From the innovative and practical to quirky and endearing, this cross-section from the show has a bit of everything.
Josh Weinberg
At any massive bike industry trade show, there’s only so much one person can cover in a couple of days. In that way, my experience at the Taipei Cycle Show has been no different. But even without seeing every new product, you can get a clear sense of emerging trends and technological advances. From drivetrains to bicycle lighting solutions, apparel, tools, machining equipment, and innovative manufacturing approaches, various themes emerge as you walk through the massive expo halls.
Yet, the Taipei show is somewhat unique in that a large percentage of the brands in attendance aren’t really there to sell products to the general public, as is the case with comparable events like Eurobike or Sea Otter. It really is a trade show. Even though there are plenty of interesting products, including some new releases, Taipei is more about building partnerships between local manufacturers and international brands. Need a bike built at scale? Need a fork stress tested? Need 10,000 valve cores? The Taipei Cycle Show exists largely to make those connections. Want to see more of the interesting products and vendors in attendance? Read on…
Zeno Q-Connector V2 hydraulic line coupler
Teased at Eurobike last year, the updated Q-Connector system from Taiwanese brand Zeno is now available. A simple twist-and-lock solution for disconnecting hydraulic brake lines at the lever, caliper, or mid-line, the product’s utility goes beyond travel applications.
Using what Zeno calls “zero-bleed technology,” the system uses self-sealing valves at both ends of the connector that close when disconnected to prevent fluid loss or air intrusion into the lines. The 6.5 mm outer diameter of the stainless steel connectors will likely fit through most standard internal frame and handlebar routing ports, making removal quicker and cleaner than disconnecting the line at the caliper. Both mineral oil and DOT fluid versions are available, along with a crimp tool and parts kit.
Based on its appearance alone, the Lightfoot solar-powered E-Scooter stopped me in my tracks. I’ve often wondered when solar panels would become efficient enough to charge a battery that, in turn, could power a vehicle, whether that’s a bike or an auto. The challenge, apparently, is that the size of the panels needed to replenish a depleted battery would be quite large and still not fast enough for meaningful results. Well, Lightfoot seems to have cracked a code by cladding its entire scooter in panels.
It’s not wholly solar powered, as the Lightfoot scooter still uses wall power to fully charge. However, its two 120-watt solar panels add around three miles of range for every hour of peak sunlight, with the potential for 18-28 miles (29-48 km) of additional range per day. It has a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h), a range of roughly 37 miles (60 km) on a standard charge, and has a lockable storage compartment up front, behind the panels. Cost will be around US$5,000 and will be available to purchase soon.
Vision Wheels X CeramicSpeed
FSA’s wheel brand, Vision, has recently partnered with Ceramic Speed to, as they say, make their existing Metron 45 RS and 60 RS wheelsets even better. Both models currently exist in the brand’s catalog, geared toward high-performance road racing, with carbon spokes, 23 mm inner rim widths, and V-1000 hubs, at a claimed 1,290 g (45 mm) or 1,390 g (60 mm) weight.
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