International bicycle show in Taiwan presents the future of bicycles, parts and accessories.

Taipei City, Taiwan, March 3, 2010 Bicycle makers recovered quickly from last year downturn and are poised for solid growth in 2010 as people worldwide rediscover the joy of cycling. At the Taipei International Cycle Show (March 17-20), the world bike companies are set to unveil the latest high-tech models that are sure to attract even more converts.

Today, the buzzword in bicycle circles is Mobility?- bikes are increasingly seen as a vital part of integrated transport systems. Traffic congestion, obesity, high fuel prices, climate change and the quality of life in cities have convinced many people that cycling is a fast, healthy and inexpensive alternative for urban commuting.

Today bicycles are sleeker and higher quality than ever - and they boast state-of-the-art technology as well. Where does the innovation happen? You might be surprised to learn that the bike industry is one of the most important in Taiwan: of the four to five million high value and quality bikes Taiwan produces each year, most are engineered and manufactured for high-end global bike brands. And it at the Taipei Cycle Show, the leading trade event for the global bicycle industry, where more than a thousand brands present the lightest carbon road bikes, the hottest full suspension MTBs, powerful electric bikes and smart urban folding and hybrid bicycles.

Taiwan bicycle industry had a tough year in 2009, but results for January from the major manufacturers paint a brighter picture. Giant, the biggest bike maker, showed an 11.6% increase in January compared to the same month in 2009, with revenues of NT$1.52 billion compared to NT$1.37 billion in 2009. Merida, the number two bicycle producer in Taiwan, had revenues of NT$983 million in January, up a striking 26.2% from 2009 NT$778 million. Increasing global eco-conscious consumer behaviour and further technological and manufacturing progress in the Year of the Tiger is likely to further accelerate the recovery of the Taiwanese bike industry.

Supporting events include the Tour de Taiwan, LEV Conference, 14th International Bicycle Design Competition, Taiwan Cycle Night, the Annual Innovative Products Competition Award and outdoor bicycle test rides. The Tour de Taiwan, organized by TAITRA and the Chinese Taipei Cycling Association has been included as part of the Olympic qualifying events in Asia. It takes place over seven legs and eight days from Sunday March 14, finishing at Taipei World Trade Center on the final day of the show.

Taiwan's bicycle companies universally enjoyed brisk sales in January 2010. Giant had sales of NT$1.525 billion – an increase of 11.55% compared with the previous year – and Merida had sales of NT$984 million – an increase of 26.2%. Both companies set new sales and shipment records for the month. Ideal had sales of NT$297 million – an increase of 0.12% – and parts manufacturers Lee Chi enjoyed sales of NT$203 million – an increase of 35.65%.

In the wake of growing economic recovery, Giant not only enjoyed a significant increase in sales of products from its Taiwan plant, but achieved total worldwide sales of NT$3.10 billion, which represented an increase of 6.86% compared with its sales of NT$2.9 billion during January 2009. Merida sold 81,500 bikes in January, which was an increase of 27,000 bikes, or 50%, compared with last year.

RST's new wireless-controlled F1RST suspension fork uses an electronic system to adjust its valves, and can provide five different modes. The high-speed lockout mode enables effortless cruising up and down mountains. F1RST also offers a host of considerate functions, such as a soft electronic display and a USB charger. RST's plans apply its wireless control concept to rear shocks are currently attracting intense attention!

In addition, RST has also developed a hub generator and lamp combination with hidden wires. The "cable hide -in" system maintains the front forks' clean and uncluttered appearance, and has earned a warm welcome in Europe. Furthermore, because the location of the control switch on its front forks may conflict with handlebar accessories, RST has designed a multi-angle smart remote lockout switch that can be mounted at different angles; this feature not only leaves more space for handlebar accessories, but also allows riders to adjust the switch angle to suit their personal preferences.

After one year and two months of negotiation, Justek and Selle Royal formal concluded a share transfer agreement on January 29, 2010. According to this agreement, Selle Royal will purchase 52% of Justek's shares. The companies also announced two new joint ventures: Justek Vehicle Jiangyin and Justek Vehicle Tianjin. Selle Royal President Babala Bigoli and Justek GM Liu Jian Jun will respectively serve as the president and general manager of these joint ventures.

Justek was founded in 1998, and possesses plants in Jiangyin and Tianjin. It has an annual production capacity of 12-15 million bicycle saddles, and focuses on low- and mid-level products. It chiefly sells its saddles in Japan, China, Europe, and the US. It is one of China's largest saddles companies, and its Jiangyin plant is a member of Giant's China G-Team.

Selle Royal's brands include Selle Royal, Fizi:skin, and Brooks. Selle Royal produced a total of 8 million saddles in Europe last year. It has a plant located in Italy that employs 280 persons. Selle Royal mainly sells its saddles on the European market. The Selle Royal Brazil plant employs 500 persons and produced 5 million saddles last year. It chiefly sells its products on the Latin America market. After acquiring a share of Justek, Selle Royal now has a total of five plants in Italy, Britain, Brazil, and China. It is now also the world's largest saddle manufacturer, and has an annual capacity in excess of 25 million saddles.