NEWS

2025/04/11

The World Is Watching: Frontlines of Cycling Innovation! On-site Report from TAIPEI CYCLE 2025 (Part 1)

It’s that time of year again! Asia’s largest bicycle trade show, “TAIPEI CYCLE,” is being held in Taipei, Taiwan. Brands and manufacturers from around the world gather to showcase cutting-edge technology, sophisticated design, and lifestyle ideas that enhance the cycling experience. It’s truly a grand event where you can experience the “future of cycling.

At Discover Ride, Kenta and Tsucchi visit the venue to report on standout booths and products from a real-life perspective. They bring you the latest trends and groundbreaking technologies that could change the future of cycling—direct from the event floor.

■What is TAIPEI CYCLE?

TAIPEI CYCLE is one of the largest bicycle trade shows in Asia, where leading bike brands and parts manufacturers from around the world gather for this major annual event.
Held in Taipei, Taiwan, the 2025 edition took place over four days from March 26 to 29 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center (TaiNEX), featuring approximately 980 exhibitors and more than 3,600 booths.The show offers an exciting opportunity to experience the latest trends in the cycling industry, including electric assist technologies, sustainable materials, and smart innovations.Not just for professionals, the event also includes days when it is open to the general public.

One of the attractions is its hands-on format—beyond just viewing, visitors can truly experience and learn through test rides and workshops.

The opening ceremony welcomed representatives from Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and key organizations, along with cycling professionals from countries such as Japan and New York. It was a spectacular and internationally vibrant start to the event, raising high expectations across the industry.

■Four Core Themes + Slogan: “Ride the Revolution”

TAIPEI CYCLE 2025 is held under the slogan “Ride the Revolution”, offering visitors a firsthand experience of the transformative wave sweeping through the cycling industry.
Addressing major shifts such as electrification, sustainability, and urban mobility, the event presents new visions for the future of riding.At the venue, everything revolves around four core themes: Innovation Drive, Sustainability, Cycling Ecosystem, and Smart Riding.These themes are brought to life through product showcases, interactive programs, and talk sessions.It’s a valuable opportunity for visitors to see, touch, and feel the future of cycling culture.

Focusing on this year’s slogan, “Ride the Revolution,” we’ll highlight standout products, the latest brand trends, and future-inspired items selected through Kenta’s unique perspective.

Let’s dive into Hall 1 of the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.

At the entrance of Hall 1, visitors are welcomed by award-winning products from the familiar TAIPEI CYCLE d&i Awards. These carefully selected items boast design excellence and innovation, offering a glimpse of this year’s trends and technological evolution—an inspiring area to kick off the exhibition.

This year saw over 150 entries from around the world, with 51 products selected for outstanding design. Of those, 7 particularly creative and high-performing items were awarded the TAIPEI CYCLE Gold Award. Before entering the main exhibition hall, here are a few award-winning products that caught Kenta’s eye.

Winner of the “GREEN Category” at the TAIPEI CYCLE d&i Awards is a sustainable bicycle packaging material developed by Taiwanese company YY JUPITER. Made entirely from recyclable paper—no plastic or rubber—this eco-conscious design provides bike protection while improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing environmental impact. With even the interior beautifully presented, it’s a “showcase package” with potential across industries.

This is the “Urban-sport Series Cloak Classic 1,” a stylish raincoat designed for urban dwellers who commute by bicycle. It can be stored in a detachable bag for quick access during unexpected showers. Offering both functionality and refined design, it’s perfect for commuting and city riding—an ideal item for enjoying a comfortable cycling lifestyle even on rainy days.

The awards display was so captivating it was easy to lose track of time. Refocusing, we head into the exhibition area of Hall 1. The first floor of Hall 1 features many manufacturers and distributors of cycling accessories, parts, and components—a must-see zone for fans who care about the details of their bikes.

The first product that caught Kenta’s attention was MEGAJOY’s unique cycle trainer “EBR.” Like a treadmill, it features a rotating belt underfoot, allowing cyclists to experience a realistic road-like ride while pedaling on a stationary bike.

While the initial pedal stroke requires balance, training becomes smooth once you get the hang of it. Even if you lose your balance, it’s easy to place your feet down for safety. Kenta was thrilled by this new type of training machine, which can simulate inclines up to 13%.

An essential for cyclists, the bike bottle. Among them, the “1 Click Magnetic Bottle & Cage Set” drew special attention. Its magnet-based system allows for easy one-handed use even while riding. Developed by V-Grip, an accessory maker based in Tainan City, Taiwan, this smart and functional product is perfect for riders seeking convenience and comfort.

The ease of one-handed operation during rides and the secure hold it provides are excellent features. It’s reportedly set to be released in Japan soon.

