggest driving force for industry growth this past year, with a value almost as high as that of complete bikes. Exports grew by 18% in volume and 14% in value from 2019 to 2020.

Portugal’s Polisport Group has acquired Spanish premium helmet brand Catlike, the group announced February 18. Polisport will take over all development, production, and sales of Catlike …

Taipei Cycle to postpone physical show, with online show still on track to start March 3. 242 Exhibitors from 24 countries will be taking part in the first Taipei Cycle Online Show.

Bafang is one of the leading manufacturers of e-mobility components and complete e-drive systems.

Valeo, a French automotive supplier with a yearly turnover of EUR 19 billion, is now aiming at the e-bike market. Its 48 Volt drive system promises more efficiency and shorter charging times. And it can deliver a massive torque of up to 130 Nm. Valeo’s mid-motor seems aimed at applications where a lot of support is needed – think heavy cargo bikes for commercial use as an example.

The fender market has recently expanded to accommodate these various tribes. From full-length models with integrated lighting for the latest e-bikes to lightweight folding options for weight-obsessed bikepackers, we’ve rounded up some of the most exciting to be found at this year’s show.

Thanks to clever technology, lights have gone from providing simple visibility to encompassing units capable of helping you navigate, alert other road users to your intentions, or even locate a lost bicycle. With braking sensors, indicators, and remote operation, this year’s cohort of bicycle lights is smarter than ever.

There is plenty of talk about vehicle manufacturers adapting to new realities. As Taiwan’s flagship company in the transport segment Gogoro has been shaping these new realities. Having launched their Eeyo pedelecs in 2020, Taiwan’s leading e-scooter manufacturer is joining the ranks of exhibitors at Taipei Cycle Show for the first time in March 2021.

Tainan-based manufacturer Taya has taken a close look at how chains have been built so far. Their latest design built for high-quality and performance-oriented bicycles entirely eliminates the rollers.

In the booming enduro and gravel disciplines, the rules require riders to fix any mechanicals during a race day themselves. As many riders do not want to wear a backpack or hip pack for tools and spare parts, various manufacturers are coming up with alternative storage solutions.