Taking place this year between March 26th and 29th at the Taipei Nangag Exhibition Center, it sees a melting pot of brands, retailers, manufacturers and media coming together to share insights and showcase innovation, providing a good temperature gauge of the industry at large.

The Shift team was on the ground, supporting our long-standing colleagues at TAITRA, the organizers, with global PR and press office activation for the show. We were also there to engage with clients, prospects and the media. Amongst other things, this included hosting a VIP party in partnership with Factor Bikes for the second year running, welcoming over 100 industry friends at a private venue overlooking Taipei’s vibrant Xinyi District.

This was my first time at the show, and with multiple Eurobikes as my main reference point, it was a fascinating opportunity to immerse myself in a different side of the industry and compare these flagship global events. Turns out they’re very different.

The first thing that strikes you is the size and convenience. With over 980 exhibitors from 35 countries occupying 3,600 booths, there is a huge amount to see, but spread across just two large halls of two floors each, it feels more compact The result from a visitor’s perspective is that it’s highly efficient – you can get around the show quickly and easily, seeing everything and everyone you need to with minimal time spent walking. The second thing you realise is how relaxed it feels.

Walking the floors, there’s a great buzz everywhere, but it’s a noticeably calm atmosphere, as representatives from the brands have time to talk – possibly without the packed daily meeting schedule of its European equivalent. This is further enhanced by the incredibly warm Taiwanese hospitality.

Speaking to many brands, from the major global players to local B2B start-ups, there was an overall feeling of optimism.

The Chinese brands, who enjoyed an extended Covid boom, are without doubt on an upward trajectory, whilst anecdotes from European and American exhibitors suggest there are green shoots of recovery. It’s clear that with the evolving landscape, forecasting year-on-year sales fluctuations remains a challenge for most, but there is an increasing, albeit cautious, confidence that the direction of travel is positive.

Future facing, forward-looking, themes

The show’s four themes for 2025 – Smart Cycling, Innovation Drive, Green Forward, and Cycling Ecosystem – were evident throughout, and central to many of those was the increasing role of AI across the industry. From artificially intelligent safety systems and virtual training platforms to automated manufacturing robotics and product design, it’s clearly a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’ AI permeates the industry – and that the time to embrace the technology is now.

Sustainability was another key focus at Taipei Cycle 2025. The Green Forward initiative highlighted brands demonstrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) best practice. The respective exhibitors showcased bikes and components made from recycled or bio-based materials, reinforcing the industry’s shift towards eco-friendly manufacturing. Companies participating in the program received special recognition on their stands and across the show’s various channels. Recognising and highlighting organisations that are driving industry-leading design and innovation is another key component of the show, with the much anticipated Taipei Cycle d&i Awards a key highlight.

Competition for the awards was fierce, with winners selected from over 100 entries across 11 countries by a panel of independent judges. Winning designs were displayed at the d&i Awards Pavilion and spotlighted throughout the event, providing winners with global recognition and a highly credible platform for growth.

Collaboration and investment in focus

A new addition for 2025 was the introduction of the ‘Taipei Cycle Publicly Listed Companies’, a collection of 27 enterprises recognised for embodying forward-thinking innovation and excellence across smart manufacturing and green technology, With a diverse selection of brands spanning all key sectors of the bicycle industry. the initiative unlocks opportunities for collaboration and investment, further solidifying the show as a hotspot for global industry networking.. Beyond the impressive displays, insightful seminars and live demo experience areas, Taipei Cycle, above all is a crucial meeting point for industry professionals looking to expand their presence in the Asian market and beyond.

For brands, it’s one of the best events to secure new distribution partners whilst attending buyers are presented with an array of product offerings, from independent start-ups to established industry leaders. The show also provides a perfect platform for product managers scouting for new technologies, whilst for the international media, the event provides a wealth of content showcasing the latest technology and innovation just ahead of the cycling season.

It may be a long way to come for anyone in Europe, but with invaluable networking opportunities in a key market against the backdrop of a captivating city packed full of culture, Taipei Cycle is a world-class event that I would encourage anyone in the industry to get to if they can.

See you next year?