On the 4th floor of Hall 1, complete bikes, diverse international brands, and cycle apparel that combine functionality and design are featured. This internationally rich area offers a one-stop experience of the latest trends and global movements in cycling.

One of the standout booths at the exhibition was that of GIANT, Taiwan’s leading bicycle manufacturer. Their spacious display featured the latest road bikes and high-end CADEX wheels, drawing the attention of many visitors. Dynamic riding footage on a large monitor showcased the brand’s identity, while the lineup ranged from high-performance pro models to practical everyday bikes—highlighting GIANT’s technical strength and broad product offerings.

Among the booth’s highlights was GIANT’s kids’ bike “Pre rCarbon,” made from recycled carbon material. Weighing just 2.5kg, the frame, wheels, and fork are all carbon—offering both eco-friendliness and performance. Designed for ease of use by children, the bike features slim handlebars, a non-slip saddle, and a stem cover for added safety, reflecting thoughtful attention to detail.

The wheels have a three-spoke design with built-in sealed bearings, offering a smooth ride. It’s a next-generation balance bike that blends riding fun with environmental awareness.

GIANT also promoted its “Biking+” campaign as part of the “Green Forward” initiative—encouraging people to share photos of using bicycles in everyday life. From commuting and shopping to outings with children, this campaign highlights how bicycles can seamlessly integrate into daily routines, spreading the joy and practicality of cycling.

Taiwan-based high-performance bike manufacturer TRIGON is a brand known for its excellence in carbon frame development. Originally an OEM, the company now offers its own line of lightweight, high-rigidity road bikes. With refined designs and race-ready specs, TRIGON receives high praise from riders. It’s one of the booths that always excites Kenta, and in 2025, it stood out again with its latest models.

What especially caught Kenta’s eye was the latest road bike “RC2.” Its frame is designed with aerodynamics in mind and supports up to 38c tire clearance, meeting future cycling needs. Its relaxed geometry suits a wide range of riders—from endurance and race-focused cyclists to beginners.​

Beyond performance, its vibrant and playful color scheme and logo placement give it a fun and unique design. With both visual appeal and functionality, it’s a bike so charming that Kenta found himself thinking, “I want one!”

The peace sign on the seat post adds a charming, playful accent—a detail that truly showcases TRIGON’s dedication to design.

“Power Stage,” developed by Taipei-based Ciclo Healthy Club, is a futuristic bike training system. It supports both hypoxic and normoxic environments, and enhances workout enjoyment through voice control and colorful lighting effects. It monitors your heart rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature in real time, allowing you to stay aware of your condition. The system is also compatible with ZWIFT and allows up to three people to train simultaneously.

What’s more, the audio and lighting effects are said to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and aid red blood cell production, enhancing athletic performance. Former dancer Kenta couldn’t help but get excited by the flashy setup. This is a new type of bike training experience—one that helps you push your limits while having fun.

From the UK’s popular kids’ bike brand EARLY RIDER comes this unique balance bike. Featuring large, rounded tires and a natural wooden frame, its charming design looks great even as part of your home interior.

The tires offer excellent stability and won’t scratch indoor flooring—making it a perfect first ride for little ones. Combining design and practicality, it’s truly an item that supports a child’s “first step.”

FARA, a bicycle brand from Norway, is known for its minimalist and functional Nordic design. Equipped with ZIPP wheels and SRAM components, its models offer excellent performance and comfort. As versatile bikes suited for both adventure rides and long tours, they attracted attention from touring enthusiasts at the event.

The model pictured, “F/Gravel,” is a gravel bike designed specifically for bikepacking, with smart integration for frame and saddle bags. With a sleek Nordic look and strong functionality, it’s a promising new option in the gravel bike category.

One product Kenta described as “a true revolution of this exhibition” is the “FIRST CLIC.” Its smart and simple structure redefines what an air pump should be. Its unique pump head connects to valves with a single push—no screwing or effort required. Compatible with Presta, Schrader, and Dunlop valves, it ensures secure inflation. It’s a game-changing item that makes routine maintenance much easier.

At the venue, Kenta ran into Linda, a popular Taiwanese cycling influencer. She was a trusted supporter during his past bike trip around Taiwan. Their joyful reunion was filled with smiles as they excitedly talked about this year’s TAIPEI CYCLE highlights and hot brands. These kinds of encounters and reunions are one of the special joys of cycling events.

Having finished exploring Hall 1, Kenta’s next stop is TaiNEX 2 (Hall 2), where E-mobility exhibits await. He’s looking forward to experiencing the latest trends in future mobility firsthand!

【Part 2 of the report is here】

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