Nangang expo center gears up

By Noah Buchan
STAFF REPORTER
Thursday, Mar 13, 2008, Page 13

PHOTO: CHANG CHIA-MING, TAIPEI TIMES

The Taipei International Cycle Show rides into town today and features many of the world's top brand names in cycling. Dubbed Asia's largest bicycle industry fair and the world's third-largest bike show, it features a staggering variety of tires, seats, frames, lights, breaks, derailleur, light electric vehicles (LEVs) and bicycles.

Organized under the auspices of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA, 中華民國對外貿易發展協會) in conjunction with the Taiwan Bicycle Exporters' Association (台灣區自行車公會), the exhibition coincides with the grand opening of the Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall (台北世界貿易中心南港展覽館), where it will be held. The show is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday.

According to the organizers, 763 exhibitors will show off their products in 2,842 booths - a 24 percent increase over last year's show. About 50,000 people are expected to visit the exhibition hall over the next three days.

The trade show, however, isn't just about bicycles and cycling accouterments. Winners of the annual Innovative Bicycle, Parts and Accessories Competition and International Bicycle Design Competition will be announced today and consumers will be able to view the latest creations by the world's top designers.

The newly opened Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall will host the Taipei International Cycle Show, Asia's largest. PHOTO: CHANG CHIA-MING, TAIPEITIMES

The International Bicycle Trend Forum is a forum that brings together industry experts from Taiwan, Europe, the US and Japan to discuss the effects that changing social and environmental trends have on the bicycle industry.

Event notes What: Taipei International Cycle Show Where: Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall (台北世界貿易中心南港展覽館), 1 Jingmao 2nd Rd., Nangang District, Taipei City (台北市南港區經貿二路1號) When: Open to the public on Saturday from 9am to 6pm and on Sunday 9am to 3pm Tickets: NT$200 On the Net: www.taipeicycle.com.tw

A discussion will examine the uses of LEVs and an exhibition will showcase new designs. Attendees will have the opportunity to test out several of the latest models.

A Biking Acrobatic Show will feature extreme BMX stunts.

Foreign exhibitors attending the expo hail from all over the world: the US, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the UK. Exhibitors include Giant, Merida, Ideal, Kenda, Sram, Maxxis, Shimano, Topeak, Fulcrum, Hayes, Campagnolo, Continental, Colnago and DT Swiss.